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What Does ‘Taking Points’ Mean in Sports Betting?

what-does-taking-points-mean

“Taking points” means you are betting on the underdog in a point spread bet.

You are accepting the “head start” the sportsbook is giving your team.

This is the exact opposite of “laying points.”

How to Spot It

You are “taking points” whenever you bet on the team with the plus sign (+) next to the spread.

  • New York Giants +7.5
  • Dallas Cowboys -7.5

If you bet on the Giants, you are “taking 7.5 points.”

Why You Do It

You’re betting that the underdog will keep the game close (or win outright).

Using the example above:

  • You start the game with a phantom score of Giants 7.5, Cowboys 0.
  • Even if the Giants lose the real game 27-21 (a 6-point loss), you win your bet because you had those extra 7.5 points in your pocket.