Point spread betting is a bet designed to give each team an equal chance of winning a particular game by taking points off the team that is favored.

The point spread does include overtime for all major sports except tournament soccer. This means that the game’s final score, after overtime, determines the bet’s outcome. However, if you are betting on a specific quarter, period, or inning, that bet does not include overtime.

This blog post aims to delve deeper into the intricacies of point spread betting and its relationship with overtime.

Point Spread Betting Background

A point spread wager is a type of bet designed to level the playing field between two teams by assigning a “spread” to the game. This spread is created by bookmakers and is designed to give both teams an approximately equal chance of winning in the eyes of bettors.

Point spread betting is one of the most popular forms of wagering on sports, especially in American sports like football and basketball.

The team expected to win, or the “favorite,” has points deducted from its final score, while the ‘underdog,’ the team expected to lose, has points added.

As a comparison, moneyline betting involves simply choosing which team or player will win a game or match. At the same time, point spread betting involves wagering on the margin of victory or defeat for a team in a game, with the favorite being assigned a negative point spread and the underdog a positive one.

For instance, if 5.5 points against the Boston Celtics favor the New York Knicks, they must win by 6 or more points to cover the spread. On the other hand, the Celtics could either win outright or lose by 5 or fewer points to cover the spread.

Overtime in Sports Betting

Overtime is an additional period of play used to decide the winner of a game that ends in a tie after regulation. The rules and duration of overtime vary between different sports. For instance, in the NFL, a 10-minute sudden-death period is played, with the team scoring first declared the winner. In the NBA, a 5-minute overtime period is played, and the team with the most points at the end of this period wins.

In the context of betting, overtime can significantly impact the outcome. The additional period of play provides an opportunity for a team to cover the spread or for the underdog to win outright, which can lead to some thrilling finishes for both the game and your bet.

Point Spreads and Overtime: The Connection

The question often arises, does the spread count in overtime? The answer is: Yes, it does, for most sports.

This means that the game’s final score after any overtime periods have been played is used to determine the outcome of point-spread bets. Therefore, if you’ve bet on a team to cover a spread, your bet is still alive during overtime.

However, it’s important to note that if you are betting on a specific quarter, period, or inning, that bet does not include overtime. These bets are settled at the end of the specified period.

Point-Spread Betting Tips In Overtime

1. Understand the Basics: Before placing any bets, ensure you fully understand what point spread betting is and how overtime works in the sport you’re betting on.
2. Research Team Performance: Look at how teams have performed in the past in overtime situations. Teams that perform well in high-pressure situations might be a good bet.
3. Consider the Underdog: Don’t overlook underdogs, especially in sports where overtime periods are sudden death or relatively short, as one score can swing the game in their favor.
4. Factor in Player Stamina: Consider key players’ physical and mental stamina. Overtime can be demanding, and players who maintain their performance levels could help their team cover the spread.
5. Monitor Live Betting Odds: As the game progresses, watch live betting odds. They can fluctuate dramatically, especially if a game looks like it could go into overtime.
6. Stay Informed About Team News: Any late-breaking news about injuries, player availability, or even weather conditions could impact the game and, potentially, whether it goes into overtime.
7. Understand Bookmaker Trends: Some bookmakers may be quicker to adjust their lines in the face of potential overtime than others. Understanding these tendencies can help you find value.
8. Don’t Chase Losses: If a game goes into overtime and your bet looks in jeopardy, don’t be tempted to chase your losses with rash bets. Stick to your strategy.
9. Practice Bankroll Management: Set a budget for your betting and stick to it, regardless of whether a game goes into overtime.
10. Learn from Experience: With each bet you place, you’ll gain more understanding of how point spreads and overtime both interact. Use these experiences to refine your betting strategy.