By Admin 
Sports betting often involves terms and strategies that can seem confusing to beginners. One of the most common concepts is the point spread. If you’ve ever wondered, “What does a spread of -7 mean?” you’re not alone. This article will break it down in detail, explaining how a -7 spread works and its implications for bettors.
Understanding the Point Spread
A point spread is a way to level the playing field between two teams in a sports match. It is commonly used in sports like football and basketball, where one team is usually stronger than the other. The spread assigns a margin of victory that the favored team must exceed for a bet on them to win.
What Does a Spread of -7 Mean?
When you see a spread of -7, it means the favored team must win the game by more than seven points to cover the spread. If they win by exactly seven points, it results in a “push,” and your wager is refunded.
For example:
If the favorite wins 27-20, they cover the spread because they won by seven points.
If the final score is 27-23, they fail to cover the spread because they only won by four points.
The Underdog’s Perspective
On the other side of a -7 spread is the underdog, assigned a spread of +7. If you bet on the underdog, they can lose by up to seven points or win outright for your bet to be successful.
For example:
If the underdog loses 27-23, they cover the spread because the point difference is within seven points.
If the underdog wins the game outright, they cover the spread regardless of the score.
How Point Spreads Are Set
Sportsbooks determine point spreads based on factors like:
Team performance and statistics
Injuries to key players
Historical matchups
Home-field advantage
The goal is to encourage equal betting on both sides, ensuring the sportsbook makes a profit regardless of the outcome.
Why Use a Spread Instead of a Moneyline?
Point spreads are popular because they offer more balanced odds compared to moneyline bets. In games with a significant mismatch, moneyline odds might be heavily skewed. By introducing a spread, sportsbooks create a more competitive betting market.
How to Bet on a Spread of -7
Choose a Side: Decide whether to bet on the favorite (-7) or the underdog (+7).
Understand the Stakes: The favorite must win by more than seven points, while the underdog can lose by seven or fewer.
Place Your Bet: Enter your wager amount and confirm your bet.
Examples of Betting on a Spread of -7
Scenario 1: Team A (favorite) has a spread of -7, and Team B (underdog) has a spread of +7.
Final Score: Team A wins 30-20.
Outcome: Team A covers the spread, and bets on them win.
Scenario 2: Team A wins 27-24.
Outcome: Team A fails to cover the spread, so bets on Team B win.
What Happens in a Push?
A push occurs when the final margin of victory is exactly seven points. In this case, no one wins or loses, and your original wager is returned.
Factors That Impact a Spread of -7
Game Dynamics: Injuries, weather, or unexpected plays can affect the margin of victory.
Coaching Strategies: Some teams may play conservatively, influencing the final score.
Late-Game Decisions: Decisions like going for a field goal instead of a touchdown can shift the outcome of a bet.
Advantages of Betting on a Spread of -7
Fair Odds: Offers more balanced betting opportunities compared to moneylines.
More Excitement: Keeps the game engaging, even if one team is heavily favored.
Risks of Betting on a Spread of -7
Uncertainty: Even strong teams can fail to cover the spread due to unforeseen circumstances.
Higher Stakes: The spread requires a precise margin of victory, making it more challenging than betting outright.
Tips for Betting on a Spread of -7
Research Thoroughly: Study team performance, injuries, and recent trends.
Consider Matchups: Analyze how the teams stack up against each other.
Don’t Bet with Emotion: Stay objective and avoid letting personal biases influence your bets.
How Sportsbooks Adjust Spreads
Spreads can change leading up to a game based on:
Changes in betting volume
Injury updates
Weather forecasts
These adjustments ensure that the betting market remains competitive.
Common Mistakes When Betting on Spreads
Ignoring Line Movement: Overlooking changes in the spread can lead to bad bets.
Betting Without Research: Blindly betting on a favorite because of their reputation often results in losses.
Conclusion
A spread of -7 means the favorite must win by more than seven points to cover the spread. This type of bet is a great way to level the playing field between unevenly matched teams, making games more exciting and wagers more engaging. With proper research and strategy, betting on a spread of -7 can be a rewarding experience.
FAQs
1. What does a -7 spread mean in sports betting?
It means the favorite team must win by more than seven points to cover the spread.
2. What happens if the favorite wins by exactly seven points?
This is called a push, and the bettor’s wager is refunded.
3. Can I bet on the underdog with a spread of -7?
No, the underdog’s spread in this case would be +7, allowing them to lose by up to seven points or win outright for your bet to succeed.
4. Do point spreads include overtime?
Yes, point spreads typically account for the final score, including overtime.
5. How do sportsbooks make money on spreads?
Sportsbooks aim to balance bets on both sides of the spread, collecting a commission called the “vig” or “juice” from losing wagers.