Hook

Hook in betting refers to a half-point (0.5) added to a spread or total to avoid a push (tie) in point spread or over/under bets. It is commonly used in American sports betting.

For example, if the point spread is Team A -3.5, the hook is the 0.5. This means Team A must win by at least 4 points for the bet to win. Without the hook, at -3, a 3-point win would result in a push, and the stake would be refunded.

Hooks are crucial in point spread and totals betting as they eliminate ties and force a clear win or loss.