Bet Types8 min read

What is a Teaser Bet?

A teaser lets you adjust point spreads in your favor at reduced odds. Learn how teasers work, optimal strategies, and when they offer value.

Quick Answer

A teaser is a type of parlay bet where you adjust point spreads or totals in your favor by a set number of points (typically 6, 6.5, or 7). In exchange for these favorable adjustments, you receive lower odds. All legs must win for the teaser to pay.

How Teasers Work

Unlike a regular parlay where you take the lines as posted, a teaser lets you move each spread in your favor. The most common teaser is a 6-point teaser in the NFL.

Example: 2-Team 6-Point NFL Teaser

Original Line
Chiefs -7.5Teased to -1.5
Original Line
Bills +1.5Teased to +7.5

Instead of needing Chiefs -7.5 and Bills +1.5, you now only need Chiefs -1.5 and Bills +7.5. Typical odds: -110 to -120.

Teaser Point Options

Different sports offer different teaser amounts:

NFL6, 6.5, 7, 10, 13 points
NBA4, 4.5, 5, 6 points
College Football6, 6.5, 7 points

The more points you tease, the lower your odds become.

The Wong Teaser Strategy

Stanford Wong's teaser strategy is the most mathematically sound approach. It focuses on crossing key numbers in NFL betting:

Wong Teaser Rules

  • NFL only - Key numbers matter most in football
  • 6-point teasers only - Optimal balance of adjustment vs. odds
  • Favorites -7.5 to -8.5 - Tease down to -1.5 to -2.5 (crosses 7 and 3)
  • Underdogs +1.5 to +2.5 - Tease up to +7.5 to +8.5 (crosses 3 and 7)

Key numbers in NFL are 3 and 7 because games frequently end with margins of 3 (field goal) or 7 (touchdown). Crossing these numbers significantly improves win probability.

Teaser Odds and Payouts

Teams6-Point Teaser6.5-Point7-Point
2 teams-110-120-130
3 teams+150+130+110
4 teams+250+200+150

Odds vary by sportsbook. Shop for the best teaser odds.

Teasers vs. Parlays

Teasers
  • ✓ Adjusted lines in your favor
  • ✓ Lower variance
  • ✓ Better for close games
  • ✗ Lower payouts
Parlays
  • ✓ Higher payouts
  • ✓ Take lines as posted
  • ✗ Higher variance
  • ✗ Higher house edge

When to Avoid Teasers

  • ✗ NBA teasers (key numbers less meaningful)
  • ✗ Totals teasers (usually poor value)
  • ✗ Teasers not crossing key numbers
  • ✗ Sweetheart/monster teasers (10+ points)

Key Takeaways

  • Teasers adjust spreads in your favor for reduced odds
  • 6-point NFL teasers crossing 3 and 7 offer the best value
  • Focus on favorites -7.5 to -8.5 or underdogs +1.5 to +2.5
  • Avoid NBA teasers and totals teasers
  • Stick to 2-team teasers for optimal expected value

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