Step by Step Guide to Placing a Points Betting Wager

The PointsBet Sportsbook has recently come online in the United States, and they are named after the unique type of wager they offer: points betting. Since points betting differs from classical fixed odds betting, there are new dynamics and strategies to explore. In this guide, we'll go over the difference between fixed odds betting and points betting, and we'll show you how to place a points betting wager step by step.

If you want to try out points betting with some insurance, be sure to register by signing up with a promotion for 2 Risk-Free Bets up to $2000.

Fixed Odds vs Points Betting

Fixed-odds bets are the classic type of betting where you see the odds (-110, +150, etc.) associated with your wager. In points betting, however, the payout changes depending on the game's final result. If you select over 50.5 points in an NFL game, the payout will be larger for every point that the score goes beyond 50.5 points. At the same time, your losses increase depending on how much the score goes under. This betting style means that every point matters up to the end of the game. However, because the liability for points betting is variable, you must be careful not to expose yourself beyond a comfortable amount.

How to place a Points Betting Wager

Step 1: Navigate to the sport and game that you want to place your wager on.

Step 2: Click on the Pointsbetting option next to traditional Fixed Odds.

Step 3: Select the bet that you want to make.

In addition to the traditional over/under on total points, you can points bet on propositions such as time of first score, player statistics such as quarterback passing yards, or total points in a half or quarter. Points betting is over/under-oriented instead of picking winners, so be on the lookout for point total numbers that seem too high or low.

Step 4: Select your wager amount.

On a points betting slip, you will enter a wager and see a larger "Max Win Level" and "Max Loss Level." You should consider the "Max Loss Level" as your wager, as it is your total possible liability for this bet. You will also see a "Balance Withheld" from your Pointsbet account total. These funds will be unusable on other bets until your points betting wager is settled. There is an optional "Stop Loss Slider" for certain bets, which you can use to limit your liability (and potential payout) on a wager.

Of course, the cap on an under bet is 0, as teams can't score negative points in sports (golf is one of a few exceptions). As seen in the example below, a $2 wager on "over" the goal total of 6.2 in the Stanley Cup Finals can win up to $20, but it can only lose $12.40 (on a 1-0 result).

Step 5: Watch the game until the final whistle!

Watch the game you have wagered on, and hopefully, you will see the result you expect and end up with a ticket that wins close to your Max Win Level. Look at your progress by checking your bet slip during the game. Good luck!