Middling

Middling is a betting strategy where a bettor places wagers on opposite sides of the same game at different point spreads, creating a window (the “middle”) where both bets can win simultaneously. The strategy becomes possible when a point spread moves significantly between the time the first bet is placed and the time the second bet is placed. If the final margin of victory falls within the gap between the two spreads, the bettor collects on both wagers. If it does not, the bettor loses one bet and wins the other, resulting in a small net loss equal to the combined juice paid on both sides.

Middling is considered an advanced strategy because it requires patience, awareness of line movement, and an understanding of which games are most likely to produce final margins within the target range. The approach is most effective when the spread has moved by at least 1.5 to 2 points, creating a meaningful middle window. Many experienced bettors combine middling with their knowledge of key numbers, targeting middles that pass through common margins of victory to increase the probability of both bets cashing.

Example

On Monday, you bet the Green Bay Packers +7 (-110) for $110, winning $100 if they cover. By game day, the line has moved to Packers +10 at another sportsbook. You then bet the opposing team -10 (-110) for $110, winning $100 if they cover. Your total risk across both bets is $220. If the favored team wins by exactly 8 or 9 points, you win both bets and collect $200 in profit on $220 in wagers. If the final margin is 7 or less, you win the Packers +7 bet and lose the other, netting a loss of about $10 (the juice). If the margin is 10 or more, you win the opposing side and lose the Packers bet, again netting about a $10 loss. The middle gives you a chance at a big win with only a small guaranteed cost.

Key Points

• Low-risk, high-reward structure: The worst-case outcome on a middle is a small loss (the juice on the losing side), while the best case is winning both bets for a substantial profit.
• Requires significant line movement: Middling opportunities only arise when the spread moves enough to create a gap between your two positions. Without meaningful movement, the middle window is too narrow to justify the cost.
• Key numbers increase value: Middles that span key numbers, particularly 3 and 7 in football, are more valuable because a higher percentage of games land on those exact margins.
• Patience is essential: Not every game presents a viable middling opportunity. Bettors must be willing to place an initial wager and then wait to see if the line moves enough to open a middle worth pursuing.
• Works with totals too: Middling is not limited to point spreads. If an over/under total moves significantly, a bettor can take the over at the lower number and the under at the higher number, creating the same type of middle window.