Some people use sports betting as an outlet for fun and entertainment. That’s fine, but it’s probably not why you’re here on OddsShopper searching for ways to improve your sports betting. If you’re like most people, you like to make money. When done optimally, sports betting can create a great opportunity for profit. One of the best ways to reduce your risk while opening up a shot at a huge payday is by middling. So what is middling in sports betting, and how does it work?
Sports betting lines are fluid – once you lock in a bet, those are your odds regardless of the line movement. For example, if a bettor places a wager on the Dallas Cowboys at -2.5 against the Washington Commanders on a Tuesday, but then news breaks that the Commanders will be without their starting quarterback on Wednesday and the line moves to -6.5, the bettor has a lot more value locked in. The bettor could now back the Commanders to cover the +6.5 as well — but should they?
What is Middling in Sports Betting, and How Does it Work?
What is Middling in Sports Betting, and How Does it Work?
Middle bets are a set of bets on opposite sides of a point spread or total that ensure at least one bet will win with the opportunity to cash both tickets if the result falls in the middle — hence the name. Like arbitrage betting, middling is a form of hedge betting that allows the bettor to mitigate their risk while also providing a chance at a massive profit.
For example, a bettor places a wager a few hours before game time on the Golden State Warriors to cover the -1.5 against the Los Angeles Lakers. An hour before the game, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both ruled out as late scratches. With the Lakers missing their two top players, the spread moves up to 6.5, allowing the bettor to middle by buy the Lakers at +6.5.
Wager 1: GSW -1.5 -110 for 1 Unit
Wager 2: LAL +6.5 -110 for 1 Unit
Assuming that the wagers were for the same amount and were bought at the same odds, the bettor is in a position to win both bets while risking only the juice (in this case, 0.09 units). If the Warriors win the game by seven or more points, Wager 1 listed above would win while Wager 2 would lose, resulting in a 0.09 unit loss. On the flip side, if the Lakers lose by one point or win, Wager 2 would win while Wager 1 loses, resulting in a 0.09 unit loss. However, if the Warriors win by between 2-to-6 points, the bettor cashes both bets for a 1.82-unit win, effectively creating a scenario in which they’re risking 0.09 units to win 1.81 units (+2022 odds).
| Outcome | Bets | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| Warriors win by 7+ | Warriors -1.5 (-110) WIN Lakers +6.5 (-110) LOSE |
-0.09 units |
| Warriors win by 1 or lose | Warriors -1.5 (-110) LOSE Lakers +6.5 (-110) WIN |
-0.09 units |
| Warriors win by 2-6 | Warriors -1.5 (-110) WIN Lakers +6.5 (-110) WIN |
+1.82 units |
Is Middling Profitable in Sports Betting?
If you’re wondering whether middling is a profitable sports betting strategy, the answer isn’t cut and dry. In our example, there is no guarantee that the bettor will hit their middle, but with a risk of just 0.09 units and the potential to win 1.82 units (assuming equal odds and bet sizing), middle bets only need to hit 5% of the time to create a net profit.
One of the best ways to maximize the profitable range of outcomes to create a larger middle is by live betting during games.
Middling with Live In-Game Betting
Middling a bet while the game is being played is a way to mitigate your risk while increasing your chances of making money. You can make a sweat much less sweaty by taking a bet on the opposite side. Middling presents an alternative to cashing out a winning bet, but it can yield similar results. I recommend you read our breakdown of when and how to cash out your bets.
Bettors can middle their bets mid-game if their wagers get out to strong starts. A bettor with the over in a game can middle by taking the under after a high-scoring first half, creating a scoring range that would cash both bets. For example, if you took the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks to go over the pre-game total of 211.5, and, by halftime, the score is already 67-64, a live total would likely be close to or over 240, creating what could be a large middle opportunity by betting on the live under.
To learn more about how to make the most out of your wagers, be sure to check out all of OddsShopper’s sports betting education. Whether you’re new to the game and want to check out the beginner’s guide or a seasoned veteran looking to optimize your sports betting, OddsShopper has the tools to help you cash more tickets.
