Spread betting is one of most common betting market in American sports like NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Acess to understand.
Last Updated: June 15, 2026In the NHL, we use the Puck Line, though many call it the spread—both mean the same thing: an advantage or a disadvantage. Generally, the Puck Line is set at -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog, while the term ‘spread’ is often used for any other number. In the end, the math is exactly the same:
If your team covers the spread, you win. Imagine you bet on -1.5 and your team wins 3-1, 5-0, or any other result with a 2+ goal margin = that’s a Green. However, if they win by only 1 goal, draw, or lose, you lose the bet.
On the +1.5 side, your team needs to achieve a result better than a 1-goal loss—meaning a 1-goal defeat, a draw, or an outright win all result in a victory for your bet. Otherwise, you lose.
How the 1.5 Spread Works
When you look at the board, you’ll see one team with a minus sign and the other with a plus sign. This “lambuja” (head start) determines exactly what needs to happen for your ticket to cash.
- The Favorite (-1.5): To cover the spread, the favorite must win the game by at least two goals. A 3-2 victory isn’t enough; you need that 4-2 or 5-3 finish.
- The Underdog (+1.5): This side gives you a cushion. Your bet wins if the underdog wins the game outright OR if they lose by exactly one goal.
Point Spread Calculator
The tool automatically applies the spread to the point difference. It provides immediate feedback, showing whether the bet resulted in a Win, a Loss, or a Refunded stake. Lets call it Asian Handcap Calculator, is the same.
Asian Handicap Calculator
Why Bet the Spread Over the Moneyline?
The primary reason to shift from the Moneyline to the Puck Line is value. If a powerhouse team like the Oilers or the Leafs is playing a struggling opponent, their Moneyline price might be too “expensive” to be worth the risk.
By taking them at -1.5, you get much better odds (often moving from a favorite price to a plus-money payout). You are essentially trading the safety of a one-goal win for a higher return on a multi-goal victory. Conversely, taking a scrappy underdog at +1.5 is a popular strategy when you expect a low-scoring “goalie duel” where every inch of ice is contested.
Point Spread Table
While hockey typically uses the standard 1.5 Puck Line, the same calculation logic applies to the NBA and other major sports. This table illustrates how different margins impact your payout. While decimal lines (like 1.5 or 2.5) ensure a clear win or loss, integer lines (like 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0) allow for a push (refund) if the final score matches the spread exactly.
| Spread | Team Result | Bet Result |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Spread (+) – You are the Underdog | ||
| + 1.0 | Win or Draw / Lose by 1 / Lose by 2+ | Won / Refunded / Lost |
| + 1.5 | Win, Draw or Lose by 1 / Lose by 2+ | Won / Lost |
| + 2.0 | Win, Draw or Lose by 1 / Lose by 2 / Lose by 3+ | Won / Refunded / Lost |
| + 2.5 | Win, Draw or Lose by 2 / Lose by 3+ | Won / Lost |
| + 3.0 | Win, Draw or Lose by 2 / Lose by 3 / Lose by 4+ | Won / Refunded / Lost |
| Negative Spread (-) – You are the Favorite | ||
| – 1.0 | Win by 2+ / Win by 1 / Draw or Lose | Won / Refunded / Lost |
| – 1.5 | Win by 2+ / Win by 1, Draw or Lose | Won / Lost |
| – 2.0 | Win by 3+ / Win by 2 / Win by 1, Draw or Lose | Won / Refunded / Lost |
| – 2.5 | Win by 3+ / Win by 2, Draw or Lose | Won / Lost |
| – 3.0 | Win by 4+ / Win by 3 / Win by 2, Draw or Lose | Won / Refunded / Lost |
❓ Point Spread Betting: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it “easier” to win when betting on an underdog spread (+)?
Why does betting on the favorite spread (-) offer better odds?
What makes covering the spread difficult for favorites?
How does the spread provide value in lopsided matchups?
Can I use these same spread rules for the NBA and NHL?
Author:
Lucas Portela
Owner, BoldGambler • Avanhandava/SP
Oddsmaker, affiliate and content creator in the iGaming industry.