When it comes to sports betting, buying points is a strategy that allows bettors to adjust the point spread or total score of a game to improve their chances of winning. This guide is based on reviewing how alternate spreads are priced at FanDuel and how buying points impacts odds across different markets, rather than on individual betting outcomes.
Before we dive into buying points at FanDuel Sportsbook, it's important to understand the point spread. The point spread is a betting line that's designed to level the playing field between two teams that are not evenly matched. The favorite team is given a negative point spread, while the underdog team is given a positive point spread.
For example, if the Indiana Pacers are playing the Boston Celtics and the point spread is -12 in favor of the Celtics, this means that the Celtics are favored to win by at least 12 points.
If you bet on the Celtics to cover the spread, they would need to win by 13 points or more for you to win your bet. If you bet on the Pacers, they would need to win the game outright or lose by 11 points or less for you to win your bet.
Buying points in betting allows you to adjust the point spread or total score of a game to improve your chances of winning. Using the same example above, if you're betting on the Celtics at -7, you might decide to buy a half-point to -6.5. This means that the Celtics now only need to win by 7 points or more for you to win your bet. On FanDuel Sportsbook, this is done with their Alt Points option.
To access an alternative spread users need to navigate to the MORE WAGERS option for each game as outlined here:
On the next betting screen, FanDuel Sportsbook will list many betting options, but the one we are looking for in this case is Alternative Spreads. Click the down arrow to expand all the spreads available for the game.
In this first example, buying 0.5 points to bet the Celtics at -11.5 is -118, costing the better 8 cents, while buying a 0.5 points on the Pacers to +12.5 is -118.
FanDuel Sportsbook doesn't stop there, users can bet an alternative spread from as little as a half point difference to up to 20 points difference. This in essence, is buy points for or against your the team you would like to bet on.
When reviewing alternate spreads on FanDuel, buying a half-point typically increased the price by 8–12 cents compared to the standard line. Larger adjustments quickly became expensive, especially when moving multiple points away from the opening spread.
The cost of buying points varies depending on the number of points bought and the specific bet. Generally, buying a half-point will cost you 8-10% of your bet, while buying a full point will cost you up to 20%.
Buying points isn’t about “feeling safer” on a bet. It’s a pricing decision whether the extra juice you’re paying is justified by how often that adjusted line actually wins.
Buying points in betting can be a good strategy in certain situations, but it's not always the best choice. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Whether or not you should buy points in betting depends on the specific situation and your personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
Can you buy points on FanDuel sportsbook?
Yes, bettors can buy points on Fanduel Sportsbook by selecting the Alternate Points option within each games betting market.
How to buy a half point on Fanduel
From the main betting screen click more bets, then click Alternative points, here you can buy a half a point up to 20 points on a side
How do you get FanDuel points?
To earn FanDuel Points (FDP), you need to participate in paid contests on FanDuel. For every $1 spent in entry fees on contests, you typically earn 5 FDP. These points accumulate over time and can be redeemed for entry into more contests, giving you extra value.
Buying points in betting is a strategy that allows you to adjust the point spread or total score of a game to improve your chances of winning. While it can be a good strategy in certain situations, the best solution is to shop odds at different sportsbooks, bet early or late to obtain the best line possible.
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Mike McDermott has been part of the online gambling world since the early days back when dial-up connections were still a thing and online poker rooms were just starting to take off. With over 20 years in the industry, he's seen trends come and go, watched regulations tighten, and helped shape the strategies behind some of the most recognizable names in iGaming. Mike doesn’t just write about online casinos and sportsbooks he’s worked inside them. From advising on risk management and user experience to testing games for fairness and compliance, his experience runs deep. He’s consulted for operators, contributed to gambling safety initiatives, and still plays regularly to stay sharp. His goal? Simple. To help players make smarter choices, avoid shady sites, and understand the real odds behind the games. You’ll find his work quoted in major gambling publications and trusted by thousands of readers looking for real, unfiltered insights - not marketing fluff.