Demystifying MLB Picks against the Spread (ATS)
Most sporting events come with a perceived favorite option and an underdog. Consequently, bookmakers apply a spread to create an even playing field where wagering through MLB or NBA. Nonetheless, betting against the spread is not enough to make the favorite win. They must win with more than the specified amount, also known as the point spread.
What is a Point Spread Bet?
The most common sports betting type in the US is point spread betting. Point spreading allows you to create an opportunity to wager money on participating teams by assessing their relative strengths. Further, the goal is to create a fair playing field for the two teams, which helps potential bettors through the projected margin of a win.
Point spread betting is different from Moneyline betting. For bettors, the outcome of the bet does not mirror the results. In money line betting, you pick one team to win outright. Point spread bettors may also win through the losing team based on scores of the sporting event.
Spread is typically a perfect equalizer that matches up with a 50/50 proposition. Nonetheless, your team win does not necessarily mean you won the spread. As in Moneyline betting, favorite teams are matched with a (-) while underdogs are represented by (+). To win, favorites need to get more points than the spread, while underdogs need to lose with more points than indicated.
Get your first bet risk-free (up to $500) when you join PointsBet here
What does Betting against the Spread mean?
Betting against the spread can be explained in two ways; betting on the favorite and the underdog team. The spread is covered when the favorite team wins by covering the point spread, or the underdog wins within the specified range.
In simple terms, betting against the ATS shows you are betting on the point spread in a specific matchup. Bettors often use the team’s ATS record to measure the performance of the spread.
MLB picks against the spread today is also known as straight bet. Straight betting is mainly used for NBA, NFL, college, football, and basketball games. Betting against the spread can be simple or complicated if you do not know where to look. A list of games is available to wager on if you look at your online sportsbook MLB card. Look for MLB spread, which many sportsbooks may refer to as ‘run line.’
Next, choose what to wager on between the underdog and the favorite. If New York -1.5 (+105) vs. Washington +1.5 (-170), should you select the favorites, New York needs to win the game with more than two runs. Further, a bettor who wagers on the underdogs, Washington +1.5 (-170), must lose with precisely one run for them to win.
MLB picks ATS: Case Study
Betting against the spread requires the bettor to guess the right margin of victory on a baseball game other than simply predicting who the winner will be. To make informed MLB ATS bets, you must monitor the team’s MLB pick against the spread. Analyze and pick trend lines for varying teams. This will help you know which team to pick and which to avoid.
In the above scenario between Tampa Bay and Oakland Athletics, you need to wager that the Rays will win by two or more runs to win from an ATS bet. Further, betting on the underdog would mean Athletics must lose by one run or less to win.
How to Calculate ATS Payouts
Firstly, there are always three digits next to every spread. The negative numbers show you how much you need to wager to win $100. In the above image, you would have to wager $136 to win $100 if you bet on the favorite. Nonetheless, if you use free MLB picks against the spread, the sportsbook will take its share.
In some cases, you will encounter even bets, which means that no matter what you bet on, the payout remains the same. Nevertheless, this is not always the case, as seen in the image below.
The sportsbook offering the bet above will charge a premium on the favorite’s point spread. Green Bay has a three-point favorite. Moreover, the sportsbook encourages bettors to wager on the Seahawks with -105 odds. For instance, if you bet on Seahawk, they must lose with three points for you to win. The results should be something like; Seattle 24 – Green Bay 27.
$1,000 Risk-Free Bet for all new BetMGM players here
How to Find MLB Expert Picks Against the Spread?
Check out free MLB ATS picks on MLB games this season from your a trusted sportsbook. A trusted sportsbook has full licensure by a reputable gambling commission. They should also have great payout options.
You can also compare and find the best picks that will favor you. Most sportsbooks will share the trending picks through social media and their website. Further, you can get free picks, game previews, and an aligned betting strategy that will increase your chances of making an informed decision.
Moreover, you can use computer-generated MLB predictions against the spread, as offered by different sportsbooks. The computer uses preset algorithms, which combine various contributing factors like previous game results, defensive and offensive statistics, and many others.
