While a teaser bet may seem complex at first glance, it’s actually little more than an advanced parlay.
But how precisely is this structured, and what’s the difference between teaser and parlay bets? We’ll explore this in the guide below while appraising different teaser bet strategies. This will include for sports such as basketball, American football, and baseball!
What is a Teaser Bet?
Let’s answer what are teasers in sports betting? A teaser bet is a type of parlay that enables you to change the point spread for a particular game. In exchange, the sportsbook will reduce the available payout in the event of a win. This wager is very popular in NFL betting with football bettors.
The most common and straightforward type of teaser is a two-team, six-point bet. However, some operators may allow you to incorporate up to 10 separate teams in a teaser, creating the potential for higher returns in the process.
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How Do Teaser Bets Work?
If we look at the most basic teaser bet structure, you’ll incorporate two teams per wager. You can then adjust the spread by up to six points. For example, you may fancy the Atlanta Falcons to defeat Pittsburgh but be a little unsure about laying -7.5 points against the Steelers.
In this case, a teaser would allow you to adjust the line to -1.5, increasing your chances of winning markedly while reducing your potential payout. Similarly, you may expect Green Bay to be defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles but aren’t attracted by a +1.5 spread on the Packers.
Here, you could increase the spread by six points and back Green Bay at +7.5, creating significantly more room for error. This is quite a conservative teaser bet example, but one that minimizes your risk exposure when wagering on the NFL.
NFL Teaser Bet Example
The above wagers explain an NFL teaser bet, while you would incorporate both lines as part of a two-team parlay. In terms of real examples from market-leading sportsbooks like BetOnline, the upcoming 2024/25 season offers ample opportunity for bettors to construct potentially rewarding teasers.
Football Game Spread Teaser
To provide further context, let’s check football teaser odds for the above bet slip. You can back the Cincinnati Bengals to defeat the New England Patriots at the Gillette Stadium with a spread of -7.5 points. However, placing a teaser bet here will reduce the points spread to just -1.5. This unlocks a higher probability of winning by shortening your odds slightly to -110.
Your teaser could also include the Buffalo Bills, who may be priced at -115 to overcome a spread of -6.5 points against the Arizona Cardinals. You can reduce the spread to just -0.5 points, creating a price of -105 and unlocking an implied probability value of 51.20%.
A total stake of $100 can unlock a potential return of $86.96 if both of your picks are successful.
Football Game Totals Teaser
You can also build teaser bets that focus on the total points scored in an NFL match. What’s more, you can make your selections using historical scoring data, which is available through sites such as NFL.com.
For example, let’s say that you want to engage in totals betting ahead of an NFL clash. Let’s look at the example between the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys. You can bet on over 45.5 points being scored here at -110, but these two franchises averaged a combined total of 53.7 points per game through 2023.
So, you could consider creating a teaser that picks over 39.5 points being scored between both teams. This will ensure you have a little more room for error while wagering at the same odds.
You may also fancy under 44 points being scored when the New York Giants entertain the Washington Commanders. These sides averaged a cumulative total of just 35 points per game in the 2023 regular season. Therefore, a high-scoring match is unlikely at the AT&T Stadium. However, you can construct a teaser bet that backs under 50 points being scored in this match. This would give slightly adjusted odds of 1.05.
From a statistical perspective, both of these adjusted lines are highly likely to deliver a return. Successfully combining these two picks in a teaser will see you unlock a potential profit of $90.91 on a stake of $100 too.
Mixed Football Teaser
It’s also possible to construct a mixed football teaser bet, which combines both spreads and totals lines. This allows for greater flexibility when building football teasers, as you can consider a much broader selection of markets.
An example of this could combine picking over 40.5 points being scored in a clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs. The initial totals line here is 46.5, but the Ravens and the Chiefs averaged a combined total of 49.9 points per game through 2023/24. So, why not reduce the over/under total while betting at the exact same odds of -110?
Similarly, you may fancy the Seattle Seahawks to win at Denver. However, the spread of -6 points could seem a little harsh on the Broncos. So, include Seattle as a pick ‘em bet to complete your teaser, at a price of -107. If both picks are successful, a $100 stake here would also deliver a profit of $90.91.
