Take the Points

Take the Points is a betting term used in point spread betting, particularly in American football and basketball, where a bettor wagers on the underdog with the spread advantage.

For example, if a team is listed as +6.5 underdogs, and you "take the points," you are betting on that team to either win outright or lose by fewer than 6.5 points. If they lose by exactly 6 points or fewer, or win the game, your bet wins.

Bettors "take the points" when they believe the underdog will keep the game close or possibly win outright, rather than betting on the favorite to cover the spread.