A -1 point spread in college football betting means the favorite must win the game by at least two points to cover the spread. If the favorite wins by exactly one point, the bet results in a push (a tie), which refunds all stakes.
The corresponding side of a -1 point spread is +1. The underdog must win the game (by any margin) to cover the spread. If the underdog loses by exactly one point, it’s a push.
How a -1 Spread Bet Wins or Loses
Winning Bet: You bet on Michigan -1 against Penn State. The Wolverines beat the Nittany Lions by four points (24-20).
Losing Bet: You bet on USC -1 against Washington. The Trojans lose to the Huskies by two points (30-28).
Push Bet: You bet on Texas -1 against Oklahoma. The Longhorns beat the Sooners by one point (24-23).
Difference of -1 Point Spread vs. Moneyline
In point-spread betting, the margin of victory matters. In moneyline betting, the margin of victory doesn’t matter; only the final outcome (win, lose, tie) matters.
With a 1-point spread, the favorite could win the game by one point — which would result in winning tickets for all moneyline bets — but push the spread.
Spread vs. Moneyline Odds & Payouts
Spreads and moneylines almost always have different odds. For example, here are odds for an Ohio State-Indiana game:
Spread: Ohio State -1 (-110), Indiana +1 (-110)
Moneyline: Ohio State -125, Indiana +100
If the Buckeyes win by two points, a point-spread bet with a $10 stake would return $19.09 (including stake).
If you bet the same amount of money on the Buckeyes’ moneyline, a win would return $18 (including stake).
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