Basketball Teaser Bet
While basketball teaser bets are less common than football alternatives, and other NBA betting wagers, you can still access this type of wager on leagues such as the NBA. Typically, sites like BetOnline will enable you to adjust spreads and totals by between 4.5 and 6 points per line. This creates even further flexibility when comparing markets.
Basketball Game Spread Teaser
Typically, you’ll build a two-team NBA or basketball teaser that reduces (or increases) the spread by between 4.5 and 6 points. The precise structure of your bet will depend on your analysis of the competing teams.
For example, you may find that the Atlanta Hawks are priced at -110 to defeat the Brooklyn Nets with a spread of -7.5. However, the Hawks lost twice to the Nets last season, despite finishing above them in the Eastern Conference.
So, you may want to consider reducing the spread to -1.5 for the Hawks. Conversely, Brooklyn is priced at -110 to overcome the Hawks with a spread of +7.5 points, and you could adjust this to just +1.5 points in a bid to unlock enhanced odds.
To complete your teaser, you could select the Toronto Raptors to defeat Cleveland as a pick ‘em. They may be priced at -110 to win with a -4.5 point spread, but both sides have shared two wins apiece since November 2023. So, adjusting the spread to zero with a teaser makes logical sense.
Basketball Game Totals Teaser
As with football betting, you can also construct basketball teasers using over/under markets. Once again, we’d recommend choosing your selections using team scoring averages, historically, and throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
For example, let’s say that you could bet on over 226.5 points being scored in a match between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers. Analysis of scoring data from 2023/24 shows that these two sides averaged 232.5 points per game combined. This means there may be value in increasing the total by 4.5 points to 237. This will unlock slightly enhanced odds.
At the other end of the spectrum, you can back under 229.5 points being scored in the NBA clash between Memphis and Utah Jazz. The Grizzlies were the lowest-scoring franchise in 2023/24 and averaged just 105.8 points per match. As for Utah, they averaged 115.7 points per game but were only the ninth-highest-scoring franchise in the league.
So, you could reduce the totals line by 5 points to 224.5, creating an extended price without overly compromising your chances of winning.
Mixed Basketball Teaser
Building mixed teaser bets here is also an option for basketball fans. This applies to most leagues covered by sites like BetOnline, including the Women’s NBA. So, you can construct teaser bets that are quite diverse and capable of offering flexibility.
In the WNBA, let’s say that you’re considering picking the New York Liberty to overcome Seattle Storm with a spread of -7.5 points. However, head-to-head data shows that of the previous 48 such matches contested since 2005, the Storm have won 27 games (to 21) and averaged more points per game (78.1 vs 73.1).
So, while New York continues to top the 2023/24 WNBA regular season, you may want to reduce the spread from -7.5 points to -2.5. This will increase your coverage of potential results and minimize your exposure to risk as a bettor.
The H2H data also reveals that this fixture has produced 151.2 PPG in total since 2005. So, there’s also value in betting on under 165.5 points being scored here. In fact, you could reduce this total to 159.5 points to complete your two-team teaser, unlocking far greater value in the process.
Building a Teaser Betting Strategy
At this stage, you should know a little more about teaser bets and how they function in the NFL and NBA. But how can you leverage this information to cultivate the optimal teaser betting strategy? Let’s get into it!
Teaser Odds Calculator – Teaser vs Parlay
Now that we’ve answered the question “What does a teaser mean in betting?”, we’re going to compare the functionality of this wager type vs parlays. To provide some context, we’re going to build a three-fold parlay and teaser bet with the same picks using a teaser odds calculator or calculation.
These include the Buffalo Bills winning with a spread of -6.5 points (at a price of -115) and backing the New England Patriots to beat a spread of +8 against the Bengals. The final selection predicts over 41 points being scored in the clash between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns.
In a straight parlay bet, these picks would unlock combined odds of +595 and a potential payout of $594.65 on a stake of $100. However, the odds imply just a 14.483% probability of the wager being successful, so the enhanced reward is balanced by significant risk.
When you combine these picks in a three-team teaser bet, the adjusted spreads and totals increase your chances of winning markedly. For example, you’ll back the Bulls to prevail with a reduced spread of just -0.5 points, while wagering on the Patriots with a huge spread of +14 points.
