Straight Bets and Point Spreads
Ever since sportsbooks were created, the house has attempted to sway bettors from betting straight and instead have them wager on point spreads, moneyline's, parlays and so forth. For online betting this is no different, however, sports fans new to wagering, should know that point spreads and straight bets go hand in hand with one another. A straight bet simply put is when a bettor wagers on which team will win and which team will lose. This form of wagering has become common for the recreational bettor, otherwise known as the guy who puts down $2 on a winner.
The straight bet and point spread is commonly used in football and basketball and rarely in hockey. How the two go hand in hand, is that by betting upon whether or not a favorite will cover a point spread, is essentially picking the winner or loser. A point spread works in that the bookie will set a number of points in which they believe the favorite will beat the underdog. Your task as the bettor similar to determining the outcome in a totals bet, is to determine whether or not the favorite will cover the point spread.
For example when expecting the winner to cover the spread, you would make a straight bet of choosing the LA Clippers at -7 to beat the Toronto Raptors + 7 by seven or more points. If the Clippers win by seven, this is known as a tie, as this was the number determined by the house. As a result, you will be refunded your money for tying with the house. However if the Clippers win by more than seven, you win your bet. Conversely if the Clippers win by six or less or the Raptors pull the upset, then you automatically lose your straight bet as a result of the point spread not being covered.