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Quarter Betting Explained: Tips & Tricks
What is Quarter Betting
In any given NFL game, there can be hundreds of different ways to wager on the game. Quarter betting is a type of prop bet where you can bet on the moneyline, spread or total for that quarter rather than the entire game.
The primary difference between betting on the outcome of a quarter of football is the spreads and moneylines are smaller because there's a smaller total amount of game time being played.
For instance, if Team A is a -7.5 point favorite over Team B for the entire game, that point spread would be closer to -2.5 for the quarter. Similarly, if Team B is +250 on the moneyline to win the game, their moneyline odds for the first quarter would be closer to +115. The reason, again, is over the course of the game, Team A should beat Team B handily, but in only one quarter, there are many variables (turnovers, injuries, etc.) that give Team B a better chance of competing and necessitate a smaller spread and moneyline odds.
Why Quarter Betting is Popular
Quarter betting has gained popularity for many reasons, the primary of which the bet result occurs faster than a full game, which increases the excitement and anticipation for the first quarter. Quarter betting also has different odds than full games, giving bettors opportunities to bet in a different way than a full game.
How Quarter Betting Works
Quarter bets are offered for the moneyline, game total and point spread for games that play out over four periods like the NFL and NBA.
You can bet on which team will win a quarter by scoring more points than the opponent in that quarter (moneyline). You can bet which team will cover the spread created by the sportsbook in that quarter (spread). You can also bet on the total number of points scored by the individual team or combined between the two teams in that quarter (total).
These betting markets, where applicable, are offered on any quarter (first, second, third, fourth) in the game before the game starts. After the game starts, these markets are usually taken down and offered in a live bet setting where real-time action impacts the odds.
Key Differences Between Quarter Betting and Full Game Betting
In quarter betting, you're only betting on the outcome of that individual quarter. In full-game betting you're betting on the outcome for the full game.
For instance, if Team A is +110 on the moneyline against Team B in the First Quarter of their game, you need them to outscore Team B just in that quarter to win the bet. However, if Team A is +300 to beat Team B for the entire game, you need them to beat them over the course of the game to win.
That's why odds are so much different in quarter bets versus full-game bets. There is less time and more variables in one quarter rather than a full game, so the odds have to be shorter. Here's an example:
As you can see, the Lakers are -6.5 point favorites for the full game but -1.5 in the first quarter. The same is true of the moneyline, with the Lakers -255 for the full game and -164 for the first quarter.
Types of Sports Suitable for Quarter Betting
Football and basketball reign supreme when it comes to quarter betting options. Prior to each quarter, bettors can wager on reduced game total odds plus which side will win each frame with reduced point spreads and moneylines. Bettors are reminded that quarter odds are usually not exactly one quarter of the full game betting lines. The Steelers vs. Browns NFL contest below shows what the first quarter odds might look like compared to the full game odds.
NFL Full Game Odds
- Point Spread: Pittsburgh -10 vs. Cleveland +10
- Moneyline: Pittsburgh -525 vs. Cleveland +445
- Game Total: Over/Under 39 points
NFL First Quarter Odds
- Point Spread: Pittsburgh -2 vs. Cleveland +2
- Moneyline: Pittsburgh -215 vs. Cleveland +190
- Game Total: Over/Under 8.5 points
Types of Quarter Bets
Point Spread Bets
A spread is set by the sportsbook of which team is the underdog and which is the favorite. Using the example directly above, the Steelers are the favorites and the Browns are the underdog and the spread is -2 for Pittsburgh and +2 for Cleveland. If you bet Pittsburgh -2, you need them to outcore the Browns by 3 points in the first quarter. If the Browns outscore the Steelers, you lose, and if the Browns are down by 1 or fewer point, you lose. If it's Steelers 10, Browns 8, the bet is a push and you get your wager back.
Moneyline Bets
A moneyline bet is a bet on which team will win the quarter outright. You choose which team will win that specific quarter and if they do you win and if they don't you lose. If they tie, the best is usually graded a push and you get your original wager back.
Total (Over/Under) Bets
This is a bet on the total number of points the two teams will combine to score in that quarter. Depdning on which quarter you choose, the total will be different. For instance, the fourth quarter of most NFL games is the highest scoring, so the total would usually be higher for that than the first quarter.
In this wager, you bet on the two teams to score more or less than a set number created by the sportsbooks for the quarter you are betting on. For example, if the total is 12.5 points for the first quarter, the two teams must combine to score 13 or more points for the OVER to hit and 12 or fewer points for the UNDER to hit.
Quarter Prop Bets
Some sportsbooks also offer prop bets for individual quarters. Examples include, first team to X points, first quarter margin of victory, player points, etc. These are all bets outside of the traditional moneyline, spread and total. All of these are graded based on the result of that indivudal quarter.
3-Way Betting
A three-way bet is a market where you can bet on Team A to win, Team B to win or for the teams to tie in an individual quarter. Because you introduce a tie into the moneyline, the odds are different here than on a traditional moneyline.
Betting a tie has higher odds than an individual team to win a quarter outright, because the probability of a tie is lower, especially in basketball.
The way to analyze if betting the three-way market is best for you is to first choose which side of the bet you are on and then look at the regular betting market for that quarter and then the three-way market for that quarter. If the odds for Team A are -150 on the traditional market and -140 on the three-way market, bet on the three-way market as your payout odds are more favorable.
Strategies for Successful Quarter Betting
Team Performance and Trends
Like all betting, quarter betting should be done in conjunction with in-depth research on the teams and players competing as well as reviewing their performance and trends in these situations.
Some teams might not have a good overall record, but are known for hot starts. Others might be great finishers, but slow starters. If you know these trends and the teams are playing against each other, a common player might assume to bet on the team with the better record while a sharp bettor would understand how the teams perform early in games and how it gives them a betting advantage.
Weather and Injuries
Weather for outdoor events plays a big factor in quarter betting. If the forecast calls for heavy rain, wind, or snow early in an outdoor football game, it's imperative that information is part of your betting strategy. Heavy wind usually causes fewer points. Snow can lead to slow starts as players get used to the surface. These are critical factors in betting decision making, especially when you get down to quarter betting.
The same is true of injuries. Knowing who is hurt and what their availability is for a game is crucial to betting devisions.
Live Betting
If you bet on Team A +150 in the first quarter and they lead 14-0, live betting can be a smart way to hedge your bet and guarantee a win. If you bet, say, $10 at +150 your total profit would be $15 if that bet hits. However, after Team A goes up 14-0, Team B's odds are now, for example, +140. If you bet $10 on them, you guarantee yourself at least a $4 win. How?
You have $20 wagered in total. You profit $15 if Team A wins the quarter and $14 if Team B wins. You get your original $10 wager back no matter who wins, though you also lose $10 no matter who wins, so you lose $10 of your original stake. That means your total profit in this case is either $5 or $4.
That's small, but if you're betting bigger you understand why hedging live odds is an important strategy.
Bankroll Management
Before betting on any game, all bettors should have a set amount they are willing to wager for that day or that event. It's best to have numbers for each. Then you have to adhere to those. This is responsible gambling 101.
When it comes to betting on quarters, or any wager that has a quicker endpoint, it can be tempting to keep betting if you lose in order to attempt to make back your money. This is folly. Have a set amount and stick with it.
Conclusion
Quarter bets are a fun way to create fast action and interesting betting opportunities. However, it's also a way to lose faster and chase losses. It's important to do your research and have a smart game plan before making any quarter bets.
