Teaser Betting: Complete Guide to Teaser Bets (NFL & NBA)

A teaser bet is a type of parlay where you adjust the point spread or total in your favor across multiple legs in exchange for a lower payout. Instead of betting a -7 favorite at standard odds, you might move that line to -1 as part of a teaser, making it easier to win—but you will get paid less if you do. All legs in your teaser must win for the bet to cash, just like a standard parlay.

Teasers are most popular in NFL and college football betting, where key numbers like 3 and 7 make those extra points especially valuable. They also appear in NBA and college basketball, though the strategy differs because basketball scoring works differently. This guide will show you how teaser bets work, when they make sense, how to calculate payouts, and where most bettors go wrong.

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What Is a Teaser Bet?

A teaser is a multi-leg wager where you buy points on spreads or totals across two or more games. You are trading potential payout for a better chance of winning each individual leg. The core idea is simple: instead of betting a -7.5 spread at standard -110 odds, you might tease it down to -1.5 along with another game, creating a two-leg teaser at a reduced payout like -120 or -130.

The key features of a teaser bet are:

Multiple Legs: You must combine at least two selections (some books allow up to 10 or more).

Point Adjustment: You move each line in your favor by a fixed number of points (commonly 6, 6.5, or 7 in football; 4, 4.5, or 5 in basketball).

Lower Payout: Because you are making each leg easier to win, the odds are reduced compared to a standard parlay.

All-or-Nothing: Every leg must win for the teaser to cash. One loss means the entire bet loses.

Push Rules Vary: Different sportsbooks handle pushes differently. Some treat a push as a loss; others reduce the teaser by one leg.

Teasers appeal to bettors who want to smooth out variance and target key numbers without the risk of a full parlay at original spreads. But they are not free money—the reduced payout means you need to win often enough to overcome the house edge built into the teaser price.

How Teaser Bets Work

When you build a teaser, you start by selecting your legs (usually spreads or totals). Then you choose how many points you want to tease. In NFL, the most common options are 6, 6.5, and 7 points. In NBA, it is typically 4, 4.5, or 5 points.

Once you select your points and legs, the sportsbook adjusts each line in your favor and gives you a combined payout. For example:

Original Lines:

• Patriots -7.5
• Ravens -8

After a 6-point teaser:

• Patriots -1.5
• Ravens -2

If both teams cover their adjusted spreads, you win. If either team fails to cover, the entire teaser loses.

Football Teasers (NFL & College)

Football is the most popular sport for teasers because of key numbers. In the NFL, games commonly end with margins of 3 (field goal) or 7 (touchdown + extra point). By teasing through these numbers, you increase your chances of winning compared to random point adjustments.

Example: A favorite at -8.5 teased down to -2.5 now covers if they win by 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7—all common margins. Without the tease, a 3-point or 7-point win would be a loss.

Common Football Teaser Options:

• 6-point teaser: Most popular, usually priced around -110 to -120 (two legs)
• 6.5-point teaser: Slightly more expensive, helps you cross more numbers
• 7-point teaser: Even more expensive, but gives maximum cushion

Basketball Teasers (NBA & College)

Basketball teasers are less common because key numbers are not as pronounced. Scoring is more granular, and games can end with a wider variety of margins. That said, some bettors use basketball teasers to buy points on close spreads or to move totals significantly.

Common Basketball Teaser Options:

• 4-point teaser
• 4.5-point teaser
• 5-point teaser

Basketball teasers are generally priced worse than football teasers because the point adjustments offer less structural value. Many experienced bettors avoid them entirely.

Multi-Leg Structure

Most teasers are 2-leg or 3-leg constructions. Adding more legs increases the potential payout but also increases the risk of one leg losing and killing the entire ticket.

2-leg teaser: Most common, easiest to win, lowest payout 3-leg teaser: Moderate difficulty, moderate payout 4+ leg teaser: High difficulty, higher payout, much more variance

The more legs you add, the more the teaser starts to resemble a standard parlay with slightly better spreads but worse overall value.

Teaser Odds and Payouts

Teaser payouts vary by sportsbook, number of legs, and points teased. Unlike standard parlays where the payout is determined by multiplying the odds of each leg, teaser payouts are usually fixed by the book based on the teaser configuration.

Typical 2-Leg, 6-Point NFL Teaser Pricing:

• Common range: -110 to -130
• Some books: -120 standard
• Worse books: -135 or higher

Typical 3-Leg, 6-Point NFL Teaser Pricing:

• Common range: +160 to +180
• Some books: +165 standard

The pricing varies significantly by operator, so shopping for the best teaser odds is essential. A 2-leg teaser at -110 is much better value than the same teaser at -130, even if the spreads are identical.

