What is Real Spread Betting?
What is spread betting?
Most sports bettors refer to an NFL or college game handicap as the spread. But that word is very different in other world betting markets. The UK uses a betting platform called “spread betting” and is not the same as the US format.
How is a betting spread created?
US bettors analyze the spread on an upcoming game. Does it matter if we say spread or line? The real definition of the US spread is called “fixed odds” in the European sports betting markets. Their format of spread betting is very different from a “fixed number” used in the States. Spread betting on the NFL in European markets is a more dynamic betting platform than our rather simple format using a fixed number. This is not a case of semantics but a highly more sophisticated betting platform. The spread is not a fixed number but a spread of two number usually one number below and one number above the fixed number.
Betting spreads in worldwide markets
When an NFL game has the favorite listed at minus 3, it is a fixed number. The fixed number can move to up or down a little —maybe 1/2 point — but it is stationary when game starts. If it stays at minus 3, the same game spread bet in say London would be 2 to 4. You would either buy the favorite (lay minus 4) or sell the dog (take the plus 2). It is still NFL betting and doing your homework.
Spread betting payouts
With spread betting, you are betting on the outcome of various sporting events (NFL) in the form of 2 spread numbers. The payout is based on the accuracy of the wager. The amount you win or lose is based on how right or how wrong you are compared to their post prediction or spread.
Unlike fixed odds in US (even money minus vig), the more right you are the more you win. The more wrong you are the more you lose. The risk-reward outcome is in multiples of your bet amount or stake (spread bet term). The profit or loss is determined by the difference between the final score and the spread you took (buy or sell) multiplied by your money stake or bet amount.
Spread betting calculation
It may seem a little confusing at first, but I did mention it was a highly sophisticated betting platform. If you bet the favorite (buy at minus 4) and then win by 10 points, your profit is 6 times your money bet (10 minus 4 = 6). If they lost by 10 points your loss is 12 times your money bet (plus 2 plus 10 = 12). This is a simple example of this betting platform.
Spread betting platforms
The whole spread betting platform can take a few months to get used to but is worth a look. One of the best companies in the UK is SportingIndex.com. They do not accept US customers but their site is very stimulating for any sports bettor to follow. This spread betting style of action is not really known to American bettors. Can it be incorporated into US betting markets? Million of bettors outside the US use spread betting on American sports and even the stock market (spread betting on stocks in the Dow is another story).
Any of the larger, more progressive sports books in Vegas could incorporate spread betting into their operation in conjunction with their fixed odds betting section. They do it with their horse racing as part of the sports book environment. Why not add an extra dimension and become the most innovative sports book in Vegas?
The future of spread bets
If and when online sports betting becomes legal and regulated in the US, then spread betting will catch on in the US. Now is a good time to become familiar with real spread betting along with the fixed odds betting the US bettor is so accustomed to using. It is far more stimulating than our boring even money payout but you must have that special tolerance for the high risk-reward mentality associated with spread betting. Some have it and most do not. It is an evolutionary extension of the standard fixed betting system that needs refreshment. Check it out and see if you can increase your knowledge and expertise.
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