Definition of Backdoor Cover

What does the term "backdoor cover" mean in the world of sports betting? What is the meaning of the term "backdoor cover"?

In a sport like American football, there is a term called the "spread".

For instance, if the New England Patriots are expected to beat the Denver Broncos, there might be a spread of 7 points. So, you would get the Broncos plus seven points, or the Patriots minus seven points. This is the "spread".

With a "backdoor cover", a team will cover the spread in the last few moments of a game.

So, let's say that the Broncos are down by 17 points with three minutes left in the game. They score a touchdown, recover an onside kick and score another touchdown. The Patriots then run out the clock and win the game by three points.

This scenario would be a "backdoor cover", as the Broncos would have covered the spread in the last few minutes of the game.

Sports betting is one of the major reasons why many people will watch games to their conclusion on TV, even if the games aren't close. In many cases, wagers will still be in play thanks to the spread.