Sporting spreads are simply spread bets based on the outcomes of sporting events. Each sport is different but the philosophy remains the same. For every type of bet, the bookmaker will "set the spread".

 For example, with a total runs bet in cricket, the bookmaker will set the total amount of runs he thinks the team will score (eg 250).So 250 is the spread. It is then up to you to decide if the team will score more or less runs than the 250 total.  After the team have batted, you will be paid or have to pay for every point difference to this 250 depending on where you bet.

So, if you had said you thought that the team would score more runs than 250 and they ended up scoring 300 you would have won 50 points. You set the value for each point before the bet takes place.

Sporting spreads can be volatile but you will have the option to limit your losses if you chose to before the bet takes place.