Jimmy Boyd in 
Have you ever been looking over the betting board and noticed some odd matchups listed way at the bottom, or with funny rotation numbers you didn’t recognize?
These are the “extra” and “added” games in sports betting.
In college football and college basketball, extra/added games refer to matchups that aren’t part of the regular rotation schedule – often smaller-school games or FBS vs FCS contests that bookmakers list separately from the main slate.
In simple terms, they’re the games most casual bettors gloss over, but sharp bettors know they can hide some real opportunities.
Extra vs. Added Games – What’s the Difference?
In practice, “extra games” and “added games” are very similar – both refer to games outside the normal rotation.
Sportsbooks use these labels for games that weren’t initially on the standard betting board (or involve teams outside the usual lineup).
For example, one sportsbook might label any game between an FBS (Division I-A) team and an FCS (Division I-AA) team as an “extra game,” while calling smaller FBS-vs-FBS matchups “added games”. Not every book makes a big distinction between the two terms, though.
The main idea is that neither extra nor added games are part of the regular Vegas rotation at first. They get put on the board late or by special request.
Often these are games involving small schools, lower divisions, or rescheduled matchups. They’re essentially off-the-radar games compared to the marquee clashes everyone is betting on.
How do these differ from regular rotation games? A regular rotation game is a standard scheduled matchup between well-known Division I teams – the ones that get posted early in the week with lots of betting lines.
Extra/added games, on the other hand, might be listed last or separately, with different rotation numbers and sometimes limited betting options. We’ll explain those quirks in detail below.
Why Do Extra Games Often Involve FCS or Mid-Major Teams?
Extra and added games frequently show up when big schools play smaller programs.
In college football, this usually means an FBS team taking on an FCS opponent (think a powerhouse vs. a tiny school in a season opener). Sportsbooks historically didn’t include pure FCS matchups or FCS vs. FBS games in the main rotation because the expectation of a lopsided result (and limited bettor interest) made them tricky to handicap.
In fact, oddsmakers were once so confident in mismatches like Michigan vs. Appalachian State (2007) that no official betting line was released in Vegas for that game. (Of course, Appalachian State famously upset Michigan – showing that anything can happen, even in “extra” games!)
Nowadays, many books do post odds on FBS vs FCS games, but they treat them as added games with special handling.
For example, Las Vegas books listed UNLV vs. Howard (an FBS vs FCS matchup in 2017) as an “added game” with smaller betting limits than normal FBS games. It’s a good thing they posted it – Howard pulled off a shocking upset as a ~45-point underdog!
This goes to show why these games live in their own category: they often feature huge point spreads and outcomes that can defy expectations.
In college basketball, extra/added games often involve lower-tier Division I teams or obscure non-conference matchups. Think of early-season games or mid-week clashes between schools in smaller conferences (Big West, MEAC, Ivy League, etc.).
A game like Merrimack vs. UMass Lowell or UMBC vs. Harvard might not attract mainstream attention, so books list it as an added/extra game. These matchups usually aren’t on national TV and involve teams that casual fans barely know – which is exactly why the lines can be a bit softer (more on that later).
How Sportsbooks Treat Extra and Added Games Differently
Sportsbooks know these off-the-radar games carry greater uncertainty and lower betting interest, so they handle them with extra caution. Here are some key ways extra/added games differ from normal games in how they’re offered:
- Lower Betting Limits: Books typically cap the amount you can wager on extra/added games at a lower level than marquee games. The risk for the book is higher (since they have less confidence in the line and fewer bets to balance action). For instance, one online sportsbook limits “Extra Games” wagers to about $500, versus $1,000 for “Added Games” and even higher for regular games. In Vegas, that UNLV–Howard game had much smaller limits than any regular FBS game that week. So if you’re betting these, don’t expect to get down the same huge sums you might on Alabama vs. Georgia.
