A -5 point spread in college football betting means the favorite must win the game by at least six points to cover the spread. If the favorite wins by exactly five points, the bet results in a push (a tie), which refunds all stakes.
The corresponding side of a -5 point spread is +5. That means the underdog must win the game (by any margin) or lose by four or less points to cover the spread. If the underdog loses by exactly five points, it’s a push.
How a -5 Spread Bet Wins or Loses
Winning Bet: You bet on Texas Tech -5 against Kansas State. The Red Raiders beat the Wildcats by six points (20-14).
Losing Bet: You bet on UCLA -5 against Wisconsin. The Bruins lose to the Badgers by seven points (40-33).
Push Bet: You bet on Louisville -5 against Florida State. The Cardinals beat the Seminoles by five points (27-22).
Difference of -5 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 5-point spread, the favorite could win the game by five 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 LSU-Kentucky game:
Spread: LSU -5 (-110), Kentucky +5 (-110)
Moneyline: LSU -125, Kentucky +100
If the Tigers win by six 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 Tigers’ moneyline, a win would return $27 (including stake).
Use BetMGM’s Sportsbook Payout Calculator to calculate the potential payout of a bet.
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