what does a spread of -7 mean?

TLDR: A -7 point spread in sports betting indicates that the favored team must win by more than seven points for a bet on them to be successful. If they win by exactly seven points, the bet is a push, and if they win by fewer points or lose, the bet is lost.

A -7 point spread signifies that the favored team is expected to win by at least seven points. For a bet on the favorite to be successful, they must win by more than this margin. If they win by exactly seven points, the result is a "push," meaning the bettor neither wins nor loses their stake. This concept is prevalent in sports like football and basketball, where scoring can vary significantly.

In practical terms, if Team A is favored over Team B with a -7 spread, Team A must win by more than seven points for the bet to pay off. This spread is commonly seen in the NFL, where it often reflects a touchdown and an extra point, and in basketball, where it indicates a modest favorite. Bettors should consider factors such as team performance, injuries, and historical matchups when placing bets on a -7 spread to enhance their chances of success.