Point spread betting

**AngloVike** · 08-31-2008, 01:38 PM

Probably a very simple question to most but I'd like some clarification. With a points spread I assume that a team with a plus value has to beat the other by at least that amount or more in order to win?
For example if the Vikes are shown as +3 against GB then a three point win or more would win the bet, less than three or a loss would lose the bet ?
Like I said probably simple for most but just wondered.

**Zeus** · 09-01-2008, 06:36 AM

"AngloVike" wrote:

Probably a very simple question to most but I'd like some clarification. With a points spread I assume that a team with a plus value has to beat the other by at least that amount or more in order to win?
For example if the Vikes are shown as +3 against GB then a three point win or more would win the bet, less than three or a loss would lose the bet ?
Like I said probably simple for most but just wondered.

If the Vikings are listed at +3, then the Vikings *get* 3 points on the bet.
So - you win the bet if the Vikings win the game or lose by 3 or fewer.

If the Vikings are listed as -7, then the Vikings are a 7-point favorite and must win by more than 7 for you to win the bet.

Yes - it's counter-intuitive.

=Z=

**AngloVike** · 09-01-2008, 02:42 PM

Thanks for that Zeus.. I was looking at a betting site here in the UK and they had the MNF game with Vikes as +3 and Pack as -3... that rate I can't believe they favour the Pack for that game
???

**Zeus** · 09-02-2008, 07:36 AM

"AngloVike" wrote:

Thanks for that Zeus.. I was looking at a betting site here in the UK and they had the MNF game with Vikes as +3 and Pack as -3... that rate I can't believe they favour the Pack for that game
???

Home teams automatically get -3.
So, if you figure, neutral-site, the Vikings and Packers are evenly matched, then the Vikings get 3 points as an underdog just by playing at Lambeau.

=Z=

**Prophet** · 09-02-2008, 08:07 AM

It is best to bet all of your money on the games without fully understanding what you are doing.
That adds another layer of gambling and makes it that much more fun when you are eating scraps from the dumpster until your next paycheck comes in.

**ThorSPL** · 09-02-2008, 10:53 AM

"Prophet" wrote:

It is best to bet all of your money on the games without fully understanding what you are doing.
That adds another layer of gambling and makes it that much more fun when you are eating scraps from the dumpster until your next paycheck comes in.

You are on a roll this morning!

**vikingivan** · 09-02-2008, 11:16 AM

"Zeus" wrote:

"AngloVike" wrote:

Thanks for that Zeus.. I was looking at a betting site here in the UK and they had the MNF game with Vikes as +3 and Pack as -3... that rate I can't believe they favour the Pack for that game
???

Home teams automatically get -3.
So, if you figure, neutral-site, the Vikings and Packers are evenly matched, then the Vikings get 3 points as an underdog just by playing at Lambeau.

=Z=

Take the points.
Take out a Heloc, a 2nd mortgage, a personal loan, whatever.
Bet it all on the Vikings and double your money.
Lock of the year.
I don't know if Zeus could get you the cash on such a short notice.
I guess we missed the opportunity to make big bucks.

**gregair13** · 09-02-2008, 12:14 PM

"Prophet" wrote:

It is best to bet all of your money on the games without fully understanding what you are doing.
That adds another layer of gambling and makes it that much more fun when you are eating scraps from the dumpster until your next paycheck comes in.

You always have the best advice

**josdin00** · 09-02-2008, 10:57 PM

"Zeus" wrote:

"AngloVike" wrote:

Probably a very simple question to most but I'd like some clarification. With a points spread I assume that a team with a plus value has to beat the other by at least that amount or more in order to win?
For example if the Vikes are shown as +3 against GB then a three point win or more would win the bet, less than three or a loss would lose the bet ?
Like I said probably simple for most but just wondered.

If the Vikings are listed at +3, then the Vikings *get* 3 points on the bet.
So - you win the bet if the Vikings win the game or lose by 3 or fewer.

If the Vikings are listed as -7, then the Vikings are a 7-point favorite and must win by more than 7 for you to win the bet.

Yes - it's counter-intuitive.

=Z=

You have to think of it in terms of the teams' scores. If the Vikings are listed at +3 versus the Packers, then the winner is determined by comparing the Vikings score +3 versus the Packers score. Don't try to think of the plus and minus as favorite/underdog, think of them as what they are: mathematical operators.