Ultimate Middle Betting Guide: What is Middle Betting in Sports?

Middle betting is a clever way to find value in sports betting where bettors identify an outcome that allows for two opposing bets to hit. It’s one of the best opportunities a bettor can come across, and adding it to your arsenal could lead to big wins.

From the definition to expert tips on making the perfect middle bet at https://betat.net/, here's a thorough rundown of middle bet in sports betting.

What is Middle Betting?

Middle betting is when you place two opposing bets that leave room for you to win both based on how the sportsbooks have set their odds. This typically involves placing a wager on two different sportsbooks.

Since sportsbooks set their odds independently, you can often find differing odds for the same wager if you check various sportsbooks. This isn’t always the case, but when it is, you can sometimes find an opportunity to middle bet.

For example, let’s say that BetRivers had and over/under bet for Jayden Daniels passing for 214.5 yards in a game. And BetMGM had an over/under bet for Jayden Daniels passing for 224.5. yards. Note that there’s a 10-yard differential between the two wagers.

 Important: Depending on the odds and how much you bet on each, winning only one of the bets will typically lead to breaking very close to even or sometimes exactly even.

If you bet the under on the 224.5 and the over on the 214.5, there is a possibility to win both bets if Daniels happens to pass for between 224 and 215 yards. And even if Daniels passes for way less or way more than either of those amounts, you’d still win one of your two bets.

Depending on the odds and how much you bet on each, winning only one of the bets will typically lead to breaking very close to even or sometimes exactly even. In fact, if the odds are just right, you can make a small profit even with the bets essentially canceling each other out, which is referred to as arbitrage betting.

Understanding Various Types of Middle Bets

Middle bets can come in many forms. You can find O/U bets for team totals, team props, player props, and more. If you can find differing point spreads or money lines between two sportsbooks, you may be able to discover opportunities for betting the middle. This even includes live wagers and parlays. Here's some information to keep in mind:

Over/Under Team Totals

Perhaps the most straightforward type of middle bet occurs with team total over/unders. For example, if one sportsbook sets a team's total points at 24.5 while another sets it at 26.5, you could bet the over on 24.5 and the under on 26.5. Any final score of 25 or 26 points would win both bets, creating a profitable middle opportunity.

Team Proposition Bets

Team props offer another avenue for middle betting. These might include first-half totals, team touchdown counts, or even field goal attempts. The key advantage of team props is that they often show more variation between sportsbooks, as oddsmakers may weigh team statistics differently.

Player Proposition Markets

Player props can provide some of the most lucrative middle betting opportunities. Consider a quarterback's passing yards: if one book sets the line at 285.5 yards while another offers 297.5, any performance between these numbers creates a winning middle. These opportunities often arise because different sportsbooks may evaluate player matchups and conditions differently.

Live Betting Opportunities

Live betting introduces a dynamic element to middle betting. As odds shift rapidly during a game, discrepancies between sportsbooks become more common. For instance, after a quick touchdown, one book might adjust their total points line faster than another, creating a temporary middle opportunity. These situations require quick decision-making but can offer some of the best middle betting scenarios.

Parlay Combinations

Advanced bettors sometimes find middle opportunities within parlay structures. By combining different types of bets across multiple sportsbooks, you might identify situations where winning both sides becomes possible. While these opportunities are more complex, they can offer higher potential returns due to the multiplicative nature of parlay odds.

Have Multiple Sportsbook Accounts and Bet Before Lines Change

Two things are important for being able to middle, having many accounts on sportsbooks so you can compare odds and make bets, and placing your bets quickly before the odds have a chance to change.

Sportsbooks often make corrections to their odds once they discover that they’re offering an opportunity for sports bettors to make a profit. For example, if a disproportionate number of bettors are taking the over on a bet, the sportsbook will often adjust the odds or the vig to compensate. That’s why speed in placing your bet is key.

For sportsbooks, the ideal scenario for them is for exactly the same amount of people to bet each side of a wager. That way, one side can pay off the other side and the bookmaker gets to keep the profit they gained from charging vig (a.k.a. juice). Meanwhile, sportsbooks are competing with one another for the most competitive lines in order to attract bettors.

How Does Vig Factor into Middle Betting

The standard vig for the vast majority of bookies and bet types is 10%. So instead of a bet being dead even at -100 odds (betting $100 wins you $200, so $100 in profit), you’ll normally see odds at -110 instead.

You have to take the bookie’s vig into account when calculating how much a bet can yield, including middle bets. In the case of middle bets, you have to calculate the vig from two bets on two different sportsbooks.

How to Middle a Bet Successfully

For any sport, you’ll find all kinds of different bets to choose from. So if you notice any lines that look advantageous, you can start there and compare the odds for the same bet to those of other sportsbooks. You can basically compare the lines of two different sportsbooks side by side and find any possibilities for middle bets.

Middle bets are rare, less than 1% of all available lines between sportsbooks offer the opportunity for a middle bet. But since there are thousands of betting options available, there are normally always some options to be found.

 Consider this: Simpler opportunities often provide more reliable results. Start with straightforward total bets or basic props before advancing to more complex strategies like live betting or parlays. This gradual progression allows you to build experience while managing risk effectively.

Advantages of Middle Betting

Middle bets are like low-risk lottery tickets for sports betting. If a lucky result occurs, you win both bets. If not, you lose next to nothing or possibly even win a bit through arbitrage.

When arbitrage betting is available with a middle bet, you’re getting an amazing deal. You’ll make a profit no matter what, and if both wagers hit, you’ll win both bets simultaneously.

These opportunities are somewhat rare, but among the thousands of betting options that any sportsbook offers daily, you can find a handful of middle betting opportunities at any given time if you compare odds between multiple sportsbooks.

Although middle betting minimizes risk, it requires more investment since you’d be placing two wagers instead of one. The strategy is not for newcomers because it requires a solid understanding of odds, using a middle betting calculator (more on this later), and familiarity with betting practices.

Conclusion

Middle betting is one of the most beneficial strategies in sports betting. When done right, it’s like a low-risk lottery ticket. Sometimes you can find arbitrage opportunities along with a middle bet, which a win-win scenario.

However, the strategy isn’t for newcomers. Make sure you do plenty of research on middling before attempting it for the first time. That way you can go into it prepared, well-informed, and ready to pad your bankroll.