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Best ChoiceWhat is a Point Spread?
Point spread betting is a popular wagering method that levels the playing field between two teams of differing skill levels. Unlike a moneyline bet, where you simply pick the winner, a point spread bet focuses on the margin of victory. Illinois sports betting apps assign a numerical handicap to the favored team, requiring them to win by more than that amount for your bet to succeed. Meanwhile, the underdog can lose by less than the spread—or win outright—for your wager to pay off. It’s a great way to bet that keeps even lopsided games competitive and engaging for Illinois bettors.
How Does Point Spread Betting Work?
In point spread betting, the sportsbook sets a line that reflects the expected difference in performance between two teams. For example, if the Chicago Bears are playing the Detroit Lions and the Bears are favored by 7 points (-7), they must win by more than 7 for a bet on them to win. Conversely, a bet on the Lions (+7) succeeds if they win outright or lose by fewer than 7 points. If the game ends with the Bears winning by exactly 7 points, it’s a “push,” and your stake is refunded. This system ensures every game offers a 50/50 betting proposition, making it a staple on Illinois betting apps.
How to Bet the Spread in IL
To place a point spread bet, sign up with a licensed IL sportsbook, deposit funds, and navigate to the sports section—whether it’s NFL, NBA, or NHL. Select your game, find the point spread option (e.g., Bulls -4.5 vs. Nets), and enter your wager amount.
- Favorite (-): If the Chicago Bulls are -4.5 against the Knicks, they need to win by 5 or more points.
- Underdog (+): If the Knicks are +4.5, they can lose by up to 4 points (or win outright) for your bet to succeed.
- Push: If the Bulls win by exactly 4 points, it’s a tie—no one wins, and your stake is refunded.
Point Spread Betting Strategies
Betting spreads in Illinois rewards research and timing. Here are some strategies to consider:
Home Field Edge
Teams like the Bears or Blackhawks often perform better at home. Check how spreads adjust for games at Soldier Field or the United Center.
Line Movement
If a spread jumps from -3 to -5, it might signal sharp money or a key injury. Apps like DraftKings Illinois let you track these shifts in real time.
Weather Impact
A windy day off Lake Michigan can shrink point totals and favor underdogs—especially in late-season NFL or college games.
Shop Around
Illinois has a competitive betting market. Compare spreads at FanDuel, Bet365, or Caesars to snag the best value (e.g., -6.5 vs. -7 can make all the difference).
How Are Point Spread Odds Determined?
Sportsbooks set point spreads based on a mix of statistical analysis, team performance, and betting trends. Oddsmakers consider factors like recent form, injuries (e.g., a Bears quarterback tweak), home-field advantage (think noisy crowds at Memorial Stadium), and historical matchups. Once the initial line is set—say, White Sox -1.5 vs. Guardians—it adjusts as bets roll in. If heavy action favors one side, the spread might shift (e.g., to -2) to balance the books.
Where to Bet Point Spreads in Illinois
Illinois legalized sports betting in 2019, and today, you’ve got plenty of options to get in on the action:
- DraftKings Sportsbook IL: A fan favorite with slick mobile betting and regular promos, like boosted spreads for Bears games. Available statewide.
- FanDuel Sportsbook IL: Known for competitive lines and in-person betting at locations like the FanDuel Sportsbook at Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero.
- Bet365 Sportsbook IL: Offers a sleek app and often has unique spread markets, plus a welcome bonus for new Illinois users.
- Caesars Sportsbook IL: Tied to the iconic Caesars brand, with a retail spot at Harrah’s Joliet and a strong online platform.
Illinois Point Spread Betting Example
Let’s break it down with an example:
- Game: Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Spread: Bears -3 (-110) | Vikings +3 (-110)
- Scenario: You bet $110 on the Bears at -3 with BetMGM Illinois. If the Bears win 27-23 (a 4-point margin), they cover the spread, and you win $100 profit (plus your $110 back). If they win 24-23 (1-point margin), they don’t cover, and you lose the bet. A Vikings bettor wins if Minnesota loses by fewer than 3 points or wins outright.
Final Thoughts on Point Spread Betting in Illinois
Point spread betting is a favorite among Illinois sports bettors, offering a great way to engage with games beyond just picking winners. Whether you’re wagering on the Bears, Bulls, or Illini, understanding spreads can elevate your strategy.
With top-tier sportsbooks like Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois, you’ve got the tools to dive in. Ready to bet? Explore the latest spreads and start today!
Point Spread Betting In IL FAQ
Yes, point spread betting is legal in Illinois. The state legalized sports betting in June 2019 through the Illinois Sports Wagering Act, and it officially launched in March 2020. Point spread betting is one of the many wager types available through licensed sportsbooks, both online and in-person.
A point spread is a betting line set by oddsmakers that represents the expected margin of victory or defeat in a game. It’s designed to level the playing field between a favored team and an underdog, making the bet more engaging by focusing on the difference in score rather than just the winner.
A +5.5 spread means the underdog team is given a 5.5-point advantage. If you bet on the underdog with a +5.5 spread, your bet wins if they win the game outright or lose by 5 points or fewer. The ".5" ensures there’s no tie since teams can’t score half a point, guaranteeing a clear outcome for the bet.
To "cover the spread" means a team meets or exceeds the expectations set by the point spread. If you bet on a favorite with a -7 spread, they must win by 8 or more points to cover. If you bet on an underdog with a +7 spread, they cover by winning outright or losing by 6 points or fewer. Covering the spread determines whether your bet wins.
Author
Blake Weishaar is a content strategist and fact-checker for IllinoisBet.com. He's been at the forefront of the gaming industry for close to a decade, including the rapid expansion of sports betting with the repeal of PASPA in 2018. You can rest assured that Blake will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information on Illinois' sports betting market.
