Alternate betting lines are a way to give bettors more control over their weekly wagers by offering different point spreads and totals than are widely available. Alternate betting lines can be a great way to get in on the action when you agree with the standard point spread or total, giving you another way to get in on the action by laying more juice at alternate odds. 

Whether you are betting on the favorite or the underdog, the alternate betting line can swing a point spread or total in as many as 10 points in either direction, with odds also adjusted to reflect the risk tolerance of the sportsbook. Against-the-spread betting is the most common use of alternate betting lines, as bettors look to deviate off the widely available lines based on their tolerance for risk and forecasted outcome.

What are Alternate Betting Lines?

Alternate betting lines are modified versions of the standard lines offered by online sportsbooks, giving bettors the flexibility to choose different point spreads or totals for a given game. These lines allow you to either increase or decrease the default spread or total, adjusting the odds accordingly.

This means you can take on more risk for a higher payout or play it safer for a lower return. Alternate lines offer bettors more control over their wagers, enabling them to tailor their bets based on their risk tolerance and game predictions.

How Alternate Betting Lines Work

Generally speaking, when online sportsbooks set point spreads, they are balancing the betting odds between the favorite and the underdog, setting what they think is a fair playing field between both teams.

For example, in an NFL game where the favorite is listed at -2.5, they have to win the game by at least three points or more to cover the spread. The underdog, alternatively, has to either win the game outright or lose by no more than two points to cover the posted spread. Both of these are typically listed at -110 odds. 

Alternate betting lines build off of that concept, swinging a -2.5 favorite to -6.5 (or higher or lower), and then raising the odds to give better payouts for taking on more risk. Another way alternate betting lines work is to potentially make a -6.5 favorite a -3 favorite, with worse odds in an attempt to attract money that would like to take the point spread but a lower one. In this example, the odds might move from -110 (at -6.5) to -240 (-3).

Types of Alternate Betting Lines

• Alternate Point Spreads: Alternate point spreads allow gamblers to adjust the point spread (margin of points) for how much a team is expected to win or lose by. For example, you might move the point spread from -6.5 to -3.5, resulting in lower odds but a better chance of winning.
• Alternate Totals (Over/Under): Bettors at online sportsbooks also have the option to adjust the total (over/under) off of the standard number. In this example, bettors can choose a higher or lower points total for a given game, adjusting higher and lower with adjusting odds. For example, if an NFL game has a posted total of 45, those who are looking to bet the under can choose a higher alternate total (with worse odds) or a lower alternative total (with better odds).

Strategies for Using Alternate Betting Lines

When you set off to use alternate betting lines in your overall betting strategy, it’s important to understand the level of risk you are good with. If you are confident a team will win by a wide margin, moving a point spread further out will give you a higher payout. On the other hand, if you are unsure of just how many points your team will win by, but don’t want to take the money line, taking a more cautious point spread for a smaller payout might be the better move. 

The most important thing, as it is with all point spread betting, is to shop around for the best alternate betting lines at different sportsbooks. By having more than one sportsbook account, you can make sure you have the best possible odds for your alternate line; a move that can make a big difference in becoming a profitable bettor in the long run.

Conclusion

When all is said and done, using alternate betting lines is just one more strategy to include in your betting strategy arsenal. Alternate betting lines give you the ability and flexibility to adjust your risk tolerance on a given game, by moving either the point spread or total in the direction you best see fit.

You can either use alternate betting lines to increase your payouts with riskier wagers or use them to play it safer with more conservative betting lines. No matter what you decide to do when it comes to using alternate betting lines, make sure you start small and familiarize yourself with how they work, and the available options at the online sportsbook(s) you currently use.

FAQ

How do alternate lines affect potential payouts?

Alternate lines work by increasing payouts more aggressively, moving lines in the opposite direction, and decreasing payouts with more safe lines moved in your direction. 

Can I combine alternate lines with other bets in a parlay?

Yes, most sportsbooks allow you to combine alternate lines with other bets in your parlay wager.

What is the best strategy for betting on alternate lines?

The best strategy for betting on alternate lines depends on your confidence in the bet and tolerance for risk. Generally speaking, you should use alternate lines when you are confident a team will win, but not by as many points as the standard line implies.

How do I find alternate lines on a sportsbook?

At most sportsbooks, just navigate to the game page where you will find them listed under “spreads” and “totals.”

Are alternate lines available for live betting?

Yes, some online sportsbooks offer alternate lines for live betting on games.

How do I decide which alternate line to bet on?

The best way to choose which alternate line to bet on is to evaluate a team’s recent and overall performance, your risk tolerance, and adjust the line based on the confidence of your prediction.