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All posts by Andrew MorganAlternate spread is a term that refers to the different options you have when placing spread bets. Sportsbooks typically choose one spread bet line to advertise next to a match. You can find other options when you explore deeper markets. These are alternative spread betting markets.
All you have to do is click on a particular match to see more markets. Alternate spreads can be a great way to find longer odds, or you can use them to have more assurance your bet will come in.
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What Does Alternate Spread Mean?
Most sportsbooks offer three specific markets for a match – spread, moneyline, and totals.
The spread is indicated by a negative number next to the favorite. The same number is stated as a positive value next to the less favored team. These indicate the handicap or advantage they are given in the bet. An example is an underdog being given +4.5 points and the favorite being penalized the same amount (-4.5 points).
Typically, sports betting sites use lines that mean each bet has odds as close to +100 as possible. The larger the perceived gap between the two teams’ quality, the bigger the line marker number.
However, sportsbooks offer alternate lines. You can explore spread bets with different line markers by clicking on a match to see further markets. Among the props bets, there will be alternate spread or alternate handicap bets. There will be more spread betting options with different handicaps and advantages for both teams.
What is an Alternate Spread and How Does it Work – Examples
The main spread choices are listed alongside the list of upcoming NBA games in the basketball area of the page. This is highlighted in the following picture.
This example also highlights how different line markers can highlight the perceived difference in the quality of the teams. The Philadelphia 76ers are seen as vastly superior to the Charlotte Hornets. This is shown by the -11 handicap given to the 76ers. Meanwhile, the Warriors and the Raptors are more closely matched, which the 3.5 spread line marker indicates.
If you backed the Golden State Warriors -3.5 with odds of -105, you need the Warriors to win by at least four points for your bet to come in. If the final score is Warriors 100-94 Raptors, you will win the bet because the Warriors won by at least four points. This is known as covering the spread. If the score is Warriors 100-97 Raptors, then you will lose the bet despite the Warriors winning the game. Meanwhile, if the Warriors lose by any margin, then you also lose the bet. If your bet is successful, $100 will return $195.24 for $95.24 profit.
Alternate spread markets are the markets that do not use the marker initially set by the sportsbook. They are also known as alternative handicap betting options. They are particularly popular in basketball and football betting.
You might believe that there is a more significant gap in quality between the Warriors and the Raptors. Therefore, you may want to go for a larger handicap than -3.5 on the Warriors to get better odds. If we back the Warriors at -7.5, the odds go up from -105 to +165. This means if this NBA game finishes Warriors 100-91 Raptors, then you will win the bet. However, if the match finishes Warriors 100-94 Raptors (as in the example above) this time you will lose the bet. This is because the winning margin is below 7.5. If the Warriors lose, you will also lose the bet. If your bet is successful, a $100 stake will return $265 for $165 profit.
Advantages of Alternate Spread Betting
Alternate spreads give players more flexibility when spread betting. They also facilitate different betting styles.
It is in the best interest of the sportsbook for you to lose, so they will choose spread line markers that are favorable to them. Exploring alternative point spread bets allows you to take more control.
You might use an alternate spread bet to remove the chance of a void bet. If the sportsbook suggests a whole number margin, you could use alternate line betting to choose a .5-line marker. This removes ambiguity and the chance of a void or pushed bet. The practice is known as buying the hook.
If you think the sportsbook has misjudged the likely winner and loser, you can find alternate lines to benefit from the mistake. The odds, along with your potential payout, will be significantly longer if you bet on the less favored team with a higher handicap applied.
You could also use alternate spread bets to move the betting odds in the other direction. Either way, you have the power to manage the risk of your bets by betting on alternate lines and different point spreads.
Why Bookmakers Offer Alternate Spread Betting
There are alternate spread bets with shorter odds than those on the main page. These markets will naturally have smaller payouts, so this is one reason why local and offshore sportsbooks might allow you to bet alternate lines.
The odds will shorten when players opt to buy the hook by shifting a whole line marker by -0.5. Therefore, players will need to stake more to win the same amount. People who are looking to avoid the chance of a void or pushed bet might be willing to take the hit. If they lose, the sportsbook stands to gain more from this change in the point spreads.
How to Place Alternate Spread Bets Online
Follow these simple steps to place a spread bet using an alternate line.
1. Choose a Sportsbook
You can use the recommendations on Basketball Insiders to find a quality sportsbook. Go to their homepage by clicking on the relevant link.
2. Register
Click the “Join Now” button in the top right-hand corner. Other sportsbooks might prefer a different term. Complete the registration form you are directed to and confirm your details.
3. Deposit
Head to the cashier section of the website and pick the deposit option. Choose the method you want to use and enter the amount you wish to deposit. Make sure you deposit enough to claim any sports betting bonuses you would like. Enter a relevant bonus code where necessary.
4. Find Alternate Spread Lines
Find the list of sports in the sportsbook and choose a sport. This example uses basketball. Choose a competition and click the match you’d like to bet on to see further markets. Find the alternate spread or alternate handicap selection. Click the odds of the alternate spread bet you want to add to your betting slip.
5. Place bet
Enter the stake you’d like to bet and click to confirm.
How to Bet with an Alternate Spread Offline
- Go to the window of your retail sportsbook.
- Tell them you’d like to place an alternative line spread bet. State the match you’d like to place your bet on.
- If you know which spread markets are available, you can tell the cashier or ask them to show you the list.
- Tell them the amount you would like to stake.
- Find out the possible payout and proceed if satisfied.
- Hand over your money and take your betting slip. You will return with the slip to claim your winnings if you are successful.
Where Can You Bet Alternate Spreads?
You can find alternative spread betting options at any sportsbook worth using.
Generally, they are provided for the larger betting markets, particularly in the US. You can find alternate spreads for matches in the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS. Most matches have at least one alternate line.
Some of the less popular sports may not have alternative spread markets though.
Xbet, Lucky Block, Mega Dice, WSM Casino, MyBookie, and BetNow are top online sports betting sites that offer alternatives to their spread betting markets.
Conclusion
Alternate spread bets are spread bets that you make using a line marker different from the one suggested by the sportsbook. They are a great way to manage the risk of your bet or bet against the grain for larger odds.
There is a practice of using alternate spread betting to avoid push bet results. This is known as buying the hook. You often find alternative spread markets on major US sports.
Alternate Spread Betting FAQs
What is alternate spread in betting?
How do alternate spreads work?
Which sports can you bet on using an alternate spread?
What is the difference between regular spread betting and alternate spread betting?
What does alternate spread mean in football?
