Teaser Calculator: NFL and NBA Payouts, Odds and Strategy

A teaser calculator shows you exactly what your teaser bet pays before you place it. Whether you are building a 2-team NFL teaser or a 3-leg NBA slip, this tool calculates your potential payout, shows how the adjusted spreads affect your odds, and helps you evaluate whether the price is worth it.

Teasers let you move point spreads or totals in your favor across multiple games, but you pay for that flexibility with reduced payouts. The key question every teaser bettor needs to answer is simple: does my teaser pay enough to justify the reduced odds? This calculator answers that question in seconds.

This guide covers everything you need to know about teaser payouts. You will learn how to use the calculator step by step, understand how sportsbooks price teasers differently, discover the maths behind teaser odds, and explore advanced strategies like Wong teasers. By the end, you will have a complete framework for evaluating any teaser before you commit real money.

If you are new to teasers, start with our comprehensive teaser betting guide for the fundamentals. Already know the basics? Use the calculator below or visit our dedicated teaser calculator page to check your next slip.

Teaser Calculator (Quick Start)

The teaser calculator below gives you instant payout estimates for any NFL, NCAAF, NBA, or NCAAB teaser configuration. Enter your legs, select your teaser points and price, and see exactly what your bet returns if it wins.

What this calculator does:

The teaser calculator takes your inputs and calculates three essential numbers. First, it shows your potential payout based on the stake and odds you enter. Second, it displays the implied probability, which tells you how often this teaser needs to win for you to break even. Third, it shows your adjusted lines after the tease so you can see exactly where each spread or total lands.

Quick start checklist:

Before using the calculator, have these details ready:

1. Your legs: Which games are you teasing? Know the original spreads or totals for each game you want to include.

2. Teaser points: How many points do you want? Standard NFL teasers use 6, 6.5, or 7 points. NBA teasers typically use 4, 4.5, or 5 points.

3. The price: What odds does your sportsbook offer? A 2-team 6-point NFL teaser might be priced anywhere from -110 to -134 depending on the book. This number significantly affects your payout.

4. Push rules: How does your sportsbook handle ties? This is critical. Select whether ties win, ties lose, ties reduce the teaser, or ties refund. The wrong selection gives you inaccurate results.

5. Your stake: How much do you want to bet? Enter any amount to see scaled payouts.

Reading your results:

Once you enter your information, the calculator displays your potential total return (stake plus profit), your profit if the teaser wins, and the implied probability. Compare the implied probability to your confidence in the legs. If you believe your teaser hits more often than the implied probability suggests, the bet may offer value. If not, reconsider.

The calculator also shows how each line moves after the tease. For example, if you enter Chiefs -8.5 with a 6-point tease, you will see Chiefs -2.5 as the adjusted line. This visual confirmation helps you verify you are teasing through the numbers you intended.

Important accuracy notes:

Calculator outputs are estimates based on your inputs. Actual payouts depend on live odds at your sportsbook, which can change. Always confirm the final price and rules in your sportsbook app before placing any bet. Different books price teasers differently, and even small price differences affect your long-term results.

If you need help understanding any input or want to learn more about teaser strategy before using the calculator, continue reading the sections below.

How to Use the Teaser Calculator Step by Step

Using the teaser calculator is straightforward, but a few details matter. This section walks you through every input so you can get accurate payout estimates for NFL, NCAAF, NBA, and NCAAB teasers.

Step 1: Select Your Sport and League

Start by choosing the sport. Football teasers (NFL and NCAAF) and basketball teasers (NBA and NCAAB) work differently because the standard teaser points vary by sport. Football typically offers 6, 6.5, or 7-point teasers, while basketball usually offers 4, 4.5, or 5 points. The calculator adjusts its options based on your selection.

Step 2: Choose Your Teaser Points

Select how many points you want to tease. In football, 6-point teasers are the most common and usually offer the best balance of flexibility and payout. Adding extra points (6.5 or 7) costs you more in juice. The calculator shows you how the price changes as you adjust points.

Step 3: Enter Your Legs

Add the games you want to include in your teaser. For each leg, enter the original spread or total and identify whether you are teasing a favorite, underdog, over, or under. The calculator shows how your line moves after the tease. For example, teasing a -7.5 favorite by 6 points moves the line to -1.5.

Step 4: Set the Teaser Price

Enter the odds your sportsbook offers for your teaser configuration. Common prices for a 2-team 6-point NFL teaser range from -110 to -134 depending on the book. The calculator uses this price to determine your payout and implied probability.

Step 5: Select Push and Tie Rules

This is critical. Different sportsbooks handle pushes differently. Select whether ties win, ties lose, ties reduce the teaser by one leg, or ties result in a refund. The wrong selection here will give you inaccurate results. Check your sportsbook rules before entering this value.

Step 6: Enter Your Stake

Type in how much you want to bet. The calculator shows your potential payout, profit, and implied probability based on your stake and the price you entered.

