Off the board, also known as OTB, means that a game or event is not available for betting at a bookmaker or a betting platform. This means that the bookmaker or the betting platform has either not posted any odds or lines for the game or event, or has taken them down and is no longer accepting any bets or wagers on it.
Off the board can apply to any type of bet, such as point spread bets, totals bets, moneyline bets, futures bets, props bets, etc. Off the board can also apply to any sport or event, such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, etc.
There are several reasons why bookmakers or betting platforms take games or events off the board, but the main one is usually related to uncertainty or unpredictability regarding the outcome. Some of the factors that can cause uncertainty or unpredictability are:
Injuries: One of the most common reasons for games or events going off the board is injuries to key players. Injuries can have a significant impact on the performance and results of teams or players, and can change the odds and lines drastically. For example, if a star quarterback gets injured before a game, the bookmaker or the betting platform may take the game off the board until they know the severity of the injury and whether he will play or not.
Suspensions: Another common reason for games or events going off the board is suspensions to key players. Suspensions can also affect the performance and results of teams or players, and can alter the odds and lines significantly. For example, if a star pitcher gets suspended for violating a drug policy before a game, the bookmaker or the betting platform may take the game off the board until they know how long he will be out and who will replace him.
Weather: A less common but still possible reason for games or events going off the board is weather conditions. Weather can affect the playing conditions and results of some sports or events, especially outdoor ones. For example, if a storm is expected to hit during a game, the bookmaker or the betting platform may take the game off the board until they know how severe it will be and whether it will delay or cancel the game.
Errors: A rare but still possible reason for games or events going off the board is errors by the bookmaker or the betting platform. Errors can occur when the bookmaker or the betting platform makes a mistake in posting or updating the odds or lines for a game or event. For example, if a bookmaker accidentally posts a wrong line for a game, such as -7 instead of +7, they may take the game off the board until they correct it.
How Does Off The Board Affect Your Bets?
Off the board can affect your bets in different ways, depending on when it happens and what type of bet you have placed. Here are some examples of how off the board can affect your bets:
If your bet is graded as off the board before you place it, you will not be able to place it at all. You will have to wait until the bookmaker or the betting platform posts or reposts odds or lines for the game or event, if they ever do. You may also have to look for another bookmaker or betting platform that offers odds or lines for the game or event.
If your bet is graded as off the board after you place it but before it settles, you will receive a full refund of your stake. Your bet will be cancelled and voided by the bookmaker or the betting platform, without any penalty or profit. You may also have to look for another bookmaker or betting platform that offers odds or lines for the game or event.
If your bet is graded as off the board after it settles, you will receive your payout according to your original odds or lines. Your bet will be honored and paid by the bookmaker or the betting platform, regardless of any changes that may have occurred after you placed it.
Off The Board can be beneficial or detrimental for your bets, depending on whether you would have won, lost, or pushed your bet if it was not taken off The Board. Here are some examples of how off The Board can be beneficial or detrimental for your bets:
If your bet is graded as off The Board and you would have won your bet if it was not taken off The Board, you will miss out on a potential profit. This can be detrimental for your bets, especially if you had a strong conviction or an edge on your bet.
If your bet is graded as off The Board and you would have lost your bet if it was not taken off The Board, you will avoid a potential loss. This can be beneficial for your bets, especially if you had a weak conviction or a disadvantage on your bet.
If your bet is graded as off The Board and you would have pushed (tied) your bet if it was not taken off The Board, you will neither win nor lose anything. This can be neutral for your bets, especially if you had an even conviction or an equal chance on your bet.
How to Avoid Off The Board Bets?
Off The Board bets can be frustrating and disappointing for sports bettors who want to have some action and excitement on their bets. However, off The Board bets are sometimes unavoidable and unpredictable, due to factors that are beyond the control of the bookmaker or the betting platform.
Therefore, sports bettors should be aware of the possibility of off The Board bets and be prepared for them. Here are some tips on how to avoid off The Board bets:
Read and understand the terms and conditions of each bookmaker or betting platform before placing your bets. Look for the rules and policies regarding off The Board bets and how they handle them. Check for any specific requirements or exceptions that may apply to certain sports or events.
Do your research and analysis before placing your bets. Look for any information or news that may affect the outcome of the game or event. Look for any factors that may cause a postponement, cancellation, abandonment, change, or adjustment of the game or event.
Shop around and compare different bookmakers and betting platforms as well.