NFL and NBA bettors

Point Spread

A point spread bet handicaps the favorite to even out the matchup. The favorite must win by more than the spread; the underdog can lose by less than the spread or win outright. Standard juice is -110 on both sides, meaning you risk $110 to win $100.

Example

Raiders -6.5 (-110) vs Chiefs +6.5 (-110)

If you bet Raiders -6.5, the Raiders must win by 7 or more. If you bet Chiefs +6.5, the Chiefs can win outright OR lose by 6 or fewer points. A $110 bet pays $100 profit either way.

Pros

  • Equalizes mismatched games
  • Half-point hooks (+6.5 vs +6) are critical
  • Most popular NFL/NBA bet type

Cons

  • Standard -110 juice eats into profits
  • Pushes return your stake (no profit) on whole-number spreads

Other Bet Types

Moneyline

Pick the outright winner. Simplest bet type — odds reflect the favorite/underdog gap.

Totals (Over/Under)

Bet on the combined points scored, regardless of who wins.

Parlay

Combine multiple bets into one. All legs must win — bigger payout, lower odds.

Prop Bets

Bet on individual player or game-event outcomes, not the final score.

Futures

Long-term bets on season outcomes — championships, MVPs, division winners.
← All bet types