Wagering options are circled at sportsbooks for a variety of reasons and are common across most betting markets. The primary difference, between regular lines and circled odds, is bookmakers limit the amount that can be wagered on circled games. A contest may be circled due to key injuries, a pending trade or adverse weather. In short, if major uncertainty surrounds a match, it will remain circled until bookmakers have gained a better handle on the situation.
How Are Odds and Betting Amounts Affected on Circled Games?
Opening odds are often circled. This is done to give bookmakers an opportunity to adjust the lines once the initial wave of wagering is complete.