Sports betting is complicated and it can be intimidating as a new bettor. We’re here to help.
The “betting line”, also called the “point spread” or just “spread”, is posted by oddsmakers before a game. The intention is for that number to represent the margin of victory — which now makes the two teams equal — think of it as adding a number to one team’s score to even out a judge’s scales. As you would imagine, a ton of variables factor into this number, such as recent performances, player matchups, injuries, and even weather. Analytics plays a huge role too.
I remember my first bet, too. Now, it’s time to play.
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