What does “taking the points” mean in sports betting?
Comprehensive guide to taking the points in sports betting and how arbitrage betting offers a superior approach.
What does “taking the points” mean in sports betting?
Taking the points in sports betting means betting on an underdog team with a point spread advantage, allowing that team to lose by a certain margin or win outright for the bet to succeed.
Point spreads balance uneven matchups by giving the underdog a hypothetical advantage, making bets on both teams more equally attractive to bettors.
While traditional point spread bets involve guessing the margin of victory, arbitrage betting removes guesswork by securing profit regardless of the outcome.
Understanding Point Spreads
Point spreads are designed to level the playing field between two teams of unequal strength by assigning a margin of points that the underdog team receives. When you 'take the points,' you are essentially betting that the underdog team will either win the game outright or not lose by more than the given point spread.
- •The favorite must win by more than the spread for a bet on them to win.
- •The underdog can lose by less than the spread or win outright for a bet on them to win.
How Point Spreads Affect Betting Odds
Point spreads influence the odds offered by bookmakers to balance betting action on both sides. This helps sportsbooks minimize risk and ensures competitive wagering opportunities.
- →Odds on point spread bets are usually close to even money.
- →Adjustments to the spread can occur to balance betting volume.
💡Example of Taking the Points
If Team A is favored by -7 points over Team B, taking the points on Team B means betting that Team B will lose by fewer than 7 points or win the game. If Team B loses by exactly 7 points, the bet is a push and your stake is refunded.
If you bet $100 on Team B +7 and they lose by 6 points, you win the bet. If they lose by 8 points, you lose.
Advantages of Taking the Points
Taking the points offers bettors a strategic advantage when backing underdogs, as it provides a cushion against narrow defeats. This can increase the chance of winning a bet compared to simply betting on the moneyline.
- •Offers protection against a close loss by the underdog.
- •Makes betting on favorites less appealing by increasing the risk for those bets.
- •Creates more balanced wagering opportunities.
Risk Management Compared to Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets require the underdog to win outright, which can be difficult. Taking the points reduces this risk by allowing a margin of defeat, making it a safer option in many cases.
Common Challenges with Point Spread Betting and How Arbitrage Helps
Point spread betting requires accurately predicting not just the winner but the margin of victory, which adds complexity and risk. Arbitrage betting eliminates this uncertainty by allowing bettors to place bets on all possible outcomes at different bookmakers to guarantee a profit regardless of the final score.
- •Difficulty in predicting exact margins of victory.
- •Risk of losing if the favorite wins by just enough points to cover the spread.
- •Arbitrage removes the guesswork by balancing bets across outcomes.
Using Tools to Navigate Complex Calculations
Calculating potential arbitrage opportunities across point spreads can be complicated. Tools like ArbitUp automate these calculations, helping bettors identify risk-free opportunities efficiently.
How to Bet on Taking the Points
To bet on taking the points, select the underdog team and accept the point spread offered by the sportsbook. Your bet wins if the underdog wins outright or loses by less than the spread. If the margin equals the spread, the bet is a push and your stake is returned.
- •Compare point spreads and odds across sportsbooks for value.
- •Understand the impact of pushes on your bankroll.
- •Consider arbitrage betting to minimize risk.
Tips for Successful Point Spread Betting
Research team performance against the spread, consider injuries, and stay updated on line movements to make informed decisions.
💡Betting Scenario
You bet $50 on the underdog at +4 points. The underdog loses by 3 points, so your bet wins. If they lose by 4 points, it’s a push and your $50 is refunded.
Winnings = Stake x Odds (usually around -110) if the bet wins; stake returned if push.
Strategies to Boost Success with Taking the Points
Successful bettors combine statistical analysis with situational factors like weather, home advantage, and team motivation when betting the points. Arbitrage betting can complement these strategies by reducing risk and locking in profits when discrepancies occur across sportsbooks.
- •Analyze historical performance against spreads.
- •Monitor betting line movements for value bets.
- •Use arbitrage to capitalize on inconsistent spreads or odds.
Leveraging Arbitrage Tools
ArbitUp and similar platforms help identify arbitrage opportunities quickly, allowing bettors to exploit differences in point spreads and odds across bookmakers without manual calculations.
Difference Between Taking the Points and Other Bet Types
Taking the points focuses on the margin of victory, unlike moneyline bets where only the outright winner matters. Over/under bets are based on total points scored, making point spreads unique in offering a margin-based betting option.
- •Moneyline bets require a straight win or loss outcome.
- •Over/under bets focus on combined scores rather than winners.
- •Point spreads balance competitive mismatches.
Why Arbitrage Works Well with Point Spreads
Point spreads vary across sportsbooks creating arbitrage potential. Arbitrage betting exploits these variations to guarantee profit regardless of the final margin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️Ignoring the possibility of a push, which can affect bankroll management.
- ⚠️Failing to shop for the best point spread and odds, reducing potential value.
- ⚠️Confusing taking the points with moneyline betting and misunderstanding the risk.
- ⚠️Overlooking how injuries or weather may impact the margin of victory.
- ⚠️Not considering arbitrage opportunities to minimize risk and lock in profits.
- ⚠️Relying solely on gut feeling rather than statistical analysis when betting the spread.
- ⚠️Mismanaging bankroll by betting too large on risky point spreads without hedging.
The Power of Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting removes the uncertainty inherent in predicting point spread outcomes by allowing bettors to secure guaranteed profits regardless of the final score.
- ✓Eliminates guesswork about margins of victory.
- ✓Protects bankroll by balancing bets on all outcomes.
- ✓Automates complex calculations and identifies opportunities quickly.
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This content is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Sports betting involves substantial risk. Only bet with money you can afford to lose. See our Terms of Service for complete legal disclaimers.