Step 7: Review Your Results

The calculator displays your teaser payout, implied probability, and break-even win rate. Compare these numbers against your confidence in the legs. If the math looks good, double-check the live price at your sportsbook before placing the bet.

Example: 2-Team 6-Point NFL Teaser

Let us walk through a concrete NFL example. Say you like the Kansas City Chiefs at -8.5 against the Denver Broncos, and you also like the Buffalo Bills at -7 against the Miami Dolphins. You want to tease both lines down by 6 points.

Original lines:

• Chiefs -8.5
• Bills -7

After 6-point tease:

• Chiefs -2.5
• Bills -1

Your sportsbook offers this 2-team 6-point teaser at -120. You want to bet $100.

Enter these details into the calculator:

• Sport: NFL
• Teaser points: 6
• Leg 1: Chiefs -8.5 teased to -2.5
• Leg 2: Bills -7 teased to -1
• Price: -120
• Push rule: Ties reduce (check your book)
• Stake: $100

Results:

• Potential payout: $183.33
• Profit if wins: $83.33
• Implied probability: 54.55%
• Break-even win rate: 54.55%

This means both legs need to win for you to collect. At -120, you need to win roughly 55% of the time to break even on this type of teaser. The teased lines (-2.5 and -1) give you significant cushion compared to the original spreads.

Notice something important: the Chiefs line moved from -8.5 to -2.5, crossing the key numbers 7 and 3. This is exactly the type of movement that makes teasers valuable in football. We will cover this more in the Wong teaser section.

Example: 3-Team NBA Teaser with Totals

Basketball teasers work similarly but with smaller point adjustments. Here is an NBA example mixing sides and totals.

Say you like:

• Lakers -4.5 against the Clippers
• Celtics -6 against the Nets
• Bucks vs. Heat Over 218.5

You want to tease all three by 4 points.

After 4-point tease:

• Lakers -0.5
• Celtics -2
• Over 214.5

Your sportsbook prices this 3-team 4-point basketball teaser at +150. You bet $100.

Results:

• Potential payout: $250
• Profit if wins: $150
• Implied probability: 40%
• Required win rate: All three legs must hit

Basketball teasers can be trickier than football because NBA scores are more volatile and key numbers are less defined. The 4-point tease gives you real cushion, but you are also adding a third leg which increases your failure points. The +150 price reflects this added difficulty.

Note that teasing totals is not universally allowed. Some sportsbooks restrict teaser totals or only allow them on sides. Always verify your book allows the configuration you want before planning around it.

Teaser Payouts and Odds Explained

Understanding how sportsbooks price teasers is essential for finding value. Unlike straight bets where the price is transparent, teaser pricing varies significantly between books and configurations. This section breaks down everything you need to know about teaser payouts, from basic pricing structure to specific payout charts you can reference before placing any bet.

The Basic Structure

Teasers are priced based on three factors:

1. Number of legs (2, 3, 4, or more)
2. Number of teaser points (6, 6.5, 7 in football; 4, 4.5, 5 in basketball)
3. The sportsbook margin (juice/vig)

More legs and more points both reduce your payout. A 2-team 6-point teaser pays less than a 2-team straight parlay, but it also wins more often because you get extra points. The sportsbook builds in their profit margin (vig) by adjusting the price you pay. This is why a 2-team 6-point teaser might be priced at -110 at one book and -130 at another.

How Teaser Pricing Differs from Parlay Pricing

In a standard parlay, each leg multiplies your potential return based on the individual odds. If you parlay two -110 sides, your payout is approximately +264. The math is multiplicative.

Teaser pricing does not work this way. Sportsbooks set teaser prices based on their own models of how often teased legs hit. They do not simply multiply the individual leg probabilities. Instead, they offer a fixed price for each teaser configuration (2-team 6-point, 3-team 7-point, etc.) and that price already accounts for the extra points you receive.

This means you cannot calculate teaser payouts the same way you calculate parlay payouts. You need to know the specific price your sportsbook offers for your exact configuration. The calculator handles this by letting you input the actual odds rather than deriving them from individual legs.

6-Point Teaser Payout Chart

The 6-point teaser is the most common configuration in NFL betting. Here is what different stake amounts return across typical price points:

Stake	At -110	At -120	At -130
$25	$47.73 ($22.73 profit)	$45.83 ($20.83 profit)	$44.23 ($19.23 profit)
$50	$95.45 ($45.45 profit)	$91.67 ($41.67 profit)	$88.46 ($38.46 profit)
$100	$190.91 ($90.91 profit)	$183.33 ($83.33 profit)	$176.92 ($76.92 profit)
$200	$381.82 ($181.82 profit)	$366.67 ($166.67 profit)	$353.85 ($153.85 profit)
$500	$954.55 ($454.55 profit)	$916.67 ($416.67 profit)	$884.62 ($384.62 profit)

Notice how the price difference compounds as stakes increase. At $500, the difference between -110 and -130 is $70 in profit. Over a full NFL season of regular teaser betting, price shopping can save you hundreds of dollars.

