Against the spread (ATS) is one of the popular ways of betting in sports that has become increasingly popular over the years. It is a method of betting in which a point spread is used to even out the odds between two teams. ATS betting has become so mainstream that it is the primary method of Sportsbooks across the United States. This article aims to give a detailed explanation of what against the spread means in sports betting.
Against the Spread Sports Betting
Sports Betting Terms & Concepts to Know >>
What is Against the Spread?
Simply put, against the spread betting is a way of betting on the outcome of a game where the difference in points scored by the two teams is taken into consideration. In ATS betting, the two teams involved are given a point spread, with one team being favored to win by a certain number of points and the other team being given a head start. The bettor wagers on which team will cover the point spread.
Example of Against the Spread Betting
For instance, let’s say that the Miami Dolphins are facing the Buffalo Bills, and the point spread is set at 3.5 in favor of the Dolphins. In this case, if you place a wager on the Dolphins, they would have to win the game by four or more points to cover the spread. Conversely, if you bet on the Bills, they must lose by three points or less or win the game outright to cover the point spread. If the Bills lose by exactly three points, the bet would be considered a push, and the bettor would receive their money back.
The point spread is used to even out the odds so that both teams have an equal chance of covering the spread. It means that even if the opposing teams are unequal in skill or ability, the betting line can level the playing field, and it becomes more about the knowledge of the bettor to make reasoned and informed wagers.
Learn How to Avoid These Common Sports Betting Mistakes >>
Against the Spread & Odds
Another key aspect of the ATS betting is the use of odds that usually accompany the assigned point spread. The odds indicate the amount of payout the bettor stands to gain for a given wager. Generally, the payout is not equal on both sides, with one side usually having better odds than the other. This is usually due to the level of confidence the Sportsbook has in the teams.
ATS betting is particularly popular in football and basketball where a point spread is assigned for every game. However, it can be used in other sports such as baseball, hockey, and soccer. These sports have an alternate form of ATS betting referred to as run line (in baseball and hockey) and puck line (in hockey).
Against the Spread vs. Moneyline Betting
An essential point to note in ATS betting is that it is different from money line betting. Money line betting involves selecting the outright winner of the game without a point spread. In this case, the payout for the underdog is higher since there are no points awarded. ATS betting tends to be more popular than money line betting because it offers more wagering options and tends to be more exciting.
Against the spread betting is a method of wagering that has grown in popularity over the years, particularly in the United States. It is a way of betting that involves a point spread being assigned to the two teams involved in a game, with the underdog receiving a handicap in points. As a bettor, your aim is to pick the team that will cover the spread, rather than necessarily picking the outright winner of the game. ATS betting is more common in sports like football and basketball and offers a more diverse and exciting method of wagering than money line betting.