How Sportsbooks Price Teasers

Sportsbooks price teasers based on:

The number of legs: More legs = higher payout (but also higher risk)

The points teased: More points = lower payout (you are buying more advantage)

The sport: Football teasers are priced more favorably because key numbers create real value

Market demand: Popular teaser configurations (like 6-point, 2-leg NFL) are often priced worse because casual bettors love them

Historically, some sportsbooks underpriced certain teaser configurations, creating opportunities for sharp bettors. Today, most regulated US books have adjusted their pricing to reduce or eliminate those edges, especially on popular structures like Wong teasers.

Key Numbers in NFL Teaser Betting

Key numbers are the foundation of smart teaser betting, especially in the NFL. These are the point margins that show up most often in final scores because of how football is scored:

3 points: Field goal 7 points: Touchdown + extra point 10 points: Touchdown + field goal 6 points: Touchdown without extra point (less common but still relevant) 4 points: Touchdown without extra point + field goal (less common)

When you tease a spread, you want to move it through these key numbers to maximize the value of the points you are buying. Crossing 3 and 7 is especially powerful.

Why Crossing 3 and 7 Matters

A favorite at -8.5 that wins by 7 or 3 would lose the bet. But if you tease that line down to -2.5, both of those outcomes now become wins. You have added six points, but because those points crossed 3 and 7, they covered a huge chunk of common game outcomes.

Similarly, an underdog at +2.5 that loses by 3 or 7 would lose the bet. But if you tease it up to +8.5, both of those outcomes now become wins.

This is the core concept behind the wong teaser strategy: targeting spreads that cross both 3 and 7 when teased by 6 points.

When Key Numbers Don't Help

Not all teaser legs benefit equally from extra points. Teasing a favorite from -3.5 to +2.5 crosses zero, but zero is not a key number—games rarely end in ties. You have bought six points, but they are not as valuable as six points that cross 3 and 7.

Similarly, teasing an underdog from +12.5 to +18.5 gives you six points, but those points don't cross any meaningful margins. The extra cushion might feel safer, but the math does not support the cost.

When to Use Teasers vs Parlays

Teasers and parlays are both multi-leg bets, but they serve different purposes. Knowing when to use each can save you money and improve your long-term results.

Use a teaser when:

You have multiple legs where moving the line through key numbers adds real value (especially NFL sides crossing 3 and 7).

You want to reduce variance and increase your win rate, even if it means accepting a lower payout.

You can find favorable teaser pricing (closer to -110 than -130 for a 2-leg, 6-point NFL teaser).

You are comfortable with the reduced payout and understand the breakeven requirements.

Use a parlay when:

You believe the original spreads or totals are mispriced in your favor and you want maximum payout.

You are building a ticket with high-confidence picks where you don't need the extra points.

The teaser pricing is poor (like -135 or worse), making the cost of buying points too high.

You are betting sports or markets where key numbers are not as relevant (like totals, moneylines, or non-NFL spreads).

Avoid both when:

You are forcing legs just to have action.

You are chasing losses with bigger or more exotic multi-leg bets.

The individual legs don't have strong enough edges to justify bundling them.

In general, teasers make the most sense in NFL betting when you can target key numbers at reasonable prices. For most other situations, straight bets or well-constructed parlays offer better value.

Teaser Betting Strategy Basics

A disciplined teaser strategy starts with filters. You should not tease every game or every spread—only the ones where the points you are buying offer real value.

Stick to NFL Sides

Football sides are the best candidates for teasers because of key numbers. Totals, props, and other sports introduce more variables and less predictable distributions.

Focus on 2-Leg Teasers

Two-leg teasers give you the best balance of risk and reward. Adding a third or fourth leg might boost the payout, but it also adds more ways to lose. Most sharp bettors stick to 2-leg teasers almost exclusively.

Target Key Number Crossings

Look for spreads where a 6-point tease crosses both 3 and 7. Classic Wong teaser ranges:

Favorites between -7.5 and -8.5 (tease down to -1.5 to -2.5)

Underdogs between +1.5 and +2.5 (tease up to +7.5 to +8.5)

Shop for the Best Price

Teaser pricing varies significantly by sportsbook. A 2-leg, 6-point NFL teaser might be -110 at one book and -130 at another. That 20-cent difference drastically affects your long-term breakeven point. Always compare prices before placing a teaser.

