Middles Betting Strategy Explained For Beginners | Proven Tips
Many bettors struggle with the highs and lows of sports betting, often finding it hard to strike the balance between risk and reward.
Middles betting strategy allows you to place bets that can win on both sides, increasing your chances for profit while reducing risk.
So in this article, we’ll break down how middle betting works and give you some practical tips to use it effectively…
What Is Middles Betting Strategy?
Middles betting is a sports betting strategy that involves placing two bets on the same game but on different lines. The best outcome being that both bets win, giving you a double payout. Worst case; one bet hits, minimising your total loss (breaking even sometimes).
Essentially, you’re betting on the “middle” of two outcomes, aiming to hit the sweet spot where both bets could potentially win.
Take a look at the image below for the most basic explanation:
We need to find the right priced bets to turn the odds in your favour using the middles betting strategy while keeping risks low. By looking for instances where the point spread or totals line on offer, we can find an overlap in opportunity (because their odds differ). It’s a simple form of positive expected value betting.
By strategically placing each bet, we create a middle opportunity. For instance, if you bet on a team to win at -4.5 and later find another line at -6.5, placing a second bet on the opposing line creates that overlap.
If the final score lands in the middle, both your bets win; if not, the loss from one bet is offset by the winnings from the other. Think of it as a form of ‘risk insurance’.
How to Calculate Your Bets For Successful Middle Betting…
Calculating your bets correctly is key to success in middle betting. For this article, we’ll be working with American odds. If you need to convert your odds then there’s a conversion tool here.
Here’s a simple 3-step guide to help you calculate your bets for successful middle betting…
Step 1: Finding Your Bets
To calculate a middle bet, find opportunities where the sportsbooks are offering different score lines.
As an example:
Initial Bet: There’s a bet $100 for a team to win by +3.5 points, the odds are -110 (equivalent to 1.91 in decimal odds).
Second Bet: Another sportsbook is offering the same bet at -4.5, assume the odds are also -110 for examples sake.
Step 2: Calculating the Outcome
Winning Both Bets: If the team wins the game or loses by less than 4 points, both of your bets win. Your total payout will be $191 from each bet, totalling $382.
Winning One Bet: If the team loses by exactly 4 points, you win the first bet (+3.5) and lose the second bet (-4.5). You receive $191 for the winning bet and lose $100 on the losing bet. The total result being a small loss of $9. The same is also true if the event finishes the other side of the “middles” range.
Either way, you only stand to lose $9 in this situation. The upside however, is significantly higher…
This is just a simple example. The odds may vary so you may need to adjust your stakes accordingly.
Real-Life Examples of Successful Middles Bets Broken Down:
Let’s examine a middles betting scenario from an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants…
Setting Up the Bets…
Initial Bet: Bet $100 on the New England Patriots at -3.5 (odds of -110).
Second Bet: After the line moves, bet $100 on the New York Giants at +5.5 (odds of -110).
Note: if you’re using a betting exchange, you mustn’t get a partially matched bet. You need both bets to be matched in full for the strategy to work.
Breaking Down the Outcome…
Patriots win by 4: You win both bets, as the Patriots cover -3.5 and the Giants cover +5.5. Each bet pays $190, totalling $382.
Patriots win by 6 or more: You win the Patriots bet and lose the Giants bet, netting a small loss of $9 after accounting for the stake.
Patriots win by 3 or less, or Giants win: You lose the Patriots bet but win the Giants bet, again a small $9 loss.
You see by placing strategic bets on both teams as the spread changes, you can cover multiple outcomes, enhancing your chances for profit while managing risks. Effective middle betting hinges on vigilant line monitoring, price differences and understanding betting dynamics.
