Exploring the Alternate Spread with DraftKings: A Guide to Expanded Betting Options

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9 min read
iconSep 11, 2024, 5:58 PMicon

Understanding Spread Betting on DraftKings

The point spread is one of the most common ways to bet on sports. 

With a point spread bet, you're not just picking the winner of the game - you're also predicting the margin of victory. The favorite has to win by more than the spread, while the underdog can lose by less than the spread or win outright.

Spread betting on DraftKings allows you to wager on the point differential between two teams. 

For example, if the Los Angeles Lakers are 7.5-point favorites over the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers would need to win by 8 points or more for you to win your bet on them. If the Warriors lose by 7 points or fewer, or win the game outright, then a bet on the Warriors would win.

What is an Alternate Spread?

An alternate spread is a variation on the standard point spread that allows you to adjust the spread in your favor, but at less favorable odds. 

For example, instead of betting the Lakers -7.5, you could take the Lakers at an alternate spread of -5.5 or -3.5 for a lower payout.

The tradeoff with an alternate spread is that the odds, or payout, will be lower than the standard spread. So while you have a better chance of winning your bet, the potential payout will be less.

Alternate spreads provide bettors with more flexibility to find a line they're comfortable with, even if it means accepting lower odds.

Alternate spreads are particularly useful when you have a strong opinion on a game but aren't confident the team will cover the standard spread. 

By adjusting the spread in your favor, you can improve your chances of winning, albeit at a lower potential payout. Below is a summary of the pros and cons of this wager type:

Alternate Spread BenefitTradeoffExample
Improves your chances of winningLower potential payoutLakers -5.5 instead of Lakers -7.5
Allows you to hedge other betsStill carries risk of losingBetting Lakers -5.5 to offset another moneyline bet
Useful for closely matched teamsSmaller potential returnTaking Celtics +3.5 instead of +5.5

Betting Strategies for Alternate Spreads

One strategy for alternate spread betting is to identify games where you believe the standard spread is set too high. 

If you think a team will win convincingly but not quite cover the large spread, an alternate spread bet can be an effective way to capitalize on that.

Another approach is to use alternate spreads to hedge your other bets. For example, if you've already placed a bet on the moneyline or standard spread, you could use an alternate spread to reduce your risk or guarantee a payout.

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Alternate spreads can also be useful when betting on closely matched teams. Instead of risking a loss on the standard spread, you can adjust the line in your favor and aim for a more modest but more reliable payout.

Ultimately, the key to successful alternate spread betting is thorough research, risk management, and an understanding of how the odds and payouts shift as you adjust the spread.

Managing Risk and Maximizing Returns

When it comes to alternate spread betting, effective bankroll management is crucial. These bets inherently carry more risk than standard spreads, so it's important to size your wagers appropriately.

A good rule of thumb is to never risk more than 2-5% of your total betting bankroll on a single alternate spread bet. This helps you weather the inevitable ups and downs and avoid catastrophic losses from a string of unfavorable outcomes.

It's also wise to shop around for the best alternate spread odds across multiple online sportsbooks. Odds can vary significantly, so taking the time to compare lines can help you maximize your potential returns.

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Consider using alternate spreads as part of a broader betting strategy, such as pairing them with other wagers like the moneyline or totals. This can help you diversify your risk and potentially boost your overall profitability.

Alternate Spread Betting Options on DraftKings

DraftKings offers a wide range of alternate spread options for a variety of sports, including the NFL, NBA, college basketball, and more. 

You can typically find alternate spreads that adjust the standard spread by 0.5, 1, 1.5, or even 2 or more points.

For example, in an NFL game where the 49ers are 7.5-point favorites, you might see alternate spread options like 49ers -5.5, 49ers -3.5, or even 49ers -1.5. Each of these would have different odds and potential payouts compared to the standard 7.5-point spread.

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Alternate spreads provide bettors with the flexibility to find a line that aligns with their risk tolerance and betting strategy.

 Whether you're looking to hedge your other bets, capitalize on a perceived mismatch, or simply fine-tune your wager, the alternate spread options on DraftKings can be a valuable tool.

Getting Started with Alternate Spread Betting on DraftKings

To get started with alternate spread betting with DraftKings, simply navigate to the game you're interested in and look for the "Alternate Spreads" section located alongside the standard point spread and other betting markets.

Once you've identified the alternate spread options, review the odds and payouts for each. 

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Consider your assessment of the teams, your risk tolerance, and your overall betting strategy to determine the best alternate spread for your wager.

Remember to always verify your selections before confirming the bet. Double-checking the spread, odds, and your stake can help ensure you place the wager you intended.

Tips for Successful Alternate Spread Betting

  1. Do Your Research: As with any sports betting, thoroughly researching the teams, players, and historical trends is essential for making informed alternate spread bets.
  2. Manage Your Bankroll: Stick to your predetermined betting limits and be disciplined in your wager sizing to protect your overall balance.
  3. Shop for the Best Odds: Compare alternate spread odds across multiple sportsbooks to find the most favorable lines for your bets.
  4. Diversify Your Bets: Consider pairing alternate spread bets with other wagers like teasers or points buying to balance your risk.
  5. Be Selective: Don't feel compelled to bet on every game. Wait for the right opportunities where you have a strong edge based on your analysis.

By following these tips and practicing sound bankroll management, you can increase your chances of success when betting alternate spreads on DraftKings.

FAQ

Custom Alternate Spreads

Can I create my own alternate spreads on DraftKings?

No, the alternate spread options are pre-determined by DraftKings and you cannot create your own custom alternate spreads on the platform. You can only choose from the available options they provide for each sport and game.

Betting on Ties

Is there a way to bet on a tie using alternate spreads in a sport like basketball or football?

Yes, some sportsbooks may offer alternate spread options that include the possibility of a tie outcome. This allows you to wager on the game finishing with a specific point differential that results in a tie between the two teams.

Finding Alternate Spreads

How can I access the alternate spread betting options on DraftKings?

To access the alternate spread betting options on DraftKings, simply navigate to the game you want to bet on and look for the "Alternate Spreads" section, which is typically located alongside the standard point spread and other betting markets.

Special Considerations

Are there any special considerations I need to keep in mind when betting on alternate spreads compared to standard point spread bets?

Yes, the key considerations for alternate spread betting include managing your bankroll more conservatively, shopping around for the best odds, and diversifying your bets to balance the inherent risk. 

It's important to thoroughly research each game and carefully evaluate the tradeoffs between the alternate spread and standard spread options.

Security

What security measures does DraftKings have in place to protect my account when using alternate spread betting?

DraftKings employs various security solutions to help protect its platform and user accounts from online attacks and malformed data. 

These measures are designed to resolve security issues and maintain the integrity of the betting experience.

<p>Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.</p><p>Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.&nbsp;</p><p>Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.</p>
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