ATS in Sports Betting: Against the Spread Explained
In the world of sports betting, “ATS” stands for “Against the Spread.” This term is commonly used when referring to how a team performs relative to the betting line set by sportsbooks, rather than simply whether they win or lose the game outright. Understanding ATS is critical for serious bettors because it provides a clearer picture of how well a team performs in relation to market expectations.
What Is the Point Spread?
The point spread is a handicap that sportsbooks apply to even out betting action on both sides of a game. One team is designated as the favorite and must win by a certain number of points (the spread), while the underdog is given a points advantage. The goal is to make both teams equally attractive for bettors.
For example, if the New England Patriots are -7 against the Miami Dolphins, it means the Patriots must win by more than 7 points for a bet on them to win “against the spread.” If they win by exactly 7, the bet is a push, and if they win by fewer than 7 or lose outright, the bet is a loss.
What Does “ATS Record” Mean?
A team’s ATS record reflects how often it covers the spread, not how often it wins games. For example, a team might have a win-loss record of 6-10 but an ATS record of 10-6. This indicates that while they lost many games, they performed better than expected according to the spread.
ATS records are often tracked throughout the season and are a key metric for bettors. Teams that consistently beat the spread are seen as undervalued by the betting markets, while those that frequently fail to cover may be overhyped.
ATS in Practice
Let’s say you bet on the Chicago Bulls at +5 against the Milwaukee Bucks. This means the Bulls can lose by up to 4 points, and your bet still wins. If the Bulls lose 102-100, they lose the game but win “against the spread,” and so do you.
Alternatively, if you bet on the Bucks -5 and they win 110-104, they win the game but fail to cover the spread, resulting in an ATS loss for the bet.
Why ATS Matters
- More Insightful Analysis: ATS helps bettors understand how teams perform relative to betting expectations, which is often more informative than simple win-loss stats.
- Better Bankroll Management: Bettors use ATS data to identify profitable trends and manage their betting strategy accordingly.
- Market Efficiency: The spread adjusts weekly based on performance, public perception, and injuries. ATS trends can reveal inefficiencies in how sportsbooks set lines.
ATS vs. Moneyline
While ATS involves beating the spread, moneyline betting only requires a team to win outright. Because moneyline bets do not factor in point spreads, they are simpler but typically offer lower payouts on favorites. ATS betting is more strategic and allows for profitable opportunities even when betting on underdogs.
Tracking ATS Trends
Serious bettors analyze historical ATS records, especially in certain scenarios:
- Home vs. away games
- As favorites vs. underdogs
- After a loss or win
- In divisional matchups
- Under specific coaches or in certain stadiums
These trends can help predict how a team might perform against the spread in future matchups.
Conclusion
“Against the Spread” (ATS) is a foundational concept in sports betting. It shifts the focus from just winning the game to outperforming expectations. Whether you’re betting on NFL, NBA, or college sports, understanding and using ATS data can significantly enhance your betting strategy. By focusing on how teams perform relative to the spread, not just the scoreboard, bettors can find value and make more informed wagers.
