What Does ATS (Against the Spread) Mean at Ohio Sportsbooks?

ATS means against the spread. It's how sharp bettors — and anyone tracking their own record — measure performance on point spread betting rather than straight wins and losses. A team can win a game outright and still lose ATS. That's the whole point.

How does ATS actually work?

A point spread is a handicap applied to the favored team. You're wagering on whether a team wins by more points than the spread, or whether the underdog keeps it close enough. Say the Browns are -6.5. They win 17–10. They won the game. They lost ATS. That 6.5-point margin is everything when you're betting the spread.

ATS record is just a tally of those results. If you went 34–28 ATS last NFL season, that means you covered the spread 34 times and failed to cover 28 times. It tells you a lot more than your straight win-loss record does.

What does -110 have to do with ATS bets?

Almost every spread bet at Ohio-licensed sportsbooks is priced at -110 on both sides. That's the vig (juice) built into the line. At -110, the house margin is roughly 4.5% on a two-outcome market. To break even ATS over time, you need to win about 52.4% of your bets — not 50%. That gap is the sportsbook's edge, and it never goes away.

This is why your ATS record matters more than gut feel. Tracking it honestly keeps you grounded about whether you're actually beating the spread or just running hot.

Is ATS different from a moneyline bet?

Yes, completely. A moneyline bet is just pick the winner, no spread involved. ATS adds the margin requirement. Both bet types are standard at all OCCC-licensed Ohio sportsbooks. Ohio mobile wagering launched January 1, 2023, so you can track your ATS results across apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and others.

In Ohio, you must be 21 or older to bet. Bonuses and promos vary by operator — always read the full terms before opting in, since conditions apply.

Where does ATS fit in the bigger picture?

It's one of the most useful stats in your betting toolkit. Pair it with the other terms in the Ohio Sports Betting Glossary and you'll read lines a lot more clearly. No spread bet is a guaranteed winner — ever. Play within your limits. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.