Victor Arum is a seasoned sports betting writer who currently contributes to SportsTalkPhilly. He creates insightful guides and how-tos to help sports bettors formulate winning strategies and make informed wagers. Victor also reviews and rates sportsbooks, deeming them a SMASH or PASS. When not analysing sports betting patterns or writing, he's probably stretching at the gym or (re)watching a sitcom
All posts by Victor ArumMiddling in betting is a strategy where you place two wagers – either point spread or totals — on the same game at different times, taking advantage of shifting betting lines. The goal is to win both of your bets.
Are you wondering how middle betting works? We’ll discuss the strategy in detail, explaining what it means and how it works using various examples. We’ll also guide you on how to find a middle bet, discuss the pros and cons of middling, and reveal top tips to maximize profits with this approach.
What is Middle Betting and How To Bet The Middle
Often called “middling,” middle betting is a strategy in sports betting where you place bets on both sides of a game, aiming to win the two wagers. The idea is to bet on one team at one point spread and then, when the line moves, wager on the other team with the new spread. If the final score falls in the “middle” of the two spreads, you win both bets and secure a big payout.
A form of hedging, middling is a newer concept in sports betting. It became possible when more people started betting online and could see how lines moved at different sportsbooks. In the past, people placed bets with just one bookie, so they couldn’t exploit these line changes. Now, with online betting and easy access to various sportsbooks, middling has become widely used by experienced bettors, although many casual gamblers may not be familiar with it.
The strategy is one of the most profitable options at US online sportsbooks, but it can be difficult to pull off. It requires you to accurately predict how the betting lines will move and to have accounts at multiple sportsbooks to place bets at the right time. That said, when done correctly, it offers opportunities to earn good money with relatively low risk.
While middle betting is most commonly associated with point spreads, it can also be used with totals (over/under). As we go on, we’ll provide examples to illustrate how to use this hedging strategy for both spreads and totals wagers.
How Does Middle Betting Work?
Middling betting works by wagering on both sides of a game, taking advantage of shifting betting lines to create a “middle” where you can potentially win both bets. The strategy is most widely used with point spreads and totals (over/under).
Here’s an example to show how middling works with NBA betting. Let’s say there’s an NBA game between the LA Lakers and the Miami Heat. Two days before the match, the sportsbook sets the total points line at 210.5 points, so you wager $100 on the Over. Then, just before tip-off, the line shifts to 213.5 points, so you place another $100 bet, this time on the Under.
If the game ends with a total of 211, 212, or 213 points, both of your bets win. The first bet (Over 210.5) wins because the total is above 210.5 points, and the second wager (Under 213.5) pays out because the total is below 213.5 points. The 211, 212, or 213 points are the perfect “middle” in this scenario, allowing you to win your two wagers.
Middle betting is often more effective during live betting, where lines can move a lot as the game unfolds due to injuries, unexpected plays, weather conditions, and other factors. However, as in the example above, it can also be used before the game begins, especially if the bet is placed early and the line changes closer to game time.
Totals vs Spreads – What Is The Difference?
Understanding the difference between totals and spread betting is essential when middling betting. Both bet types provide opportunities to “middle,” but work differently. Let’s look at some examples to show how middling works for these two wager types.
Totals betting explained
Totals betting, also called over/under betting, is all about predicting the total combined score of both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a number, and you bet on whether the final score of a game will be over or under that number. This wager is an ideal option for middling when NBA betting or wagering on other sports.
Earlier in the Week Later in the Week Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets Over 220.5 Over 223.5 Under 220.5 Under 223.5 Imagine an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets, with the totals odds shown in the table above. The sportsbook sets the total at 220.5 points. If you think the teams will score more than that number, you would bet on the “Over.” However, if you believe they will score less, you would wager on the “Under.”
Now, say you bet on the Over at 220.5 points early in the week. Later in the week, the total shifts to 223.5 points. If you place a second bet on the Under at 223.5 points, you have a chance to middle. Assuming the game ends with a final score between 221 and 223 points, you win both bets and earn a sizeable profit.
Spread betting explained
In spread betting, your focus is on the margin of victory. The sportsbook gives a point spread to each team to make the game more even. The favored team gets a handicap (like -4.5), meaning they have to win by more than four points for your bet to win.
Meanwhile, the underdog gets a points advantage (like +4.5), meaning they must either win the game outright or lose by no less than four points for your wager to payout. Spreads are another excellent betting option for middling in sports wagering.
