What is an alt line in sports betting?
An alternate spread, total, or player prop offered at a different number and price than the main line.
At a glance
- Category
- Bet types
- Also called
- Alternate line
Run the numbers
Alt lines on games
Every main spread and total has a ladder of alternates around it. If the main line is -7, the book also offers -3.5, -10.5 and so on, each at its own price. Taking a shorter number costs you juice; taking a longer one pays more. The alt lines calculator prices that whole ladder from one number.
Alt player props
The same idea drives player props. A quarterback's main passing total might be 249.5 yards, and the alternates run up and down from there: alt passing yards, alt rushing yards, alt receiving yards. An alt line of 300 passing yards pays more because it is less likely, and one at 199.5 pays less because it is closer to a lock. The word alt simply means you are not betting the headline number.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What does alt mean in betting?+
Alt is short for alternate. An alt line is a version of a bet set at a different number than the main line, with the price adjusted to match. Alt rushing yards, alt spreads and alt totals all work this way.
What are alt passing or rushing yards?+
They are alternate versions of a player's yardage prop set above or below the main number. A higher alt line is harder to hit and pays more; a lower one is easier and pays less.
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