A scalp is a situation where the bettor finds two different bookmakers or betting platforms that offer different spreads for the same game or event. This means that the bettor can place two opposing wagers on the same market and guarantee a profit no matter what happens.
A scalp can happen on any type of bet, such as point spread bets, totals bets, moneyline bets, futures bets, props bets, etc. A scalp can also happen on any sport or event, such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, etc.
A scalp can be expressed in different formats, depending on the region or the sport. The most common formats are:
Decimal odds: This format shows how much money you will receive for every $1 wagered, including the original stake. For example, if Bookmaker A offers decimal odds of 1.80 for Team A to win with a -3.5 point spread and Bookmaker B offers decimal odds of 2.00 for Team B to win with a +4 point spread, then you can place a scalp bet by wagering $100 on Team A at Bookmaker A and $100 on Team B at Bookmaker B.
Fractional odds: This format shows how much profit you will receive for every $1 wagered, excluding the original stake. For example, if Bookmaker A offers fractional odds of 4/5 for Team A to win with a -3.5 point spread and Bookmaker B offers fractional odds of evens for Team B to win with a +4 point spread, then you can place a scalp bet by wagering $100 on Team A at Bookmaker A and $100 on Team B at Bookmaker B.
American odds: This format shows how much money you will have to wager to win $100, or how much money you will receive for wagering $100, depending on whether the odds are positive or negative. For example, if Bookmaker A offers American odds of -125 for Team A to win with a -3.5 point spread and Bookmaker B offers American odds of +100 for Team B to win with a +4 point spread, then you can place a scalp bet by wagering $125 on Team A at Bookmaker A and $100 on Team B at Bookmaker B.
How Does a Scalp Work?
A scalp works by exploiting the difference in spreads offered by different bookmakers or betting platforms. The bettor places two opposing wagers on the same market and locks in a profit regardless of the outcome.
The possible outcomes of a scalp bet are as follows (assuming -110 juice on all bets):
Team A wins by more than 3.5 points: The bettor wins $80 profit from Bookmaker A and loses $100 from Bookmaker B, resulting in a net profit of $20.
Team B wins or loses by less than 4 points: The bettor wins $100 profit from Bookmaker B and loses $125 from Bookmaker A, resulting in a net profit of $25.
Team A wins by exactly 3.5 points or Team B wins or loses by exactly 4 points: The bettor gets back his/her original stake from both bookmakers, resulting in a break-even situation.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Scalp?
A scalp has some benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before using it as a betting strategy. Here are some of them:
Benefits:
You can guarantee a profit no matter what happens. A scalp eliminates the risk of losing money, as you can cover all possible outcomes and ensure a positive return.
You can take advantage of market inefficiencies or errors. A scalp can be profitable if you find two bookmakers or betting platforms that offer different spreads for the same game or event, due to mistakes, delays, or discrepancies.
You can have more fun and excitement. A scalp can make watching sports more fun and exciting, as you can cheer for both teams and enjoy the game without any stress or pressure.
Drawbacks:
You may have limited access and availability. A scalp can be hard to find, as most bookmakers or betting platforms offer similar spreads for the same game or event. You may also have to deal with lower limits or higher minimums for your bets.
You may face more competition and sharper spreads. A scalp can be competitive, as many other bettors may also look for scalps and place bets on them. This may cause the spreads to change or move quickly, reducing your profit margin or eliminating your opportunity.
You may have to pay more fees or commissions. A scalp can be costly, as you have to pay juice or vig to both bookmakers or betting platforms for placing your bets. This may eat into your profit margin or make your break-even point higher.
How to Find and Bet on Scalps?
Finding and betting on scalps can be a profitable strategy if done correctly and carefully. Here are some tips on how to find and bet on scalps:
Do your research and analysis before placing your bets. Look at various sources and information that can help you evaluate and compare the teams involved, and their chances of winning or performing well. Look for factors that can give an advantage or a disadvantage to a team, such as statistics, trends, injuries, motivation, weather, etc.
Shop around and compare different bookmakers and betting platforms. Look for the best spreads and payouts for your bets. Look for any discrepancies or differences that may indicate a mistake or an error by the bookmaker or the betting platform.
Be selective and disciplined with your bets. Don’t bet on every game or every scalp. Look for spots where you have an edge or an opportunity over the bookmaker or the market. Set a budget and stick to it. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose or chase your losses.
Review your results and learn from your experience. Keep track of your bets and evaluate your performance. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your skills. Don’t let your emotions or biases affect your judgment or reasoning.
To Sum Up
A scalp is a form of bet where the bettor gets a spread in his favor. This means that the bettor can place two opposing wagers on the same market and guarantee a profit no matter what happens.
A scalp can happen on any type of bet, such as point spread bets, totals bets, moneyline bets, futures bets, props bets, etc. A scalp can also happen on any sport or event, such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, etc.
A scalp has some benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before using it as a betting strategy. A scalp can guarantee a profit no matter what happens, take advantage of market inefficiencies or errors, and make watching sports more fun and exciting. However, a scalp can also have limited access and availability, face more competition and sharper spreads, and pay more fees or commissions.