Buying Points Explained: When to Do It, Why It Matters, and How Sharps Use It
By Tommy D, Betting Analyst with Over 3 Decades in the Trenches
It was a freezing Sunday in December, the kind where the games start before the coffee even kicks in. My buddy Matt was on the edge of the couch, biting his lip like he just bet the rent on the early slate. He turned to me and asked, “Hey, you ever buy points? Like, is that just for suckers?”
I grinned, because I’d heard that question a hundred times. And the truth is… buying points is not a sucker move. Not if you know what you’re doing.
In fact, buying points might be one of the most underused weapons in a smart bettor’s arsenal — but only when it’s used strategically. Just like anything in this game, it’s not about always doing it or never doing it. It’s about when and why.
Let me break it down for you the way I did for Matt — no charts, no fluff, just the real stuff that actually matters when the lines go live and your money’s on the table.
What Does “Buying Points” Even Mean?
Let’s start at the beginning. Buying points means you’re adjusting the spread in your favor — and paying a little extra juice to do it.
Say the Cowboys are -3.5 against the Giants. You like Dallas, but that hook (that ugly half-point over 3) is bothering you. So instead of taking the Cowboys at -3.5, you buy the line down to -3. Now if they win by exactly 3, you push instead of losing.
That little move might cost you, say, -130 instead of the standard -110 odds. You’re giving the book more juice for a safer number.
And the reverse works too. Say you like the Giants at +3.5, but you’re worried about the line closing at +3. You could buy it up to +4, giving yourself a better cushion.
It’s a simple concept — but don’t let the simplicity fool you. This is where sharp bettors feast and casual bettors get clipped.
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The Real Value: Key Numbers and the Art of Precision
Here’s the thing — you don’t just buy points randomly. That’s like throwing darts blindfolded. The only time buying points makes sense is when you’re crossing a key number.
And if you read my piece on key numbers in football, you already know where this is going. In the NFL, 3 and 7 are sacred. They’re the most common margins of victory by far. About 24–25% of all NFL games end in a 3 or 7 point margin. That’s not noise. That’s gospel.
So let’s say:
- You’re betting a favorite at -3.5. Buying to -3 protects you against a 3-point win (which happens a lot).
- You’re betting an underdog at +2.5. Buying to +3 gives you a shot to cash or push if the dog loses by a field goal.
- You’re staring at +6.5 and thinking, “Man, I should probably get to +7.” You’re right. You probably should.
That’s when buying points is worth the price. When you’re crossing a number that hits a lot. It’s not about gut feelings or chasing comfort — it’s about math, probability, and price.
Enjoying our content? Take a deep look into our other topics about betting odds:
– Key numbers in football betting
– Public vs sharp betting explained
The Price Tag: When It’s Too Expensive to Be Worth It
Now let’s talk juice. Because every time you buy a point — or even a half-point — you’re paying more. The standard vig for a spread bet is -110. But buying a half-point usually costs 10 to 15 extra cents per leg, depending on the sportsbook and how “valuable” the point is.
Buying from -3.5 to -3? That could take your odds to -125 or -130, sometimes even -135 depending on the book. Now you’ve got to win at a higher rate just to break even.
So the golden rule is this: only buy points if the value of the number exceeds the price of the juice. Don’t buy just to feel safer — buy because the math says it’s worth it.
And be extra careful on teasers and parlays, where odds shift fast and juice multiplies. Books know people love buying points to feel better about their bets. That comfort comes at a cost — and if you’re not careful, it eats your edge alive.
When the Sharps Buy — And When They Don’t
Here’s what separates the pros from the weekend crowd: they don’t just buy points… they build positions.
Let me explain.
Sharps will hit a number early — say, they grab Bengals +3.5 the second it drops. If the line moves, they might buy off it later — or they’ll middle it. But they never buy a half-point just because they’re scared. They do it when the math adds up.
They know that moving from +3.5 to +4 adds real equity. But moving from +5.5 to +6? Meh. Not so much. That’s not a key number. That’s just optics.
So before you click “buy points,” ask yourself what the sharp guys would ask:
- Am I crossing a key number?
- Is the juice reasonable?
- Will I be better off with this version of the line over the long run?
If the answer’s yes, you’re not buying comfort — you’re buying value.
Final Word: It’s Not a Trick — It’s a Tool
Look, buying points isn’t some secret hack. It won’t make you rich overnight. But used wisely, it’s a strategic tool that can turn losses into pushes — and pushes into wins.
Just like Matt on that December morning, you’ll face moments where the hook stares you down. Where you like the side but hate the number. And that’s when buying a half-point could save your whole day.
But here’s the catch — it’s not always worth it. Buying from -6.5 to -6? Probably not. Buying from +2.5 to +3? Now we’re talking.
Remember: this game isn’t just about picking winners. It’s about getting the best number at the best price. And buying points — when used correctly — is a subtle but powerful way to do exactly that.
So next time someone says buying points is for suckers, just smile. Because the people who say that? They’re the ones who lost their bet by a half-point… and didn’t even know they could’ve done something about it.
Now go check your book. Look at the line. Ask yourself the real question:
“What’s the number — and what’s it worth to me?”
That’s how the sharps do it. And now, so will you.
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