The totals line for the Cowboys against the Browns will drop to 35 points, with these two sides having averaged a combined total of 52.9 PPG in 2023/24.
However, this wager will payout at significantly reduced odds of 1.6 overall. This will translate into a profit of $60 on a $100 stake if your picks are successful, so the teaser may appeal to risk-averse punters who want to minimize the risk of loss. It is always good to use a teaser bet calculator to check the odds before placing a wager.
Teaser Payout Chart
A standard 2-team, 6-point teaser will unlock odds of -110. However, the odds will change depending on the number of teams (and betting lines) selected. It also depends on whether you leverage a 6, 6.5, 7, or 10-point adjustment. So, here’s an at-a-glance football teaser payout chart. The chart details how much you could win in relation to a $100 stake.
| No.of Games | 6 Point Teaser to $100 wager | 6.5 Point Teaser to $100 wager | 7 Point Teaser to $100 wager | 10 Point Teaser to $100 wager |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Team Teaser Payout | Odds -110 / $190.91 (including stake) | Odds -120 / $183.33 (including stake) | Odds -130 / $176.92 (including stake) | N/A |
| 3 Team Teaser Payout | Odds +160 / $260.00 (including stake) | Odds +150 / $250.00 (including stake) | Odds +140 / $171.43 (including stake) | Odds -130 / $176.92 (including stake) |
| 4 Team Teaser Payout | Odds +260/ $360.00 (including stake) | Odds +240 / $340.00 (including stake) | Odds +200 / $300.00 (including stake) | Odds -110 / $190.91 (including stake) |
| 5 Team Teaser Payout | Odds +420 / $520.00 (including stake) | Odds +350 / $450.00 (including stake) | Odds +300 / $400.00 (including stake) | Odds +115 / $215.00 (including stake) |
| 6 Team Teaser Payout | Odds +600 / $700.00 (including stake) | Odds +500 / $600.00 (including stake) | Odds +400 / $500.00 (including stake) | Odds +135 / $235.00 (including stake) |
What is a Reverse Teaser? (A.K.A. A Pleaser)
When formulating your teaser strategy, it’s also worth considering so-called “pleaser bets”. This is an alternative parlay iteration that enables you to move individual betting lines in favor of the sportsbook.
So, instead of reducing spreads or totals to increase your chances of winning (in exchange for reduced payouts), you’ll use a pleaser to generate significantly higher odds while lowering the implied probability of your bets being successful.
To provide some context, let’s say we select two games and we have selected the Miami Dolphins to beat the Buffalo Bills and the Ravens to beat the Raiders.
The standard spreads on those games are odds of -115 with a handicap of -1.5 on the Dolphins and odds of -110 with a handicap of -9.5 on the Ravens. This would give us a return of $256.47 for a $100 Wager.
However, if we turned this bet into a -6 point “Pleaser” our odds and potential winnings increase dramatically.
So we sacrifice the likelihood of a winning bet but have increased odds and payout if our judgment is correct.
Most sportsbooks allow you to combine between two or six betting lines in a pleaser. However, you can incorporate more at BetOnline and similar sportsbooks.
What are the Pros and Cons of Teaser Bets?
Pros
- Teaser odds are enhanced and unlock higher probability values
- A teaser bet enables you to adjust spreads and totals lines
- You can create flexible teasers with anywhere between two and ten teams
- You can choose picks using detailed scoring and performance analysis
Cons
- Teaser payouts are lower than parlays, as you sacrifice volume for shorter odds
- Some sportsbooks offer less competitive teaser odds and lines
- Teasers are commonplace in the NFL and NBA, but less synonymous with other sports
Is a Push a Loss in a Teaser?
In sports betting, a ‘push’ describes a wager for which there’s no declared winner or loser. In this case, your initial stake is typically refunded.
But is a push on a teaser a loss? This depends on the size and structure of your teaser, as a push in a two-pick bet of this type (without a loss) is categorized as ‘no action’ and your stake will be refunded. In this instance, a push on a teaser sees you avoid any losses.
