Betting Strategy Guide
Quarter and Half Bets Explained
Key takeaways
- Quarter and half bets are spreads, totals and moneylines graded only on the scoring in one part of a game, such as the first half or a single quarter.
- A first-half spread or total often lands near half the full-game number, adjusted for how the teams tend to start and finish.
- Whether overtime counts toward a second-half or fourth-quarter bet varies by sportsbook, so check the house rules before you bet.
Quarter and half bets are spreads, totals and moneylines for one part of a game, such as the first half or the third quarter, instead of the full game. They are graded only on the scoring in that part, so a team can lose the game and still win your first-half bet.
The segment markets
| Sport | Common segments |
|---|---|
| Football | First half, second half, each quarter |
| Basketball | First half, second half, each quarter |
| Hockey | Each of the three periods |
| Soccer | First half, second half |
Availability varies by sport, game and sportsbook.
How they relate to full-game lines
A first-half spread or total often sits near half the full-game number, adjusted for how the teams play. A game at -6 with a total of 46 might show a first-half line of -3 and a first-half total of 23.5. Teams that start fast or finish strong shift that split. Second-half lines are usually posted at halftime, based on the score and what the first half showed.
Football example
You bet $110 on the favorite -3 for the first half at -110.
- Halftime 17–10: the favorite leads by 7 and covers. You win $100 and get back $210.
- Halftime 13–10: the 3-point lead lands on the line. The bet is a push and your $110 comes back.
- Halftime 10–10: the bet loses, even if the favorite goes on to win the game by 20.
A second-half bet counts second-half points only. If the game goes from 17–10 at halftime to 24–27 at the end, the underdog won the second half 17–7.
Basketball example
A third-quarter total is 55.5 and you bet $55 on the over at -110. The quarter ends 29–28, 57 points, so the over wins $50, your stake × 100 ÷ 110. Quarters are short, so a few possessions swing a quarter line more than a full-game one.
Does overtime count?
It depends on the sportsbook and the market. Many count overtime as part of the second half, and some as part of the fourth quarter, while others grade those bets on regulation only. A tied quarter or half can also be settled differently on two-way and three-way lines. Check the house rules before you bet, and see the guides to betting on football and basketball.
Betting at Betcris Arizona
Betcris Arizona is licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming. You must be 21 or older and located in Arizona to place a bet. Check the current promotions before you bet, and read our responsible gaming policy. If gambling stops being fun, call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a first-half bet?
+
A spread, total or moneyline graded only on the score at halftime. What happens after the break does not affect it.
Does overtime count in a second-half bet?
+
At many sportsbooks it does, but the rule varies by sportsbook and sport. Check the house rules for the market before you bet.
How is a second-half bet graded?
+
On the points scored after halftime only. If a game goes from 17–10 at the half to 24–27 at the end, the underdog won the second half 17–7.
Is the first-half spread half of the full-game spread?
+
Often close, but not exactly. Sportsbooks adjust it for how teams tend to start, so a game at -6 might have a first-half line of -3 or -3.5.
