Point Spreads
By digger28 on Mar 22, 2009 in Sports
Bookmakers changed sports gambling forever when they came out with the point spread in the 1940s. A point spread is a handicap that is placed on the team that is expected to win. For example if the Steelers are expected to crush the Ravens by three touchdowns, which would mean that the Steelers are predicted to win by 21 points. Therefore the point spread for this game is 21 points. In sports handicapping, this would mean that 21 points will be added to the Raven’s score or subtracted from the Steelers’ for betting purposes. If you want to place a bet on the Steelers, they must win by 22 points or more for you to win your bet. In this scenario, to bet successfully on the Ravens, they would have to win the game or even lose the game by 20 points or less. You can find handicapping articles and information online.
The purpose of the spread was to help the bookmakers balance their books. This way, the majority of gamblers will not all be betting on the same team. The point spread makes it more likely that people will bet on the team that is predicted to lose.
Bookies had another boost in the 1950s. Sports became a popular medium on television. Fans realized that wagering on game would make watching them even more exciting. Sports gambling has been growing in popularity ever since.
Mike D. | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
I agree with one of the other commentators, I would never bet on a point spread situation without expert advice. And I think the author should add in that the advent of the internet also changed betting because it not only gave people a greater range of betting venues but also helped get better info about the choices out to the masses.
Tommy G. | Mar 24, 2009 | Reply
This is about as clear a definition of what a point spread as I have ever seen, and it is still hard to follow. I think it speaks to the intricate nature of the spread mentality, not to the writer of the article. Point spreads are tough.
Sebastian Meyers | Mar 25, 2009 | Reply
Point spread or no, I’m not placing any bets based on my own interpretation of the situation anymore. I am all about using expert recommendations and website predictions, especially where point spreads are involved.
Ian Jaffe | Apr 2, 2009 | Reply
The first time I bet using a spread the team I bet on won but I didn’t get the spread right, so I lost. I felt totally cheated because the team I put my money on won, but somehow I didn’t. I enjoyed it more later when I understood it better.
Luke Dumont | Apr 2, 2009 | Reply
Point spread is the best thing to happen since betting itself began. It makes it so much more interesting - it is no longer a black and white game, there are variations now and different outcomes besides just one side wins and the other side loses.
Benjamin B. | Apr 4, 2009 | Reply
It is great watching a game unfold on TV if you’ve placed a bet on it - I can’t really imagine the point of watching the game if you personally didn’t have something riding on it.
Owen V. | Apr 5, 2009 | Reply
Point spreads are the most interesting part of betting, but can also be the most complicated. I had a hard time getting my mind around the concept the first few times I bet with the spread, but it actually makes the whole experience better.
Liam S. | Apr 8, 2009 | Reply
I feel like having the games on TV actually lost something in translation. I would much rather be at the game with the other people who put money on the game right next to me cheering and sweating and freaking out than in the comfort of my own home. At home, the game is just a moving picture on the TV screen.