Understanding ATS (Against The Spread) Betting in Sports
Betting on sports is a popular activity around the world, and it comes with various options and types of wagers. One of the most popular types of bets in sports betting is the against the spread (ATS) wager. Understanding what an ATS bet is and how it works is essential for anyone looking to bet on sports.
An ATS bet involves betting on the outcome of a sporting event with a point spread in mind. Point spreads are used to level the playing field between competitors for betting purposes. It allows bettors to bet on the favorite team to win by a certain margin or the underdog to lose by a certain margin or win outright.
The purpose of this article is to help you better understand ATS wagers in betting. We will explore how point spreads work, different types of ATS bets, how to read odds for ATS bets, and provide some tips to improve your chances of winning your wagers. So, let’s dive in and learn more about the exciting world of ATS betting.
ATS vs. Moneyline Betting
When it comes to betting on sports, there are two main types of bets that most people are familiar with: ATS (Against the Spread) and Moneyline betting. While both types of bets can be profitable, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
ATS Betting
ATS betting is all about picking a team to cover the spread. This means that you are betting on a team to not only win, but also to win by a certain margin. For example, let's say that the Dallas Cowboys are playing the New York Giants and the Cowboys are favored by 7 points. If you bet on the Cowboys ATS, they would need to win by at least 8 points for you to win your bet Mostbet.
One of the main advantages of ATS betting is that it allows you to bet on underdogs. If a team is a big underdog, say 10 points or more, there is a good chance that they will lose the game. However, if they can keep the game close, they may be able to cover the spread and win your bet.
Moneyline Betting
Moneyline betting is a simpler form of betting that does not involve a point spread. Instead, you are simply betting on which team will win the game. The odds for moneyline bets are typically expressed in terms of how much you would need to bet to win $100 or how much you would win if you bet $100. For example, if the Dallas Cowboys are -300 on the moneyline, you would need to bet $300 to win $100.
The advantage of moneyline betting is that it is easier to understand than ATS betting. You simply need to pick the team that you think will win the game. However, the downside is that you may need to risk a lot of money to win a small amount, particularly if you are betting on a heavy favorite.
In summary, both ATS and moneyline betting have their own pros and cons. The key is to choose the type of bet that is best suited to your betting style and bankroll. Whether you prefer the simplicity of moneyline betting or the potential for big payouts with ATS bets, there is a betting strategy that can work for you.
How ATS Works
Against the spread (ATS) is a type of sports betting where a bettor places a wager on whether a team will win or lose by a certain number of points. The point spread is a way to level the playing field for teams that are mismatched in skill level.
When a sportsbook sets the point spread for a game, the favorite has a negative number, while the underdog has a positive number. To beat the spread, the favorite must win by a margin greater than the point spread, and the underdog must lose by a margin less than the point spread.
For example, if the point spread for a football game is -7, the favored team must win by more than 7 points to "cover the spread." If the final score is 21-14, then the favored team did not cover the spread since they only won by 7 points, which is the same as the point spread.
On the other hand, if the underdog wins or loses by less than the point spread, then they have "beaten the spread" and their ATS record improves. Bettors who wagered on the underdog will win their wagers in this scenario, even if the underdog loses the game outright.
ATS betting is popular because it adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, even if the favorite wins the game outright. It also allows bettors to focus on other aspects of the game, such as the margin of victory, rather than simply picking the winner or loser.
How to Read ATS Odds
When it comes to betting against the spread (ATS), it's important to understand how to read the odds. ATS odds are presented in a way that indicates which team is the favorite and which team is the underdog, as well as how many points the favorite is expected to win by.
A typical ATS line might look something like this:
New England Patriots -7.5
This means that the New England Patriots are favored to win the game by 7.5 points. If you bet on the Patriots, they would need to win the game by 8 or more points in order for your bet to be a winner.
If you bet on the underdog, the line might look something like this:
Jacksonville Jaguars +7.5
This means that the Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to lose the game by 7.5 points. If you bet on the Jaguars, they would need to either win the game outright or lose by 7 or fewer points in order for your bet to be a winner.
It's important to note that if the favorite wins by exactly the amount of the point spread (in this case, 7.5 points), the bet is considered a push and all bets are voided.
Overall, understanding how to read ATS odds is crucial for making informed bets when it comes to betting against the spread.
ATS Betting Strategies
- Research, Research, Research: Before placing an ATS bet, do your research. Analyze team statistics, current form, injuries, and weather conditions to make informed decisions.
