point spread

A point spread is a way to even the odds between two teams in a game. It’s a number set by bookmakers to predict how much one team will beat the other. The favored team has to win by more than the spread for bets on them to pay off, while bets on the underdog win if they either win outright or lose by less than the spread. The spread doesn’t indicate the actual score but balances betting interest, making the game more competitive for wagering purposes.