A -2 point spread in college football betting means the favorite must win the game by at least three points to cover the spread. If the favorite wins by exactly two points, the bet results in a push (a tie), which refunds all stakes.
The corresponding side of a -2 point spread is +2. That means the underdog must win the game (by any margin) or lose by one point to cover the spread. If the underdog loses by exactly two points, it’s a push.
How a -2 Spread Bet Wins or Loses
Winning Bet: You bet on Baylor -2 against West Virginia. The Bears beat the Mountaineers by seven points (37-30).
Losing Bet: You bet on Nebraska -2 against UCLA. The Cornhuskers lose to the Bruins by three points (27-24).
Push Bet: You bet on Duke -2 against Virginia. The Blue Devils beat the Cavaliers by two points (34-32).
Difference of -2 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 matters.
In the case of a 2-point spread, the favorite could win the game by two points — 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 Alabama-Notre Dame game:
Spread: Alabama -2 (-110), Notre Dame +2 (-110)
Moneyline: Alabama -125, Notre Dame +100
If the Crimson Tide win by three points, a point-spread bet with a $20 stake would return $38.18 (including stake).
If you bet the same amount of money on the Crimson Tide’s moneyline, a win would return $36 (including stake).
Use BetMGM’s Sports Betting Payout Calculator to calculate the potential payout of a bet or convert odds to/from American odds, decimal odds, or fractional odds.
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