- Bet Against Public Opinion: The majority of public bettors often lean towards favorites, which can create value on the underdogs. Look for teams with a strong ATS record and bet against the public's opinion.
- Follow Line Movements: Line movements can provide valuable information on where the majority of money is being placed. If the line moves in favor of the underdog, it may indicate sharp money coming in on their side.
- Consider Team Motivation: In games where a team has already secured a playoff spot or has nothing to play for, they may not be motivated to cover the spread. On the other hand, a team fighting for a playoff spot may be more motivated and play with more urgency.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Like in any form of betting, managing your bankroll is crucial. Bet within your means, allocate equal amounts for each bet, and avoid chasing losses.
The Importance of Key Numbers
When it comes to sports betting, understanding key numbers can make all the difference in your wagers. Key numbers refer to the most common margins of victory in a particular sport. For example, in football, the most common margin of victory is 3 points, followed by 7 points. This means that a lot of games are decided by these margins, making them important numbers to consider when placing your bets.
Understanding key numbers can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to betting against the spread. For example, if the spread for a football game is -3, you may want to consider taking the favorite to cover the spread, as they may be more likely to win by a field goal. Similarly, if the spread is +7, you may want to consider taking the underdog, as they may be more likely to keep the game within a touchdown.
It's important to note that key numbers can vary slightly depending on the sport and the league. For example, in basketball, the most common margin of victory is 4 points, while in hockey, it's 1 goal. Understanding the key numbers for the sport and league you're betting on can give you a significant edge in your wagers.
Overall, taking key numbers into account when placing your bets can help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of winning. So the next time you're betting against the spread, be sure to consider the importance of key numbers in your strategy.
How to Bet on ATS Totals
If you're familiar with traditional betting, you might think the only way to bet on totals in sports is to bet over or under. However, with ATS betting, you can also bet on the points that a team is expected to win by or lose by.
To bet on ATS totals, the first step is to understand the spread. The spread is the number of points that the oddsmakers expect one team to win by. For example, if the spread for a football game is -3.5, this means that the favored team is expected to win by 3.5 points.
When betting on ATS totals, you can either bet for or against the spread. If you bet for the spread, you're betting that the favored team will win by more than the predicted spread. If you bet against the spread, you're betting that the underdog will lose by less than the predicted spread or win the game outright.
When betting on ATS totals, it's important to do your research. Look at both teams' past performances, as well as their current roster and injuries. These factors can all impact the outcome of the game and affect whether or not the team is likely to cover the spread.
Another important aspect of betting on ATS totals is understanding the odds. The odds will be expressed as a +/- figure next to the spread number. A "+" figure means that the team is the underdog, while a "-" figure means they're the favorite to cover the spread.
Overall, betting on ATS totals can offer exciting and profitable betting opportunities. By understanding the spread, doing your research, and keeping an eye on the odds, you can increase your chances of making successful ATS bets.
ATS Betting Trends
One of the most important aspects of sports betting is to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and changes in the industry. This holds true for ATS betting as well. Keeping track of the latest ATS betting trends can help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of winning.
One popular ATS betting trend is to bet against the public. This means that you bet on the team that the majority of the public is not betting on. Often, the public will bet on the favorite team, which can create an opportunity for you to bet on the underdog team.
Another trend is to follow the line movement. This means that you pay attention to the changes in the point spread and make your bet accordingly. For example, if the point spread increases in favor of the underdog, this could indicate that the sportsbook is seeing more action on that team and believes they have a better chance of winning.
It can also be helpful to keep track of historical data for teams and matchups. Look at how each team has performed ATS in their last few games or at the same matchup in previous seasons. This information can provide valuable insight into how the teams may perform and help you make a more informed ATS bet.
- Bet against the public
- Follow the line movement
- Look at historical data for teams and matchups
Remember, ATS betting trends are constantly changing. It's important to stay informed and adapt your betting strategy accordingly. Don't rely solely on trends, but use them as a tool in your overall betting strategy.
