Whole numbers bring in an additional result, which is the “push”. If you bet on a -7.5 spread and the team scored 30 points, the points would be adjusted to 22.5 points for the purpose of this market.

Obviously, games don’t have half points, so this means that there will always be a result based on this spread. Spreads that are fractions will be to the nearest half point, such as 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, and so on. It’s vital that you distinguish which is which, as the way they work is very different. Points spreads can be referenced as either whole numbers or fractions. Want to get spread betting odds with low juice? Sign up with BetOnline. The -110 odds used in this example are common, but they can be different based on the betting market and the betting volume on each side. It’s important to note that odds and payouts can vary depending on the sportsbook and the specific point spread. If the Chiefs cover the spread, your $100 wager would yield a payout of $190 ($100 in winnings + $90 as a return of your original stake).Īlternatively, if you bet on the Broncos ATS, they can either win the game outright or lose by 7 points or fewer. The -110 odds indicate that you need to bet $110 to win $100, which includes your original stake. Suppose you decide to place a $100 wager on the Chiefs ATS at odds of -110. If the Chiefs win by 8 points or more, your bet wins. If you bet on the Chiefs ATS, they must win the game by more than 7.5 points for your bet to be successful. The sportsbook sets the point spread as follows: Let’s say there’s an NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos. Here’s a real-world example to help illustrate how ATS betting works: The spread represents the margin of victory that the favorite is expected to win by or the underdog is expected to lose by.Īgainst the spread (ATS) betting involves wagering on whether a team will cover the point spread. It’s used to even the playing field between the favorite and the underdog teams in a sporting event.

How Does ATS (Against the Spread) Work? – What is a Points Spread?Ī point spread, often referred to simply as “the spread,” is a number set by sportsbooks to create a balanced betting market. To do so, we’ve included an explanation of the bet, how ATS works across a range of sportsbooks, spread betting examples, and ATS strategy. In this article, we’re going to look at what is ATS in betting. The spread is a predetermined set range of points designed to level up games and remove a favorite or underdog, much like a handicap would. ATS stands for Against the Spread and is used to state when a bet is placed on the points spread.

Implied odds 4.5 spread