One of the first steps to becoming a successful sports bettor is understanding the important terms and different types of bets available to you.
Of the many types of bets available, teasers are one of the popular betting markets, but can be confusing to understand.
With that, we have created a complete guide that will fully explain what teasers are and how they work.
Teaser Definition?
By definition, a teaser is a type of parlay that offers bettors a unique way to bet on games by lowering the set point spread or total.
How Does a Teaser Differ From a Regular Parlay?
The biggest difference between a parlay and a teaser is the fact that with a teaser, you will be allowed to “adjust” the point spread or total that has been set for any given game.
Further, unlike parlays, which tend to offer intriguing odds, teasers are more likely to have standard odds that can be slightly higher or lower depending on the type of teaser you are betting on. As a result, you would not see a teaser with odds of something like +1500.
Instead, you would see a teaser with odds ranging from -140 to +650.
What can you Tease in Betting?
With a teaser, there are a limited number of sports you can bet on, and with that, only two types of betting markets you can tease.
These markets are the point spread and game total, as all of the other markets are considered fixed, such as team totals, player props, game props, etc.
Totals
For totals, this only includes the full game. You would not be eligible to tease a team total, a halftime total, a 5-inning total, a quarter total, a period total, or any type of player prop.
Point Spreads
The same principle applies to teasing point spreads, as you can only tease full game point spreads in eligible sports.
Point spreads that you cannot tease include halftime point spreads, quarter point spreads, period point spreads, run lines, goal lines, and puck lines.
What is a Special Teaser?
This is a type of teaser that requires you to have at least 3 or 4 selections.
- Football Special Teasers
- 3-team teaser → move spread/total 10 points, odds -120.
- 4-team teaser → move spread/total 13 points, odds -140.
- Basketball Special Teasers
- 3-team teaser → move spread/total 8 points, odds -120.
- 4-team teaser → move spread/total 10 points, odds -120.
What are the Teaser Odds?
One of the nice things about teasers is that there are different options depending on the sport.
Football Teaser Odds
| Teams | 6-Point Teaser | 6.5-Point Teaser | 7-Point Teaser | 10-Point Teaser | 13-Point Teaser |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Teams | -120 | -130 | -140 | N/A | N/A |
| 3 Teams | +160 | +150 | +130 | -120 | N/A |
| 4 Teams | +260 | +230 | +200 | N/A | -140 |
| 5 Teams | +400 | +350 | +320 | N/A | N/A |
| 6 Teams | +600 | +500 | +450 | N/A | N/A |
Basketball Teaser Odds
| Teams | 4-Point Teaser | 4.5-Point Teaser | 5-Point Teaser | 8-Point Teaser | 10-Point Teaser |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Teams | -110 | -120 | -130 | N/A | N/A |
| 3 Teams | +170 | +150 | +130 | -120 | N/A |
| 4 Teams | +290 | +240 | +190 | N/A | -120 |
| 5 Teams | +450 | +400 | +350 | N/A | N/A |
| 6 Teams | +650 | +550 | +450 | N/A | N/A |
How do Teasers work?
Teasers are similar to a parlay in the sense that all of your picks or legs must win. The main difference is that when betting on a teaser, you can move the point spread or total.
How Many Teams Can I Include in a Teaser Bet?
For both football and basketball teasers, the minimum number of bets that must be selected is 2, while the maximum is 6.
What Happens if One Leg of My Teaser Pushes (Ties)?
Similar to a standard parlay, if one of the legs of your teaser pushes, it will be excluded from the outcome.
Is it Better to Bet on Favorites or Underdogs?
Because teasers allow you to move the point spread or total, both favorites and underdogs can be considered better depending on what the original spread or total is.
How Are Teasers Calculated & Made?
Teasers are a direct result of point spreads and totals; therefore, they are generally created based on those two betting markets.
What Factors Influence a Teaser?
Factors include weather, team form, location, and player injuries, among others.
What Does Covering the Teasers Mean?
This simply refers to whether your teaser was a winner.
What Sports Can I Place Teaser Bets on?
Teasers are very limited, as only a handful of sports are eligible for this type of bet. These include football and basketball.
Can I Mix Point Spreads and Totals in the Same Teaser?
Yes, as long as you don’t exceed the maximum number of selections.
Can I Mix Sports on a Teaser?
No, except that you can combine NFL with College Football.
Final Word: Is Teaser Betting for You?
Whether or not teaser betting is for you should be a decision based on your experience. Start small and build your strategy.
Quick Glossary
- Total: The betting market that focuses on the number of points scored in a game.
- Point Spread: The type of bet that uses a predetermined margin.
- Covering: The term to determine the outcome of any given bet.
- Push: A betting outcome where the spread or total lands exactly on the posted number.
- Vig: The extra amount paid for a sportsbook to accept your bet.