What Happens If Odds Change After A Bet: A Guide to Understanding the Consequences

10 min read
Aug 20, 2024, 7:33 AM
Author
Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer
Last Updated: Sep 16, 2024, 6:49 AM

Understanding Odds Changes in Sports Betting

In sports betting, odds change frequently, reflecting the dynamic nature of betting markets. Odds represent the likelihood of a specific outcome, such as a team winning a game or covering the spread

These odds are not static; they fluctuate based on several factors, including betting activity, team performance, and external influences like weather conditions.

For example, consider a game between Manchester City and another team. The initial odds might heavily favor Manchester City, but as the game approaches, changes in the lineup, injuries, or even betting patterns can cause the odds to shift. Bettors need to understand these odds changes to make informed decisions about when to place their bets.

Betting odds can shift for various reasons, and understanding these changes is crucial for anyone engaged in sports betting. 

Whether you're a casual bettor or a professional, being aware of how and why odds change can significantly impact your betting strategy and potential profit.

Why Do Betting Lines Change?

Betting lines change due to a variety of reasons, all of which revolve around the balance of money wagered on either side of a bet. 

Bookmakers aim to have a balanced book where the money wagered on both sides of a bet is equal. This balance minimizes their risk and ensures a profit regardless of the outcome. 

When one side of a bet receives a large amount of money, the bookmaker may adjust the odds to attract more bets on the opposite side.

Sharp bettors, who are experienced and often bet large amounts, can also influence betting lines. When these bettors place substantial wagers on one team, it can signal to the bookmaker that the initial odds may not accurately reflect the team's likelihood of winning.

External factors like injuries, weather conditions, and team news can also cause odds to change. 

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For instance, if the quarterback of an NFL team is injured just before a game, the odds might shift to reflect the team's reduced chances of winning.

These odds changes are crucial for bettors to monitor, as they can significantly affect the potential payout of a winning wager.

The Impact of Odds Changes on Your Bet

When the odds change after you've placed a bet, the impact on your potential winnings can be significant. If you placed a bet at favorable odds and the line shifts to shorter odds, you've locked in a better price, which could result in a higher profit if your bet wins. 

Conversely, if the odds shift to offer better terms after you've placed your bet, you've potentially missed out on a larger payout.

If you bet on the Boston Celtics to win a game at odds of +150, and later the odds change to +130, your initial odds would provide a higher payout compared to the new odds. 

It's also important to note that some sportsbooks offer the option to auto-accept odds changes. This means that if the odds change between the time you select a bet and confirm it, your bet will still be placed at the new odds. 

While this feature can be convenient, it also carries the risk of locking in less favorable odds than you originally intended.

Managing Odds Changes in Sports Betting

Managing odds changes effectively requires vigilance and a good understanding of the factors that cause odds to shift. One approach is to regularly monitor betting lines leading up to a match or game. 

This allows you to identify patterns in how the odds are moving and decide the best time to place your bet.

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For instance, if you notice that the odds for the Green Bay Packer have been steadily shortening over the course of a week, it might be wise to place your bet sooner rather than later to secure the best odds.

Conversely, if you expect the odds to drift in your favor, waiting might be the better option.

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Another strategy is to use multiple sportsbooks or a betting exchange like Betfair to shop for the best odds.

Sportsbooks might have slightly different lines from each other due to variations in how they balance their books. 

By comparing odds across several bookmakers, you can ensure that you're getting the most favorable odds available for your bet.

Auto-Accepting Odds and Line Changes

Auto-accepting odds changes is a feature offered by some sportsbooks, allowing bettors to automatically accept new odds if they change after a bet is selected but before it is placed. 

This feature can be particularly useful in fast-moving markets where odds are prone to frequent fluctuations.

However, there are risks associated with auto-accepting odds changes.

When the line moves against you, auto-accepting could result in placing a bet at less favorable odds than initially expected. If you bet on the Jacksonville Jaguars at +150 and the line shifts to +130, auto-accepting would mean your bet is placed at the lower odds, reducing your potential profit.

