Keeping a clear strategy and managing expectations is vital for long-term success in sports betting
In sports betting, the terms “backdoor cover” and “cover” are crucial concepts that help bettors understand how outcomes relate to point spreads. These terms are commonly used when betting on sports like football or basketball, where point spreads often determine the bets’ results.
A “cover” occurs when the team you bet on beats the point spread. For example, if a team is favored by 9 points, they must win by more than 9 for a bettor wagering on them to win. Conversely, if you bet on the underdog, they can either win outright or lose by fewer than the spread to cover. In essence, covering refers to the team’s performance relative to the spread, regardless of whether they win or lose the game outright.
A “backdoor cover” happens when a team manages to cover the spread late in the game, often in situations where the overall game outcome has already been decided. This scenario frequently involves a team scoring points in the closing moments, altering the betting result but not necessarily the game’s winner.
For instance, if a heavily favored team leads by a significant margin and the underdog scores a meaningless touchdown in the final seconds, that late score could allow the underdog to cover the spread—this is the backdoor cover.
Understanding these terms is essential because they highlight how betting results can be influenced by events that might seem insignificant to the game’s outcome. This knowledge helps bettors make informed decisions, especially when assessing point spreads or considering how a game might unfold.

Editor at the Big Blind, is a rising star in gambling journalism with a decade of experience, focusing on clear and accessible communication for a diverse audience.