Compare Sports Spread Betting Accounts

Sports spread betting is based on predictions made by a bookmaker specifying the range of possible outcomes for different elements of a sporting event. It is based on a spread defined by two prices, a higher 'buy' price and a lower 'sell' price. If you believe the bookmakers 'buy' prediction will be exceeded you 'go long' and conversely if you believe the 'sell' prediction is too generous and that the outcome of the event will be lower you 'go short'.

Unlike traditional fixed odds betting the stake you play with is not fixed, instead you specify a certain amount (in pounds) per point. After the bet is closed the stake per point is multiplied by the difference between the bid price (i.e. the buy or sell price) and the actual outcome. For this reason the potential winnings in a spread bet are uncapped, however so are the losses and if the outcome of an event goes against you, you could end up owing a lot of money.

There are three possible outcomes of a spread bet. When you have predicted the correct direction of the outcome you make a profit, when your prediction is incorrect you make a loss, you can also break even. This is where the outcome of the sporting event is equal to that included in the bookmakers spread. As the spread offered by a bookmaker covers the most likely outcomes, breaking even is quite likely and although you wouldn't owe any additional money you would still lose your initial deposit.

One of the advantages of spread betting is that you can place a bet on almost any sporting event available, ranging from the obvious to the more obscure. Due to variation in the way outcomes of different events are measured, it is essential that prior to placing a bet, you are aware of the units used to define the applicable spread.

Spread betting is based on margins. This means that when you place a bet, instead of placing the whole amount of your stake down prior to the event, you only place a deposit (usually in the range of 10%). The use of margins theoretically allows you to take a larger position than you would have been able to otherwise, meaning that if you win your profits will be greatly enhanced compared to the amount you have paid out (this is known as gearing). However, with this in view, it is also important to remember that if you increase your position, you still need the funds to cover the whole bet if the outcome moves against you. For this reason spread betting is not suitable for everyone and you should only ever bet with money you can afford to lose.