On the other hand, auto-accepting can prevent missed opportunities when odds shift in your favor. 

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In rapidly changing markets, such as those close to game time or during live betting, having this feature enabled could ensure your bet is placed before the line moves further.

Bettors need to weigh the pros and cons of this feature based on their betting strategy and risk tolerance.

Key Considerations for Sports Bettors

When engaging in sports betting, several key considerations should guide your approach to managing odds changes. 

  • Understanding the role of sharp bettors is important. These experienced bettors often place large wagers that can move the line.
  • Timing is critical. Placing a bet too early or too late can affect your potential profit, depending on how the odds change. Monitoring the betting market and being aware of factors like injuries and weather can help you time your bets.
  • Have a clear strategy for how you handle odds changes. Whether you choose to auto-accept odds changes or prefer to wait for the best possible line, having a plan can help you navigate the dynamic nature of sports betting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake in sports betting is placing a bet without considering the potential for odds changes. 

Bettors who fail to monitor how lines are moving may miss out on more favorable odds or end up with a less profitable bet. It's important to keep an eye on the odds from the moment you consider a bet until the moment you place it.

Another mistake is betting based solely on the initial odds without considering the context. Betting on a team at the start of the week without checking for any updates that might affect the game can lead to poor decisions. 

Team news, injuries, and other factors can significantly impact the outcome, and ignoring these can lead to unnecessary losses.

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Relying too heavily on auto-accepting odds changes can also be risky. While it’s a convenient feature, it can lead to placing bets at lower odds than anticipated.

Bettors should use this feature judiciously and always consider whether the new odds still represent a good value for the wager.

Conclusion

Odds changes are an inherent part of sports betting, influenced by a range of factors including betting patterns, team news, and external conditions. 

Understanding how and why these changes occur is essential for making informed betting decisions. 

Bettors who effectively manage odds changes, whether by timing their bets strategically, using multiple sportsbooks to find the best odds, or carefully considering the use of auto-accepting features, can improve their chances of securing favorable odds and maximizing their potential profit.

However, it’s important to approach betting with a clear strategy and an awareness of the risks involved. 

Odds Changes FAQ

Changes after a Bet

What happens if odds change after a bet is placed?

If odds change after you’ve placed a bet, the odds at the time of placement are typically locked in for your wager. This means your potential payout will be based on the initial odds, not the changed odds.

Reasons for Line Changes

Why do betting lines change?

Betting lines change due to several factors, including the amount of money wagered on each side, sharp bettors' actions, team news, and external factors like weather conditions. 

Bookmakers adjust the odds to balance their risk and ensure a profit regardless of the outcome.

Managing Odds Changes

How can bettors manage odds changes?

Bettors can manage odds changes by monitoring betting lines, using multiple sportsbooks to find the best odds, and deciding when to place their bets based on the timing of expected changes. 

Using a betting exchange or auto-accepting odds changes are other strategies that can be employed.

The Impact of Sharp Bettors

What is the impact of sharp bettors on odds changes?

Sharp bettors, who are experienced and often bet large amounts, can influence odds changes by placing significant wagers. 

Bookmakers may adjust the odds in response to sharp bettors to balance the action on both sides of the bet.

Auto-Accept Feature

Should you use the auto-accept odds changes feature?

Auto-accepting odds changes can be useful in fast-moving markets to ensure your bet is placed. However, it also carries the risk of accepting less favorable odds. 

Bettors should consider their strategy and the specific circumstances before using this feature.

How Odds Move

How do external factors like injuries or weather affect odds changes?

External factors such as injuries, weather conditions, and team news can significantly impact a team’s probability of winning, leading to changes in the odds. 

Bettors should stay informed about these factors to make better betting decisions.

<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 Responsible Gambler team.</p>
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Meet our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG

 

Principles and Ethics

Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.

Future Perspectives

Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

Experience:

  • Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
  • Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group
  • Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer

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.

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. 

Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler team.

Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Head of News Department

Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.

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