Everything You Need to Know About Buying and Selling Points in Sports Betting
Written by: Eddie Griffin
Published: Wed Feb 26, 2025, 07:50 AM
Read Time: 14 minutes
Sports betting has evolved significantly over the years, offering bettors various strategies to maximize their potential returns while minimizing risks. Among these strategies, buying and selling points stand out as powerful tools that experienced bettors leverage to tilt the odds in their favor. These techniques allow bettors to modify the point spread or total in exchange for adjusted odds, providing flexibility in how they approach their wagers.
For newcomers to sports betting, understanding the mechanics of buying and selling points can seem daunting at first. However, mastering these concepts can significantly enhance your betting arsenal and how you approach wagering on sports.
This guide aims to thoroughly break down these concepts, explaining not only what they are but also how and when to effectively implement them in your betting strategy at BetOnline, Bovada, and other sites that rank among the best online sportsbooks.
Whether you are a new or casual bettor looking to improve your understanding of sports betting or a more experienced bettor seeking to refine your strategy with betting on NFL odds or college football odds, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about buying and selling points. That includes the sports where these strategies are most commonly used, the mathematics behind them, and practical tips for implementation.
Buy and Sell Points on NFL Games at the Best Online Sportsbooks
What Is Buying Points in Sports Betting?
Buying points in sports betting refers to paying an additional price (in the form of less favorable odds) to receive a more advantageous point spread or total.
Essentially, you are “buying” a better position for your bet. This strategy allows bettors to move the line in their favor and potentially increase their chances of winning the wager.
However, it may come at a cost.
When you buy points, you essentially pay for insurance. If you are familiar with playing blackjack at the best online casinos, you will know that insurance and surrender are available if a potentially bad outcome may come into play.
Buying points in sports betting operates with a similar concept, but the premise is the same in that you are protecting yourself in some way against an unfavorable outcome.
When might you buy points?
If you’re betting on a football game where Team A is favored by 3.5 points over Team B, you might buy a half-point to move the spread to 3 points. This means that if Team A wins by exactly three points, which is a common margin in football, it would result in a push (tie) rather than a loss.
The tradeoff is that instead of the standard -110 odds (bet $110 to win $100), you might now be facing odds of -120 or -125, depending on the sportsbook.
The concept of buying points is fundamentally connected to key numbers in sports betting, which are the most common margins of victory in a particular sport.
In NFL betting, the most significant key numbers are 3 and 7, as these are the most frequent margins of victory. Buying points that cross these key numbers can be particularly valuable, as they significantly affect the probability of certain outcomes.
What Is Selling Points in Sports Betting?
Selling points operates on the opposite principle of buying points. When you sell points, you accept a less favorable point spread or total in exchange for better odds. This means taking on more risk with the potential for greater rewards.
For instance, if you’re betting on a basketball game where Team B is a 5-point underdog over Team A, you might sell 1.5 points, making them a 3.5-point underdog. So, Team B must lose by 3 points or fewer (or win outright) for your bet to win. The benefit is improved odds—perhaps moving from the standard -110 to +100 (bet $100 to win $100) or even better.
Bettors with strong convictions about a particular outcome and willingness to accept additional risk for the potential of greater returns may consider selling points. Simply put, buying points is leaning away from that risk, while selling points is leaning into that risk.
Alternate Lines vs Buying and Selling Points
Alternate lines and traditional point buying/selling serve similar purposes but differ in implementation and availability. Understanding their distinctions can help you leverage each option more effectively.
Buying and selling points typically involves adjusting standard spreads by a half-point or full point, with corresponding changes to the odds. These adjustments are usually limited in range and online sportsbooks generally offer these options directly within the standard betting interface.
In contrast, alternate lines present a wider array of pre-set spreads or totals that deviate more significantly from the standard line.
Rather than incremental adjustments, alternate lines might offer spreads that are 3, 4, or even 7 points different from the original. These options have dramatically altered odds that reflect the substantial shift in win probability. NFL betting sites typically display alternate lines in a separate section of their platform, offering them as distinct betting options.
Alternate lines offer enhanced flexibility, allowing bettors to select spreads which match their game analysis. Do you believe a 7-point favorite will win by at least 14 points? Alternate lines will allow you to bet on a -13.5 spread.
