Alternate lines let you bet a spread or total at a different number than the main line, for a different price. Want the Eagles −10.5 instead of −6.5 for a bigger payout? Or the over 40.5 instead of 47.5 for more safety? That is an alt line.
How alt lines work
Main line: Eagles −6.5 (−110).
| Alt spread | Typical price |
|---|---|
| −3.5 | −165 |
| −6.5 (main) | −110 |
| −9.5 | +155 |
| −13.5 | +260 |
Moving the line in your favor costs price; moving it against you pays more.
How books price alt lines
Books derive alt prices from the main line using a model of the margin (or score) distribution, then add margin, usually more than on the main line. Margin on alt lines commonly grows the further you get from the main number.
Where alt lines hide margin
- Far-off alternates (−20.5, totals 15 points off the main line)
- Alt totals in low-scoring sports
- Alt lines used in SGPs where you cannot see each leg's margin
Where alt lines can offer value
- Key numbers. In the NFL, a book's alt pricing may not fully account for how often games land on 3 and 7. Alt lines across those numbers can be underpriced at some books. (Value of a half-point.)
- Book disagreement. Different books' alt ladders diverge, especially far from the main line. Comparing the same alt line across books often shows big gaps. (Line shopping.)
- Stale ladders. When the main line moves, some books update alt prices more slowly.
- Sharp alt markets. When a sharp book posts the same alt line, devig it and compare. (How to devig odds.)
Alt lines and middles
Alt lines create middle opportunities: take Team A −3.5 at one book and Team B +6.5 alt at another, and you have a window on 4–6. Compare the costs carefully. (What is middling?.)
Alt lines vs moneylines
A heavily bought-down spread (−1.5 alt) is close to a moneyline bet. Compare its price with the actual moneyline: sometimes the moneyline is cheaper for nearly the same outcome.
Find them automatically
The OddsHype +EV screen includes alternate spreads and totals, compared against fair lines derived from sharp markets, so alt-line edges show up alongside main-line ones.
Frequently asked questions
What is an alternate spread?
A spread at a different number than the main line, offered at a different price. Taking more points costs more; giving more points pays more.
Are alternate lines a good bet?
They usually carry more margin than main lines, but they can be +EV across key numbers or when books' alt ladders disagree.
Is buying points the same as an alternate line?
Yes, effectively. Buying points means taking an alternate line that is more favorable to you at a worse price.