- Later Line Releases: Extra and added games often aren’t posted until much later than the main schedule. Many sportsbooks wait until game day or the day before to release odds for these matchups. For example, Bovada’s odds posting schedule shows regular college football lines up by Sunday or Monday, but FCS “Extra Games” not until Saturday morning (the day of the game). They hold off as long as possible, likely to gather more information and avoid getting “beat” by sharp bettors who might know the teams better. In other words, don’t be surprised if you can’t find a line on a small-school game until hours before kickoff or tip-off – that’s by design.
- Fewer Betting Options: It’s common to see limited wagering options for extra/added games. Often only the point spread (and maybe the total) is offered, while moneylines or props might be unavailable or delayed. Sportsbooks are wary of putting up a bad moneyline on a 40-point favorite, because a savvy bettor could take advantage. In fact, when Howard faced UNLV as a massive underdog, no book even offered a moneyline due to the 45-point spread – Howard backers had to take the points . Similarly, bettors have noticed many extra-number games in college hoops only list the spread at first. The books might add totals or MLs later on game day once they feel more confident, but the menu will remain limited compared to a normal game.
- Not Offered Everywhere: Because of these challenges, some sportsbooks won’t bother listing certain extra games at all. Smaller or more risk-averse books might skip FCS games entirely. Others may list only a handful of added games by request. If you’re in Vegas, you might have better luck at the big books (Westgate, Circa, etc.) for finding obscure lines. Online, books like 5Dimes (in the past) and Bovada/Bodog are known to post many added/extra games, but even they label them separately and post them last. Always check the “Extra Games” or “Added Games” section at the bottom of the board – if a game isn’t in the main list, that’s where it will be.
Where to Find Extra/Added Games (Rotation Numbers and Sections)
One giveaway that you’re looking at an extra or added game is the rotation number.
Sportsbooks assign every game a rotation or ID number for betting. Regular college games typically have a standard 3-digit rotation code (for example, 781/782 might identify a matchup). But extra and added games often use a different numbering format.
In Vegas and some odds systems, they’ll show up with a six-digit rotation number – for instance, you might see something like 307183 and 307184 next to two teams.
Don’t let the long number intimidate you; it’s basically a special code indicating this game is outside the normal rotation.
Some sportsbooks simply list these games in a separate section titled “Added Games” or “Extra Games,” often with rotation numbers in the 300s or 600s range that pick up where the main schedule left off.
For example, on a busy college basketball Saturday, the main board might run through rotation #599, and then the extra games start at #601, #602, and so on.
On the odds screen, they’ll usually be grouped together at the bottom.
If you can’t find a smaller matchup on the board, always scroll to the end – it’s probably hiding among the added games. A game like Merrimack vs. UMass Lowell that has a six-digit ID is a clear sign you’re in extra-game territory (a small-school battle the public isn’t paying attention to).
In short, look for unusual rotation numbers or a distinct “extra games” header on the odds listing. That’s where these matchups live. And if all else fails, ask a ticket writer or customer support – they’ll point you in the right direction if the game is offered.
Examples of Extra and Added Games in Past Seasons
To make this all more concrete, let’s look at a few real examples of extra/added games and their storylines:
- FCS Upset Specials: We mentioned the Howard vs. UNLV (2017) game earlier, which was listed as an added game and saw Howard (an FCS team) win outright as a 45-point underdog . Another famous one is Appalachian State beating Michigan (2007) – an FCS over FBS shocker so unexpected that Vegas books hadn’t even posted a line! More recently, games like Liberty (FCS at the time) upsetting Baylor in 2017 also fell under the added games category. Each season’s first few weeks often have a handful of FCS vs. FBS lines in the added section; every now and then, those big underdogs make history.