From a mathematical perspective, bettors use both buying/selling and alternate lines to adjust risk versus reward. Ultimately, when deciding between buying/selling and alternate lines, consider both the size of the desired adjustment and the odds being offered.
Strategic Considerations for Buying Points
Buying points becomes particularly valuable in situations where the point spread or total is hovering around key numbers, and understanding a sport’s scoring patterns and the specific context of a game should factor heavily when buying points.
As mentioned earlier, the numbers 3 and 7 hold special significance if you bet on NFL games. When a spread is set at 3.5 points, buying a half-point to move to 3 can be worth the additional cost. Approximately 15% of NFL games end with a margin of exactly 3 points.
Also, consider buying points when constructing a parlay. Since parlays require all selections to win for the bet to pay out, buying points potentially prevents one close game from ruining your parlay.
Also consider buying points when betting on underdogs. If the underdog is getting 2.5 points, buying a half-point to get to 3 can be valuable. Similarly, if they’re getting 6.5 points, moving to 7 crosses another key number.
Strategic Considerations for Selling Points
Selling points can be an effective strategy when you believe strongly in a team and want to maximize your potential return. It is particularly valuable when the current line seemingly offers a buffer you deem unnecessary.
One common scenario for selling points is when betting on a favorite that you think will win by a substantial margin.
Say you are making your college basketball betting picks for tonight and zero in on a potential mismatch. If Team A is favored by 8 points but your research points to double-digit win over Team B, selling 2 points to get better odds could make sense.
Betting against public perception can also result in selling points. If the general public heavily backs one side, line movement may create value on the other side. Here, selling points can amplify the value you receive from going against the public.
Always remember that selling points inherently increases your risk. Only do it when you have reasonably strong confidence in your prediction and have used reputable sports betting tools and resources to help support your position.
Popular Sports for Point Buying and Selling
NFL Football
The NFL is perhaps the most popular sport for buying and selling points due to the significance of key numbers like 3, 7, and 10.
The structured scoring system in football (touchdowns worth 7 points with the extra point, field goals worth 3 points) creates predictable patterns in margins of victory and sets up many opportunities to buy and sell points when locking in this week’s NFL picks.
NBA Basketball
NBA betting offers a different landscape for point buying and selling. With high-scoring games and more fluid scoring patterns, the key numbers aren’t as pronounced as in football. However, buying or selling points when you bet on NBA games can still be valuable, especially in games expected to be closely contested.
When combing through NBA picks, buying points might be considered when a spread is close to common margins like 4, 5, or 6 points. Selling points might be more common when betting on heavy favorites or in situations where you expect a blowout. Back-to-back scenarios and tanking or resting (a.k.a. load management) spots late in the season are good candidates for selling points.
College Sports
College football betting and college basketball betting both present unique opportunities for point buying and selling.
This is due to the greater variability in team strength and the potential for mismatches. In college sports, the spreads can be much larger than in professional leagues. Large double-digit spreads are much more prevalent in college sports, especially in non-conference games in which a team from a stronger conference meets a team from a weaker conference.
When betting on college sports, buying points might be most valuable in rivalry games or contests between evenly matched teams. For example, if Ohio State is facing Michigan in one of the biggest rivalry matchups in American sports, a close game is a good possibility even if one team is performing at a higher level over the course of the season.
On the flip side, selling points might be considered when betting on powerhouse programs facing significantly weaker opposition.
Hockey and Soccer
In low-scoring sports like hockey and soccer, buying or selling points often takes the form of adjusting the puck line or goal line. Since these sports frequently feature games decided by a single goal, even minor adjustments to the line can significantly impact the probability of winning a bet.
For instance, with NHL odds, the standard puck line is often set at 1.5 goals. Buying a point to move to 2.5 might be considered when betting on an underdog. Selling points might be considered when betting on a strong favorite expected to win by multiple goals.
Mathematical Understanding of Point Buying and Selling
To make informed decisions about buying and selling points, you must understand the mathematical implications. Does the adjustment in odds justify the movement in the point spread or total?
When buying points, you pay a premium for a more favorable position. This premium is reflected in the odds. For example, in NFL betting, buying a half-point typically costs about 10 cents in juice (the bookmaker’s commission), moving from -110 to -120. When crossing key numbers like 3 or 7, the cost might be higher, perhaps 15-20 cents or more.
The value proposition can be calculated by comparing the change in win probability with the change in payout. If the increase in win probability exceeds the decrease in payout percentage, buying points offers positive expected value in the long run.
