Point spread
A point spread gives the favourite a points handicap so both sides are close to even money. The favourite must win by more than the spread to cover.
Example
A team at −6.5: a 24–17 win, by 7, covers the spread. A 24–20 win, by 4, does not.
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Related terms
MoneylineA moneyline bet is a bet on who wins, usually quoted in American odds. A favourite carries a minus price and an underdog a plus price.PushA push is a bet that lands exactly on its line, so it neither wins nor loses and the stake is returned. It can only happen on a whole-number line.European handicapA European handicap adds whole goals to one side before the result is settled, and keeps the draw as an outcome: a three-way market on the adjusted score.