Bram Welch has been writing about sports betting and iGaming for over five years now, starting as a freelancer before joining our team. Previously he worked teaching English as a foreign language and as a journalist for the UK's largest regional newspaper.
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Writer and editor with over 15 years of experience in the iGaming industry, having worked for TeamTalk, ClubCall, Planet Sport and several Tier 1 and Tier 2 sportsbooks. Passionate Middlesbrough FC supporter.
All posts by Andrew MorganWhat does alt points mean? Alt points are when you can place spread and over/under bets without using the markers set by online sportsbooks. This can result in a greater chance of winning bets.
We will look at how to find alt lines, why sportsbooks offer them, and the advantages of using alternative total lines.
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Examples of Alt Points Betting
When you are looking for NBA matches to bet on at online sportsbooks, they are usually listed with three main betting. These are the moneyline, total, and spread markets. Here is an example:
Spread bets are listed with a marker that favors one team and handicaps the underdog. In the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Atlanta Hawks match, for example, the spread line is 2.5 in favor of the Cavaliers. The totals market also has a similar marker that indicates what total the points need to be over or under (in this case 216).
However, if you click on the match, you can find alternate points markers for both the spread and over/under bets.
You might believe that sportsbooks have called it wrong. Alternate lines allow you to go against the grain and place the advantage more in a particular team’s favor.
You can also use alternate lines to bet on different over/under bets. If you play safely, an alternate spread could reduce the risk of a losing bet. Conversely, these point spreads could increase the amount you stand to win if you are willing to bet more boldly.
Alternate Totals
The totals markets are listed as over/under with a number next to them. This number is the marker.
In the Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards match you would bet on the total score to be above or below the marker of 223.5. However, you can click on a match to explore the alternate totals markets and place a different over/under bet. For example, you could bet on the total score being over or under 200 instead. This is an alternate totals bet.
Why Do Sportsbooks Offer Alt Points Betting?
There are alternate points markets that have shorter odds than those listed in the main three. Shorter betting odds equals smaller payouts therefore it is in the interest of local and offshore sportsbooks to offer these alternate markets.
Managing the risk of a bet will also lower the odds therefore players may be tempted to overcompensate on their stake and therefore risk more money to get the same payout as if they had chosen the sportsbooks line points. If the wager ultimately loses, then the sports betting site stands to gain.
The biggest advantage that sportsbooks get from offering alternate lines is more customers. With more markets available, there are more potential bets and therefore, the chance to attract more customers.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Alt Lines
Alternate betting lines allow more flexibility for the bettor. There is also more space for different betting styles. Bettors might think the sportsbook has incorrectly judged who the favorite is. Alternate lines allow you to enjoy longer odds by betting against the sportsbook line markers.
Even if you agree with the favorite, alternate lines can be useful for managing risk. Instead of increasing your odds you can reduce them to increase the likelihood of a successful bet.
Sportsbooks need players to lose to remain profitable. This means the standard lines are usually more favorable to the site. If you use alternative lines then the power is in your hands.
When the suggested line marker is a whole number there is a possibility your wager will end in a void or push bet. You can use alternate lines to bet on markers with .5s. In spread betting this is known as buying the hook. It is a standard point spread.
When using alternate betting lines it is important to control your confidence. While there can be larger odds if you push the alternate lines, sometimes bets can lose by small margins. Although increasing a spread bet from +3.5 to +4.5 will increase the odds, you could end up very frustrated if a single point is why the bet is unsuccessful. This is why adding more points isn’t necessarily the best option.
Alt Lines vs The Spread & Totals
The spread and totals line markers are the ones initially set by the sportsbook. These are listed in the main three markets shown next to sports matches at online betting sites. Alternate lines are the ones you find deeper in the markets for each match.
Alternative lines could be more beneficial because you can push the spread or totals marker to get longer odds. They can also be beneficial because you can aim for a lower line marker and take more control over the risk of your bet.
You must be aware of overconfidence while using alternative lines to get longer odds. If you choose a higher total line marker or bigger handicap on a team in point spreads, you are taking on additional risk. Therefore you could stand to win more but the risk is larger.
Also, you could be frustrated if your alternative lines bet does not succeed, but the same bet with the original sportsbook line markers does.
It is best not to wager based on how much you could win. Instead, you should focus on what is more likely to happen.
How Do I Find Alt Lines?
First, you need to find a sportsbook and make an account. You can find many recommended sportsbooks at Basketball Insiders so just follow one of our links.
For most sportsbooks, you will need to click the ‘Register’ or ‘Join Now’ button in the top right-hand corner. Then, complete the registration form you are taken to. Once you are registered, head to the cashier or banking section and make a deposit.
Once you have made a deposit, you have funds to wager with. Now you need to choose a bet.
Let’s use the NBA as an example. Find Basketball from the list of sports. Choose NBA, find a match to bet on, and click on it. Browse the additional markets until you find alternate lines for spread and totals betting.
Then, all you need to do is click the odds to add them to your betting slip.
Examples of Alt Lines
These are some of the markets online sports betting sites may offer alternative betting lines for. The list is exhaustive but not comprehensive.
Alt Total Points
Bet on the total number of points in a match. This is the score of both teams added together. Alt total points markets allow you to bet on the total score of a match with an alternative marker to the one offered by the sportsbook.
Alt Rebounds
The rebounds market is a player prop. This market allows you to set your own marker when betting on the number of rebounds a player will make.
Alt Assists
The assists market is a player prop that lets you wager over/under on how many assists a player will make in a match. Alt assists allow you to bet on this market with your own line marker.
Alt Passing Yards
Passing yards markets are an over/under player prop market. This is where you wager on how far one player will pass a ball throughout an NFL game. Use alt-passing yards to bet on this market while deciding your own line marker.
Alt Receiving Yards
The receiving yards market is an over/under market on how many yards a team or player will make from catching passes throughout a football game. You can explore this market with alternative line markers.
Conclusion
Alternate points are a way to bet on over/under markets while avoiding the less-than-favorable markers that sportsbooks offer. Beyond spread bets, you can find alternate points on a variety of different over/under, team prop, and player prop markets. They are available in a wide range of sports. These include those with popular leagues in the US such as basketball, football, and hockey.
Alternate points give bettors more flexibility. This means you can push for longer odds or act more conservatively for shorter odds.
Alternate Points Betting FAQs
What are alt points?
How do alt bets work?
Is there a difference between alternate total points and alt points?
In which sports and lines are you most likely to find alt points?
Are alt lines always available?
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