How to Use Odds Boosts, Responsibly

Author
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief
Fact checked by:
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Founder
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2024, 4:50 PM

All About Odds Boosts

Odds boosts are a popular feature at online sportsbooks, designed to attract bettors by offering enhanced odds on specific events, teams, or betting markets. This promotional strategy increases potential winnings without altering the stake, making certain bets more appealing. While odds boosts can offer genuine value, their smart and responsible use is crucial for maintaining a healthy betting practice. This guide delves into the strategic use of odds boosts, highlighting how to benefit from them while adhering to responsible betting principles, supplemented by examples from the industry.

Pros and Cons of Odds Boosts

Pros

  • Higher Returns: The most immediate benefit is the potential for higher returns on your bets without an increased stake.
  • Market Exploration: Odds boosts can encourage exploration of new betting markets you might not have considered otherwise.
  • Value Betting: When used wisely, odds boosts can offer genuine value, providing an edge over the sportsbook.

Cons

  • Impulse Betting Risk: The limited-time nature of odds boosts can pressure bettors into hasty decisions, potentially leading to regrettable bets.
  • Limited Selection: The sportsbook selects the bets for odds boosts, which may not always align with your betting strategy or preferences.
  • Stake Limitations: The maximum stake on odds-boosted bets is often capped, limiting the potential benefit for some bettors.

Understanding Odds Boosts

Odds boosts are promotions where a sportsbook offers increased odds for a specific bet, making the potential payout higher than usual. These boosts can apply to a wide range of sports and betting types, including single bets, parlays, and prop bets. The enhanced odds are usually available for a limited time and may be tied to particular events or outcomes.

Key Features of Odds Boosts

  • Enhanced Payouts: By boosting the odds, sportsbooks increase the potential return on a bet without requiring a higher stake.
  • Limited Availability: Odds boosts are typically offered on specific bets for a short duration, often around major sporting events.
  • Bet Restrictions: There may be limits on the stake you can place on an odds-boosted bet, ensuring that the promotion remains financially viable for the sportsbook.

Strategies for Responsible Use

  • Selective Betting: Only use odds boosts on bets you were already considering. Don't let the promotion dictate your betting choices.
  • Understand the Value: Analyze whether the boosted odds offer real value or if they’re simply drawing attention to a less likely outcome.
  • Maintain Your Budget: Stick to your predetermined betting budget, even when tempted by seemingly attractive odds boosts.
  • Research Is Key: Do your homework on the events or outcomes being boosted to ensure your bet is informed and not just swayed by enhanced odds.
  • Avoid Impulse Betting: Given their time-sensitive nature, odds boosts can lead to impulsive betting decisions. Take a moment to consider each bet's potential value and risks.

Examples of Odds Boosts

  1. DraftKings Sportsbook: Regularly offers odds boosts on major league sports, such as enhanced odds for a specific player to score the first touchdown in an NFL game or for a team to win by a certain margin.
  2. FanDuel Sportsbook: Features daily odds boosts across various sports, including basketball, football, and baseball. For instance, boosting the odds for a combined bet like both teams to score and the total points in an NBA game.
  3. BetMGM: Provides "Lion's Boosts" for select events, which might include increased odds for a home team win in MLB or for a specific fighter to win by knockout in a boxing match.

Final Thoughts

Odds boosts, when approached with a disciplined and informed strategy, can enrich the sports betting experience by offering the chance for higher payouts on selected events. However, the allure of enhanced odds should never compromise the principles of responsible betting. By being selective, sticking to a budget, and conducting thorough research, bettors can integrate odds boosts into their overall betting approach effectively. Remember, the goal of betting should always be to enjoy the game responsibly, with odds boosts serving as an occasional enhancement rather than the foundation of your betting strategy.

Meet Our Authors

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

Sol's interest in sports was sparked at a young age, inspired by athletes such as Barry Sanders, Michael Jordan, and Wayne Gretzky. This early fascination evolved into a deep-seated passion, guiding him toward a career in sports journalism in 2007. Over the years, Sol has contributed numerous articles and reviews to various online platforms, sharing his knowledge and perspectives.

Central to Sol's approach is his dedication to honesty, especially regarding sports betting platforms. He believes in providing bettors with straightforward and detailed reviews, distinguishing his work by avoiding the often overly positive spin on bonus offers and promotions. His commitment to truthfulness has made his reviews a reliable source for those seeking authentic advice and information, thereby earning him a reputation for integrity among his readers.

“In the world of sports betting, truth is more valuable than any bonus offer.”

ExperienceYear
Content Manager, OnlineCasinoReports2012-2021
Sports Journalist, Dottraffic2009-2011
Content Writer, HouseTech2007-2009
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG

 

Principles and Ethics

Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.

Future Perspectives

Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.

Mike Rosenberg
Mike Rosenberg
Content Writer

Mike made the decision to dive headfirst into the booming world of sports betting fresh out of college. Back in the day, when 1-800 pick lines and sports pagers were all the rage, he couldn't resist the allure, having grown up idolizing sports legends like Sweetness, MJ, and Slammin Sammy. Mike dedicated his early years to the industry, tirelessly analyzing games, writing articles with free picks, and selling his expertise on reputable handicapping sites. Unlike many others, Mike was known for his integrity and only released one Game of the Year per sport, per season. His hard work and unwavering commitment paid off, earning him a devoted following and propelling his career to new heights. Then came the explosion of Daily Fantasy Sports. Believe it or not, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel used to pay Mike's company to increase their brand exposure. Now, those same industry giants don't even bother responding to his emails. While Mike appreciates the convenience of being able to place legal bets in his own backyard, he can't help but feel disheartened by what has become of the industry. People are being led astray, falsely believing that a mere $5 wager on a 20-team same-game-parlay will be their ticket to financial security. If there’s one thing Mike learned from making book back in the day, it’s that parlays are a bookie’s best friend. A bankroll is the only leg you have to stand on in the battle with the books, and Mike’s here to offer up advice on how to protect it.