Avoid Teasing Through Zero

Teasing a favorite from -2.5 to +3.5 looks safe, but zero is not a key number. Games rarely end in ties, so you are wasting points that could be used more effectively on other legs.

Check Push and Void Rules

Different books handle pushes differently. Some treat a push on one leg of a 2-leg teaser as a loss. Others reduce the teaser to a straight bet. Know the rules before you place your teaser, as they can significantly affect your expected value.

Use the Calculator

A teaser bet calculator helps you understand the breakeven requirements and expected value of your teaser before you place it. Plug in your estimated win rates and the teaser price to see if the math makes sense.

Teaser Betting Examples

Example 1: Classic 2-Leg NFL Teaser

Original Lines:

• Chiefs -8 at -110
• Bills -7.5 at -110

After a 6-point teaser:

• Chiefs -2
• Bills -1.5

Teaser Price: -120

Stake: $120 to win $100

Outcome if both win: You get back $220 ($120 stake + $100 profit)

Outcome if either loses: You lose $120

This teaser crosses both 3 and 7 on each leg, making it a classic Wong setup. Both teams now cover if they win by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 points—all common NFL margins.

Example 2: 3-Leg NFL Teaser

Original Lines:

• Ravens -7 at -110
• 49ers -8.5 at -110
• Packers -6.5 at -110

After a 6-point teaser:

• Ravens -1
• 49ers -2.5
• Packers -0.5

Teaser Price: +165

Stake: $100 to win $165

Outcome if all three win: You get back $265 ($100 stake + $165 profit)

Outcome if any one loses: You lose $100

Adding a third leg increases the payout but also adds significant risk. The Packers leg teases through zero, which is not ideal. This is an example of a teaser that looks appealing but has structural weaknesses.

Example 3: NBA 4.5-Point Teaser

Original Lines:

• Lakers -5.5 at -110
• Celtics -6 at -110

After a 4.5-point teaser:

• Lakers -1
• Celtics -1.5

Teaser Price: -130

Stake: $130 to win $100

Basketball teasers are generally priced worse than football teasers because the value of moving the line is less predictable. Unless you have a specific edge, most bettors are better off avoiding basketball teasers entirely.

Try the Teaser Bet Calculator

Wong Teasers Explained

A Wong teaser is a specific application of teaser betting focused on NFL games where you cross both 3 and 7. The strategy is named after Stanford Wong, a gambling author who identified that certain teaser legs historically outperformed others.

The classic Wong teaser targets:

Favorites between -7.5 and -8.5 that tease down to between -1.5 and -2.5

Underdogs between +1.5 and +2.5 that tease up to between +7.5 and +8.5

These ranges ensure that a 6-point tease crosses both key numbers, giving you coverage on the most common NFL final score margins.

Does the Wong Teaser Still Work?

Historically, yes—Wong teasers offered a clear edge when sportsbooks priced 2-leg, 6-point NFL teasers at +100 or even -105. With qualifying legs hitting at around 76% and only needing ~71% to break even at +100, the math was favorable.

Today, most regulated US sportsbooks price these teasers at -120 to -135. That repricing has eroded much of the historical edge. Wong teasers can still make sense if you can find good pricing and stick to disciplined filters, but they are no longer the near-automatic advantage they once were.

For a deep dive into modern Wong teaser strategy, including breakeven math, line shopping, and when Wong setups still offer value, see our complete Wong Teaser Strategy Guide.

Common Teaser Betting Mistakes

Adding Too Many Legs

Each additional leg increases your risk and usually reduces your expected value unless the teaser price improves proportionally. Stick to 2-leg teasers for the best balance.

Teasing Random Spreads

Not all spreads benefit equally from extra points. Teasing a -3.5 favorite to +2.5 or a +12.5 underdog to +18.5 wastes points that don't cross meaningful margins. Focus on spreads that cross 3 and 7.

Ignoring Teaser Pricing

A 10-cent or 20-cent difference in teaser pricing might not seem like much, but it compounds over time. Always shop for the best price before placing your teaser.

Mixing Sports

Football teasers and basketball teasers have completely different value propositions. Mixing NFL sides with NBA spreads in the same teaser usually means you are getting poor value on at least one leg.

Not Checking Push Rules

Some sportsbooks treat a push on one leg of a 2-leg teaser as a loss. Others reduce the teaser to a straight bet. Know the rules before you bet, as they significantly affect your expected value.