Earlier in the week Later in the week Green Bay Packers -2.5 Green Bay Packers -3.5 Detriot Lions +2.5 Detroit Lions +3.5 Let’s say there’s an NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions, with the spread odds shown in the table above. Early in the week, the Packers are favored by -2.5 points, and you place a $100 bet on them at this spread.
Later in the week, due to injuries, the line moves, and the Packers are now favored by -3.5 at the best NFL betting sites. You then wager another $100 bet, but this time on the Lions at +3.5 points.
In this scenario, if the Packers win by exactly 3 points, both of your bets win – the Packers cover the -2.5 spread, and the Lions beat the +3.5 spread. This is the perfect middle, and you win both bets, making a nice profit.
How To Find The Middle Bet
To implement the middling betting strategy, it’s essential to understand how to find the middle bet. Below is a simple example of how you can find a middle wager when you are NFL betting.
Imagine an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the Chicago Bears, and you want to get some betting action on the match. A few days before the game, you notice that the Dolphins are favored by -8 points. You believe the Dolphins will win by more than 8 points, so you place a $100 bet on them at -8.
As the game day draws closer, the line shifts due to an injury on the Bears’ team. Now, the Dolphins are favored by -10 points, and the Bears are underdog at +10. You see an opportunity here and wager another $100, but this time on Bears at +10.
Here’s how the bets would look:
Team Earlier Bet Later Bet Miami Dolphins -8 (Bet $100) -10 Chicago Bears +8 +10 (Bet $100) By placing these two bets, you’ve created a 2-point middle (9-point win for the Dolphins) where both bets can win. If the Dolphins win by exactly 9 points, both of your wagers win – the Dolphins cover the -8 spread, and the Bears cover the +10 spread.
Middle Betting Odds Explained
Middling betting is understanding how odds, point spreads, and totals change over time. These movements can happen due to factors like injuries, weather, or betting patterns. When the lines move, it can create an opportunity to place a second bet on a different line, giving you a chance to win both bets. This is called finding a “middle.”
For instance, you bet on a team at +4.5 a few days before a game. By game day, the line moves to -2.5 for the other team. This creates a 2-point window where both bets could win if the final score falls right. The middling sports betting strategy can be very profitable if you know how to spot these opportunities.
The odds themselves work precisely as they do when betting on any line using any strategy: (+) indicates the underdog; (-) indicates the favorite; wager $100 on betting odds of +110, and you’ll receive a payout of $210 ($110 profit + the $100 stake); wager $110 at -110 to win $100.
Find out more about betting odds via the link. Watch how the odds and lines change, and place your bets at the right time to capitalize on the line movements. When done correctly, middling can equate to big payouts.
Use Middling Calculators
Determining the middle wager for the middling strategy can be tricky and challenging. This is where middling calculators come in handy. They are tools that help you figure out exactly how much to bet on your second wager when trying to middle. They are simple to use and help ensure the best outcome when middling.
These calculators take information from your first bet, like the odds and the amount you bet. Then, they tell you how much you should bet on the second line. This helps you prevent errors or mistakes from manual calculations, maximizing profits and minimizing risks.
You can find middling calculators on many sports betting strategy websites and apps. Search for “middling calculator” online, and you’ll find numerous free and easy options. Some sportsbooks even offer their own calculators, allowing you to do the math without leaving their site.
Can You Middle The Moneyline?
No, you cannot middle the moneyline. A moneyline bet is a simple wager on which team will win the game outright. Unlike point spreads or totals, there’s no range of outcomes where both sides of a moneyline bet can win.
When you bet on the moneyline, there’s only one outcome – one team wins. So, if you bet on Team A and then place a second bet on Team B, just one of those bets can win because only one team can win the game. There’s no way to create a middle where both bets pay off.
Middling vs Arbing and Hedging
Middling, arbing, and hedging are all betting strategies used when wagering at offshore sportsbooks and retail locations. However, they work differently and have different goals.
Middling betting is unique and stands out because it allows you to win your two wagers. When you middle, you place two bets on the same game at different times and betting odds. If the final score falls within the “middle” range, you win both bets, giving you a bigger payout. That said, middling depends on line movements and the right timing.
On the other hand, arbing and hedging aim to secure a guaranteed profit, but one of your bets will always lose. With arbing, you wager on all possible game outcomes using different sportsbooks to ensure you make a profit, no matter what.
Hedging is similar but happens after you’ve placed your first bet. It lets you secure a profit or cut losses by placing an opposite bet.
