What is Against the Spread (ATS)? One of the most popular types of sports betting is betting against the point spread also known as ATS. The point spread is a number aka the “line” set by bookmakers at the sportsbook which is intended to even the playing field between two teams and give a reason for bettors to bet on either side. The betting Favorite is considered the better team and listed with a Minus (-) sign while the Underdog is listed with a Plus (+) sign. A bettor wins his bet on the “Favorite” if the team wins the game by more points then the “spread or line”, the opposite is true for the “Underdog” where the bettor wins if the team loses by less then the spread or wins the game outright!
What if I win my bet against the point spread?
You get your original bet back plus your winnings. For example if you bet $110 to win $100 you would receive $210 back.
What if the result of the point spread bet is a loss?
You lose your entire original bet. For example if you bet $110 to win $100 you would lose $110.
What if the result of the point spread is a tie?
This is considered a “push” and you are refunded your original bet back. For example if you bet $110 to win $100 you would get the $110 back.
Here are some wagering examples of bets Against the Spread
NFL – Football:
Team: NY Giants -7
Team: Dallas Cowboys +7
Final Score: NY Giants 28 – Dallas Cowboys 20
If you took the NY Giants as your pick at the sportsbook against the spread you would have won your bet! 28-7=21 Final score against the Spread is 21-20 Giants win!
NBA – Basketball
Team: Golden State Warriors -10
Team: Denver Nuggets +10
Final Score: Golden State 99 – Denver 90
If you took the Golden State Warriors as your pick at the sportsbook against the spread you would have lost your bet! 99-10=891 Final score against the Spread is 89-90 Denver Wins and covers against the spread, you would have needed to take the Nuggets +10 to win this bet ATS at a Vegas Sportsbook.
