point spread

A point spread is a betting tool used primarily in sports wagering to level the playing field between two teams. It assigns a margin of points that the favored team must win by to cover the spread, while the underdog can either win outright or lose by less than the set margin to beat the spread. This system helps balance the odds and creates a more engaging betting experience by making both sides of a matchup attractive to bettors. Understanding point spreads is essential for interpreting betting lines and making informed wagers.