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All posts by David MyersIf you’re wondering ‘what does alt points mean?’, you’ve come to the right place. In short, alternate (or alternative) points allow you to maximize potential payouts by wagering on odds that differ from the official sportsbook line.
Here, we delve into the meaning of alt points, discuss the benefits of alternative bets, and answer common questions like, ‘what are alt points in the NBA?’ and ‘what does alt total points mean?’
What Are Alt Points in Sports Betting?
Let’s dive in. What does alternate points mean? Alt points adjust the original line to give bettors additional options. If a betting site‘s odds seem too high or low, you can choose an alternative line for a bigger potential payout or lower risk.
Alt Points When Betting on the Spread
In alt point spreads, offshore sportsbooks increase or decrease the predicted point difference between two teams. For example, a bookmaker may set the official line favoring the Denver Nuggets over the Miami Heat by two points: -2 (-108).
If you think the Nuggets will win by at least four points, you can bet on this alt-point line: -4.5 (+132). Because the odds are longer, a winning payout increases to $132 for every $100 you wager. Similarly, with the following tennis example, Alexander Zverev is +145 with a -6.5 on the game spread.
Alt Points When Betting on Totals
Alt points also enable alternate over/under bets on combined game point totals. Crypto betting sites may post NFL total alt points lines like this: 49ers vs. Chiefs, 48 points (over/under: -110).
However, you may also see alternate lines, such as over 51.5 (+118) or under 36 (+450). These allow you to bet on less probable outcomes for the chance of a slightly or significantly higher payout.
Alt Points When Betting on Prop Bets
Another popular bet type, prop bets allows you to wager on events within a game, for example, with MLB betting, a pitcher’s strikeout total or the first team to score. Alt-point lines provide different options for each of these prop bets.
For example, a sportsbook may publish multiple lines on how many three-pointers Caitlin Clark will have. The official line may look like this: over/under 3.5 three-pointers per game (-110). An “alt threes” line may look like this: over 2.5 (-225), under 2.5 (+174).
Why Do Sportsbooks Offer Alternate Points Betting?
Alt-point betting provides additional options, attracting more bettors and wagers to the sharpest betting sites. Sportsbooks want you to keep betting with them, even if you don’t always love their odds. By offering increased flexibility, they hope to lower the chances that you’ll bet somewhere else with the more favorable odds you prefer.
The Positives of Alt Points
The main appeal of alt-point betting is the potential for a big payout. If you feel strongly that the sportsbook’s original odds are off, you can wager on a potentially more profitable line. In addition, alt points provide more options. Whether you are odds shopping or want more control over your wagers, alt points offer increased flexibility.
Alt Points and Parlays
Alt points also give you more flexibility when building parlays. Parlays combine multiple bets into one ticket, lowering the odds but increasing potential returns. Incorporating alt-point lines into your parlay allows you to boost potential payouts even more.
Alt Lines vs. the Spread & Totals
Except for some spread-like wagers in baseball and NHL betting markets, most point spread and total bets feature a standard line of -110. Alt-point odds vary more widely. For example, you may see alt-line odds of +450 or -725.
Official lines give you little say in the risk/reward balance. Alternate lines, however, offer a bigger potential payout for riskier predictions. To capitalize on standard lines, you should be confident that something is off with the official line.
How Do I Find Alt Lines?
Many sportsbooks put alt lines next to the original game lines. They often appear on tabs with names like “alternate lines,” ”alternate spread,” or ”alternate total points.” Other popular sportsbooks have a section called “more wagers” with their available alternate lines.
Alt-Line Betting – Tips and Strategies
Knowing the meaning of alternate points is only the first step in educating yourself on alt-line betting. The following tips can help you make the most of alternative lines:
✅ Do Research: Successful alt-line betting requires special insight into the game. Thorough research can help you identify opportunities where you believe the bookmaker’s odds may be off.
✅ Shop Around for the Best Odds: Alt lines allow you to take advantage of many more odds opportunities. Look at various sportsbooks to make sure you’re getting the best lines.
✅ Manage Your Bankroll: Low odds mean high potential payouts but also big potential losses. Set a betting limit and stick to it, avoiding the temptation to chase losing bets with risky wagers. Remember, always gamble responsibly.
✅ Remain Disciplined: Remember that oddsmakers carefully set each line. Smart betting requires discipline and careful betting strategy in the face of increased wagering options and potential payouts.
Examples of Alt Points in Basketball and Football
Basketball and football are two of the most popular sports for Americans to bet on in the United States. With that in mind, let’s explore alt points in the NBA and the NFL, as these leagues typically feature the following alternate spreads and lines:
Alt Points in NBA
What are alternate points in the NBA? At the game level, they cover total points and point spreads. At the player level, they often refer to the number of points scored in a game.
Alt Rebounds in NBA
If you’re researching “player alt points meaning” in NBA betting, another option is rebounds. Alt rebounds allow you to bet on different over/under lines for a player’s predicted number of rebounds.
Alt Assists in NBA
Another popular NBA prop bet is alt assists. This wager offers different over/under betting options for a player’s number of assists during a game.
Alt Passing Yards in NFL
What’s the meaning of alternate passing yards? This NFL betting option gives you different over/under lines on how many passing yards a quarterback will throw.
Alt Receiving Yards in NFL
How about the meaning of alt-receiving yards? Alternate receiving yards offer different choices for an offensive player’s predicted number of receiving yards.
Alt Rushing Yards in NFL
Alt rushing yards offer several over/under lines for the number of yards a football player will rush for during a game.
Conclusion on Alternate Points in Sports Betting
Alt points help increase potential payouts or reduce risks by offering odds that differ from the main lines. Alt points betting makes an interesting option when you have strong game insight or are uncomfortable with the sportsbook’s official line.
Alt-Point Betting FAQs
What does alt points mean in sports betting?
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