What Is a Teaser Bet?
A teaser is a parlay where you buy extra points on each leg. The lines get easier, and the payout gets smaller.
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How a teaser works
In a teaser, you move the spread or total on every leg in your favor by a set number of points. Every leg must still win, as in a parlay, and the payout is lower than a regular parlay with the same number of legs.
A worked 2-team, 6-point teaser
Say Team A is -7 and Team B is +2.5. A 6-point teaser moves A to -1 and B to +8.5. Now A only has to win by 2 or more, and B can lose by up to 8 and still succeed.
A 2-team, 6-point teaser is often priced around -120, though it varies by book. At -120, $12 wins $10 and returns $22. If either team misses its new number, the whole $12 is lost.
- Football teasers commonly use 6, 6.5 or 7 points
- Basketball teasers commonly use 4, 4.5 or 5 points
Pushes and risk
Push rules differ by book. Some drop a pushed leg and pay the rest at a lower price, and others reduce a 2-team teaser to a refund. Read the rules first.
Teasers are not risk-free. Easier lines still lose when a team misses, and the lower payout means a loss costs more than a win earns. Each extra team lowers the chance of cashing.
Before you place a bet
Compare point values and prices across books. Bets can lose.
Bettors must be 21 or older where betting is legal. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Questions
What is the difference between a teaser and a parlay?
Both need every leg to win. A teaser moves each line in your favor and pays less. A parlay uses the regular lines and pays more.
How many points can a teaser move?
It depends on the sport and book. Football is commonly 6, 6.5 or 7 points. Basketball is commonly 4, 4.5 or 5 points.
Is a teaser safer than a normal bet?
No. The lines are easier, but the payout is lower and every leg must still win. Teasers can lose just like any other bet.
More guides
For information and entertainment only. Bets can lose. 21+ only, and only where it is legal. If gambling is a problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. See our responsible gaming page.