Typical NFL Teaser Pricing

Here are approximate price ranges for standard NFL teasers. Your sportsbook may differ, so always check actual prices.

Configuration	Typical Price Range	Implied Probability
2-team 6-point	-110 to -134	52.4% to 57.3%
2-team 6.5-point	-120 to -140	54.5% to 58.3%
2-team 7-point	-130 to -150	56.5% to 60.0%
3-team 6-point	+140 to +180	35.7% to 41.7%
3-team 7-point	+110 to +140	41.7% to 47.6%
4-team 6-point	+250 to +300	25.0% to 28.6%

Why Prices Vary Between Sportsbooks

Different books take different margins on teasers. Some use teasers as loss leaders to attract action, pricing them aggressively. Others build in significant juice, especially on special teaser promotions with extra points or alternative rules.

The difference between -110 and -130 on a 2-team teaser is substantial over time. At -110, you need to win 52.4% to break even. At -130, that jumps to 56.5%. Shopping for the best teaser price is as important as finding the right legs.

Several factors explain why pricing varies so much:

1. Competition: In states with many legal sportsbooks, competition drives teaser prices down. Books in less competitive markets may charge more.

2. House policy: Some sportsbooks view teasers as a reliable profit center and price them accordingly. Others use attractive teaser prices to acquire customers who will bet on other products.

3. Push rules: Books with bettor-friendly push rules (ties reduce or refund) often charge higher prices to compensate. Books with ties-lose rules may offer lower headline prices because the rule itself protects their margin.

4. Promotional pricing: Special teaser offers (extra points, reduced juice) are marketing tools. Read the fine print because the rules often differ from standard teasers.

Worked Example: Comparing Two Books

Suppose you want to place a 2-team 6-point NFL teaser with $100:

Book A offers -110 with ties-reduce rules:

• If both legs win: You collect $190.91 (profit $90.91)
• If one leg pushes: Stake returned (no loss)
• Break-even win rate: 52.4%

Book B offers -120 with ties-lose rules:

• If both legs win: You collect $183.33 (profit $83.33)
• If one leg pushes: You lose $100
• Break-even win rate: 54.5% (plus additional push exposure)

Book A is clearly better despite similar headline prices. The ties-reduce rule at Book A provides significant value that the 10-cent price difference at Book B does not compensate for. Always compare both price AND rules.

3-Team Teaser Payout Table

Three-team teasers are popular because they offer positive odds (you win more than you risk) while still keeping the number of failure points manageable. Here is what a $100 stake returns across common configurations:

Configuration	Typical Odds	$100 Stake Payout	Profit
3-team 6-point NFL	+160	$260	$160
3-team 6.5-point NFL	+130	$230	$130
3-team 7-point NFL	+120	$220	$120
3-team 4-point NBA	+150	$250	$150
3-team 4.5-point NBA	+130	$230	$130

What does a teaser pay? It depends entirely on the configuration and price. A 2-team teaser at -120 pays $83.33 profit on $100. A 3-team teaser at +160 pays $160 profit on $100. The calculator gives you exact figures for any combination.

The key insight is that adding legs increases potential payout but also increases the probability of losing. Each additional leg is another failure point. Many sharp bettors stick to 2-leg teasers because the math often works out better despite the negative odds.

Teaser Rules and Push/Tie Logic by Sportsbook

Two teasers with identical legs can have completely different expected values depending on the rules your sportsbook applies. Understanding push rules is not optional—it is essential for making informed teaser bets. This section covers everything from basic eligibility to the fine print that can make or break your teaser strategy.

Core Teaser Rules

Most US sportsbooks follow these basic teaser guidelines:

• Minimum legs: 2 (some books require 3)
• Maximum legs: Usually 10 or more
• Eligible markets: Primarily sides and sometimes totals
• Sports: NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB (some books add MLB, NHL)

Eligibility and Restrictions

Not every game or market qualifies for teasers. Common restrictions include:

1. Game status: Most books only allow teasers on pre-game lines. Live betting teasers are rare. Once a game kicks off, your teaser window closes.

2. Line availability: If a spread is off the board (due to injury news, weather, etc.), you cannot include that game in a teaser. Lines must be active and posted.

3. Alternative lines: Standard teasers use standard spreads. Some books offer "super teasers" or "monster teasers" with extra points, but these often come with different (usually worse) rules.

4. Correlation restrictions: You typically cannot tease the same game twice (both the side and the total from the same matchup). Some books allow this; most do not.

5. Minimum odds requirements: A few books require each underlying leg to be at minimum odds (like -300 or better) before it can be included in a teaser.