However, when placing a larger and more complex teaser bet with 10 picks, a push may result in the entire wager being lost. It’s important to check the T&Cs and teaser push rules of each site before committing.
- Push Example 1 – If you build a three-leg teaser at odds of +160, a single push would force the cumulative price down to -115. However, you can still bank a nominal return on your stake.
- Push Example 2 – If all of the picks are in a two or three-team teaser push, the original stake will be refunded. However, the same rule may not apply to a 10-team teaser wager.
- Push Example 3 – If the Seattle Seahawks can be backed to beat the Denver Broncos with a spread of -6, a teaser could reduce this to a zero-value spread. Whole number spreads are also more likely to result in a tie, so should be picked sparingly.
5 Guides for Successful Teaser Sports Betting?
We have explained a teaser bet in this guide. Successfully leveraging this wager type requires a comprehensive understanding of other sports betting principles. These include the functionality of odds and implied probability values. Here are some additional concepts and guides to read up on before placing a teaser bet!
- Sports Betting Terminology – Understand relevant sports betting jargon such as the hook, spread betting, and over/under wagering.
- Sports Betting Strategy – Read about various betting strategies and which ones work best with teasers
- Sports Betting Bankroll Management – Learn how to manage your NFL or NBA bankroll. Then set optimal stake amounts for teaser bets.
- AI Betting Predictions – Understand how AI betting insights and predictive analytics can help you pick optimal teaser lines.
- Sports Betting Bots – Read this detailed guide on how sports betting bots help to select more lucrative lines and markets.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve explored what are teasers in sports betting and how they work in relation to NFL and NBA lines. Although this content is largely targeted at beginners, teaser bet structures can be quite complex so it may also be useful for more advanced bettors.
Teasers are tailormade for risk-averse bettors. You can leverage this wager type to minimize risk and optimize your chances of winning. Conversely, pleasers or multi-leg parlays can be used to pursue significantly higher returns.
As we’ve touched, BetOnline is the best sportsbook for teasers. It certainly offers competitive odds and a variety of betting lines. They also allow you to construct 10-team NFL and NBA wagers too.
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FAQs
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Are teaser bets only for experienced sports bettors?
No, not at all. In fact, 2-team, 6-point football teaser bets are relatively straightforward, while they can unlock high implied probability values, they’re also ideal for risk-averse and even inexperienced bettors.
Is it legal to place teaser bets on college football and basketball?
Yes, you can place teaser bets on college football and basketball. However, teaser betting isn’t recommended for college football. This is due to the range of scores and winning margins that are regularly recorded.
What is the difference between a teaser and a parlay bet?
While a teaser bet is a type of parlay, the latter is far more inflexible. So, it’s synonymous with long odds and enhanced returns. However, teasers let you adjust spreads and totals in your favor. This improves your chances of winning (in exchange for volume and shorter odds).
Can I use my sportsbook welcome bonus to place teaser bets?
Often, teaser bets are excluded from the T&Cs of sportsbook welcome bonuses. The same applies to parlays and point-buying. You should check the precise terms and conditions of each individual welcome offer before committing.
What is the maximum amount I can win with a teaser bet?
While teaser bets can only include a maximum of 10 teams, there’s no theoretical limit to how much you can win. However, teaser bet payouts are naturally lower than parlays, as they instead unlock much higher win probabilities.
Responsible Gambling
It’s always important to gamble responsibly, even when placing lower-risk bets such as teasers. You should set a conservative bankroll that’s well within your financial means. This can cover a whole season or a certain period of time.
However, there may be instances where your betting volumes start to increase over time. This may be indicative of a gambling addiction, which can become highly problematic if it’s allowed to evolve over time. In this case, you should seek out assistance from the following resources as quickly as possible:
- National Council on Problem Gambling
- University of Nevada, Reno
- Office of Addiction Services and Supports
Content suitable for 18+ readers only. Always gamble responsibly. The content found in this article is not to be taken as betting advice. Speculative gambling could lead to a loss of capital. It’s free to use this website, but we might receive a commission from companies featured within it. If you are having trouble with gambling then help and advice can be found at begambleaware.org
Resources
NFL Football Stats – NFL Team Points per Game | TeamRankings.com
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