The Risks of ATS Betting
Overreliance on Point Spreads
One of the risks of ATS betting is that it can lead to overreliance on point spreads. This means that bettors may become fixated on the points instead of considering the overall strength of the teams involved. Focusing solely on point spreads can lead to misguided bets and ultimately lost money.Injuries and Other Variables
Another risk of ATS betting is that unforeseen obstacles, such as injuries or weather conditions, can greatly impact the outcome of a game. Even the most skilled bettors will sometimes fall victim to these variables. It's important for bettors to remember that they are not in control of these factors and to be mindful of this when placing a bet.Misinformation and Misleading Trends
A third risk of ATS betting is the potential for misinformation and misleading trends. Bettors must keep in mind that statistics can sometimes be misleading and trends are not always indicative of future results. Blindly following trends or other superficial statistics can lead to poor betting decisions.Lose-Lose Propositions
Finally, there is always the risk of losing money when betting against the spread. Even experienced bettors are not immune to losses. It is important for bettors to set realistic expectations and never bet more than they can afford to lose. Betting should be seen as entertainment, not as a guaranteed way to make money.Common ATS Betting Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to betting against the spread, there are a few common mistakes that novice bettors make. These mistakes can cost you money and make your overall betting experience less enjoyable. Here are some ATS betting mistakes to avoid:
- Not Understanding the Point Spread - If you don't understand the point spread, you won't be able to make informed bets. Make sure you know how it works and how to read the odds.
- Betting on Your Favorite Teams - While it's natural to want to bet on your favorite teams, it's not always the best decision. You need to be objective and base your bets on facts and statistics, not personal biases.
- Not Shopping for the Best Odds - Just like with anything else you buy, you want to get the best value for your money when betting. Take some time to shop for the best odds before placing your bets.
- Ignoring Key Injuries and Suspensions - One of the biggest factors that can influence the outcome of a game is injuries and suspensions. Make sure you do your research and take these factors into account when placing your bets.
- Chasing Losses - If you have a losing streak, it can be tempting to keep betting in the hopes of recouping your losses. However, this can lead to even bigger losses. Set a budget and stick to it.
By avoiding these common ATS betting mistakes, you can improve your chances of making profitable bets and enjoy a more successful betting career.
ATS Betting on Different Sports
ATS betting is popular across various sporting events, including football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, among others. In football, ATS wagers are commonly placed during the NFL season, where the point spread is used to balance the odds of winning between two teams. Similarly, basketball betting involves ATS wagers, where betting against the spread involves predicting which team will win by a certain number of points.
Meanwhile, baseball and hockey betting also use ATS wagers, but instead of point spread, moneyline bets are used. In these sports, the favored team would have a negative moneyline, while the underdog would have a positive one. Bettors can then predict whether the favored team can win by a particular number of runs or goals.
Moreover, ATS betting can also be found in college sports, such as football and basketball. In these events, the point spread is used similar to their professional counterparts, with college football having the highest rate of ATS bets placed among college sports.
Overall, ATS betting can be applied to various sports, making it one of the most popular types of wagers in the world of sports betting. And with the advent of online betting, more and more bettors can easily access and place ATS wagers on different sports events.
The Future of ATS Betting
The Rise of Sports Analytics
The future of ATS betting lies in the hands of sports analytics. With the advent of modern technology, sports data is being collected like never before. This data can be used to identify patterns and trends, giving bettors a significant advantage over the bookmakers. As the world becomes increasingly data-driven, sports analytics will become the norm in the world of betting.
AI and machine learning are also playing a prominent role in the future of ATS betting. These technologies can help bettors make more informed decisions by analyzing vast amounts of data and predicting outcomes with incredible accuracy.
The Growth of Mobile Betting
Another significant trend in the world of betting is the growth of mobile betting. As more and more people use mobile devices to access the internet, online betting has become more accessible than ever. This trend is set to continue, with mobile betting expected to become the dominant form of betting in the years to come.
Mobile betting offers a range of benefits to bettors, including convenience, greater access to information, and the ability to place bets on-the-go. As this trend continues, the demand for ATS betting on mobile devices is likely to increase, making it more important than ever for bettors to understand how ATS wagers work.
The Emergence of Virtual Sports
The emergence of virtual sports is another trend that is set to change the world of betting. Virtual sports allow bettors to place wagers on simulated sporting events, such as horse races and football matches. These events are generated by computer algorithms and are often based on real-world statistics and data.
Virtual sports offer a range of advantages over traditional sports betting, including the ability to place bets at any time and from anywhere. They are also immune to weather conditions or other external factors that can influence the outcome of real-world sporting events.
While virtual sports are still in their infancy, they are likely to become more popular in the years to come, and ATS betting on virtual sports is likely to become a significant part of the betting landscape.
The Legality of ATS Betting
The legality of Against the Spread (ATS) betting varies depending on the country and state you live in. Sports betting is legal in some countries, while in others it is illegal. In the United States, the legality of sports betting varies by state, with some states having legalized sports betting, while others have not yet done so.
