Teaser Bet Explained: What is a Teaser in Sports Betting?
Sports bettors need to learn to walk before they can run. So, after mastering moneyline bets, spread betting, over-under totals, and parlays, some enjoy the exotic sports wager known as the teaser. Most commonly offered in NFL and NBA betting circles, teasers allow the bettor to adjust the point spreads in a multi-bet parlay wager. This guide will explain teaser betting in detail, provide real-world examples of teaser bets and answer frequently asked questions.
What is a Teaser Sports Bet?
If you’re familiar in building and making parlay sports bets, a teaser is closely related. Teaser bets are offered most often on NFL betting and basketball betting online sportsbooks. If bettors aren’t comfortable with the point spread or point total of any one game, they may buy points, a.k.a. tease, the line or over/under up and down. Teasers are available on parlays of 2-or-more events.
With baseball, hockey, soccer, etc typically ending with lower run/goal totals, you won’t find teasers available in these sports.
NFL Teaser Example
NFL teasers feature three key numbers, 6, 6.5 and 7. This is how many points the spread can be moved up or down ahead of a matchup. Here is a real-world, three-team, 6-point teaser:
- Browns -7.5 vs Jaguars +7.5
- Chiefs -6 vs Chargers +6
- Patriots +2.5 vs Bills
Let’s say you are backing the Browns, Chiefs and Patriots. With a 6-point teaser, here are the new spreads:
- Browns -1.5
- Chiefs PICK
- Patriots +8.5
In order for the teaser to cash, all three teams must cover the spread. If any leg of the teaser loses, the entire ticket loses. If the Chiefs and Chargers PUSH (tie), that leg of the teaser is removed and only the Browns and Patriots wagers are counted at lower odds.
NBA Teaser Example
The key teaser numbers in NBA basketball betting are 4, 4.5, and 5. Just like with an NFL teaser, an NBA one affords bettors the opportunity to move the on a parlay of 2-or-more events. Here’s an example of a 4-team, 4-point teaser:
- Lakers +2.5 vs Warriors -2.5
- Cavs +4.5 vs Sixers -4.5
- Nets +4.5 vs Bucks -4.5
- Suns -9.5 vs Magic +9.5
Now, let’s say you’re backing the Lakers, Cavs, Nets and Suns in this 4-team teaser. Here are the new lines on your ticket:
- Lakers +6.5
- Cavs +8.5
- Nets +8.5
- Suns -5.5
In order to cash, all four wagers must be correct. Your odds are stronger because you picked four events, but the risk is also higher than if you teased just two teams.