Three Great Point Spread Betting Strategies & Tips

As sports betting continues to grow rapidly, bettors are looking for sports spread betting tips. The spread is the great equalizer and spread betting strategies can help you potentially turn out winners with regularity. If you are looking for spread betting tips, look no further.

Point Spread Betting Strategy #1: Buying Points

A popular spread betting strategy is buying points. The concept involves moving the line in the bettor’s favor by “purchasing” additional points. For instance, the Super Bowl saw the Philadelphia Eagles at +1. Buying points could mean moving the line one way or another.

This is a great idea for two reasons. If you like a team to be competitive but not win, tweaking the + can be a great option. If you think an underdog will win outright, shift the spread to make them a favorite for a bigger win. If you want to learn how to spread bet successfully, start by buying points just be aware of how the payout will change with an odds shift.

Point Spread Betting Strategy #2: Teaser Betting

Similar to buying points is the concept of teaser betting. When you look for spread betting strategies, teaser betting is likely to be near the top. Bettors can do the same thing – buying points – but can change the totals of a game as well.

This strategy can be a great way to reduce risk but it also reduces the potential payout. More often than not, people use teaser betting with multiple bets to improve the overall payout. Football tends to be the most popular option, though basketball is a popular teaser option as well.

Point Spread Betting Strategy #3: Line Movement and When to Use It

One of the most common spread betting strategies out there is to watch the line. Sharp bettors offering spread betting tips will suggest watching the line when it opens and seeing where it shifts. Some lines move more than others, but there can be something said for taking advantage of the movements.

Lines can shift due to injuries, weather concerns, or the recent play of each team. See what the public is doing because that can shift the line as well. It is sometimes better to wait for the line to shift to get more competitive odds than betting the instant odds are released.

Point Spread Betting Strategy #4: Fade the Public

A spread betting strategy that many sharp bettors use is called “fading” the public. This concept involves watching the betting action of the public and taking the opposite side. There are times when the public can overvalue a particular team, creating better value by taking the opposite side.

The strategy can be effective because the public can fall for certain trends or hypes. Just be certain to vary your strategies because fading the public isn’t a guarantee. It is just one of the many factors that go into making your pick and giving it the best chance to be successful.

Point Spread Betting Strategy #5: Understanding Team and Player Matchups

Though there is no way to predict every sporting event with 100% certainty, the more information you have, the better. Look at recent performances, team trends, injuries, and other potential factors that can impact the game. Betting blind or on your “gut” may sound like a good idea, but it leaves you with too many variables to face.

Do your homework on each matchup. Perhaps one quarterback faces this kind of defense well. Maybe a run-heavy team is playing a team that excels at stopping the run, especially in cold weather. 

There is a plethora of information to glean from looking into those trends and performances, putting you in a better position to make the smartest bet possible. The sharp bettors do their homework, so make sure that you take your time before making a bet.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Point Spread Betting Strategies

How can I use statistical analysis to improve my point spread betting strategy?

Statistical analysis is a key component of point spread betting. By diving into advanced metrics like efficiency ratings, turnover differentials, and specific matchups, you can identify trends and inefficiencies. Use data on offensive and defensive performance, and consider how teams perform in different situations (e.g., away games, back-to-back games). The better your understanding of statistical trends, the more confident your bets on point spreads will be.

What is line movement, and how does it affect point spread betting?

Line movement refers to the changes in the point spread leading up to a game. It can be caused by various factors, such as injury reports, public betting, or sharp money moving the line. Tracking line movement is essential because it helps you understand where the market is leaning. If the line shifts dramatically, it could indicate a value opportunity or mispricing, giving you an edge when placing your bet.

What are the most common mistakes bettors make when betting on point spreads?

Common mistakes include betting with bias, overvaluing recent performance, and failing to consider game context (e.g., weather, team rest). Bettors may also get caught up in public betting trends, choosing favorites without considering the value of the spread. Another mistake is not accounting for injuries or lineup changes, which can greatly affect the chances of covering a spread. Avoiding these errors requires a disciplined and research-driven approach.

