Quick summary
This article explains “against the spread” (ATS) betting, a core concept in sports wagering where you bet on how well a team performs relative to the point spread set by sportsbooks. You’ll learn how spreads work, see real betting examples, and get actionable tips to improve your strategy across football, basketball, and more. For more articles like this, visit our blog, The Advantage.
Struggling to understand betting against the spread?
Have you ever placed a bet on your favorite team, only to watch them win the game but still lose your money? That’s because you weren’t betting against the spread, an important sports betting concept that goes beyond picking winners.
For many beginners, point spreads feel like an unnecessary complication, but understanding them is the key to betting smarter and spotting real value in games.
In this Pinnacle Odds Dropper guide, we’ll simplify what “against the spread” means, show you exactly how spreads work, and help you read odds like a pro.
What does “against the spread” mean?
Against the spread (ATS) betting is when you wager not just on who wins, but by how much they win or lose. So instead of simply picking the winner, you're betting on the margin of victory or defeat.
Sportsbooks create a point spread, a handicap designed to level the playing field between the favorite and the underdog. The favored team must win by more than the spread for bets on them to pay out, while the underdog can either win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread for those bets to win.
The spread appears as a positive number for underdogs and a negative number for favorites. You'll see formats like:
- Lakers -7.5 → Lakers must win by 8+ points to cover.
- Warriors +7.5 → Warriors can lose by 7 or fewer (or win) to cover.
The half-point (“.5”) prevents ties, known as pushes.
How point spreads work: A step-by-step guide
Understand the favorite vs. underdog
- Favorite: The team expected to win by more than the spread. They are “giving” points and marked with a minus(-) sign.
- Underdog: The team expected to lose by less than the spread or win outright. They are “receiving” points.
The spread is always listed from the perspective of the favorite.
Read the spread line
You’ll see the spread presented like this for an upcoming NFL game:
Kansas City Chiefs -6.5
New York Jets +6.5
- Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5): The minus sign (-) indicates they are the favorites. They are giving up 6.5 points.
- New York Jets (+6.5): The plus sign (+) indicates they are the underdogs. They are receiving 6.5 points.
Place your bet and the vig (juice)
When you place a bet, you are typically risking $110 to win $100 (or any equivalent ratio, like $55 to win $50). This extra $10 is called the "vigorish" (vig for short) or "juice." It's the commission the sportsbook charges for facilitating the bet.
- Bet $110 on Chiefs -6.5 to Win $100 (Total return: $210)
- Bet $110 on Jets +6.5 to Win $100 (Total return: $210)
If you lose, you lose your full $110 stake.
Calculate the outcome with examples
The final score determines if a team covered its spread. Using the Chiefs (-6.5) vs. Jets (+6.5) example.
Scenario A: Chiefs Win 31-21
- Margin of Victory: 10 points.
- Chiefs (-6.5): They won by 10 points. Did they win by more than 6.5? Yes. Therefore, Chiefs cover the spread. Bets on KC win.
- Jets (+6.5): They lost by 10 points. Did they lose by less than 6.5? No. Therefore, Jets do not cover. Bets on NY lose.
Scenario B: Chiefs Win 24-20
- Margin of Victory: 4 points.
- Chiefs (-6.5): Did they win by more than 6.5? No. They do not cover. Bets on KC lose.
- Jets (+6.5): Did they lose by less than 6.5? Yes (4 < 6.5). Therefore, Jets cover the spread. Bets on NY win.
Scenario C: Jets Win 27-24
- Outright Upset.
- Chiefs (-6.5): They lost the game. They automatically do not cover.
- Jets (+6.5): They won the game outright. They automatically cover.
If the spread were Chiefs -7 and they won 28-21, the margin of victory would be exactly 7 points. This is called a push. All bets are refunded, and you get your money back.
Tracking ATS performance
To track and calculate a team’s ATS performance over a season, you need to evaluate how often they cover the spread. Here’s how you can do it:
- Record the point spread for each game the team plays.
- Compare the team’s actual performance with the spread. Did the team win by enough points to cover the spread, or did they fail to meet the spread?
- Calculate a team’s ATS record (e.g., 8-8 means they covered 8 of 16 games).
A team’s ATS record is often more useful for betting than its win-loss record.
Tips for betting against the spread
Line shop: Different sportsbooks may offer slightly different spreads. Even half a point matters.
- Watch line movement: Odds can shift based on injury reports, weather, or betting action.
- Focus on matchups: A team’s style of play often determines whether it covers spreads consistently.
- Know key numbers: In football, spreads around 3 or 7 points are common because of scoring patterns.
- Track ATS trends: Teams with poor straight-up records can still be profitable ATS.
Final thoughts
Against the spread betting rewards those who approach it with strategy, patience, and informed decision-making. A solid grasp of how spreads work and consistent tracking of ATS records give you a clear edge when placing bets. Whether you’re new or experienced, remember that success comes from knowledge and consistency, not luck.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bet the spread live, during a game?
Yes. Most sportsbooks offer live or in-play spread betting, where the spread adjusts in real time based on game flow.
Are ATS records more useful than win-loss records?
Yes. A team may win games but struggle to cover the spread or vice versa.
Is ATS betting better than moneyline betting?
It depends on your strategy. Moneyline bets are simpler but often less profitable on heavy favorites, while ATS betting offers value if you understand spreads.
What sports use point spreads?
ATS betting is most common in football and basketball, but it’s also used in baseball, hockey, and other sports with handicaps.
What happens if the favorite wins but doesn’t cover the spread?
The favorite can still win the game outright but lose “against the spread.” In this case, bets on the favorite lose, and bets on the underdog win.