One often hears gamblers say something along the lines of, “This game just seems like a trap.” Do oddsmakers truly try to bait you into betting the wrong side? Joe Duffy, America’s greatest sports handicapper breaks it down. He answers with examples and tells us how there is a powerful message in every point spread, especially in these so called “trap” games. Duffy is CEO of OffshoreInsiders.com

1. JOE DUFFY, OFFSHOREINSIDERS.COM
No, but there is a ton to learn from the lines

2.  Seems like oddsmakers
baiting you to “bet them”
 Bookies never intentionally
set a line based on trying to get
you to bet a side
 There is always knowledge
to be gained by line
 To some examples…

3.  CFB: When oddsmakers tell you the
lower ranked team is the better team,
bet them
o Lower ranked away teams not
getting at least 3 points 12-2 SU and
ATS since 2015
o HFA is 3 points
o The square figures if a team is
higher ranked, they are better
 Odds are lead indicators,
rankings/records lag indicators

4.  NFL favorite has four less
wins than their opponent
o Trap, you have to bet the
dog?
o Favorite despite four
fewer wins or more are 40-
22 ATS
 44-21 SU

5.  NBA away favorites despite a
worse record
 Trap, how can you not bet
better team as home underdogs?
o Away favorites in said
situation 314-235-7 for 57
percent
o Bigger favorite, winning
percentage goes up