A hook in sports betting — more commonly called "the hook" — is the name for the last half point of a non-whole number spread. So if a team is a 3.5-point underdog, the last 0.5 points is considered "the hook."
Of course, a team cannot win or lose by a half-point. So why would you ever reference this half-point? Let's dive in.
What Is "The Hook" in Sports Betting?
Consider an example of Ohio State being favored by 7.5 over Wisconsin. The hook is the ".5" being tacked onto the 7.
As such, the following phrases are fairly common regarding the hook:
- "Laying the hook"
Taking the favorite with the extra half-point. If you think the favorite will win, you "lay the favorite," but sometimes the sportsbooks will add an extra half-point so others will take the underdog. In this case, you're getting the favorite for -3.5 instead of 3, which means the favorite has to win by 4 or more for you to win the bet.
- "Losing by the hook"
As it sounds, losing by a half point is a big deal. In the above example, with the Buckeyes favored by 7.5 points, if Ohio State wins by exactly 7, OSU bettors would "lose by the hook."
- "[Number] and the hook"
A way of phrasing the point spread in a given game. "Ohio State is favored by seven and the hook."
- "Buying the hook"
Buying a half point off a whole number. In a case where Iowa is +3, "buying the hook" would mean buying a half point to +3.5.
If you'd like to learn more college football betting, check out these resource guides:
- College Football Betting Tips for Profitability
- College Football Betting Tips on Fading the Public
- Additionally, check out our expert team with College Football Picks and real-time College Football Odds
Next in Betting Education 101: Hedging
