What is a Teaser Bet?

 

A teaser bet can best be explained as a variation of the parlay bet. A teaser is a wager where you must select multiple teams or totals, and all selections must cover the spread to win. The major difference is that the spreads and totals are moved into the bettor's favor, which gives the bettor a greater chance of winning but at a much worse price than a typical parlay.

 

Teasers generally must include two or more bets (although some teasers may require three or more) and the more bets added to the teaser, the greater the payout. All selections in a teaser must be successful for the teaser to win.

 

 

Can I Mix Sports on a Teaser?

 

Generally speaking, a teaser is only designed for basketball and football selections, where the most prominent type of betting line is the point spread. You are usually able to include both basketball and football on the same teaser, but some sportsbooks do not allow it.

 

Why Not Add More Selections for a Greater Payout?

 

Yes, the more selections added to a teaser, the greater the payout. But remember, the more selections you add, the greater the probability of the teaser losing as well. Recreational bettors often get themselves into trouble by seeking a larger payout.

 

How Much Do Teasers Pay Out?

 

It really depends on the individual sportsbook as each sportsbook will have their own rules and their own teaser payout chart, but here is a general chart for teaser payouts, which is considered industry standard:

 

 

Let’s use the five-team 6.5-point teaser as our example. On a $100 wager, your possible winnings would be $350 ($100 x 3.5). If we contrast this to a parlay payout, a five-team parlay (at -110 odds for each selection) would payout roughly $2,435. Quite a big difference!

 

The odds and payouts can vary significantly from one sportsbook to another, so it's essential to check the specific rules and charts of the sportsbook you're using. This ensures you're making informed decisions when placing your bets.

 

 

Are Teasers a Good Bet?

 

Generally speaking, a bettor receives worse odds on a teaser and does not understand teaser strategy to make them profitable in the long run.

 

The house edge increases with every additional selection added to the teaser. A standard bet at -110 odds yields the house an edge of 4.5%. A three-team six-point teaser for example has a house edge of over 20%. With each team you add to the teaser, your potential payout increases, but your expected value decreases.

 

Teasers are one of the most fun types of wagers but they are called 'teasers' for a reason.

 

That said, there are ways to approach teaser bets that might make them worth the risk for some bettors. By strategically keeping the size of your teaser low—focusing on two or three games—you can better manage the inherent risk. This approach not only minimizes the potential downsides but also allows you to leverage the movement of points effectively.

 

Pushing through key numbers, such as 3 and 7 in football, can significantly increase your chances of success. This technique involves using the teaser to adjust the spread to cross these critical thresholds, where a large percentage of outcomes occur.

 

While teaser bets come with significant risks and a higher house edge, understanding and applying the correct strategies can make them a more viable option for those looking to enjoy this wager type intelligently.

 

 

Effective Strategies for Betting Teasers

 

Teasers can initially seem like a risky bet, but with the right approach, you can enhance your potential for success. Here are some strategies to optimize your teaser wagers:

 

Focus on Key Numbers

In football, certain point spreads are more common due to the scoring system, particularly in the NFL. Key numbers like 3, 6, 7, and 10 are crucial because many games are decided by these margins. By using teasers to adjust the spread and move off these key numbers, you increase your chances of covering the spread.

 

Teasing Through Zero: Caution Advised

While teasing spreads through zero is debated, it's generally viewed as less efficient since NFL games rarely end in ties. However, shifting a short favorite to a short underdog (or vice versa) by moving through zero can sometimes yield success. It's a tactic that's best used selectively.

 

The NCAA Consideration

Teasers are less effective for college football. The sport's inherent volatility and large spreads make it harder to identify valuable teaser opportunities. In contrast, the NFL offers more parity and consistent outcomes, making it easier to spot advantageous teaser bets.

 

Teasing Over/Under Totals

Though not as popular as point spreads, teasing Over/Under totals can be profitable if you focus on key figures like 37, 41, 44, 47, and 51. Effective movements usually involve lowering the total on smaller numbers and taking the Over, maximizing value.

 

By applying these strategies, you can approach teaser betting with a more informed perspective, increasing your likelihood of a successful wager.

 

 

What Happens if I Push on one of my Teaser Legs?

 

For most teasers, if one of your selections pushes, it is simply removed from the payout structure. For example, if you have a six-team, six-point teaser that pays +600 and one of the selections pushes, you are now left with a five-team teaser paying +400 (based on the chart above).

 

At most sportsbooks, for larger point teasers (10-point and 13-point), your teaser bet would be graded as a loss if one of your teaser legs pushes. Always check with your sportsbook's house rules before placing any teaser bets!

 

What is a Reverse Teaser?

 

A reverse teaser or a pleaser is the same as a teaser, with one difference; instead of the line moving in the bettor's favor, the line moves in the sportsbook’s favor. As a result, the payouts are exponentially larger.

 

Looking to Scale Your Winnings?

 

Betstamp Pro saves you time and resources by identifying and highlighting edges across 50+ sportsbook feeds in real time. Leverage the most efficient true line in the industry and discover why Betstamp Pro is essential for top-down bettors. 

 

In order to preserve edges, there are only a limited number of spots available to purchase Betstamp Pro. Don’t wait — apply for your free 1-on-1 product demo by clicking the banner below.