What is an Alternate Spread?

An alt spread/alternative spread allows you to move the points in a point spread, in a direction to suit you. Some people choose to move them to make the bet easier to win, others move them to make the payout higher.

We’re going to take a look at exactly what an alternative spread is, as well as their unique benefits and drawbacks. Plus, how you can use an alternative point spread to your advantage.

How Alternate Spreads Work

The sportsbook always sets the spread. They’ll set one that’s possible for both teams, usually giving similar odds for either side of it. The spread alternate lets you, in effect, change the goal posts. You can move the spread up or down as you see fit, but remember, it will affect the odds. Sometimes, the best way to understand exactly how the alternate spread works, is to see an example. So let’s work one out.

Alternate Spread Example

Now that you know the meaning of an alternate spread, it’s time to work out an example. Let’s look at it in the context of basketball.

The sportsbook has set the point spread at +2/-2 for the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics. A bet for the Boston Celtics at -2 would give you odds of -135, not bad, but an alternate point spread would be better!

You think the Boston Celtics actually stand a good chance of winning, perhaps even by much more than 2 nets, so you decide to bet on the alternative point spread.

You think the Boston Celtics will easily win by 4 nets, so you change the point spread to reflect that. Now, your odds are -220. If they do it, your profit has gone from $135 on a $100 bet, to $220 on that same wager.

What Types of Bets Offer Alt Spreads?

While we’ve focused on the point spread so far, there are plenty of other types where you can use an alternate spread. Let’s take a look at them.

• Totals: how many points/goals will be scored in total.
• Puck Lines: like a point spread but specific to the NHL.
• Run Lines: like a point spread but specific to MLB.
• Goal Lines: like a point spread but specific to soccer.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Alternate Spreads

As with anything in betting there are always pros and cons. Let’s take a look at what they are when it comes to alternate spreads.

Pros:

• Can be used to increase the safety of a bet
• Can be used to increase the payout of a bet
• Available on all major sportsbooks, including Fanduel and Draftkings

Cons:

• Can decrease the chances of winning a bet
• Sometimes odds changes don’t accurately reflected chances