What does an Alternate Points Bet Mean?

Why Trust Techopedia Gambling
Why Trust Techopedia Gambling

what does alt points mean

The term “alternate points betting” is primarily a basketball bet for those who enjoy making their own odds.

Used heavily in basketball betting and at the best NBA sportsbooks, it allows bettors to find enhanced odds if they think a star is going to have a particularly good or bad night on the court.

What Does Alternate Points Mean?

Alternate points is a type of proposition bet in which the bettor can select a different points total for an individual player or a team, deviating from the standard over/under line provided by the sportsbook.

For instance, you might find lines like:

  • Luka Doncic over 30.5 points at +150 (a $100 bet would return $150)
  • Doncic over 33.5 points at +300
  • Doncic over 35.5 points at +500

Odds and Payouts

The odds for alternate points lines are adjusted to reflect the increased difficulty of hitting higher point totals.

A higher points total for Doncic, such as 33.5 points, will come with higher odds (e.g., +300), meaning a $100 bet would return $300 if he scores 34 points or more.

Is Alternate Points a Good Bet?

Alternate points betting can be a good bet if you have the knowledge, conduct research and are willing to accept the higher risk for potentially higher rewards.

If you know a key player has a favorable matchup, is on a hot streak, or is expected to have increased playing time – then alternate points can provide a great wager.

With research, you will also be able to identify whether the best online sportsbooks have good value odds for what you think will happen during the game.

Pros pros

  • Knowing player form and historic performances can give you an edge
  • The player’s point total can be adjusted to your liking
  • Enhanced odds
  • Pays out regardless of the winning team
  • Often rewards research

Cons cons

  • Game variables can impact how many minutes your player gets
  • Getting an edge can require time to research
  • Increased risk of losing as bet is very specific
  • Allure of higher payouts can make bettors opt for wagers emotionally rather with analysis

Tips for Alternate Points Betting

Research Player Performance

  • Analyze recent trends and playing time
  • Check historical performance against the opposing team

Evaluate Matchups

  • Assess how the player’s style matches up against the opposing defense
  • Consider defensive assignments

Monitor Team News

  • Stay updated on injuries and roster changes
  • Note scheduling factors like back-to-back games and minute management

If you’re looking for more ways to bet on basketball, read our handy how to bet on NBA games guide, which takes you through the basics to expert level wagers.

Alternate Points Compared to Standard Line

The standard over/under points line has long been a favorite of bettors and is different to alternate points. With the standard line over/under, bettors can then wager on whether Doncic will score over or under this total, usually at close to even odds.

For example, a sportsbook might set Doncic’s points line at 27.5 points for a game:

  • Luka Doncic over 27.5 points at -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Luka Doncic under 27.5 points at -110 (bet $110 to win $100)

The odds aren’t great when you compare them to alternate points markets. Therefore the alt-points wager remains one of the most used in the NBA.

Jay Dieffenbach
Sports Betting Expert
Jay Dieffenbach
Sports Betting Expert

Jay is a Sports Betting Writer at Techopedia.com, and has been working in US sports for more than 20 years. He's worked for Daily Racing Form, the Arizona Republic, The Athletic and FanDuel among other sports and gambling positions.