- Lower-Tier FBS Matchups: Not all added games involve FCS. Sometimes it’s two smaller FBS programs that didn’t attract attention early. For example, a matchup like Troy vs. UAB or Indiana vs. Western Kentucky was cited as an “added game” despite both teams being FBS – simply because they’re outside the power conferences and had relatively modest spreads (e.g. Indiana -12 vs WKU). These games were on the board, but bookmakers separated them from the Alabamas and Oklahomas of the world. They knew fewer people would bet them until perhaps sharp money came in.
- Small-Conference Hoops Games: In college basketball, you’ll see tons of examples every week. For instance, an early-season clash like Merrimack vs. UMass Lowell or Lamar vs. Incarnate Word might be extra games. In one case, sharp action caused a total in a Lamar-Incarnate Word game to drop from 145 to 143 – a move entirely driven by informed bettors since the public wasn’t even aware of the matchup. Another example: a late December game between two obscure teams might only have a point spread available, no moneyline, because books kept it circled as an extra game. The key theme is that these matchups feature mid-majors, low majors, or non-traditional pairings (like a non-conference game in the middle of conference season) that aren’t on ESPN but are on the betting board if you look carefully.
- Rescheduled or Added-on Games: Occasionally, an “added game” is literally a game added to the schedule last-minute. Think of a make-up game due to a weather postponement, or an extra matchup arranged in season. A classic scenario is in baseball (or college basketball tournaments) where a doubleheader’s second game is an added game . In college football/basketball, schedule changes are less common, but 2020 gave us examples (replacement games due to cancellations). Books treated many of those as added games because they weren’t in the original rotation schedule.
Each of these examples underscores why the label exists. These games are either expected blowouts, obscure pairings, or schedule oddities – and they can produce unusual results (like huge upsets or wild line movements) that the regular slate typically doesn’t see.
Tips for Betting on Extra/Added Games
So, should you venture into betting these extra and added games? Sharp bettors certainly do, because they smell opportunity where the public sees nothing. Here are some tips if you want to dip your toes into this niche:
- Do Your Homework on Small Teams: Information is king, and it’s scarcer for small programs. Try to follow local news, team Twitter feeds, or regional sports reporters for the FCS or mid-major teams involved. If a star player is injured or a team has a quirk (e.g. a basketball team that plays at an unusually slow pace), you might catch something the oddsmakers overlooked. Because the info gaps are larger, a bit of research can give you a real edge.
- Watch the Line Moves: One advantage of low-bet games is that any significant line movement is usually sharp money-driven. Casual bettors aren’t flocking to bet Incarnate Word totals on a Tuesday night. So if you see the spread jump or total crash in an extra game, it’s likely because well-informed bettors found value. Pay attention – you can either ride the steam or at least avoid going against it. In added games, the opening line might be soft, and books will adjust it slowly until sharps force their hand.
- Be Prepared for Limited Markets: As mentioned, you might only be able to bet the point spread (especially early in the week). Don’t be shocked if there’s no moneyline or the limits are tiny. This means if you do find an edge, you may need to spread action across multiple books or accept you can’t bet huge amounts. The flip side is the books’ caution is a sign they aren’t confident in the line – which should encourage you that an informed bet can beat it. Sometimes books will open more options (like totals, first halves, etc.) closer to game time once they feel safer. If you want those, check back later in the day.
- Look for Overlooked Value: Because casual bettors ignore these games, oddsmakers don’t pour as much energy into perfecting those lines. They might base an opening spread on power ratings with very little nuanced adjustment. If you specialize in a conference or follow, say, FCS football closely, you can find spots where the line is off by several points. Sharp college basketball bettors, for example, love extra games in November/December because they can exploit books being slow to adjust to new lineups or coaching changes at tiny schools.
- Pounce Early (or Late): There are two schools of thought on timing: either bet the instant the line opens (if your research tells you it’s way off), or wait until close to game time if you expect the book to eventually post a better number or additional lines (like a total). Many pros grab the early number on added games before the book gathers its footing. Others might wait to see if they can get a rogue line as books react to any sharp action. Just know that because limits are low early, some sharps hit a number multiple times as limits increase. If you’re on the same side, you want to be in before those moves happen.