Void and Cancellation Rules

What happens when a game in your teaser gets cancelled, postponed, or voided?

• Postponed games: If a game is postponed and rescheduled within a certain window (usually 24-48 hours), your teaser typically stays active. If rescheduled beyond that window, the leg voids.

• Cancelled games: Cancelled games void that leg. Your 3-team teaser becomes a 2-team teaser, repriced accordingly.

• Player props in teasers: If a sportsbook allows player props in teasers and the player does not participate, that leg typically voids.

• Forfeits: Rules vary. Some books treat forfeits as wins for the team receiving the forfeit. Others void the leg entirely. Check your specific sportsbook terms.

Understanding void rules matters because they affect your expected payout. A voided leg in a 3-team teaser drops you to 2-team pricing, which may turn a positive-odds bet into a negative-odds bet.

Push Rule Variations

The biggest rule difference involves what happens when a leg pushes (lands exactly on the teased number). There are four common treatments:

1. Ties reduce: The teaser drops to one fewer leg. A 3-team teaser with one push becomes a 2-team teaser, repriced accordingly.

2. Ties lose: Any push means the entire teaser loses. This is the worst rule for bettors.

3. Ties win: Pushes count as wins. This is rare and extremely favorable.

4. Ties refund: A push on a 2-team teaser returns your stake. On 3+ legs, it typically reduces.

Sportsbook-Specific Rules (General Guidance)

Rules change frequently, so always verify directly with your book. Here is general guidance as of start 2026:

Sportsbook	2-Leg Push Rule	3+ Leg Push Rule	Notes
DraftKings	Typically reduces/refunds	Reduces by one leg	Check standard vs. special teasers
FanDuel	Varies by teaser type	Reduces by one leg	Different rules for different teaser products
BetMGM	Typically refunds	Reduces by one leg	Verify special teaser terms
Caesars	Varies	Typically reduces	Check your state version

For a complete breakdown of push rules and sportsbook policies, see our teaser betting rules guide.

What Happens if a Teaser Pushes?

This question appears in Google searches constantly because the answer directly affects your money. Let us be completely clear with examples.

Scenario 1: Ties Reduce (Most Common)

You have a 3-team teaser. Two legs win, one leg pushes.

• Result: Your 3-team teaser becomes a 2-team teaser
• Payout: Recalculated at 2-team teaser odds
• If original 3-team was +160, you might get paid at -120 instead

Scenario 2: Ties Lose

Same 3-team teaser. Two legs win, one leg pushes.

• Result: Entire teaser loses
• Payout: Zero
• This is why ties-lose rules significantly hurt expected value

Scenario 3: Ties Win

Same 3-team teaser. Two legs win, one leg pushes.

• Result: Push counts as a win, teaser cashes
• Payout: Full 3-team teaser payout
• This rule is rare but extremely valuable when available

Scenario 4: 2-Leg Teaser Push with Refund Rule

You have a 2-team teaser. One leg wins, one leg pushes.

• Result: Stake returned (no win, no loss)
• Payout: Original stake back
• This is neutral but better than a loss

The calculator lets you select your push rule so the payout estimate reflects your actual sportsbook terms. If you do not know your book push rule, look it up before entering anything into the calculator.

Can You Tease Totals and Multiple Sports?

Not all sportsbooks allow totals in teasers or cross-sport teasers. Here is what you need to know.

Teasing Totals

Some books allow you to tease over/under totals alongside sides. This can add flexibility but also introduces different math. Football totals do not have the same key numbers (3 and 7) as sides, so the value proposition changes.

If your book allows teased totals:

• Check if the pricing changes when you add totals
• Understand that total variance is different from side variance
• Consider whether the point movement actually helps your position

Cross-Sport Teasers

Some sportsbooks let you combine NFL and NBA legs in a single teaser. This is controversial among sharp bettors because:

• Football and basketball have different teaser point structures
• The key number logic that makes NFL teasers potentially valuable does not apply the same way in basketball
• Pricing for cross-sport teasers varies widely

If you explore cross-sport teasers, run them through the calculator separately to see how each sport-specific leg affects your overall slip.

The Maths Behind Teaser Odds and Payouts

Understanding the math behind teasers helps you evaluate whether a price is fair. This section explains how to convert teaser prices to implied probability, estimate break-even win rates, and calculate payouts manually. Grasping these concepts transforms you from a casual teaser bettor into someone who can spot value and avoid traps.

Why Math Matters for Teasers

Teasers look attractive because you get extra points. But those extra points come at a cost: reduced payouts. The math tells you whether the trade-off is worthwhile. Without understanding implied probability and break-even rates, you are guessing. With the math, you can make informed decisions about which teasers offer value and which are sucker bets.

The core question for any teaser is simple: does my expected win rate exceed the implied probability built into the price? If yes, the teaser has positive expected value over time. If no, you are paying too much for those extra points.

