What Fade Mean in Betting – Learn How to Fade a Bet

If you’re familiar with sports betting, you must have come across the term ‘fading’ a couple of times. Wondering what does fade mean in betting? The term simply refers to betting against an outcome for some reason.

Now, let’s find out more about this betting strategy. We’ll explain in more detail what does it mean to fade a bet and give tips to carry out this wagering technique. Read on to learn about fading in sports betting.

What Does it Mean to Fade a Bet?

What does fade mean in betting? Fading a bet means going against a particular team, player, or outcome for a specific reason. Rather than looking to wager on something, you’re more interested in betting against that thing.

Usually, sharp bettors fade the favored outcome, that is, betting against the event or team that the general public expects to happen or win. The opposite of fade in betting is tail.

Fade in sports betting can take several forms, so we’ll have a look at three scenarios below to explain further.

Fade a Consistent Losing Team

This is a popular and effective strategy to fade in sports betting. It involves staking on a team performing poorly because they’re facing another weak team.

For instance, consider a game between Team A and Team B. A have lost their previous five games on the bounce, and B are in a better run of form but are equally an underperforming outfit. Normally, the public and bookmakers will expect B to win. However, you can fade a bet and put your money on Team A, backing them to end their 5-game losing streak.

Fade a Consistent Winning Streak

If a team or player has been successful for a long time, stringing a couple of wins on the trot, the general public will expect them to continue winning. However, you can fade this strong team and back the weaker side to win.

This strategy could work when the favored side is in a rough patch, missing several players due to injuries, or struggling with scheduling issues. In such cases, the perceived underdog may just go ahead and win.

Fade the Stellar Performance

Imagine an NBA team suddenly performs incredibly well in a huge playoff game, like they are unstoppable. People get really excited about them, especially after seeing this outstanding performance on TV.

Here’s the thing: this victory might be a one-off. After such a big win, the team may struggle to keep up that standard and return to their normal level of performance. In that case, when NBA betting, rather than wagering on them to win again, you could fade a bet and wager on the opponent. So, if you’re wondering, ‘what does fade mean in betting,’ you have your answer.

Fading a Team in Betting and What it Means

What does it mean to fade a bet in sports betting? It refers to betting against a team, player, or betting market for a specific reason. Usually, people fade a bet to go against the favored outcome or consensus. Although this approach is risky, it tends to pay out richly when it wins.

Most times, people fade a bet because that outcome is heavily favored by the general public or the majority of bettors. The decision to bet against the crowd is usually based on the premise that the popular opinion or favored outcome is often overvalued. In such a case, if you bet on the opposite outcome and your wager wins, you’re in for a huge payday.

For instance, consider an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers, where the former is largely expected to win. They may be favorites because of popular opinion or the odds set by bookmakers. If you bet on the Panthers (against the Patriots), you’re fading a bet.

Fading a Handicapper in Betting and What it Means

A handicapper is a person who predicts the outcomes of a game based on their analysis. Now, most of these handicappers are unreliable and often give wrong predictions. They’re often the loud ones claiming all their bet picks are guaranteed and will surely win. If that was indeed the case, why aren’t they millionaires?

It’s a good strategy in sports betting to fade whatever picks these popular handicappers make. Whatever bets they recommend, go against the prediction and back the opposite outcome. There’s a good chance you’ll win the wager.

Is Fading a Bet a Good Strategy?

Now that we know the answer to ‘What does fade mean in betting,’ let’s discuss whether it’s worth it. Fade in sports betting is a good strategy if done properly. With this wagering technique, you can stake a small amount of money and pay out huge sums.

Take, for example, when Emma Raducanu miraculously won the 2021 US Open despite being ranked 150th in the world before the tournament. Many didn’t expect her to win, but a few lucky bettors faded the general public and went laughing all the way to the bank. One bettor cashed out a whopping £1,870 with a mere £3.74 wager.

That said, you should note that fading is risky and doesn’t guarantee a win, like every betting strategy out there. Therefore, it’s important to extensively research the teams and players before putting your money on them. Ensure you check their form guide, team news, scheduling, sportsbook odds, and more. Information is key.

What Does Fading a Bet Mean for Me?

I find fading to be an effective yet risky strategy in sports betting. I agree; it seems counterintuitive to bet on the outcome most people believe is correct. However, public opinion is not always right. Some people just jump on the bandwagon and make bet picks without much reasoning. This is called tailing, the opposite of fade in betting.

If you can conduct adequate research and come up with information not readily available to other bettors, fade betting could be your ideal strategy. Analyze game data before the match starts and use it to your advantage. I’ll advise you to stake small since the fade bet odds are usually inflated.

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