The Point Spread Betting Handbook
Looking to spice up your sports viewing in Ghana? Then you've likely encountered point spread betting, available at most online betting sites. It's a popular way to get in on the action!
Point spread betting lets you bet on major sports with a simple tap on your phone. It adds excitement when watching your favourite teams compete. Plus, it can be rewarding!
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to online sports betting, this guide explains point spreads, odds, how to place a bet, and more. Learn the basics and start betting smarter today!
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Point Spread Bets Explained for Ghanaian Punters
In the thrilling world of sports, teams and players rarely have perfectly matched abilities. This is often evident when they face off, and this is precisely where and why the spread bet becomes essential in the booming sports betting arena.
Spread betting is one of the most popular sports betting types in basketball and American football. To level the playing field between competing teams and ramp up the excitement for Ghanaian gamblers, sportsbooks, oddsmakers, or 'bookies' devise point spreads. These spreads add allure to both the favourite (more likely to win) and the underdog (less likely to win). Effectively, point spread bets impose a handicap on the stronger team by establishing a margin of points, goals, or runs they must win by. Conversely, the underdog gains an advantage, allowing them to lose by a specified number of points and still 'cover the spread'.
New to betting? The concept might seem a bit daunting, but it's quite straightforward. Let's simplify it with a real-world example.
When you look at a point spread list, you'll notice a number next to each team. This number is the point spread itself, often accompanied by a minus (-) or plus (+) sign.
- The minus (-) sign signifies that the team is the favourite to win.
- The plus (+) sign indicates that the team is the underdog.
Let's imagine an NFL match is scheduled, and this is the point spread:
- Rams -5.5 (they must win by 6 or more points)
- Bengals +5.5 (they can win outright or lose by 1 to 5 points)
Now, let's say the game is played and the Rams win, as expected, with a score of 30-27. This is a 3-point difference. Since the spread requires them to win by 6 or more, the Bengals' spread bettors would actually win their bets. If the final score had a larger margin, say 10 points in favour of the Rams, then the Rams' spread bettors would be victorious.
What About the -110 Next to the Spread?
These figures represent the payout odds, often called the 'vig' (short for vigorish) or 'juice'. The vig is essentially the commission or fee that bookies charge for accepting a wager.
-110 is a standard figure. It means that for every 1 Cedi you wish to win, you must stake 1.10 Cedi. If you aim to win a more substantial amount, say 100 Cedi, at -110 odds, you would need to risk 110 Cedi.
Point Spread Bet Outcomes
A spread bet can result in three possibilities: a win, a loss, or a push. We've covered winning and losing, but what exactly is a push? A push occurs when the actual game result lands precisely on the spread margin. While a win means the sportsbook pays the bettor their full winnings based on the wager, a push typically results in a cancelled bet, with bettors getting their original stake back.
When Teams are Evenly Matched
Occasionally, games are listed as ‘evens’, ‘pick ’em’, or simply ‘PK’. This indicates that both competing teams are considered to have an equal chance of winning or losing. In such cases, there won't be a point spread, but both sides might be listed at standard odds, like -110. To win your wager, the team you bet on must win the game outright by any margin. A push only happens if the game ends in a tie, in which scenario, your original stake is refunded.
Understanding 'The Hook'
This is another common term in spread betting. Essentially, 'the hook' refers to the half-point in the spread. This half-point can be crucial, potentially swinging the outcome of a bet just enough to make a difference, regardless of the whole number part of the spread.
Spread Betting Considerations for Ghana
We could delve much deeper into this topic, but our aim here is to keep it focused on the core mechanics of point spread bets for Ghanaian players. With that in mind, here are a few key considerations before you start betting:
Spreads Can Change Dynamically
The odds you lock in when placing a point spread bet are the ones that determine your payout if you win. Spreads can and often do change as a game approaches, but these shifts won't affect any bets you've already placed.
The Strategy of Betting the Middle
It's common early in the betting process for one team to attract the majority of wagers. Sportsbooks often adjust the spread to encourage bettors to wager on the other side, aiming to balance the betting action. This can create an opportunity to 'bet the middle' – placing bets on both sides of the spread, each with its own unique spread. If the actual game's outcome falls between both lines, you could potentially win both bets.
Buying Points Explained
Yes, this is a real betting strategy! In sports like American football and basketball, you can potentially improve your chances of winning a spread bet by 'buying' points to adjust the line in your favour. This usually comes at a cost, impacting the odds.
Leveraging the Home Field Advantage Insights
Apart from determining the favorite team with a more popular form, there are other factors oddsmakers must consider when creating point spreads. Like where the game is being played, because having a home field advantage benefits the team playing in their own stadium — we see this in most sports disciplines.
Moneyline Bets vs. Point Spreads
Moneyline and point spreads are both relatively easy betting types, perfect for beginners. We’ve explained what point spread betting is, but what is a moneyline bet, and which is superior? It depends.
A moneyline bet is the most basic sports betting type and it’s also the simplest to grasp. Essentially, bettors predict who will win (the final score isn't a consideration) in a given game or sporting event. If your guess materializes, you win and make a profit. If you’re wrong, you lose.
Point spreads require a bit more contemplation, since bettors are not choosing an outright winner — they’re selecting a team to win against the spread. A spread bet is largely focused on the final score and is slightly more intricate than a moneyline bet, but it has the advantage of bigger payouts.
Other Sports Betting Types
Parlays: A parlay or an accumulator is a mix of several wagers into one bet. Each wager, or leg as it’s commonly referred to, must come through for you to win a parlay. While parlays are the riskier bet option, they are attractive because the odds are greater and bettors can wager on more sporting events with a single stake.
