Every day, sportsbooks offer “Price Boosts” (e.g., “Lakers to win: Was +150, Now +180!”). Are these generous gifts or marketing traps designed to get you to bet on bad outcomes?
This calculator reveals the truth. By comparing the boosted price against a “Sharp” bookmaker (or fair odds), it calculates the True Expected Value (EV) of the offer.
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How to Spot Fake Boosts
Not all boosts are created equal.
- Find the Fair Price: Look at a sharp exchange like Betfair or Pinnacle. If they offer +160 (2.60), that is close to the true probability.
- Input the Boost: Enter the bookie’s offer (e.g., +180 / 2.80).
- Result: If the calculator shows Positive EV, bet the max allowed. If it’s Negative, the “boost” is still a bad bet mathematically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do bookies offer boosts?
They are “Loss Leaders.” The bookie might lose money on the boost itself, but they use it to get you to log in and place other, high-margin bets (like parlays) where they make their profit back.