Spread betting is a common sports bet. But did you know most online sportsbooks provide alternative lines and spreads? Alternate lines can also let you change the point spread or total to boost your odds.
This comprehensive tutorial covers spread betting, alternative lines, and how to use them when betting on sports.
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Betting against the spread entails betting on a game's margin of victory. Online sportsbooks set spreads, which predict a team's win or loss.
An NFL game between the Patriots and Jets may have a Patriots -7 spread. This implies the Patriots are 7-point favorites.
Betting on whether the Patriots win by more or less than 7 points. Bets on the Patriots must win by eight or more to pay. Bet on the Jets +7, and they must lose by 6 or win.
NFL spreads are 3 and 7, and NBA spreads are 5 and 10. Sportsbooks use spreads to distribute public money between teams.
There are a few reasons spread betting is so popular compared to moneyline wagering:
Spreads offer better odds and potential payouts.
The team you bet on can lose, but you can still win your spread bet.
Spreads make games more competitive and exciting to wager on.
Betting against the spread involves more strategy, analysis, and the opportunity to profit. Sportsbooks aim to have equal money on both sides of each spread.
At most online sportsbooks, you’ll see the option to bet alternate lines and alternate spreads. This allows you to adjust the standard spread or total set by the sportsbook.
For example, if the spread for a football game is Lions -6.5 vs. Bears, but you think the Lions will win by 10+ points, you can take an alternate spread of Lions -10.5.
Here are some examples of alternate lines:
Buccaneers: -14.5 instead of -7
Lakers -5 instead of -10
Over 255 total instead of 230
The odds and payouts are adjusted accordingly based on how far the alternate deviates from the standard line. Alternate spreads allow you to increase or decrease your risk and potential winnings.
Here are some of the benefits of betting on alternate spreads and totals:
Get better odds if you strongly like one side.
Hedge against a backdoor cover.
Add excitement by increasing the margin you bet on.
Reduce your risk by lowering the spread.
Using alternate lines effectively takes skill and knowledge. A bettor needs to think strategically about key numbers, averages, and stats to place an alternate betting odds.
Betting on alternate line involves a lot of study. To consistently win wagering against the spread, here are some key tips:
Shop for the best line. Compare spreads at multiple sportsbooks to find reduced juice or the best number. An extra half-point matters.
Study key numbers. Know the key spreads like 3, 7, and 10. Monitor line movements.
Use proper bankroll management. Don’t chase losses or overextend your bankroll. Have a budget.
Look for mismatches. Target games with a big difference in team talent or motivation.
Research home/away splits—home field advantage matters. Look at teams' cover rates at home vs. away.
Follow line moves: If a spread gets bet up or down, it signals sharp action.
Leverage alternate totals: Adjust the over/under total to increase the potential payout at reduced risk.
Buy points: Some books let you buy points ATS as a form of alternate line.
By using smart strategy and getting the best lines, your spread bets will have a greater chance of cashing in.
Not all sports betting sites offer alternate lines and spreads. Here are some top-rated sportsbooks with the best alternate line options:
FanDuel: Extensive “alternate point spread and total options" on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.
DraftKings: alternate spreads with adjusted odds. Bet on 10, 14, or 20-point NFL spreads.
PointsBet: The unique "PointsBetting" model lets you adjust the spread for higher risk or reward.
WynnBET: Allows buying points to adjust the spread up or down.
BetMGM: Bet alternate run lines on MLB games. Also offers spread and total alternates.
BetRivers offers alternate points spreads and total options with odds adjusted accordingly.
Be sure only to bet at regulated and reputable sportsbooks for spread betting. Avoid off-shore sites with scam risks and poor odds.
Use proper sports betting bankroll management and smart strategy with underdogs, favorites, and alternate lines to maximize profits.
Study stats like cover rates, turnover margins, and home/away records when betting spreads.
Shop lines at multiple sportsbooks to find the best spreads and alternate line options.
Know the current point-spread market. Follow line moves to spot significant betting.
Leverage welcome bonuses, odds boosts, risk-free bets, and other special offers when available.
Don't force bets. Be selective and only wager when you have a clear edge identified.
Spread betting allows you to wager on sports at reduced risk while betting on teams to cover the margin. With alternate lines, you can increase your payout potential.
This guide covers everything you need to know about betting against the spread and using alternate lines. Finding value in the point spread market takes research and analysis.
By taking advantage of the tips covered, you'll be able to bet spreads and alternate lines successfully. Just be sure to show discipline, bet selectively, and gamble responsibly.
A +1.5 alternate spread means the underdog team is getting 1.5 points added to their final score for betting purposes. If the underdog loses by 1 point, bets on them +1.5 points would still win since their adjusted score with the alternate spread would equal a tie.
In an alternate spread, a minus sign (-) before the point spread indicates the favorite and the number of points that team must win by to cover the spread. For example, a -3 alternate spread means the favorite must win by more than 3 points to cover.
An alternate spread is a type of bet where the oddsmaker adjusts the traditional point spread to entice more betting on both sides. The alternate spread allows bettors to bet on a game at either a larger or smaller point spread than the standard spread.
An alternate total bet, also known as an over/under bet, allows you to bet on whether the total combined score by both teams will be over or under an adjusted total set by the sportsbook. It works similar to a standard over/under bet but with a higher or lower total points line.
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