Off the Board

When a sportsbook takes a game “off the board” (sometimes abbreviated as OTB), it means that the event is temporarily unavailable for betting. No new wagers can be placed on that game until the sportsbook decides to reopen the market. Existing bets that were already placed before the game went off the board remain valid and will be graded normally once the event concludes.

Sportsbooks remove games from the board to protect themselves from uncertainty that could lead to lopsided or uninformed action. The most common reason is a significant injury to a key player, particularly when the injury status is unclear. If a star quarterback is listed as questionable and conflicting reports emerge about his availability, the sportsbook may pull the game off the board until the situation is clarified. Weather events, especially in outdoor sports, can also prompt this decision.

Other triggers include coaching changes, trade rumors near a deadline, unusual betting patterns that may indicate insider information, and venue changes. Once the sportsbook has enough information to set a fair line, the game is put back on the board with updated odds reflecting the new circumstances.

Example

On a Sunday morning, the sportsbook has the Buffalo Bills listed as 4-point favorites against the New England Patriots. Two hours before kickoff, reports emerge that the Bills’ starting quarterback suffered a hand injury in warmups and may not play. The sportsbook immediately takes the game off the board. No new bets are accepted. Thirty minutes later, the team announces a backup quarterback will start. The sportsbook reopens the market with the Bills now listed as 1-point underdogs, reflecting the dramatic change in expectations.

Key Points

• Temporary removal: Off the board means the game is temporarily unavailable for wagering. It does not mean the game is cancelled.
• Existing bets stand: Wagers placed before the game was taken off the board remain active and will be settled based on the final result.
• Injury uncertainty is the top cause: A key player’s unclear status is the most frequent reason sportsbooks pull a game from the betting menu.
• Protects the sportsbook: By going off the board, sportsbooks avoid accepting bets based on information asymmetry that could expose them to significant losses.
• Lines often shift upon return: When the game goes back on the board, the odds and spreads are typically adjusted to account for whatever new information prompted the removal.