Challenges and Risks of Betting Extra Games
Betting extra and added games isn’t all sunshine and easy profits. There are some challenges and pitfalls to be aware of:
- Limited Information & Stats: Finding reliable data on FCS teams or low-ranked basketball squads can be tough. You might be dealing with incomplete injury reports, few media reports, and inconsistent stat availability. This lack of info is exactly why edges exist, but it also means you could miss something important because it wasn’t widely reported.
- Volatile Line Swings: With low liquidity in these markets, lines can swing wildly on a single sharp bet. If a professional comes in heavy on the extra game of the night, the spread might jump by 3–4 points in a flash. That means timing is crucial – if you’re late to spot an edge, the value might evaporate fast. It’s not like an NFL line where millions of dollars keep it relatively stable; here, one or two bets can move the needle big-time.
- Betting Limits (Your Own & The Book’s): We touched on how books cap bets on these games. As a result, even if you’re right, you might only win a modest amount due to limit size. Also, because not every sportsbook offers the game, your options to shop for the best line are fewer. If only two books have the line, you can’t always get that extra half-point in your favor. This also means serious bettors have to spread their action around – which can draw attention if you keep beating a book on obscure games.
- Sudden Line Removal or Errors: Sometimes books post an added game line and later pull it or adjust it dramatically once they realize it’s off. You could lock in a bet only to see the market close or the odds change significantly (occasionally even voiding if there was a palpable error). It’s not common, but smaller-market games are more prone to these hiccups. Be ready for a bit of the Wild West.
Despite these challenges, many serious bettors thrive on extra games precisely because casual bettors ignore them.
The sportsbooks themselves often admit that these lower-profile matchups are harder for them to set accurately. The smart bettor who does their homework will take them to the cleaners. Sportsbooks manage this risk by limiting and delaying, but they can’t avoid it entirely. That’s where you can capitalize.
Why Most Bettors Overlook These Games (And How You Can Gain an Edge)
It’s pretty simple: casual bettors generally want the big games.
They’d rather bet the ranked teams, the primetime TV matchups, and their favorite schools.
Extra and added games feature none of those – no hype, no TV coverage, and teams that half the bettors haven’t heard of.
Thus, recreational players usually skip them.
There’s also a psychological aspect: a lot of casual bettors don’t feel comfortable wagering on a game they can’t watch or don’t know much about.
Why bet on North Alabama vs. Chattanooga when you can just put money on the Ohio State game, right?
This lack of public action is exactly why serious bettors can find an edge.
With the crowd absent, the lines for extra games aren’t hammered into efficiency the same way an SEC Game of the Week line is. Sportsbooks post a number, and if no one bets it for hours, it might just sit there even if it’s a bad number.
When sharp money does come in, the book knows it’s likely well-informed (since who else is betting UC Davis vs. Cal Poly on a random weekend?). These low-bet games are “completely overlooked by the public but not the sharps,” making their line moves a goldmine of insight and value.
If you’re a bettor looking to take the next step, it’s worth at least observing the extra and added games.
Track how those lines move and see if you can identify why. You don’t need to bet them all – in fact, you shouldn’t, because the limits and variance mean you must be selective.
But by not overlooking them like everyone else, you might uncover profitable angles that the mainstream betting market is missing.
Bottom Line: Extra and added games in college football and basketball are those under-the-radar matchups outside the regular rotation.
They often involve FCS teams or mid-major programs, and sportsbooks treat them cautiously – posting lines late, keeping limits low, and sometimes only offering spreads.
You can find these games by looking for the separate rotation listing (often in the 300s, 600s, or with six-digit codes).
While casual bettors ignore them, sharp bettors know that with diligent research and timing, these games can offer some of the best value on the board.
Just be mindful of the challenges, and you might turn these “extra” games into extra profits.
Good luck!