How can I apply the "bet against the public" strategy for point spreads?

Betting against the public involves going against popular opinion or the public betting trends, often when the public heavily favors one side. Sportsbooks adjust lines based on betting action, so if a lot of money is going toward one team, the line might be skewed. By going against the public, you're often betting on value that the sportsbook may have over-adjusted. Monitoring betting trends and sharp money is key when using this strategy.

What is the best way to manage my bankroll for point spread betting?

Managing your bankroll is critical in point spread betting. Use a unit-based approach, where you stake a fixed percentage (typically 1-3%) of your bankroll per bet. This approach minimizes the risk of significant losses while allowing you to make strategic wagers. Avoid the temptation to place larger bets on a single point spread in an attempt to recover losses. Consistent, disciplined betting over time is the best approach.

Should I bet early or closer to game time for point spreads?

Both strategies have their advantages. Betting early can secure better odds before the market shifts, especially if you spot an early line inefficiency. However, betting closer to game time allows you to take advantage of updated information, such as injuries, lineups, and team news. A balanced approach is ideal—monitoring line movements and staying informed on any late-breaking developments.

How can I use historical data and trends to my advantage in point spread betting?

Historical data and trends are essential tools for identifying patterns that may influence the outcome of point spread bets. For example, you can analyze how teams perform against the spread in certain conditions, such as in divisional games, on the road, or after a bye week. Trends like how teams perform against the spread after a loss or their performance in high-pressure games (e.g., playoffs) can also provide valuable insights.

How do I evaluate matchups when betting on point spreads?

Matchup evaluation is crucial for success in point spread betting. Study how the two teams compare in terms of offensive and defensive capabilities. Look at key stats such as yards per play, third-down efficiency, turnover rates, and red zone performance. Additionally, evaluate individual matchups, such as how a team’s defense matches up against the opponent’s offense. Understanding these factors can help you make more informed and confident bets.

What are the key factors to consider when betting point spreads on underdogs?

When betting on underdogs, look for teams with strong defensive capabilities, solid special teams, or an offense that can exploit the favorite’s weaknesses. Underdogs that play at home or have a strong recent track record against the spread may offer additional value. Additionally, factor in game flow—underdogs often cover the spread by keeping the game close, taking advantage of turnovers, or capitalizing on mistakes.

How can I use power rankings in point spread betting?

Power rankings are a useful tool to compare teams' relative strengths, based on various factors such as offense, defense, and recent form. By comparing your own power rankings to the point spread, you can identify when the sportsbook may be undervaluing or overvaluing a team. Analyzing how a team’s performance aligns with their power ranking can help you place more accurate point spread bets.

Is it better to bet on high or low point spreads?

Whether to bet on high or low point spreads depends on the context of the game and your research. Low point spreads (around 3-6 points) tend to be more volatile and dependent on key moments, which could provide more opportunities to bet against the spread. High point spreads (7+ points) often favor stronger teams but can lead to lower-value bets. Analyze matchups and consider key player availability and team form before making your decision.

How do weather conditions impact point spread betting?

Weather conditions, especially in outdoor sports, can significantly impact point spread betting. Wind, rain, or extreme temperatures can alter the game plan of both teams, often leading to lower-scoring games or more turnovers. This can make betting on totals or specific spreads more complex. Always factor in weather reports and how they could affect the strategies of both teams before placing your bet.

How do sharp bettors use point spreads to their advantage?

Sharp bettors use point spreads to identify mispricing by sportsbooks, often through a combination of statistical analysis, line movement tracking, and matchup research. They typically focus on high-value bets, spotting inefficiencies before the line moves significantly. Sharps also pay attention to where the public is betting, often going against the grain when they believe the line has shifted too much. By using these tactics, sharp bettors capitalize on the value of point spreads that are set incorrectly.