Converting Teaser Prices to Implied Probability

Every teaser price has an implied probability—the win rate you need to break even. Here is how to convert:

For negative odds (like -120): Implied Probability = Odds / (Odds + 100) At -120: 120 / (120 + 100) = 120 / 220 = 54.55%

For positive odds (like +160): Implied Probability = 100 / (Odds + 100) At +160: 100 / (160 + 100) = 100 / 260 = 38.46%

This tells you the break-even point. If your 2-team teaser is priced at -120, both legs need to win at a combined rate above 54.55% for you to profit long-term.

Break-Even Win Rates for Common Teaser Prices

Teaser Price	Implied Probability	Per-Leg Win Rate (2 legs)
-110	52.38%	72.4%
-120	54.55%	73.9%
-130	56.52%	75.2%
-140	58.33%	76.4%
+150	40.00%	73.7% (for 3 legs)
+160	38.46%	72.8% (for 3 legs)

The per-leg win rate shows what each individual leg needs to hit assuming independent probabilities. For a 2-leg teaser, if each leg hits 74% of the time, the combined hit rate is 0.74 x 0.74 = 54.76%, which barely clears the -120 break-even.

Understanding Expected Value in Teasers

Expected value (EV) tells you what a bet is worth over the long run. Positive EV means you expect to profit. Negative EV means the house has the edge.

For a 2-team teaser at -120 where you believe each leg wins 75% of the time:

• Combined win probability: 0.75 x 0.75 = 56.25%
• If you win: You profit $83.33
• If you lose: You lose $100
• Expected value: (0.5625 x $83.33) - (0.4375 x $100) = $46.87 - $43.75 = +$3.12 per $100 bet

This teaser has positive expected value because your estimated win rate (56.25%) exceeds the break-even rate (54.55%). Over 100 such teasers, you would expect to profit approximately $312.

Now consider the same teaser but with legs you estimate at 72% each:

• Combined win probability: 0.72 x 0.72 = 51.84%
• Expected value: (0.5184 x $83.33) - (0.4816 x $100) = $43.20 - $48.16 = -$4.96 per $100 bet

This teaser has negative expected value. Even though it might feel good to get 6 extra points, the math says you are paying too much for them at this price with these legs.

Using the Vig Calculator

The vig (vigorish) is the sportsbook margin built into the price. A "fair" 2-team teaser where both legs have a 73.5% chance of winning would be priced at approximately -118 with zero vig. Any price worse than that includes vig.

If your sportsbook offers -130 on that same teaser, approximately 4-5% of the price is vig. You can use our implied probability calculator to strip out the juice and see the true odds. This helps you understand whether the extra points you receive compensate for the margin the sportsbook is taking.

For deeper analysis of implied probability, use our implied probability calculator.

Manual Teaser Calculation Example

Let us calculate a 2-team 6-point NFL teaser payout by hand. This helps you understand exactly what the calculator does behind the scenes.

Setup:

• Teaser type: 2-team 6-point NFL
• Price: -120
• Stake: $100

Step 1: Understand the Price

At -120, you risk $120 to win $100, or equivalently, you risk $100 to win $83.33.

The payout formula for negative odds: Profit = Stake x (100 / Odds) Profit = $100 x (100 / 120) = $83.33

Total return = Stake + Profit = $100 + $83.33 = $183.33

Step 2: Calculate Implied Probability

Implied Probability = 120 / (120 + 100) = 54.55%

This means both legs together need to win more than 54.55% of the time for the bet to be profitable.

Step 3: Estimate Per-Leg Requirements

If you assume both legs are equally likely to hit and are independent: Required per-leg probability = Square root of 54.55% Required per-leg probability = 73.9%

Each teased leg needs to win roughly 74% of the time.

Step 4: Compare to Actual Probabilities

This is where experience and research matter. Research suggests that properly selected 6-point NFL teaser legs (crossing 3 and 7) can hit in the 72-75% range historically. If your specific legs have a better than 74% chance each, the teaser may offer value. If worse, you are paying too much.

The calculator does these steps automatically, but understanding the math helps you evaluate whether a teaser price is competitive.

For converting between odds formats, use our odds converter calculator.

Wong Teasers and Advanced Teaser Strategy

Wong teasers are named after Stanford Wong, who identified specific NFL teaser situations that historically offered positive expected value. The concept is straightforward: tease NFL spreads through key numbers 3 and 7 to capture the most common margin-of-victory outcomes.

Why 3 and 7 Matter

NFL games frequently end with margins of 3 (field goal) and 7 (touchdown). Historical NFL data shows these margins appear more often than any others. When you tease a spread through these numbers, you capture a disproportionate chunk of potential outcomes.

