Points spread

A point spread is a way to level the playing field in sports betting. It assigns a number of points to the favored team, called the "spread," which they must win by for bets on them to pay off. Conversely, betting on the underdog involves expecting them to either win outright or lose by less than the spread. This creates balanced betting options, making wagers more competitive and fun, regardless of the teams’ actual skill differences. It’s a tool to encourage even betting on both sides and to reflect the perceived difference in team strength.