In countries where sports betting is legal, ATS betting is also legal. However, in countries where sports betting is illegal, ATS betting is also considered illegal. It is important to understand the laws of your country or state before engaging in any form of sports betting, including ATS betting.
In the United States, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was a federal law which prohibited state-authorized sports betting. However, in May 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled PASPA unconstitutional, giving individual states the option to legalize sports betting. As a result, several states have already legalized sports betting, and more are expected to follow.
- It is important to note that even in states where sports betting is legal, there may be restrictions on certain types of betting, such as college sports or bets on local teams.
Before engaging in ATS betting, it is important to do your research to ensure that you are doing so legally and responsibly.
Popular ATS Betting Markets
ATS betting is one of the most popular forms of sports betting and there are several markets within it that are particularly popular among bettors. The most popular ATS betting market is the NFL, which sees millions of dollars in bets placed every week during the season. Other popular ATS markets include NCAA basketball, NBA, and Major League Baseball.
In NCAA basketball, ATS betting is popular because of the large number of games available to bet on. This makes it easier for bettors to find value in the odds and make profitable wagers. In the NBA, ATS betting is popular because of the high scoring nature of the game and the fact that point spreads can be more easily covered than in other sports.
Major League Baseball may not be the first sport that comes to mind when thinking of ATS betting, but it is still a popular market among bettors. With 162 games in a season, there are plenty of opportunities to place bets and the unpredictable nature of baseball can make for exciting and profitable wagers.
Other popular ATS markets include college football, NHL, and soccer. These markets may not see quite as much action as the big four, but they still offer plenty of opportunities for bettors to make profitable wagers against the spread.
ATS Betting in Live Games
ATS betting can be a great way to make some extra money while enjoying the live game. In ATS betting, the point spread is used to balance the odds between the favorite and the underdog. This makes the wager more interesting and exciting for the bettor.
Live games can offer some unique opportunities for ATS betting since the point spread can change throughout the game based on the score and other factors. This means that savvy bettors can take advantage of fluctuations in the spread to make profitable wagers.
However, it is important to remember that live betting can be fast-paced and unpredictable, so it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the game and the teams involved. It is also important to be disciplined with your bets and not chase losses.
If approached thoughtfully, ATS betting in live games can be a fun and potentially lucrative way to enjoy sports. Just be sure to do your research, stay focused on the game, and bet responsibly.
ATS Betting Bonuses and Promotions
When it comes to betting against the spread, there are several bonuses and promotions available that can help boost your betting bankroll. Some sportsbooks offer a welcome bonus when you sign up for an account, which can provide you with extra funds to use on your ATS bets. Other promotions may include free bets, cashback offers, and enhanced odds on certain games.
It's important to read the terms and conditions of any bonus or promotion before taking advantage of it, as there may be certain requirements or restrictions you need to be aware of. For example, some bonuses may require you to place a certain number of bets before you can withdraw your winnings, while others may only be available for a limited time period.
In addition to bonuses and promotions, some sportsbooks may also offer VIP or loyalty programs for frequent bettors. These programs can provide extra perks such as expedited withdrawals, exclusive offers, and personalized customer service.
Overall, taking advantage of ATS betting bonuses and promotions can be a great way to maximize your winnings and minimize your risk. Just be sure to do your research and read the fine print to ensure you're getting the best possible deal.
How to Choose the Best ATS Sportsbook
As an ATS bettor, it's essential to choose the right sportsbook to bet with. Here are a few tips to help you select the best ATS sportsbook:
- Look for a sportsbook that offers a wide variety of sports: Look for a sportsbook that covers multiple sports and provides in-depth betting markets for each sport.
<li><strong>Check for competitive odds:</strong> The odds offered by sportsbooks vary, so it's crucial to shop around to find the best possible value. The margin or juice charged by the sportsbook must be taken into consideration.</li>
<li><strong>Research the sportsbook's reputation:</strong> Check online forums to see what other bettors say about the sportsbook you're considering. Make sure to choose a reputable and trustworthy bookmaker.</li>
<li><strong>Look for enticing bonuses:</strong> Many online sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses to new customers. These bonuses could help you get extra value for your bets.</li>
<li><strong>Check the accessibility of customer support:</strong> Good customer support is vital when it comes to online sports betting. Make sure the sportsbook offers quick and easy customer support through various channels like email, live chat, and phone.</li>
Choosing the right ATS sportsbook can make all the difference when it comes to your overall betting experience. Make sure to do your homework and pick a sportsbook that aligns with your betting needs and preferences.
