Offers Verified By Our ExpertsWhat Are Point Spreads?
At its core, a point spread is a betting method used to even out the odds between two teams, typically in sports like football and basketball. Bookmakers set a spread, predicting not just who will win but specifically by how much (points, runs, goals, etc…) they will win. This creates a more balanced betting environment, encouraging bets on both teams featured in the game.
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Denver Broncos Point Spread Example Consider a game where the Denver Broncos are playing at home against a team with their backup quarterback starting that week.To balance the bet, oddsmakers might set the Broncos as -7.5 point favorites. This means they must win by more than 7.5 points for a bet on them to pay out. If the Broncos win by seven-or-fewer points, or lose the game, the bet would lose.
How Point Spreads Work
The point spread is essentially a handicap applied to the final score of the game. For the favorite to "cover the spread," they must win by more than the spread. If the underdog loses by less than the spread or wins outright, they cover the spread instead.
It’s important to note that you’ll see a “-” for the favorite while the “+” signifies the team is the underdog. We’ll get more into this further below but don’t be intimidated or get confused; Colorado sports betting apps do a great job identifying where the point spreads are on their platform so they’re easy to find.
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Denver Nuggets Point Spread Example Let’s take a look at some hypothetical Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors odds. If the Nuggets are listed as -4.5 favorites against the Warriors, they need to win by 5 or more points. If you bet on the Nuggets and they win by 5, you win the bet. If they win by 4 or less, or the Warriors win, you lose the bet.If betting on the Nuggets’ odds is your thing there are a number of CO sportsbook promotions available you can use to get started.
Reading Point Spreads
Point spreads are listed with the favorite team having a minus sign (-) and the underdog with a plus sign (+). The number following these signs is the point spread. Below are examples of point spreads you’ll commonly find at sportsbooks such as bet365 Colorado.
| Away Team Spread | Home Team Spread |
| Colorado Avalanche -1.5 | Arizona Coyotes +1.5 |
| Colorado State Rams +9.5 | Wyoming Cowboys -9.5 |
| Kansas City Chiefs +3.5 | Denver Broncos -3.5 |
| Colorado Rockies -2.5 | Arizona Diamondbacks +2.5 |
| Dallas Mavericks +10.5 | Denver Nuggets -10.5 |
Can you identify which teams are the favorites and which teams are considered underdogs based on the spreads in the table above?
Strategies for Betting on Point Spreads
Home Field Advantage
Colorado teams like the Broncos or the Colorado Buffaloes football team may perform significantly better at home, which is often reflected in the spread. Having a home field advantage plays a crucial role in team performance every week, no matter the sport.
Doing research on the home teams record at home, and the opposing team's record on the road, is one part of determining whether or not betting on the point spread is the right bet for you. And yes, you can bet on the Buffaloes and all college sports whether it's on the point spreads, moneylines, parlays and more on a number of apps like the Fanatics Colorado sportsbook.
Team Performance
Look at recent performances, injuries, and other factors that might affect the outcome beyond just the logo on the site of the helmet or front of the jersey. Every night the Nuggets hit the floor, different factors go into how they may perform that night including momentum from a recent winning streak.
Weather Conditions
For outdoor sports, like football, baseball, and soccer, weather conditions can heavily impact the game's outcome and ultimately the spread. Will rainy weather impact Denver’s ability to throw the ball at Mile High thus giving the opposition an advantage? Operators like BetMGM CO sportsbook look at these factors while choosing point spreads so you should, too.
Conclusion on Spread Betting in Colorado
Point spread betting offers a dynamic way to engage with sports betting, providing an opportunity to support local Colorado teams with a bit more strategy. By understanding how spreads work, reading them correctly, and applying a bit of strategic thought, you can help better your betting experience and potentially even find more success.
Whether you're backing the Broncos, the Buffaloes, or any other Colorado-based sports team, point spreads add an exciting layer to the world of sports betting.
Point Spread Betting in Colorado FAQs
This scenario is called a "push." If the game ends with the exact point spread, it means neither the favorite nor the underdog covered the spread, and all bets are refunded. For example, if the Colorado Avalanche are favored to win by 3 goals and they win by exactly 3, bets on the point spread are returned.
Bookmakers set point spreads based on a number of different factors, including a team recent performance, historical matchups between two teams, any key injuries to players, weather conditions, and. Their goal is to create a point spread that will attract betting on both sides.
Yes, point spreads actually can and often will change after they're first set. Bookmakers may adjust the spread to reflect changes in betting patterns, player injuries that might've been suffered in practice, or other news that could impact the overall outcome of the game.
Begin by researching the teams involved, considering factors like home advantage, recent performances, head-to-head records, and the latest injuries. Most will start with smaller bets to understand how point spreads work. Legally licensed betting platforms in Colorado offer a bunch of resources to help bettors make informed decisions as do we here on BetColorado.com.
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The experts at BetColorado who bring you the latest updates in Colorado sports betting. We pull together decades of experience to give you analysis as well as comparisons of the best CO online gambling apps.