Over/Under: With an over/under bet, the bookie determines the total score, and bettors predict whether the result will be over or under that amount. If you choose and the teams’ combined score is, indeed, over the set total, you win.
How to Bet on Sports Online
Most importantly, when placing a bet, choose a licensed sportsbook or casino that is renowned for using sophisticated software from leading providers in the trade. This guarantees a first-class betting service, delivering an elite overall gambling experience.
Unique Betting Software to Look out For
OpenBet
OpenBet creates the betting interface for some of the biggest online bookies in the world. They’re deemed tops in the software market, and the provider’s legendary Informix Dynamic Server allows millions of bets to be placed seamlessly and simultaneously through several bookmakers.
Geneity
Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, Geneity is a software provider that falls under Playtech. The multi-channel bookie platform is most notable for being able to create over 100 football betting markets for a given match.
SBTech
Many new sportsbook operators in the UK team up with SBTech for their award-winning white-label solution that offers competitive odds across a variety of sports betting markets.
Betradar
Betradar is the brains behind sports-related live scores and digital content on many leading bookie sites, like bet365.
Inspired Gaming
Another software trailblazer in the industry, Inspired Gaming, knows a thing or two about producing world-class virtual sports betting services. They’re also leaders in Server-Based Technology and work alongside OpenBet to provide some of the best virtual sports products.
Kambi
When visiting leading sportsbook operators such as Unibet, 888Sport, and Leo Vegas, you will notice that they all feature Kambi’s user-friendly interfaces. The Malta-based software provider also offers a white-label sportsbook platform with over 120,000 live betting events every year and some 250,000 pre-match events.
Steps for Placing an Online Bet
The best solution to betting online is to simply dive in and begin. Start small and always remember to have fun!
- Find a reputable, regulated sportsbook or an online casino that you trust. We’ll share a few of our favorite sites in just a bit.
- Create an account or log in to place a bet.
- Browse the sports betting offerings and choose one that appeals to you.
- Make a direct/demand deposit.
- Familiarize yourself with betting rules and strategies.
- Always set a budget and never exceed the amount.
- Place your bets.
How to Choose the Best Sites for Point Spreads
When weighing in on the right sportsbook to pave the way for a fun and successful betting journey, it’s important to look at these non-negotiable features:
A Licensed Casino
Always choose a reputable and trusted bookmaker with a recognized online casino license that guarantees an experience that is safe, secure, regulated, and fair. Also, look at the site’s deposit and withdrawal methods to see if the payment options align with your needs.
Read Reviews
Do your research, find third-party reviews and engage with other bettors who know a bit about the market and where to bet. A good sportsbook review will include information about the platform’s available payment options, bonuses, promotions, the sports covered, etc.
Online Sportsbook Promotions
Bonuses, promotions, free bets, and other concessions can truly boost winnings, especially for first-time bettors.
Customer Service
A reputable online bookmaker will be transparent about its operations, and this includes having an expert help ‘desk’ or similar available to gamblers. Whether it’s a physical address, a call center, email, or chatting to a consultant via social media — customer service should always be available.
Top Sports to Bet on
We’ve said it before: sports betting, particularly partaking in a point spread, is a fun and entertaining activity that will keep you on the edge of your seat thanks to the thrill and excitement. It also happens to offer an opportunity for wagering to win real money. With these in mind, we’ve narrowed down our favorite sports to bet on and insist you give them (and the point spread bet) a try:
Football
Of course, we’re leading in with the most popular point spread team sport, football. Not only is it an iconic sport loved and followed by millions around the world, but football also offers many benefits from a betting perspective. It boasts remarkable markets in betting due to its heavily strategic style. And what’s more? It’s easily and widely accessible in trusted sportsbooks, and it also features incredibly competitive odds on several events.
Horse Racing
When you mull over betting, there’s no way you can overlook the horse racing bet market. It’s huge on a global scale and presents a great strategic advantage. Sportsbooks with the offering provide live coverage and streaming availability is readily accessible. Horse racing also offers several unique promotions and, just like football, the market range is profoundly impressive.
NBA
Basketball is possibly one of the most fast-paced, thrilling sports to watch and bet on. Teams are generally highly skilled and adept, so playing each other often results in very close games to stir even more excitement. Bettors who are intrigued by strategy and statistics can really delve deep into NBA betting.
Sports Betting Tips and Tricks for Success
Learn the Odds
Go back to basics, whether it’s online or live betting. Discover the ins and outs of betting odds to improve your opportunity to win.
Switch Things Up
Instead of plugging all of your money into one wager, spread it out over multiple bets.
Root for the Underdog
It’s normal to want to back the more popular, statistically better team, but generally, betting on the underdog offers greater value and a bigger payout if the outcome goes in your favor.
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FAQ
What is point spread betting in sports?
Point spread betting is a way to make sports more even. It's a bet on how much a team will win or lose by, especially in games like football or basketball. The "spread" is the predicted difference in scores.
Is point spread betting suitable for new bettors in Ghana?
Point spread betting can be good for beginners because it’s fairly simple to understand. However, winning consistently needs some skill. If you're just starting, consider moneyline bets first. They are more basic and easier to pick up.
Which sports are most popular for betting in Ghana?
Many sports are available for betting, but football (soccer), horse racing, and basketball are among the most popular choices for Ghanaian bettors.
What does "in-play betting" mean?
In-play betting, also known as live betting, means you can place bets while a game or event is happening live.
What is meant by "home field advantage"?
Home field advantage is when a team has an edge because they are playing at their home stadium. This can be due to the crowd support, familiarity with the field, and other factors.
