-7 in a point spread means the favored team must win the game by more than seven points for a bet on that team to win. If the team wins by exactly seven points, the result is usually a push and the bet is refunded.
Sports betting can look confusing at first, especially when you see numbers like -7 next to a team’s name. If you are new to betting or just trying to understand game odds better, this number can raise an important question: what does -7 mean in point spread?
In this guide, we will break down the meaning of -7, explain how point spreads work, show real examples, and help you understand how wins, losses, and pushes are determined. By the end, you will be able to read point spreads with confidence and understand what sportsbooks are really saying about a matchup.
What Does -7 Mean in Point Spread?
In sports betting, -7 indicates that a team is favored by seven points.
This means:
- The team with -7 is expected to win
- They must win by more than seven points for a bet on them to be successful
- Winning by exactly seven points usually results in a push
In other words, the point spread levels the playing field between a stronger team and a weaker one.
Why Point Spreads Exist
Point spreads are designed to make betting fair and balanced.
Instead of simply picking who will win, bettors must consider how much a team will win by. This creates equal betting interest on both sides and helps sportsbooks manage risk.
For example, if one team is clearly stronger, many people would bet on them to win outright. By using a point spread like -7, sportsbooks encourage bettors to think more carefully.
Understanding Favorites and Underdogs
To fully understand -7, you need to know the difference between favorites and underdogs.
The Favorite
- The favorite is the stronger team
- It is marked with a minus number like -7
- The favorite must win by more than the spread
The Underdog
- The underdog is the weaker team
- It is marked with a plus number like +7
- The underdog can lose by up to six points and still cover the spread
How a -7 Point Spread Works in Practice
Let us look at a simple example.
Example Matchup
Team A: -7
Team B: +7
If you bet on Team A:
- Team A must win by eight or more points for you to win
- A seven point win is a push
- A win by six points or less loses the bet
If you bet on Team B:
- Team B can win outright and you still win
- Team B can lose by six points or fewer and you still win
- Losing by exactly seven points is a push
-7 Point Spread Outcome Table
| Final Score Result | Bet on -7 Team | Bet on +7 Team |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite wins by 10 | Win | Lose |
| Favorite wins by 7 | Push | Push |
| Favorite wins by 6 | Lose | Win |
| Underdog wins | Lose | Win |
This table shows why understanding the number matters just as much as knowing which team is better.
What Is a Push in a -7 Point Spread?
A push happens when the final score lands exactly on the point spread.
With a -7 spread:
- The favorite wins by exactly seven points
- No one wins or loses the bet
- Most sportsbooks refund the wager
Pushes are common with whole numbers like seven because seven is a very common margin of victory in sports like football.
Why Seven Is an Important Number in Sports Betting
The number seven is especially important in football.
This is because:
- Touchdowns are worth six points
- Extra points usually make them seven
- Many games are decided by seven point margins
Because of this, a -7 spread is considered a key number, meaning it has extra significance when betting.
Half Points and the Difference Between -7 and -7.5
Sometimes you will see -7.5 instead of -7.
This small difference matters a lot.
-7
- Winning by seven points is a push
- Winning by eight points or more wins the bet
-7.5
- Winning by seven points loses the bet
- Winning by eight points or more wins the bet
Sportsbooks use half points to avoid pushes and increase clarity.
Common Examples of -7 in Real Games
Here are a few realistic scenarios.
Football Example
A top ranked team plays a weaker opponent at home.
The sportsbook sets the line at -7, meaning the stronger team is expected to win by about one touchdown.
Basketball Example
A dominant team faces a rebuilding team.
A -7 spread suggests the game is expected to be competitive but still controlled by the favorite.
Emotional Tone Behind a -7 Spread
A -7 spread usually signals confidence, but not dominance.
It suggests:
- The favorite is clearly better
- The underdog is still competitive
- The game is not expected to be a blowout
This makes -7 one of the most balanced and commonly used spreads.
Common Mistakes Bettors Make with -7
Many beginners misunderstand what -7 really means.
Mistake One: Thinking the Team Just Has to Win
Winning the game is not enough. The team must win by more than seven points.
Mistake Two: Ignoring Push Possibilities
A seven point win does not pay out. It usually results in a refund.
Mistake Three: Not Considering Late Game Scenarios
Coaches may stop scoring late, which can turn a potential cover into a push or loss.
Polite and Professional Ways to Explain -7
If you are explaining betting to someone new, here are clear ways to say it.
- The team is favored by seven points
- They need to win by more than seven to cover
- A seven point win results in a push
These explanations are clear and beginner friendly.
Alternate Meanings of -7
Outside of sports betting, -7 can simply mean a negative number or a drop in value.
However, in betting contexts, -7 almost always refers to a point spread.
Context is key.
FAQs
1. What does -7 mean in point spread betting?
It means the favored team must win by more than seven points for the bet to win.
2. What happens if the team wins by exactly seven?
The bet is usually a push and the wager is refunded.
3. Is -7 a big point spread?
It is considered moderate. It suggests a clear favorite but not a blowout.
4. Is -7 common in football?
Yes. Seven is one of the most common point spreads in football.
5. What is better for bettors, -7 or -7.5?
It depends. -7 offers push protection, while -7.5 removes the chance of a push.
6. Can underdogs win with +7?
Yes. They can win outright or lose by six points or fewer and still cover.
7. Does -7 guarantee the favorite will win?
No. It is only a prediction, not a guarantee.
8. Why do sportsbooks use point spreads?
They use point spreads to balance betting action and reflect expected outcomes.
Conclusion
So, what does -7 mean in point spread betting? It means the team is favored and must win by more than seven points for a bet on them to succeed.
To recap:
- -7 shows the expected margin of victory
- Winning by seven points results in a push
- Winning by eight or more points wins the bet
- Seven is a key number, especially in football
- Small changes like half points can make a big difference
Understanding -7 helps you read betting lines accurately and make smarter decisions before placing a wager.
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