ATS Sports Betting Explained: What Does ATS Stand For?
If you have looked into sports betting, you may have seen the term ATS and wondered what it means. It appears on betting sites, in match previews and on tipster pages.
Understanding ATS could help you make sense of certain markets you might see online, especially when comparing how different sportsbooks present the same fixture.
Curious how it fits alongside simple match winner bets, or how results are settled? Then read on to learn more.
Understanding ATS Sports Betting Meaning
ATS stands for Against The Spread. Rather than only picking who wins a game, you are deciding whether a team will perform better or worse than a margin set by the bookmaker, known as the spread or handicap.
Take a football match where one side is a strong favourite. The favourite might be listed at -3.5. A bet on that team ATS requires them to win by four points or more for the wager to be settled as a win. Backing the underdog at +3.5 pays if they either win the match or lose by three or fewer.
Handicaps are set using team form, injuries and other data. That margin aims to level the field for betting purposes, which can make one sided fixtures feel more competitive from a market point of view. Most UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-regulated sportsbooks explain how their spreads work in the market rules, so it could be worth checking those if a line looks unusual.
If you do decide to try your hand at sports betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
What Is the Difference Between ATS and Straight Bets?
A straight bet is the most direct option, since you pick which team or player wins, with no points advantage involved. Your selection either wins the match or it does not, and the bet settles on that basis.
ATS adds a points margin into the mix. The favourite gives up points, the underdog receives them, and your bet is judged on the adjusted score after that margin is applied. For instance, a heavy favourite might win the game yet still not cover a large spread, which means a straight bet on them would win but an ATS bet on them could lose.
That is the key difference. Straight bets rely only on the actual result, whereas ATS markets depend on both the scoreline and the handicap. If you are comparing prices across sites, you may see the same spread labelled as handicap, point spread or simply spread. The idea is the same.
How Do I Calculate ATS Results for a Game?
An ATS result is worked out by applying the spread to the final score, then comparing the adjusted totals.
If a team is -5.5, subtract 5.5 from their actual score. If their adjusted score is still higher than the opponent’s, they have covered the spread. If a team is +5.5, add 5.5 to their final score. If the adjusted total is higher, the underdog has covered.
Half points are common because they remove the chance of a tie on the line. When spreads are whole numbers, a result that lands exactly on the number is usually called a push, which is most often returned to the account rather than paid or lost. Settlement rules, such as whether overtime counts, can vary by sport, so it might be a good idea to check the market rules shown on the bet slip or help pages if you are unsure. Support teams can clarify anything that is not obvious.
Bet On Sports Online
If you want to explore ATS alongside other markets, Mr Luck brings football, tennis, cricket and basketball together in one place, with clear prices and simple navigation. You can filter by competition, compare spreads with match winner odds, and switch odds formats to what suits you best.
We are licensed and regulated by the UKGC, with transparent market rules and tools that help you manage your play in line with your preferences and budget, including deposit limits and reality checks. If you are new to spreads, our guides explain what each line means before you potentially add a selection to the bet slip, and our customer team is on hand if you need a second look at how a bet has settled.
When you are ready, feel free to place a wager that fits your plan and budget, then track it live with our in play updates. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
