What Is a Point Spread? Football Betting Explained for Beginners

A point spread is a handicap oddsmakers set to level the betting field between two unevenly matched teams. The favorite must win by more than that margin for a spread bet on them to pay out; the underdog just needs to lose by less than the margin — or win outright.

Why does the point spread exist?

If the Chiefs are playing a bottom-five team, almost everyone bets the Chiefs on a straight moneyline. That's lopsided action the book doesn't want. The spread forces you to think about by how much instead of just who wins, which balances money on both sides and lets the sportsbook collect its vig either way.

If you'd rather skip the spread and just pick a winner, that's what a moneyline bet in football is for — worth reading before you commit to spread wagering.

How does a point spread work in practice?

Say the line reads: Chiefs -6.5 / Broncos +6.5. If you bet the Chiefs, they must win by 7 or more. Bet the Broncos and they can lose by up to 6 and you still cash. A margin of exactly 6 — well, the half-point (the "hook") eliminates any tie, which is why you see .5 on most spreads.

Most spread bets are priced at -110 on both sides. That means you risk $110 to win $100 in profit. The extra $10 is the vig — the sportsbook's cut. It's a thin margin per bet, but it adds up fast across millions of tickets.

What does "covering the spread" mean?

"Covering" just means your side beat its spread number. Chiefs -6.5 win by 10? They covered. Broncos +6.5 lose by 4? They covered too. The actual game outcome can be a loss and your bet still wins.

Point spread vs. moneyline: which should beginners use?

Neither is objectively easier, but they test different things. A spread bet on a heavy favorite pays close to even money because you need them to win big. A moneyline on the same favorite pays much less because you only need them to win at all. Big underdogs on the moneyline can pay well — but they have to win outright. Check out the full football betting for beginners guide if you want both options laid out step by step before you deposit anything.

Can you combine spread bets with other wagers?

Yes — spreads are among the most common legs in a parlay. You pick two or more spread outcomes on one ticket, and all of them must hit. The payout is higher, but the vig compounds with every leg you add. Read how football parlays work and where the hidden vig lives before you start stacking tickets.

Does the spread change before kickoff?

It moves constantly. Sharp money, injury news, weather, and public betting percentages all push lines. A line that opened at -3 might close at -5. The final number right before kickoff is called the closing line. Getting a better number than the closing line is one measure bettors use to judge their own timing.

Is point spread betting legal in the US?

In states where online sports betting is legal — including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Colorado — spread betting is available at licensed sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and ESPN Bet. Legality varies by state, so check whether football betting is legal where you live before signing up anywhere. You can also verify a sportsbook's license on your state regulator's public registry — if it's not listed, walk away.

Most states require bettors to be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for 24/7 support.