Consider the frequency of NFL final margins:

• Margin of exactly 3: Approximately 15% of games
• Margin of exactly 7: Approximately 9% of games
• Margin of exactly 10: Approximately 4% of games
• Margin of exactly 6: Approximately 5% of games

When your teased line crosses both 3 and 7, you are covering roughly 24% of all NFL game outcomes just with those two numbers. This is the mathematical foundation of Wong teaser value.

Example of a Wong-qualifying teaser leg:

• Original line: Chiefs -8.5
• After 6-point tease: Chiefs -2.5
• Numbers crossed: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3

This leg crosses both 7 and 3, capturing games that end with the Chiefs winning by exactly 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 points—all of which would have lost at -8.5 but win at -2.5.

Classic Wong Teaser Criteria

Traditional Wong teaser guidelines include:

1. NFL games only (not college, not basketball)
2. 6-point teasers (not 6.5 or 7)
3. Favorites between -7.5 and -8.5 (teased to -1.5 or -2.5)
4. Underdogs between +1.5 and +2.5 (teased to +7.5 or +8.5)
5. Avoid teasing totals
6. Avoid teasing through zero

The Logic Behind Each Criterion

Why favorites -7.5 to -8.5? Because teasing down to -1.5 or -2.5 crosses both 7 and 3. The favorite just needs to win by 2 or 3 instead of winning by 8 or 9.

Why underdogs +1.5 to +2.5? Because teasing up to +7.5 or +8.5 crosses both 3 and 7. The underdog can now lose by up to 7 or 8 points instead of needing to keep it within 1 or 2.

Why only 6-point teasers? Because 6 points is the minimum needed to cross both key numbers from these starting positions. Paying for 7 points adds cost without proportional benefit.

Why avoid totals? Football totals do not have the same key number concentration. Scores can land anywhere. The 6 points you add to an over/under do not capture the same mathematical edge.

Modern Reality Check

Wong published his teaser research decades ago. Sportsbooks have adjusted pricing since then. Whether Wong teasers still offer positive expected value depends on:

• Current teaser pricing at your book
• The specific games and matchups
• Push rules your book applies
• Sample size and variance

Some research suggests that even with adjusted pricing, properly selected Wong teasers can still break even or offer marginal positive expectation. The key word is "properly selected." Not every game with a qualifying spread makes a good teaser leg. You still need to evaluate the specific matchup, injury situations, and whether the line itself is fair.

The strategy remains sound in principle—teasing through key numbers captures real value—but you should not assume any teaser is automatically profitable. Always check the price and compare it to your estimated win probability.

Is a Teaser a Sucker Bet?

This question comes up constantly. The honest answer: it depends.

Poorly constructed teasers ARE sucker bets:

• Heavy juice (-130 or worse on 2-leg teasers)
• Too many legs (4+ legs drastically reduces win probability)
• Teasing through zero (minimal value captured)
• Ties-lose rules (significantly damages expected value)
• Random legs without key number consideration

Well-constructed teasers can offer reasonable value:

• Fair pricing (-110 to -120 range on 2-leg NFL teasers)
• Two legs crossing 3 and 7
• Favorable push rules
• Careful game selection

The calculator helps you distinguish between these scenarios. Run the numbers before assuming any teaser is good or bad.

For a complete breakdown of Wong teaser strategy, including qualifying spreads and common mistakes, see our Wong teaser strategy guide. For NFL-specific applications, check our NFL teaser strategy guide.

Wong Teaser Checker (Conceptual)

The calculator helps you identify potential Wong teaser setups. Here is how to use it as a Wong checker:

Step 1: Enter Your Original Spreads

Input the original point spread for each NFL game you are considering.

Step 2: Apply 6-Point Tease

Set the teaser to 6 points and see where the lines land.

Step 3: Check Key Number Crossings

For each leg, verify whether the teased line crossed both 3 and 7:

• Favorite teased from -8.5 to -2.5: Crosses 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 (Wong-qualifying)
• Underdog teased from +2 to +8: Crosses 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (Wong-qualifying)
• Favorite teased from -4 to +2: Crosses 3 but not 7 (partial value)
• Line teased from -3 to +3: Crosses zero (generally avoid)

Step 4: Confirm Price

A setup that qualifies on paper is worthless if the price is too steep. Compare your book price to the break-even rates we calculated earlier. At -130 or worse, even Wong setups may not offer value.

Step 5: Verify Rules

Check your push rules. A ties-lose book significantly damages Wong teaser expected value because landing exactly on key numbers is more likely with these setups.

The calculator provides a starting point for Wong analysis, but you should combine it with your own research and price shopping.

Common Teaser Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced bettors make teaser mistakes. Understanding these pitfalls helps you avoid costly errors and make smarter betting decisions.

Mistake 1: Ignoring Price Differences

A 10-cent difference between -110 and -120 might seem small, but it shifts your break-even win rate from 52.4% to 54.5%. Over 100 teasers at $100 each, that difference costs you hundreds of dollars in expected value.

