Quarter Wagering Explained: How to Bet on Quarters in Sports
Quarter wagering gives you the chance to bet on individual quarters of a game, rather than the whole thing. This kind of bet is super popular in football and basketball, where games are split into four quarters. Instead of betting on the final outcome, you’re focusing on what happens during just one quarter, which can make things more exciting and dynamic.
Quarter betting moves fast and requires quick thinking, as the lines and odds change after every quarter based on how the game is going. Let’s break down how quarter wagering works, the rules you need to know, and some tips for using this strategy to your advantage.
How Quarter Wagering Works
With quarter wagering, you bet on the outcome of just one quarter, not the entire game. Just like regular betting, you can bet on point spreads, totals (over/under), or the moneyline, but everything applies only to the specific quarter you’re betting on.
For example:
- In an NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cowboys might be favored by -3 for the second quarter. You can bet on whether the Cowboys will outscore the Eagles by at least 3 points in that quarter.
Each quarter is treated as its own mini-game, so even if a team is losing the overall game, they could still win a particular quarter, and you could cash in on that.
Key Rules for Quarter Betting
Here are some important rules to keep in mind before placing a quarter bet:
- Each Quarter Stands Alone: The outcome of the rest of the game doesn’t affect your quarter bet. You’re only concerned with what happens in that quarter.
- Quarter Must Be Completed: If the quarter isn’t fully played (because of weather, cancellations, etc.), the bet is void, and you get your money back.
- Overtime Excluded from Fourth Quarter: If you’re betting on the fourth quarter, overtime doesn’t count. Only what happens in regulation time matters.
- No Parlays, Teasers, or Buying Points: You can’t combine quarter bets in parlays or teasers, and you can’t buy points for quarter wagers.
Types of Quarter Bets
Here’s a look at the different types of bets you can place on a single quarter:
- Quarter Moneyline: You’re betting on which team will win the quarter outright, without worrying about the overall score.
- Quarter Point Spread: You bet on whether a team will cover the point spread for that quarter. For example, if a team is favored by -3.5 in the second quarter, they need to outscore their opponent by 4 points or more for your bet to win.
- Quarter Totals (Over/Under): You’re betting on whether the combined score of both teams in that quarter will be over or under a certain number. For instance, if the second-quarter total is 13.5 points in an NFL game, you can bet on whether the teams will score 14 points or more (over) or 13 points or fewer (under).
Strategies for Quarter Wagering
Quarter betting can offer some unique chances to cash in, especially if you know how teams perform during certain parts of the game. Here are a few strategies that can help you win:
Bet on Teams That Start Fast
Some teams are known for coming out of the gate strong, scoring quickly in the first quarter. You can take advantage of this by betting on them to win the first quarter, especially if the odds are in your favor.
- Example: If a college football team consistently jumps to early leads, betting on them to win the first quarter could be a smart move before the lines catch up later in the game.
Look at Underdogs in Quarters
Big underdogs might not win the whole game, but they can sometimes keep it close for a quarter or two. Betting on underdogs in individual quarters can give you better chances of winning without needing them to win the whole game.
- Example: A college basketball team might be a heavy underdog for the full game, but if they’re getting +7 or more in a quarter, they could easily cover that spread for just the quarter, even if they lose the game.
Target Specific Quarters
Some teams have trends in how they play certain parts of the game. Maybe they struggle in the third quarter or dominate in the second half. Knowing these trends can help you target which quarter to bet on.
- Example: If a team is known for getting tired and fading in the third quarter, betting against them during that quarter might offer good value.
Be Careful with Fourth-Quarter Bets in Close Games
If the game is tight going into the fourth quarter, teams might play more conservatively to hold onto a lead or run out the clock. This can mess with scoring and make fourth-quarter bets a little riskier. Plus, overtime isn’t included in fourth-quarter bets, so keep that in mind.
Find Value in Smaller Leagues
In smaller college football or basketball games, oddsmakers might not have as much data, which can lead to softer lines. Bettors who know these teams well can find value in quarter lines that haven’t been adjusted properly.
Quick Tips for Quarter Wagering
- Look for Value in Underdogs: Sometimes, betting on underdogs in quarters, especially if they’re getting +7.5 or more, can be a profitable strategy. They might not win the game, but they can win or keep it close in a quarter.
- Bet on Fast-Starting Teams: Teams that come out strong and score early can be great picks for first-quarter bets, especially in smaller leagues where oddsmakers might not adjust the lines quickly enough.
Conclusion
Quarter wagering is a fun and fast way to get involved in sports betting, focusing on shorter periods of the game rather than waiting for the final result. Whether you’re betting on teams known for strong starts, capitalizing on underdog value, or targeting specific quarters based on team trends, quarter betting gives you plenty of opportunities to win. Just remember, each quarter is a separate event, so treat it that way and focus on the flow of the game rather than the overall outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is quarter wagering in sports betting?
- Quarter wagering allows you to bet on the outcome of individual quarters in football and basketball games, rather than the entire game.
How are quarter bets settled?
- Quarter bets are settled based on what happens in the specific quarter you bet on. The overall game score doesn’t matter.
Can you parlay quarter bets?
- No, parlays and teasers aren’t available for quarter bets. They are straight bets only.
What happens if a quarter isn’t completed?
- If a quarter doesn’t finish (due to weather or other reasons), the bet is void, and you’ll get your money back.
Why bet on fast-starting teams?
- Teams that score early and take control of the game in the first quarter can be great for first-quarter bets, especially if the odds give you value.