Middling Live Betting Can Often Throw Up More Opportunities
When middling, live betting can offer even more opportunities than traditional wagering. As soon as a game starts, the spreads and totals odds can fluctuate based on what’s happening in the game. These quick line movements can create multiple chances to place bets that may lead to profitable middling.
For example, if you’re watching an NFL game and the underdog scores early on, the point spread may shift immediately in their favor. If you have already placed a bet before the game, you could see a new chance to wager again on a different line. As the game progresses, more and more opportunities could pop up, allowing you to wager on both teams at different times.
Live betting is seamless for middling. It lets you jump in and out of the action as many times as possible, adjusting your wagers as the game progresses. This helps you find more chances to hit that middle spot where both wagers win.
Is Middle Betting Common?
Although you can use middling betting in many sports, the strategy is more common in smaller, less popular games, like college football, college basketball, or lower-league soccer. In these games, sportsbooks might not initially have all the details or price the odds wrong. This can cause the lines to move more, providing an excellent chance to find a middle.
The odds are usually tighter in bigger, high-profile leagues and games because sportsbooks work harder and are more careful, as there’s a lot of public interest. That said, middling is still possible, especially if something unexpected happens, like a key player getting injured or big team news before the game.
For example, if Patrick Mahomes is suddenly ruled out of a game, the Kansas City Chiefs’ spread odds will likely change significantly, creating an opportunity for middling sports betting.
Pros For Betting On The Middle
Middling betting is a strategy that offers sports bettors a chance to earn big winnings. Let’s take a look at the advantages of the wagering system.
Big returns: When you successfully hit the middle, you can win both bets, earning you a big payday. This is probably the most significant benefit of middling, as it allows you to double your profit.
- Reduce losses: Even if the middle doesn’t hit, you’ll usually win one of the bets. This helps to reduce your losses, sometimes making middle betting a safer option than placing just one bet.
- Fairly low risk: Your risk is generally lower since you’re betting on both sides. The worst-case scenario for you is that you may break even or take a small loss, which makes this strategy less risky than others.
- Flexibility: Middle betting lets you adjust your wagers based on how the lines move, giving you numerous betting options when wagering at sports betting apps.
Cons For Betting On The Middle
While middle betting has many perks, it has its fair share of downsides. We discuss these drawbacks below.
Longer losing streaks: It can be challenging to hit the perfect middle where both bets win. This means you may go through long losing streaks if the middle doesn’t happen as often as you would like.
- Needs patience: When middling, you’ll often need to wait for the right moment when the lines shift in your favor. You must be patient and disciplined, as it may take time to find the perfect middle.
- Limited chances: Not every game offers a good middling opportunity, so you need to monitor games closely and be ready to act quickly. This can be too stressful and time-consuming and might not work for everyone.
Middling Tips, Hints and Strategies
Here are some tips and strategies to remember to get the most out of your middling bets.
1. Paper trade first
Before using real money, practice middling betting with paper trading. This helps you learn how the strategy works without risking your cash.
2. Use a middling calculator
Middling calculators tell you exactly how much to bet on each side to maximize profit. It takes the guesswork out of the equation, making the math easy and eliminating errors.
3. Bet early
Place your bets early when the lines first come out. Early lines may be less accurate, giving you a better shot at finding a middle before the lines tighten.
4. Try live betting
When live betting, point spreads and totals odds will fluctuate constantly as a game progresses. This line movement creates multiple avenues for middling during the game.
5. Have multiple sportsbook accounts
Creating accounts with multiple betting sites lets you compare betting lines and spreads and totals odds on the same game. This increases your chances of finding a profitable middle.
Is Middling Betting Legal?
Yes, middling sports betting is entirely legal. It’s simply a betting strategy that takes advantage of changes in the betting lines. As long as you’re betting with licensed sportsbooks and sports wagering is allowed in your region, there’s nothing illegal about middling. The key is finding suitable games and the right line movements to make it work.
Will Middling Guarantee A Profit Every Time?
No, middling doesn’t guarantee a profit every time. The strategy depends on the spreads or totals odds moving to create a middle bet. Even if you find a middle, you still need the final score to fall within that range for both bets to win.
So, while middling can be profitable, there’s always a chance that the game’s score won’t land in the middle, meaning one of your bets could lose.
The Last Word
Middling betting is a smart strategy that can bring in sizeable profits if done correctly. It requires careful planning, patience, and a solid understanding of how betting lines move.
By finding the right moments when the spreads and totals odds shift, you can create a situation where both bets can win. While middling doesn’t always guarantee a profit, it promises big payouts when successful.
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