The solution: Compare teaser prices across at least three sportsbooks before placing any bet. Some books consistently offer better teaser pricing than others. A few minutes of price shopping can save significant money over a season.

Mistake 2: Adding Too Many Legs

Each leg you add creates another failure point. A 2-leg teaser needs both legs to hit. A 4-leg teaser needs all four. Here is the math problem:

If each leg has a 74% chance of winning:

• 2 legs: 74% x 74% = 54.8% combined
• 3 legs: 74% x 74% x 74% = 40.5% combined
• 4 legs: 74% x 74% x 74% x 74% = 30.0% combined

The payout increase from adding legs rarely compensates for this dramatic drop in win probability. Stick to 2-leg teasers unless you have a specific, researched reason to go higher.

Mistake 3: Teasing Through Zero

Teasing a -2.5 favorite to +3.5 crosses zero. This looks like you are capturing value (going from favorite to underdog), but the points around zero are less impactful than points around 3 and 7.

Why? Games rarely end with exact 1 or 2 point margins. The points between -2.5 and +3.5 do not capture many real-world outcomes. You pay for points that do not help much. Focus on teasing through 3 and 7 instead.

Mistake 4: Not Checking Push Rules

As we covered, push rules dramatically affect expected value. Here is a concrete example:

Same teaser, different rules:

• Book A (ties reduce): Expected value -2.1%
• Book B (ties lose): Expected value -8.3%

The ties-lose book makes many otherwise reasonable teasers into bad bets. Always know your rules before betting. If your primary book has ties-lose rules, consider whether another book offers better terms.

Mistake 5: Chasing Bigger Payouts

Teasers already reduce your payout compared to straight parlays. Adding extra legs or extra points to chase a bigger number usually makes the math worse, not better.

Remember: The goal is not the biggest potential payout. The goal is finding bets where your expected win rate exceeds the implied probability from the price. A 2-leg teaser at -110 might be a better bet than a 4-leg teaser at +300 even though the 4-leg teaser offers a bigger payout.

Mistake 6: Teasing Basketball Like Football

Basketball does not have the same key number structure as football. The 4-point basketball tease does not capture value the same way a 6-point NFL tease through 3 and 7 does.

Basketball scoring is more continuous. There are no "key numbers" in the same sense. A 4-point move might help, but it does not have the same mathematical advantage as crossing 3 and 7 in NFL games. Be cautious with basketball teasers and do not assume NFL logic applies.

Mistake 7: Betting Without the Calculator

Guessing at teaser payouts leads to mistakes. Every teaser should run through the calculator first. Know your implied probability, break-even rate, and potential payout before committing money. If the math does not support the bet, do not place it.

Mistake 8: Teasing College Football Like NFL

College football has more variance than the NFL. Blowouts are more common. Key numbers still matter, but the predictability is lower. Many sharp bettors avoid college football teasers entirely or apply stricter criteria than they would for NFL games.

Mistake 9: Using Special Teaser Offers Without Reading Terms

Sportsbooks sometimes offer promotional teasers with extra points or adjusted pricing. These can be good or terrible depending on the fine print. Always check:

• Push rules (often worse on special teasers)
• Maximum bet limits
• Eligible games
• Whether the "bonus" points actually provide value at the offered price

For more on teaser pitfalls, see our guide on common teaser betting mistakes.

When to Use a Teaser vs a Regular Parlay

Teasers and parlays both combine multiple legs, but they serve different purposes. Understanding when each makes sense helps you choose the right bet type.

How Teasers Differ from Parlays

In a standard parlay, you bet on multiple games at their posted odds. Your potential payout multiplies with each leg, but so does your risk. All legs must win.

In a teaser, you move the point spread or total in your favor on each leg. Your payout is smaller than a standard parlay, but your adjusted lines are easier to hit. All legs still must win.

The fundamental trade-off: teasers give you more favorable lines in exchange for smaller payouts. Parlays give you bigger payouts in exchange for harder-to-hit lines.

When Teasers Make Sense

Teasers work best when:

1. Key numbers matter: NFL games around spreads of 3, 7, 8 benefit most from 6-point teases. If you can cross both 3 and 7, the mathematical advantage of a teaser is at its strongest.

2. You want cushion: If you like a team but are nervous about the spread, teasing adds protection. A team you think wins by 4 might not cover -7, but should cover -1 after a 6-point tease.

3. The price is right: A well-priced 2-team teaser at -110 to -120 can offer reasonable value when the legs cross key numbers. At -130 or worse, the math gets tougher.

4. You have specific Wong setups: Games that qualify under Wong criteria (favorites -7.5 to -8.5 or underdogs +1.5 to +2.5) historically offer better expected returns because they maximize key number crossing.

5. Low-scoring sports and situations: Football teasers make more sense than basketball because NFL scores cluster around specific margins.

