A Middle In Sports Betting Explained

how to bet on sports

Betting a middle is one of the many exciting ways you can make money from betting. It involves taking advantage of a change, i.e., line movement, in the point spreads or total odds of a game. It’s a strategy that a lot of sharp bettors implement. However, it isn’t as complicated as you may think. 

What Is A Middle In Sports Betting?

Betting lines change leading up to a game. A middle occurs when a better places wagers at different lines- before and after line movement- on both sides of the same bet. The goal is to win both bets or at least one of them. 

Middling, as the practice is known, typically occurs in spreads and totals. 

Point Spread Middling

Betting a middle is more common in the spread, usually in football, than anywhere else. Take a match between the Patriots and the Rams. Today, you bet the Patriots at -5, but later in the week, the line moves to -8. 

A hobbyist will just ignore this kind of line movement. But a sharp sees the opportunity to double their payout. So, you bet on the same match again, only this time, you’ll back the Rams at +8. That way, you would have wagered on both sides at different lines when the game comes around. This means that;

  • You win both your wagers if the Patriots win by 6 or 7  points. This equals double the payout. 
  • You win one wager if the Patriots win by more than 8 points or the Rams lose by less than 5 points. Depending on the odds, this might give you a small profit.  

Totals Middling

You can also middle your totals (over/under) bets. For instance, if you took the under at 45.5, then the line moved to 40.5, you can take the over at 40.5 to middle your bet. That way; 

  • You win both if the total points are between 41 and 45. 
  • You win one if there are more than 45 points or less than 41 points.  

Middling Isn’t for Beginner Bettors

Middling is an excellent opportunity to make money from sports betting. However, it is an advanced wagering technique that requires you to keep your eyes open for line movement. You need to be able to recognize a favorable situation and take advantage of it ASAP. This requires some deep knowledge and experience in online sports betting. Therefore, middling is something a beginner handicapper will struggle doing. 

Best Betting Sites For Middle Betting

Using a top online sportsbook makes middling all the more beneficial. So, you’ll want to make your bets on any one of the following platforms; 

FanDuel

FanDuel is one of the most popular sports betting platforms. It offers users;

  • Competitive odds 
  • Regular bonuses
  • Great bet variety, with moneylines, spreads, props, totals, and futures. 
  • Risk-free bets worth up to $1,000 for new users. 

Sign up today with our FanDuel promo code

Caesars

Caesars sportsbook is another popular online betting site with; 

  • Competitive odds on all games
  •  Great bet variety. 
  • As a new user, you qualify for a deposit match of up to $1,500. 

Get started today with our Caesars promo code.

Bet365

Bet365 is one of the best sportsbooks for online sports betting. You get

  • Good odds 
  • Plenty of bonuses. 
  • Win up to $200 in risk-free bets for the first deposit of as low as $1. 

Start your Bet365 betting experience with our promo code today.

DraftKings

DraftKings is a top sportsbook for online sports betting. It features 

  • Competitive odds
  • Good bet variety. 
  • Regular bonuses
  • A deposit match of up to $1,000 for the first-ever deposit. 

Get started with our DraftKings promo code today.     

BetMGM

BetMGM is a top online betting platform with ;

  • Competitive odds. 
  • Regular bonuses and promos
  • Good bet variety 
  • Risk-free bets of up to $1000 for new users. 

Claim your bonus today with our BetMGM promo code.

BetRivers

BetRivers is another excellent sportsbook operating in the United States. You get; 

  •  A great user experience
  • Great odds 
  • Excellent bet variety.
  • A bonus match of up to $250 on your first deposit. 

Get started with our Betrivers promo code today. 

FAQs

How You Can Hit the Middle with Live Betting?

You need to be sharp and watch out for any live movement. However, keep in mind that live betting doesn’t have as big a payout. 

Is Betting on the Middle Common?

Betting on the middle is common among advanced bettors, but not so much among beginner and amateur bettors. 

WRITTEN BY

Dan Weiner

Hailing from Atlanta and attending college at the University of Texas, Dan is passionate about sports, particularly college football and soccer. He's a diehard Atlanta pro sports and Texas Longhorns fan. He likes every sport and will watch anything and everything the weirder the better. He joined Betsperts after an 11 year career in television production at ESPN.

Deals of the Day

See All