Buying Points
Paying extra juice to move a point spread or total in your favor.
Buying points means paying additional vig to shift a point spread or total by half a point (or more) in your favor. For example, moving from -3.5 to -3 typically costs an extra 10 cents of juice (from -110 to -120 or more).
When Buying Points Makes Sense
Buying points is most valuable when moving on or off a key number. Buying from -3.5 to -3 in the NFL is often justified because of how often games land on 3. Moving from -7.5 to -7 is similarly valuable.
When It Doesn't Make Sense
Buying points between non-key numbers (e.g., from -5.5 to -5) is rarely worth the extra juice. The additional cost doesn't match the marginal benefit.
Selling Points
The reverse, selling points (taking a worse spread in exchange for a better price), is usually a bad idea around key numbers. You give up the most valuable part of the line for a small discount.
Key Takeaways
- You pay extra juice to move a spread half a point.
- Most valuable when crossing key numbers (3, 7 in NFL).
- Moving between non-key numbers is rarely worth the cost.
Examples
- Moving from -3.5 to -3 by paying -130 instead of -110.
- Paying -120 to take +7.5 instead of +7 on a road underdog.
Related Terms
Test Your Knowledge
1 / 4Do you know what Hook means?
A half-point in a betting line, such as -3.5 instead of -3.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does buying a half point cost?
Usually 10 to 20 cents of juice per half point, for example from -110 to -120. Many books charge more to move on or off 3 and 7 in the NFL.
Is buying points ever worth it?
Mostly in the NFL, when it moves you onto or off 3 or 7. In most other spots the extra juice costs more than the half point is worth.