A -3 point spread in college football betting means the favorite must win the game by at least four points to cover the spread. If the favorite wins by exactly three points, the bet results in a push (a tie), which refunds all stakes.
The corresponding side of a -3 point spread is +3. That means the underdog must win the game (by any margin) or lose by two or less points to cover the spread. If the underdog loses by exactly three points, it’s a push.
How a -3 Spread Bet Wins or Loses
Winning Bet: You bet on Minnesota -3 against Rutgers. The Golden Gophers beat the Scarlet Knights by four points (21-17).
Losing Bet: You bet on Ole Miss -3 against Vanderbilt. The Rebels lose to the Commodores by four points (31-27).
Push Bet: You bet on Kentucky -3 against Florida. The Wildcats beat the Gators by three points (43-40).
Difference of -3 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 3-point spread, the favorite could win the game by three 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 a Michigan-Washington game:
Spread: Michigan -3 (-110), Washington +3 (-110)
Moneyline: Michigan -125, Washington +100
If the Wolverines win by four points, a point-spread bet with a $15 stake would return $28.64 (including stake).
If you bet the same amount of money on the Wolverines’ moneyline, a win would return $27 (including stake).
Use BetMGM’s Odds & Payout Calculator to calculate the potential payout of a bet or convert odds.
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