- Spread betting involves predicting whether an outcome will finish above or below a quoted range, with profits and losses determined by the accuracy of the prediction.
What Is Sports Spread Betting?
Sports spread betting is a specialist form of betting where your profit or loss depends on how accurate your prediction is. Unlike traditional fixed-odds betting, where returns are known in advance, spread betting uses a variable payout system.
A spread betting provider sets a prediction range, known as the spread, for a particular event. You then decide whether the final outcome will finish above or below that range. The further the result moves in your favour, the greater your profit. However, losses can also increase if the outcome moves against you.
Spread betting markets are available across a variety of sports, including football, horse racing, cricket, golf, and tennis. Because profits and losses are linked directly to the final result, spread betting can offer larger returns than traditional betting, but it also carries greater risk.
How Does Sports Spread Betting Work?
Sports spread betting revolves around two choices: buying or selling a spread.
If you believe the final outcome will be higher than the spread quoted by the provider, you buy the spread. If you believe the outcome will be lower than the spread, you sell the spread.
Your stake is typically expressed as an amount per point. For example, if you stake £10 per goal, every goal above or below the spread will increase your profit or loss by £10.
Buying A Spread
Suppose a spread betting provider quotes a football match at 2.4–2.6 total goals.
If you believe the match will be high-scoring, you could buy at 2.6 goals. If you stake £10 per goal and the match finishes 3-1, a total of 4 goals are scored.
Your profit would be:
(4 - 2.6) × £10 = £14 profit
Selling A Spread
Alternatively, if you believe the match will be low-scoring, you could sell at 2.4 goals. If the match finishes 1-0, only 1 goal is scored.
Your profit would be:
(2.4 - 1) × £10 = £14 profit
Unlike traditional fixed-odds betting, there is no fixed payout. The further the final result moves in your favour, the greater your profit. However, if the result moves against you, losses can also increase. This is why sports spread betting is generally considered a more advanced betting product than traditional betting.
Spread Betting Calculator
Spread betting profits and losses are determined by both your stake and the final result. Use the calculator below to estimate potential returns and risk before placing a bet.
Looking to understand the calculations? See our guide: Sports Spread Betting Odds Explained.
Where Is Sports Spread Betting Available?
Sports spread betting is significantly less common than traditional fixed-odds betting. In the UK, Spreadex is one of the best-known providers of sports spread betting, offering a wide range of markets across football, horse racing, cricket, golf, and other sports.
While some bookmakers have experimented with spread betting products over the years, most bettors interested in sports spread betting will ultimately find themselves using a specialist provider rather than a traditional sportsbook.
If you’d like to learn more about one of the leading providers in this space, see our Spreadex review.
Pros & Cons of Spread Betting
Sports spread betting offers some unique advantages compared to traditional fixed-odds betting, but it also comes with additional risks that should be understood before placing a bet.
Pros
Cons
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