Similarly, when selling points, assess whether the improvement in odds compensates for the decrease in win probability. If the percentage improvement in payout exceeds the percentage decrease in win probability, selling points could be wise.
It’s worth noting that sportsbooks set their prices for buying and selling points with a built-in edge. So, you should be selective and identify specific situations where there is true value.
Strategies for Successful Point Buying
Focus on Key Numbers
When buying points in NFL betting, prioritize moves that cross key numbers like 3, 7, and 10. For example, moving from 3.5 to 3 or from 7.5 to 7 when betting on favorites, or from 2.5 to 3 or from 6.5 to 7 when betting on underdogs.
Shop for the Best Price
Different sportsbooks may offer different prices for buying points. Some might charge -120 for a half-point move, while others might charge -125 or even -130. Getting the best lines can significantly enhance your long-term profits.
Consider the Game Context
Not all games are equal when it comes to the value of bought points. Games expected to be low-scoring or defensive battles might see greater value in bought points, as each point represents a larger percentage of the total score. In high-scoring games, an extra half-point might matter less.
Use Buying Points Selectively
Only buy points where the value is clear. Indiscriminate point buying will erode your bankroll due to the increased juice.
Combine with Other Strategies
Buying points can be particularly effective when combined with other betting strategies, such as middling (placing bets on both sides of a moving line) or as part of a larger hedging strategy to manage risk across multiple bets.
Strategies for Successful Point Selling
Target Inflated Lines
Look for situations where public perception might have pushed a line beyond what your analysis suggests is reasonable. Inflated lines present opportunities to sell points for extra value.
Leverage Strong Convictions
Only sell points when you have strong confidence in your prediction, backed by thorough research and analysis. The higher the risk, the higher your level of certainty should be.
Consider Alternate Lines
Alternate lines effectively allow you to sell points beyond the standard half-point or point increments. These can offer even better odds for bettors willing to take on additional risk.
Factor in Team Styles
Teams with potent offenses or those that tend to win by larger margins might be better candidates for point selling when favored. Similarly, strong defensive teams that keep games close might be suitable for point selling as underdogs.
Be Mindful of Juice
While selling points improves your odds, you must consider the overall juice or vig being charged. Some sportsbooks might offer seemingly attractive alternate lines but with excessive hidden juice that erodes the value proposition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying and Selling Points
Overvaluing Bought Points
One common mistake is overestimating the value of bought points and paying too much for line movements that don’t significantly impact win probability. This is especially true for moves that don’t cross key numbers.
Underestimating Risk When Selling Points
When selling points, bettors sometimes focus too much on the improved odds and do not acknowledge the increased risk. Be sure to realistically assess how the sold points affect your win probability.
Ignoring Line Shopping
Line shopping can help ensure you get the best available odds even when buying or selling points. If you don’t take the time to do so, you may pay unnecessarily high premiums for bought points or receive suboptimal odds when selling points.
Applying Strategies Universally
Different sports have different scoring patterns and key numbers. Each sport requires its own approach to point buying and selling.
Neglecting Bankroll Management
Point buying and selling should be integrated into a broader bankroll management strategy. The increased juice when buying points or the greater risk when selling points should inform your bet sizing to maintain responsible bankroll management.
Conclusion
Buying and selling points represent sophisticated tools in the sports bettor’s arsenal. They can help you win at sports betting long term if you use them selectively and sensibly.
The key to success with these strategies lies in that selective application. Rather than buying or selling points indiscriminately, experienced bettors identify specific situations where these moves offer positive expected value.
This requires a deep understanding of the sports involved, familiarity with key numbers and scoring patterns, and using discipline while evaluating odds.
As with all betting strategies, point buying and selling should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes thorough research, responsible bankroll management, and a long-term perspective.
And as with any betting strategy, you will not win 100% of the time even when with pristine research. But by mastering the concepts and your timing with using them, you can gain a valuable edge in navigating the complex and competitive landscape of sports betting well into the future.
Learn More About Sports Betting
This guide covers a lot of information about buying and selling points, as well as alternate lines. But we have many, many more sports betting guides for both new and experienced bettors.
Whether you want to learn about over/under bets, prop bets, and other types of bets, sportsbook bonuses, notable sports betting terms and phrases, or sports betting strategies such as hedging and middling, we have you covered.
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