You might wonder why you often see half points when looking at online betting options when there are none in the actual sports. That’s because the half point ensures whether a bet will be a winning or losing one.
And if you’re not sure how to make half point bets, there’s a handy half point calculator that will help you along. This tool has helped many players recognize the value of buying or selling half-points when betting on sports online. We’ll guide you through it and help you understand how half point betting works.
Go to BetMGMHalf point betting refers to placing bets on sports events where a score can be determined by larger numbers, like basketball, American football, and baseball. For example, bettors wager on point spreads that include half a point (.5) and where outcomes can be decided by narrow margins. Here are some key aspects of half point betting:
| Point spread | We set the point spread with a half-point to eliminate the possibility of a tie (or push). |
| Betting odds | Typically, half point betting odds are set at -110, meaning that for every $110 wagered, a bettor stands to win $100. |
| No pushes | Sportsbooks use half-points to reduce the chance of a push, which possibly benefits both sides. |
| Strategic use | To improve their winning chances, perceptive bettors often adjust the spread by half a point (buying points). |
This betting tool is typically used by bettors to determine the possible impact of a half-point spread on the outcome of a wager. This is particularly applicable to point spread betting where lines can often end in half a point. For example, an NBA game could be listed with a spread of 110.5 points instead of 110 or 111. This is extremely significant because it impacts whether the bet is won or lost.
So, an odds calculator helps players estimate how switching a spread by half a point can impact the likelihood of a bet covering the spread, as well as winnings and losses. These calculators typically allow bettors to type in different odds and spreads, swiftly and accurately calculating all the possible outcomes based on the given data.
So, a free half point calculator is not challenging to use. You, as a bettor, need to input the following parameters:
Then, the betting spread calculator provides the following:
If you’re wondering whether these betting calculators are the right choice for you, here’s what our SportsGambler experts have to say:
Anyone could experience difficulties using a new software tool for betting, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. So, here’s a detailed step-by-step on how to use this calculator:
Go to your preferred bookmaker and look for the current spread and odds.
Make sure to also count in your budget and how much you want to wager here.
Open our calculator and type in all the request data.
Look at the break-even percentages and potential payouts to determine your winning chances.
Think whether the payout is worth the risk and consider all the factors before placing a bet.
Let’s say you are going to bet on basketball game where Team A is favored to win by -5 points. So, it would look something like this:
Your next step is to type in that data into the calculator. Then, the tool might show something like this:
Considering this analysis, you might decide that a spread of -4.5 offers a greater chance of success compared to a spread of -5. That’s because it’s easier to cover the spread, there’s a bigger chance of winning, and you’ll be avoiding pushes. However, if this is not your thing, you can always go for the moneyline calculator and see what kind of winnings odds you have there.
Tools like half point calculators prove to be invaluable for any sports bettor looking to improve their decision-making process. Although there are some cons like over-reliance on modern tools without using your own judgement, the advantages of using this software overshadow any doubts you might have. We advise you that this tool should only be a part of your strategy and not your entire guide to online betting.
You can use this calculator for almost any sport, but it’s most often used for basketball, baseball, and American football.
Yes, you can. Take advantage of our free calculator placed on this page and find out what kind of half point strategy works best for you.
Yes, they can, mostly in sports where point spreads are often close.
Go to BetMGM
