Introduction to Teaser Bets
Teaser bets are a unique and popular type of sports wager that allows bettors to adjust point spreads or totals in their favor across multiple games. They are essentially a form of parlay, but with a key difference: the ability to “tease” or shift the lines to make winning more likely. This flexibility comes at a cost, as the payouts for teasers are generally lower than those for standard parlays. In this article, we’ll delve into how teaser bets work, provide examples, and discuss where to find the best teasers.
How Teaser Bets Work
Teasers are constructed much like parlays, but with the added feature of line adjustment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build a teaser bet:
- Select Your Legs: Choose two or more games to combine. Teasers are most popular in football and basketball.
- Adjust the Lines: In football, you can typically move the line by 6, 6.5, or 7 points. In basketball, the adjustments are usually 4, 4.5, or 5 points. For example, if you do a six-point teaser on a -7 spread, it would move to -1.
- Understand the Trade-Off: The more points you add in your favor, the lower the payout. Sportsbooks price teasers differently from regular parlays because of the line adjustments.
- Mix and Match: Most sportsbooks allow you to combine point spreads and totals in the same teaser, giving you flexibility.
- Know the Rules: Teaser rules can vary by sportsbook. If one leg pushes (lands exactly on the adjusted number), some books treat it as a loss, while others simply drop that leg and recalculate the odds. Always check the house rules before placing your bet.
Teaser Betting Examples
NFL Teaser Bet Example
Consider a two-team, 6-point teaser. Suppose the Ravens are listed at -7 against the Browns, and the total in a different game, Packers vs. Bears, is set at 46.5. With a 6-point teaser:
- You could move the Ravens’ line down to -1.
- You could shift the Packers-Bears total up to 52.5 if you like the under.
By teasing both numbers, you’ve made each leg easier to hit: the Ravens now only need to win by two or more, and the Packers-Bears game has extra cushion for an under. However, the sportsbook lowers the payout compared to a standard two-leg parlay.
NBA Teaser Bet Example
In a two-team, 4-point teaser in the NBA, imagine the Warriors are -8 against the Lakers, and the total between the Heat and Celtics is 212.5. With a 4-point teaser:
- You could bring the Warriors’ line down to -4.
- You could move the total up to 216.5 if you like the under.
These adjustments give you a better shot at cashing: Golden State now only needs to win by five or more, and you’ve added extra room on the under in a low-scoring matchup. Again, because the lines are shifted in your favor, the sportsbook trims the payout.
Teaser Payout Charts and Odds
The payout on a teaser bet is influenced by several factors:
- Number of Legs: More games added to the teaser increase the potential payout but also the risk.
- Points Teased: Moving the spread or total further in your favor lowers the payout. For instance, a two-team teaser is usually priced around -120.
- Sport: Football teasers typically offer 6, 6.5, or 7 points, while basketball teasers are smaller, usually 4, 4.5, or 5 points.
Most sportsbooks provide a teaser payout chart. For example, a standard two-team, 6-point football teaser pays around -110, while a four-team, 4-point NBA teaser pays +260. Always check your sportsbook’s specific chart before placing a bet.
Best Sportsbooks for Teaser Betting
When it comes to placing teaser bets, the user interface of a sportsbook can make a significant difference. FanDuel and DraftKings stand out for their intuitive and user-friendly platforms.
- FanDuel: The betslip is intuitive, allowing you to select spreads or totals across multiple games and toggle the teaser option to see the adjusted lines and odds instantly.
- DraftKings: Offers a dedicated “Teaser” tab in the betslip, making the process smoother and more beginner-friendly.
Other sportsbooks like Caesars, Fanatics, and bet365 also support teasers and offer great user experiences.
Reverse Teasers (Pleasers)
A reverse teaser, often called a pleaser, works like a teaser’s “evil twin.” Instead of moving the line in your favor, you move it against yourself to make the bet harder to hit but with a much bigger payout. For example, if the Ravens are -7 against the Browns, a 6-point reverse teaser would move them to -13. This type of bet is high-risk, high-reward and is typically only for bettors seeking a bigger payday by taking on extra difficulty.
Are Teaser Bets Worth It?
Teasers can add value and entertainment, but they are not a guaranteed edge. Recreational bettors enjoy them for the flexibility, while sharp bettors often focus on NFL two-leg teasers that cross key numbers (3 for a field goal and 7 for a touchdown) for the best value. The danger lies in adding too many legs, as the tempting odds can significantly increase risk. Stick to smaller teasers, know your sportsbook’s rules on pushes, and treat them as a strategic tool rather than a shortcut to easy wins. Always gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.
By understanding the mechanics and risks of teaser bets, you can make more informed decisions and potentially enhance your sports betting experience.
