What is an alternate total?
Comprehensive guide to alternate totals in sports betting and how arbitrage betting eliminates risk.
What is an alternate total?
An alternate total is a betting option that allows bettors to adjust the total number set for a game's combined score, offering different lines above or below the standard total.
This flexibility lets bettors tailor risk and reward by choosing a total that better aligns with their prediction of the game's scoring outcome.
While alternate totals can introduce more complexity and risk, arbitrage betting removes guesswork by locking in guaranteed profits regardless of the outcome.
Definition and Basics of Alternate Totals
Alternate totals are variations on the traditional over/under total points line in sports betting. Instead of wagering on the standard total set by the sportsbook, bettors can select a higher or lower total with adjusted odds. This allows for more precise betting strategies that can accommodate specific game expectations.
- •Standard total represents the sportsbook's predicted combined score
- •Alternate totals shift this number up or down
- •Odds change accordingly to reflect increased or decreased risk
💡Example of Alternate Totals in Football
If the standard total is 45 points, bettors can choose an alternate total like 42.5 or 48.5 points with different odds to suit their prediction.
Over 45 points might be -110 odds, while over 48.5 points might be +130 odds reflecting a riskier bet with higher potential payout.
Advantages of Using Alternate Totals
Alternate totals offer bettors greater control over their wagers, enabling them to better match their risk tolerance and analysis of the game. This flexibility can lead to more profitable betting opportunities when the bettor has a strong prediction that differs from the sportsbook's standard line.
- •Allows customization of risk versus reward
- •Can capitalize on perceived mispricing by sportsbooks
- •Useful for bettors with specialized knowledge or unique insights
💡Using Alternate Totals to Maximize Value
A bettor expecting a defensive game might take a lower alternate total with more favorable odds, increasing potential payout over the standard total bet.
Choosing under 42.5 points at +120 odds instead of under 45 at -110 improves profit potential if the game is low scoring.
Risks and Challenges of Betting Alternate Totals
While alternate totals provide flexibility, they also increase complexity and risk. Bettors must accurately assess the likelihood of various scoring outcomes and understand how adjusted odds affect value. Misjudgment can lead to losses, especially if the alternate total chosen is too aggressive or conservative.
- •More lines mean more decisions and potential confusion
- •Higher odds on extreme totals come with greater risk
- •Requires strong understanding of the sport and game conditions
💡Risk of Choosing an Alternate Total Too Far From Standard
Betting over 50.5 points when the standard is 45 may yield higher payout but is less likely to hit, increasing the chance of loss.
A +200 odds payout may seem tempting, but the probability of reaching 51+ points could be under 20%, making the bet unfavorable without precise insight.
How Arbitrage Betting Improves Betting on Alternate Totals
Arbitrage betting allows bettors to place wagers on all outcomes of an event across different sportsbooks to guarantee a profit regardless of the result. This eliminates the guesswork and risk inherent in choosing alternate totals by ensuring a return no matter which line hits.
- •Locks in profits by covering all scoring possibilities
- •Reduces exposure to unpredictable game outcomes
- •Ideal for complex bets like alternate totals where risk is higher
💡Arbitrage Example with Alternate Totals
By placing bets on both an over alternate total at one sportsbook and under a different alternate total at another with differing odds, a bettor can secure a guaranteed profit.
Calculating these opportunities can be complex, which is why tools like ArbitUp automate the process to find and execute these bets efficiently.
Calculations and Tools for Alternate Total Betting
Calculating potential profits and risks when betting alternate totals requires understanding odds conversions and implied probabilities. Since numerous alternate lines exist, manual calculations can become complicated. Utilizing specialized tools helps bettors optimize their stake sizes and identify profitable opportunities.
- •Convert odds to implied probability to assess value
- •Determine stake sizes to maximize expected returns
- •Use software to automate and simplify calculations
💡Using ArbitUp to Manage Alternate Total Bets
ArbitUp helps bettors quickly compare odds across sportsbooks and calculate optimal staking for arbitrage opportunities involving alternate totals.
Automated formulas handle complex odds conversions and stake distributions to ensure guaranteed profits.
Strategies for Success with Alternate Totals
Successful betting on alternate totals involves thorough research, understanding game dynamics, and disciplined bankroll management. Combining these strategies with arbitrage betting techniques can further enhance profitability and reduce risk.
- •Analyze team performance and scoring trends
- •Compare alternate totals across multiple sportsbooks
- •Incorporate arbitrage to minimize losses and lock profits
💡Combining Analysis and Arbitrage
A bettor confident in a tight game might take a lower alternate under total and simultaneously place a complementary bet at a different sportsbook to guarantee profit via arbitrage.
This dual approach reduces exposure to incorrect predictions while capitalizing on odds differences.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️Ignoring the impact of odds changes on alternate totals, leading to poor value bets
- ⚠️Choosing alternate totals without proper analysis of game conditions or team tendencies
- ⚠️Failing to compare lines across multiple sportsbooks to find the best odds
- ⚠️Underestimating the complexity of calculating stakes and potential returns manually
- ⚠️Overcommitting to risky alternate totals without managing bankroll effectively
- ⚠️Neglecting how arbitrage betting can reduce risk when dealing with multiple alternate lines
- ⚠️Relying solely on standard totals and missing out on better opportunities offered by alternate lines
The Power of Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting eliminates guesswork by allowing bettors to lock in guaranteed profits regardless of which alternate total hits.
- ✓Removes risk associated with predicting precise scoring outcomes
- ✓Maximizes returns by exploiting price discrepancies across sportsbooks
- ✓Simplifies complex betting scenarios involving alternate totals
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