Here’s a quick explanation of what a +2.5 and -2.5 point means. This explanation builds on our point spread betting tutorial, offering a more detailed explanation and helpful video.
You’ll see a +2.5 and -2.5 point spread most often in NFL and College Football, although it’s not entirely uncommon to see this point spread in NBA and College Basketball either. Rarely, a soccer Asian Handicap with have a -2.5/+2.5 line.
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+2.5 Meaning
A +2.5 point spread indicates a side is the underdog. In order to win a bet on a +2.5 underdog, the side must win outright or not lose by more than 2 points.
How the Underdog Wins
Here’s a quick way to tell if a +2.5 underdog won against the spread. Subtract the underdog’s score from the favorite’s score. If the value is negative or less than 2.5, the underdog won.
+2.5 Underdog Wins Example
- Favorite scored 33 points
- Underdog scored 31 points
- 33 – 31 = 2
- 2 is less than 2.5, therefore the underdog won.
-2.5 Meaning
A -2.5 point spread indicates a side is the favorite. In order to win a bet on a -2.5 favorite, the side must win by 3 or more points.
How the Favorite Wins
Here’s a quick way to tell if a -2.5 favorite won against the spread. Subtract the underdog’s score from the favorite’s score. If the value is 3 or more, the favorite won.
-2.5 Favorite Wins Example
- Favorite scored 40 points
- Underdog scored 36 points
- 40 – 36 = 4
- 4 is greater than 2.5, therefore the favorite won.
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FAQs
A +2.5 point spread indicates a side is the underdog. In order to win a bet on a +2.5 underdog, the side must win outright or not lose by more than 2 points.
A -2.5 point spread indicates a side is the favorite. In order to win a bet on a -2.5 favorite, the side must win by 3 or more points.
You’ll see a +2.5 and -2.5 point spread most often in NFL and College Football, although it’s not entirely uncommon to see this point spread in NBA and College Basketball either. Rarely, a soccer Asian Handicap with have a -2.5/+2.5 line.
Sports Betting Lessons
- What + and – mean in betting
- What +125 and -125 odds mean
- What +1000 and -1000 odds mean
- +2.5 and -2.5 point spread
- +7 and -7 point spread
- 3 Game Parlay Bet Payout
- 5 Game Parlay Bet Payout
- 3-Way Moneyline
- +1.5 and -1.5 run line
- +1.5 and -1.5 puck line
- PK Point Spread Line
- Asian Handicap Lines
- What a Push Means
- Underdog + or – sign
- Alternate Betting Lines
- “No Action” Bet
- Betting Line Movements
- Sports Betting Expected Value
- Prop Parlay Bet
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Sports Betting Resources
- How to Read Sports Betting Odds – Our helpful tutorial explains what the numbers mean for point spread, moneyline, total, and Asian Handicap bets.
- Sports Betting Questions and Answers – Common sports betting questions and answers, a simple quick reference for beginners.
- Sports Betting vs Casino Gambling – Learn how sportsbooks and casinos make money, and the important differences between each business model.
- How to Read NFL Odds – Short and sweet guide to NFL point spreads, totals, and moneylines. We’ve got live example bets from upcoming NFL matchups.
- Point Spread Bet – Understanding the point spread is key to betting on football and basketball. Learn how the point spread bet works with our tutorial video and text.
- Over-Under Total Bet – Bet over or under the sportsbook’s line. We explain how to place this bet with easy examples, a video, and text explainer.
- Moneyline Bet – Whether it’s a 2-way or 3-way moneyline, we’ve got you covered. Moneylines are available for almost every major sport league, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and combat sports.
- Teaser Bet – A teaser is a modified parlay that lets you buy points to shift point spread and total lines in your favor. Our fun tutorial video and detailed text article explain how to place this bet.
- If Bet Win-Only – Sequence multiple bets together in an if-then sequence. Your next bet only sees action if the previous one wins. Ideal for bettors with small bankrolls.
- Futures Bet – We explain what a futures bet is, how it works, and when to bet on a future sporting event. Common futures bets include the winners of the Super Bowl, Final Four, Stanley Cup, World Series, and NBA Finals.
- Parlay Bet – Combine multiple selections into one bet that returns a huge payout if all your selections were correct. We explain how parlay bets work and provide common parlay payout tables.
- Progressive Parlay Bet – Also known as a “Close Call Parlay”, this parlay variant can win even if one or more of selections lose. Our article describes this bet in detail.
- Parlay Card Betting – Parlay cards are issued by major sportsbooks midweek, allowing bettors to make multiple point spread, total, and prop bet selections that can return big payouts. Not to be confused with an “off the board” parlay!
- Prop Bets – We explain what a prop bet is, how to place a prop bet, and provide an expansive list of sports leagues with plenty of props to bet on right now.