What Does it Mean to Buy Points?

Buying points is a bettor’s ability to purchase points on a point spread game. A point spread is a margin of victory or defeat that a bookmaker assigns to each team or player in a game. For example, in a football game between Team A and Team B, the point spread may be -3.5 for Team A and +3.5 for Team B. This means that Team A is favored to win by 3.5 points, and Team B is expected to lose by 3.5 points.

Buying points allows a bettor to adjust the point spread in their favor, by paying an extra fee or juice. For example, a bettor who wants to bet on Team B can buy half a point and change the point spread from +3.5 to +4. This means that Team B can now lose by up to 4 points and still cover the spread. However, the bettor will have to pay more money to place this bet, as the odds will change from -110 to -120. This means that the bettor will have to bet $120 to win $100, instead of $110 to win $100.

The opposite of buying points is selling points, which is a bettor’s ability to sell points on a point spread game. Selling points allows a bettor to adjust the point spread against their favor, by receiving a better payout or juice. For example, a bettor who wants to bet on Team A can sell half a point and change the point spread from -3.5 to -4. This means that Team A now has to win by more than 4 points to cover the spread. However, the bettor will receive more money if they win this bet, as the odds will change from -110 to +100. This means that the bettor will win $100 for every $100 they bet, instead of $90.91 for every $100 they bet.

Why Do Bettors Buy or Sell Points?

Bettors buy or sell points for various reasons, such as:

• To increase their chances of winning: Buying points can make it easier for a bettor to win their bet, as they can reduce the margin of error or increase the margin of safety. For example, if a bettor thinks that Team B will lose by 3 points or less, they can buy half a point and make the point spread +4 instead of +3.5. This way, they can still win their bet even if Team B loses by 4 points.
• To increase their potential payout: Selling points can make it harder for a bettor to win their bet, but they can also increase their reward if they do win. For example, if a bettor thinks that Team A will win by more than 4 points, they can sell half a point and make the point spread -4 instead of -3.5. This way, they can get better odds and win more money if Team A wins by more than 4 points.
• To hedge their bets: Buying or selling points can also be used as a hedging strategy, which is a way of reducing the risk or exposure of another bet. For example, if a bettor has already placed a parlay bet on multiple games, they can buy or sell points on one of the games to create a middle opportunity or an insurance policy. A middle opportunity is when a bettor can win both bets if the final score falls within a certain range. An insurance policy is when a bettor can minimize their losses if one of their bets fails.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy or Sell Points?

The cost of buying or selling points depends on the bookmaker and the sport that is being bet on. Different bookmakers may have different rules and fees for buying or selling points, so it is important for bettors to check the terms and conditions before placing their bets.

Generally speaking, buying or selling half a point costs 10 cents of juice per 100 cents of stake. This means that the odds will change by 10 units for every half point that is bought or sold. For example, if the original odds are -110, buying half a point will change them to -120, and selling half a point will change them to +100.

However, some bookmakers may charge more or less than 10 cents per half point, depending on the sport and the situation. For example, in football betting, buying or selling half a point around key numbers such as 3 or 7 may cost more than 10 cents, as these numbers are more likely to be the final margin of victory or defeat. Similarly, in basketball betting, buying or selling half a point around even numbers such as 2 or 4 may cost more than 10 cents, as these numbers are more likely to result in ties or pushes.

When Should Bettors Buy or Sell Points?

Bettors should buy or sell points only when they have a good reason and an edge over the bookmaker. Buying or selling points is not a guarantee of winning or losing, but a trade-off between risk and reward. Bettors should weigh the pros and cons of buying or selling points, and compare the value of the adjusted odds with their own probability and expected value calculations.

Bettors should also consider the following factors when deciding whether to buy or sell points:

• The sport and the scoring system: Some sports and scoring systems are more conducive to buying or selling points than others. For example, football and basketball are sports where points are scored in increments of 1, 2, 3, or more, and where half points can make a big difference. On the other hand, baseball and hockey are sports where points are scored in increments of 1 only, and where half points are irrelevant.
• The type and size of the bet: Some types and sizes of bets are more suitable for buying or selling points than others. For example, single bets and small bets are more flexible and affordable for buying or selling points than parlay bets and large bets. Parlay bets and large bets require more risk and capital, and may not be worth the extra cost of buying or selling points.
• The market conditions and movements: The market conditions and movements can also influence the decision to buy or sell points. For example, if the point spread is moving in favor of a bettor’s selection, they may want to buy points before the odds get worse. Conversely, if the point spread is moving against a bettor’s selection, they may want to sell points before the odds get better.

To Sum Up

Buying points is a bettor’s ability to purchase points on a point spread game, by paying an extra fee or juice. Selling points is a bettor’s ability to sell points on a point spread game, by receiving a better payout or juice. Buying or selling points can be a useful strategy for bettors who want to increase their chances of winning, increase their potential payout, or hedge their bets. However, buying or selling points also involves a cost and a risk, and should be done only when there is a good reason and an edge over the bookmaker.