What Does -1 Spread Mean in NBA Betting?

BetMGM Jan 22, 2025, 6:07 PM

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If a team is -1 in NBA betting at BetMGM, they’re a favorite of one point. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +1.

To cover the spread (-1), the favorite must win the game by at least two points.

To cover the spread (+1), the underdog must win the game.

Overtime is included in the final score that determines the spread outcome.

Example of -1 Spread in NBA Betting

Golden State Warriors (-1, -110) at Los Angeles Lakers (+1, -110)

The Warriors are the road favorite (-1), and the Lakers are the home underdog (+1).

If Golden State wins by at least two points, they cover. If Los Angeles wins the game, they cover the spread.

Here are some score examples:

Warriors 108, Lakers 106: The Warriors win by two points and cover the spread.

Warriors 110, Lakers 109: The Warriors win by one point and push.

Lakers 120, Warriors 113: The Lakers win by seven points and cover the spread.

Payout for -1 Spread in NFL Betting

Boston Celtics (-1, -110) at New York Knicks (+1, -110)

The odds beside the spread determine the payout. In this Celtics-Knicks example, the odds for each spread (-1 and +1) are -110. The odds can vary for games; they could be +115, +100, -105, -110, or another value.

To calculate the potential payout, add a spread bet to your BetMGM Bet Slip.

With -110 odds, a winning bet with a $50 stake would return $95.45 (including stake).

At -105 odds, a winning bet with a $50 stake would return $97.62 (including stake).

If a spread bet pushes, the stake is refunded.

Visit the sportsbook to view all available spreads for NBA games throughout the year. You can also combine spreads — along with moneylines, over/under totals, player prop bets, and more — into parlays to increase the potential payout. And spreads are available with live betting during games.

You can also check updated sportsbook promos for potential Odds Boosts, Parlay Boosts, and more offers to increase the potential payout for your wagers.