When Parlays Make More Sense

Standard parlays may be better when:

1. Key numbers do not apply: Moneyline parlays or player prop parlays do not benefit from teaser point moves. You cannot tease a moneyline.

2. You want higher upside: Parlays pay more because they are harder to hit. If you have high confidence in multiple outcomes, a parlay maximizes potential return.

3. Basketball or other sports: Without clear key numbers, the teaser point purchase may not be worth the reduced payout. Basketball is more continuous—there is no "3" or "7" equivalent.

4. Lines are already favorable: If you already have a good number (say, +3 on a dog you expect to cover), adding teaser points might be unnecessary. You are paying for points you do not need.

5. You are betting favorites at short prices: Moneyline parlays of short favorites can sometimes offer better expected value than teasing those same teams.

The Math Comparison

Consider a 2-team bet with both games at -110 spread pricing:

Parlay option:

• Two -110 legs parlayed: Approximately +264 payout
• Bet $100, win $264 (profit $164)
• Both teams must cover original spread
• Combined implied probability: ~27.5%

Teaser option:

• Two legs teased 6 points at -120: Bet $100, win $183.33 (profit $83.33)
• Both teams must cover teased spread (6 points easier)
• Combined implied probability: ~54.5%

The parlay pays almost twice as much, but requires both games to cover at the original spread. The teaser pays less but wins nearly twice as often when legs are properly selected.

A Practical Decision Framework

Ask these questions when choosing between a teaser and parlay:

1. Are my legs NFL sides that cross 3 and 7? If yes, consider a teaser.
2. Am I betting moneylines or props? If yes, use a parlay (teasers do not apply).
3. Is the teaser price reasonable (-120 or better)? If no, consider alternatives.
4. Do I have high confidence in all legs covering the original spread? If yes, a parlay might maximize value.
5. Am I trying to maximize entertainment or value? Entertainment favors parlays (bigger potential wins). Value often favors selective teasers.

Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on the specific games, spreads, key numbers, and prices available. The calculator helps you evaluate each scenario on its mathematical merits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a $100 teaser pay?

It depends on the odds. A 2-team teaser at -120 pays $183.33 total ($83.33 profit). A 3-team teaser at +160 pays $260 total ($160 profit). Use the calculator above to get exact figures for your specific teaser configuration.

What are the odds on a 3-team teaser?

Three-team 6-point NFL teasers typically range from +140 to +180 depending on the sportsbook. Three-team 7-point teasers usually range from +110 to +140. Basketball 3-team teasers are priced similarly. Always check your specific book for current odds.

What happens if a teaser pushes?

It depends on your sportsbook rules. Most commonly, a push on a 3+ leg teaser reduces it by one leg. On a 2-leg teaser, rules vary: some books refund your stake, others treat it as a loss. The worst rule is ties-lose. Always verify your book rules before betting.

Do ties lose in teasers?

At some sportsbooks, yes. Ties-lose rules mean any push kills your entire teaser. This significantly hurts expected value. Other books use ties-reduce or ties-refund rules which are more bettor-friendly. Check your specific sportsbook terms.

Can you tease the over/under?

At some sportsbooks, yes. Not all books allow totals in teasers. If yours does, you can tease over/under totals alongside sides. However, totals do not have the same key number dynamics as NFL sides, so the value proposition differs. Verify availability and consider the math before teasing totals.

Is a teaser a sucker bet?

Not necessarily, but many teasers are bad bets. Poorly priced teasers with heavy juice, too many legs, or unfavorable push rules can be sucker bets. Well-structured 2-team NFL teasers through key numbers at fair prices can offer reasonable value. The calculator helps you evaluate each teaser on its merits rather than assuming all teasers are good or bad.

What is a Wong teaser?

A Wong teaser is an NFL teaser strategy named after Stanford Wong. It targets specific spread ranges (favorites -7.5 to -8.5, underdogs +1.5 to +2.5) that cross the key numbers 3 and 7 when teased by 6 points. These setups historically showed better returns because they capture the most common NFL margins of victory. See our Wong teaser strategy guide for complete details.

Can you tease NFL and NBA together in one bet?

Some sportsbooks allow cross-sport teasers combining NFL and NBA legs. However, the value proposition is questionable because football and basketball have different point structures and key number dynamics. If you explore cross-sport teasers, evaluate each sport leg separately and be cautious about assuming NFL teaser logic applies to basketball.

Responsible Gambling

Sports betting should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Teasers can be fun and occasionally offer value, but they are not a path to guaranteed profit. Here are important reminders:

• Set limits before you start: Decide how much you can afford to lose and stick to it
• Never chase losses: A bad teaser does not become good if you bet more on the next one
• Take breaks: Step away regularly, especially after wins or losses
• Calculator results are estimates: Actual payouts depend on live odds and sportsbook rules
• Sports betting is legal for 21+ in most states: Verify your state laws before betting

If you or someone you know struggles with gambling, free and confidential help is available 24/7.