In the world of sports betting, understanding various betting options can give you an edge in making profitable wagers. One such option is alternate total points betting. This type of bet allows for more flexibility and potential value compared to standard betting lines. In this article, we will explore what alternate total points are, how they work, and how you can use them to enhance your betting strategy.
What is Alternate Total Points in Sports Betting?
Alternate total points refer to betting on a different total points line than the one originally set by the sportsbook for a game. This means you can choose a higher or lower total than the standard line, with corresponding adjustments in the odds.
Here is an example for an upcoming baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Detroit Tigers. The over/under line is set at 8.5, as you can see below from DraftKings Sportsbook:
But, if you were interested in looking at an alternate line for this total, you can continue scrolling down to “Alternate Total Runs”, where you can find the various lines that are being offered for the game.
How Do Alternate Total Points Work?
In a typical total points bet, also known as an over/under bet, you wager on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a specific number set by the sportsbook. Alternate total points allow you to select a different total, offering either a higher or lower line, which impacts the odds offered.
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Benefits of Alternate Total Points Betting
- Flexibility: Allows bettors to choose totals that better match their analysis of the game.
- Enhanced Value: Offers opportunities to find value bets by selecting alternate totals that align with your expectations.
- Strategic Betting: Provides more options to tailor bets according to your predictions and risk tolerance.
Examples of Finding Value with Alternate Total Points
Let's look at an upcoming MLB game to explain how using Alternate Total Points can help you find more value in your bets. For the upcoming game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Baltimore Orioles, the total runs line is set at 9, which doesn't offer much value on either side of the bet. However, we may be able to find a better line by exploring alternate totals, such as 9.5.
Hitting this line in 8 out of their last 10 games, that means the implied odds of this hitting is -400. Therefore, if we find this line for better odds than this, we should be able to make a good value bet. Looking at the alternate total runs, we can get this bet for -149!
How to Use Alternate Total Points in Your Betting Strategy
- Conduct Thorough Research: Analyze team performances, player statistics, and historical matchups to make informed decisions about alternate totals.
- Compare Odds Across Sportsbooks: Different sportsbooks may offer different alternate totals and odds, so compare to find the best value.
- Consider External Factors: Account for factors like weather conditions, injuries, and team dynamics that could influence scoring in a game.
Strategies for Betting on Alternate Total Points
- Identify Value Bets: Look for alternate totals where you believe the sportsbook’s line is incorrect based on your research.
- Diversify Your Bets: Use alternate total points to diversify your betting portfolio and spread risk across multiple outcomes.
- Utilize In-Game Trends: Pay attention to trends and momentum during games, which can inform your choice of alternate totals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Betting on Impulse: Avoid making decisions based on gut feelings without research and analysis.
- Ignoring Key Factors: Failing to consider external influences like weather or player injuries can lead to inaccurate predictions.
- Overestimating Totals: Don’t overestimate scoring potential without a sound basis for your prediction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an alternate total points bet?
An alternate total points bet allows you to wager on a different total points line than the standard line set by the sportsbook.
How does betting on alternate total points provide value?
By choosing alternate totals that align with your analysis, you can find value bets with adjusted odds that reflect the probability of the outcome.
Are alternate total points available for all sports?
Yes, alternate total points are available for most sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and others.
Can I use alternate total points in live betting?
Yes, alternate total points can be used in live betting, allowing you to adjust your bets based on the game’s progression.
What factors should I consider when betting on alternate total points?
Consider team performances, player statistics, weather conditions, and other relevant factors that could influence the game’s total score.
How can I improve my alternate total points betting strategy?
Improve by conducting thorough research, comparing odds across sportsbooks, and utilizing statistical tools for objective analysis.
Conclusion
Alternate total points offer a versatile and strategic way to approach sports betting. By understanding what alternate total points are and how to effectively incorporate them into your betting strategy, you can identify value opportunities and potentially increase your betting success. Always conduct thorough research, stay informed, and leverage tools to make informed betting decisions.
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