Point spread betting (or handicap betting) gives the underdog a head start and the favorite a deficit, so both sides are priced close to even. You bet on whether a team covers the spread.
Instead of just picking a winner, you bet against a handicap. A −6.5 favorite must win by 7+ to cover; a +6.5 underdog covers if they lose by 6 or fewer, or win outright. Because the spread levels the contest, both sides usually pay around 1.91 (−110).
Both sides at −110 means the market holds about 4.5%. Shopping for −105 or a better half-point across books is where spread bettors find value.
Betting against the spread means wagering on whether a team covers the handicap, not just whether they win.
If the result lands exactly on a whole-number spread, the bet is a push and your stake is returned. Half-point spreads (−6.5) can't push.