What is Circled Game in Sports Betting
In sports betting, a "circled game" refers to a game where the sportsbook reduces the betting limits due to uncertainty or injury concerns surrounding one or more of the teams or players involved. This is done to limit the sportsbook's potential liability in case of a surprise outcome. The reduced limits may apply to the overall betting limits and individual bets, such as point spreads and totals.
What is a circled game?
A "circled game" in sports betting refers to a game where the sportsbook temporarily reduces the betting limits. This is typically done due to uncertainty or injury concerns surrounding one or more teams or players involved. The reduced limits may apply to overall betting limits and individual bets, such as point spreads and totals. This limits the sportsbook's potential liability in case of a surprise outcome.
Why do sportsbooks circle games?
Sportsbooks "circle games" to limit their liability on specific bets or to protect themselves from potential losses. When a sportsbook "circles" a game, it means that they limit the amount you can bet on that particular game, or they might not accept bets. This is typically done when the sportsbook believes that the game could be more difficult to predict or that there is a lot of public interest in the game. This is a way for sportsbooks to reduce their potential losses and protect their profits.
Sportsbooks will "circle" games when there is a higher degree of uncertainty surrounding the game's outcome. This can be due to several reasons, such as injury concerns for key players, weather conditions, or unforeseen events that could affect the team's performance. By reducing the betting limits on these games, sportsbooks limit their potential liability in case of a surprise outcome.
The weather may also have a factor in circled games. Sportsbooks are often ahead of the elements and limit the betting action if the weather is bad enough to affect the game's outcome or compel a rescheduled game for the following day. It also helps them manage their risk and maintain their profitability.
What to do with Circled Games?
When it comes to "circled games," sports bettors should exercise caution and do their research before placing bets. Some possible strategies to consider include the following:
Wait for more information: Before placing a bet, wait for more information, such as injury reports or weather updates. This will give you a better idea of the teams' and players' conditions.
Bet smaller amounts: If you decide to bet on a circled game, it may be wise to bet smaller amounts. This will limit your potential losses in case of a surprise outcome.
Look for alternative bets: Instead of betting on the point spread or the moneyline, consider other bets, such as the total or props. These bets may have fewer reduced limits.
Diversify your bets: Instead of betting on one game, place bets on multiple games to spread the risk.
Avoid: If you are not comfortable with the level of uncertainty of the game, it might be best to avoid betting on it altogether.
It's important to remember that sports betting is a form of gambling and can be risky, so it's essential always to gamble responsibly.
How do odds and betting amounts affect circled games?
The odds and betting amounts on "circled games" may be affected in a number of ways. Some potential impacts include the following:
Reduced betting limits: The overall betting limits on a circled game may be reduced, which means that bettors will not be able to wager as much money on the game as they would on a non-circled game.
Reduced point spread: The point spread on a circled game may be reduced, which means that the favored team will be given a smaller margin of victory to cover. This can make the game more difficult to predict, and the odds may be less favorable for bettors.
Reduced over/under: The over/under (total points) on a circled game may be reduced, which means that the total number of points scored in the game will be less than it would be on a non-circled game. This can also make the game more difficult to predict, and the odds may be less favorable for bettors.
Reduced prop bets: Some prop bets may not be available, or their betting limits are reduced, as they are considered more uncertain than point spread or over/under bets.
Increased volatility: The odds on a circled game may be more volatile than they would be on a non-circled game, as more bettors are likely to be hesitant to wager large amounts of money on the game.
It is important to remember that circled games are considered more uncertain, so the odds and betting amounts will be affected accordingly.
How do circled games affect the lines?
Circled games can significantly impact the lines, which are the point spreads and over/under totals set by sportsbooks to indicate the expected outcome of the game.
Many times, opening odds are circled. This is done to allow bookmakers a chance to change the odds after the initial round of betting is over. Additionally, betting caps shift. A sportsbook may have a $500 maximum bet limit on circled odds if the maximum bet on normal lines is $5,000.
If a bookmaker has too much exposure to a game with high betting volume, they may circle it. The outlined games can be gambled on alone and are not available for a parlay or prop wagering. Point spreads, moneylines, and game totals frequently change immediately before circle status is removed.
Reduced lines: The lines on a circled game may be reduced, which means that the point spread or over/under total may be lower than it would be on a non-circled game. This can make the game more difficult to predict and the odds less favorable for bettors.
Higher Spread and Total: In some cases, the spread and total may be higher than usual. This is because the sportsbook may consider the game more uncertain than usual and therefore increases the spread and total to decrease the chances of a surprise outcome.
Reduced prop bets: Some prop bets may not be available, or their betting limits are reduced, as they are considered more uncertain than point spread or over/under bets.
Increased volatility: The lines on a circled game may be more volatile than on a non-circled game, as more bettors are likely to be hesitant to wager large amounts of money on the game.
It is crucial to remember that sportsbooks set the lines on circled games to reflect the increased uncertainty surrounding the game, so they may be more difficult to predict and less favorable for bettors. It's always a good idea to research and wait for more information before placing a bet on a circled game.
Are Circled Games worth placing a bet on?
Whether or not a circled game is worth placing a bet on depends on the individual bettor and the level of uncertainty surrounding the game. Some bettors may avoid circled games altogether, while others may still choose to place a bet with caution and with a smaller amount.
It's important to remember that the reduced limits on circled games are in place because there is a higher degree of uncertainty surrounding the outcome. Therefore, the odds may be less favorable, and the potential for loss may be greater. However, if a bettor has a strong feeling about a particular outcome and has done their research, they may still choose to place a bet.
It's always a good idea to research, wait for more information before placing a bet on a circled game, and remember that sports betting is a form of gambling. It can be risky, so it's essential to always gamble responsibly. On circled games, bettors can gain value. In other sports, such as the NFL and NBA, ATS odds on an underdog might drop from +8 to +5 points if a top player is officially ruled out. Bettors have better odds if they place their bets before the official announcement. Betting on circular games may be difficult, and much study is essential before placing bets. Pounce if the value is discovered, or bet on the action as the game approaches.
