The point spreads are to even out the money for the bookies. If people are betting heavy on one team they'll give the other team more points. Bookies make money on the vigorish. (the fee they charge for placing the bet) They pay the winners from the losers share which is why they want the money even on both sides. I have a friend that makes his living on betting on football. He only bets on games where the spread gets out of whack and then he bets heavy $5k to $10k+ per game. Unfortunately he absolutely refuses to share his picks with anyone.