Chasing Losses with Teasers

Teasers can feel safer than straight bets or parlays because you are buying points. But they are still multi-leg bets with variance and house edge. Using teasers to chase losses is a fast way to drain your bankroll.

For a full breakdown of common mistakes and how to avoid them, check our dedicated guide on teaser betting errors.

Teaser Rules by Sportsbook

Teaser rules vary by operator, and those differences can significantly affect your results. Key areas to check:

Push Handling

2-leg teaser with one push: Some books treat this as a loss. Others reduce it to a straight bet at adjusted odds. A few refund the stake.

3+ leg teaser with one push: Most books reduce the teaser by one leg (so a 3-leg becomes a 2-leg). Check the specific rules for your book.

Minimum and Maximum Legs

Most books allow 2-leg to 10-leg teasers, but some have restrictions. Check the limits before building your teaser.

Correlated Legs

Some books restrict you from teasing a side and total from the same game. Others allow it but price it differently. Know the rules before you try to correlate legs.

Special Teaser Types

Some operators offer special teasers with non-standard point adjustments or pricing. These can be good or bad value depending on the specifics. Always verify the exact terms.

For detailed operator-specific rules, see our comprehensive guide on teaser betting rules by sportsbook.

Teaser Betting FAQs

What is a teaser bet in simple terms?

A teaser is a parlay where you move the spread or total in your favor on each leg in exchange for a lower payout. All legs must win for the teaser to cash.

How many points can you tease in football?

Most sportsbooks offer 6, 6.5, or 7-point teasers in football. The most common is 6 points.

How many points can you tease in basketball?

Basketball teasers typically offer 4, 4.5, or 5 points.

What is a Wong teaser?

A Wong teaser is a disciplined NFL teaser strategy that targets spreads crossing key numbers 3 and 7. See our Wong Teaser Strategy Guide for details.

How many teams should you include in a teaser?

Most sharp bettors stick to 2-leg teasers. Adding more legs increases risk and usually reduces expected value.

What happens if one leg pushes?

It depends on the sportsbook. Some books treat a push as a loss on a 2-leg teaser. Others reduce the teaser to a straight bet. Check your book's rules.

Are teasers better than parlays?

It depends on your goals. Teasers offer higher win rates but lower payouts. Parlays offer lower win rates but higher payouts. In NFL betting with key numbers, teasers can offer better value. In most other situations, straight bets or parlays are better.

Can you tease moneylines?

No. Teasers only work with point spreads and totals. Moneylines cannot be teased.

Can you tease player props?

Some books allow prop teasers, but they are usually priced poorly. Most bettors avoid them.

Are basketball teasers worth it?

Generally no. Basketball lacks the key number structure that makes football teasers valuable. Most sharp bettors avoid basketball teasers entirely.

Where should I place teaser bets?

Pick the sportsbook with the best teaser pricing for your specific configuration and clear rules you are comfortable with. Shop around—teaser pricing varies significantly by operator.

Where to Bet Teasers

Most legal US sportsbooks offer teaser betting, but pricing and rules vary significantly. When choosing where to place your teasers, consider:

Teaser Pricing: Look for books offering -110 to -120 on 2-leg, 6-point NFL teasers rather than -130 or worse.

Push Rules: Prefer books that reduce teasers on a push rather than grading them as losses.

Variety of Options: Some books offer more teaser configurations (6.5-point, 7-point, etc.) than others.

Ease of Use: A clean interface makes it easier to build and compare teasers before placing them.

Bonuses and Promos: Some operators offer teaser-specific promotions. Just make sure the baseline pricing is competitive first.

Popular sportsbooks for teaser betting include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars, but always compare pricing and rules before committing.

Final Thoughts

Teaser betting is a powerful tool when used correctly. By moving spreads or totals in your favor, you can target key numbers in NFL betting and increase your win rate compared to standard parlays. But teasers are not free money—the reduced payouts mean you need to win often enough to beat the house edge built into the teaser price.

The best teaser strategies are disciplined. Stick to 2-leg NFL teasers that cross key numbers 3 and 7. Shop aggressively for the best pricing. Know your sportsbook's push and void rules. And always use a teaser bet calculator to verify that the math supports your play before you place the bet.

For deeper strategy on Wong teasers and when they still offer value in 2025, see our Wong Teaser Strategy Guide.

For a detailed comparison of teasers versus parlays and other bet types, check out our guide on teaser vs parlay betting.

Sports betting should stay optional, affordable, and fun. If you ever feel that betting is affecting your life negatively, take a break and reach out for help.