What Is the Grand Salami Bet (And Is It Worth It?)
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A Grand Salami, despite its common association with a grand slam in baseball, does not refer to betting on grand slams nor does it describe a type of sandwich.
The Grand Salami bet is an entertaining wager that can fully engage bettors in a complete league’s schedule of games. Despite often being overlooked, these bets offer an exhilarating opportunity to remain engrossed in a sport beyond supporting your preferred team.
In simple terms, a Grand Salami bet refers to a totals bet placed on the overall combined score of all MLB or NHL games taking place on a specific day.
What is the Grand Salami in baseball?
During a typical MLB regular season, approximately 162 games are scheduled within a span of around six months. Consequently, there is a scarcity of rest days, resulting in all 30 teams frequently competing simultaneously.
So, a Grand Salami refers to considering up to 15 games while placing an MLB bet. However, before delving into 15-game slates, let’s examine a smaller scenario, like a calm five-game day.
- The game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees has a point spread of 8.5.
- The Oakland Athletics host the Chicago White Sox, with the over/under set at 7.5.
- The Miami Marlins are hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates for their seventh game.
- The Texas Rangers are hosting the Cleveland Guardians in a game with a 7.5 run line.
- The Seattle Mariners are hosting the Philadelphia Phillies in their eighth matchup.
The cumulative sum of scores from these five games equals 38.5, however, it is unlikely that the MLB Grand Salami total will be set at that number by the sportsbook.
On a chilly, blustery night in the Bronx, the anticipation is for reduced scoring at Yankee Stadium compared to the norm, despite the presence of two formidable lineups. Additionally, Bryce Harper is being rested by the Phillies, leading to lower expectations for Philadelphia’s offensive output in his absence.
The odds for the entire slate would probably be adjusted to a lower bar of 35.5, resulting in something similar to the following.
- Over 35.5 (-120)
- Under 35.5 (+100)
It is now your responsibility to decide if the slate will have a higher or lower score compared to the given odds.
Additional details: Betting on MLB games – a comprehensive guide.
What is the Grand Salami in hockey?
Typically, the NHL season spans across seven months and consists of 82 games. In contrast to the MLB, which has fewer teams, the NHL boasts 32 teams. However, it is uncommon for all NHL teams to play on the same day due to regular nights off that teams receive.
A typical night’s schedule for three games might resemble the following.
- The New Jersey Devils will be hosting the Vancouver Canucks with a point spread set at 6.5.
- The matchup is between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Washington Capitals with a projected total score of 6.5.
- The game between the Boston Bruins and the Los Angeles Kings has an over/under of 5.5 goals.
The total number of goals will sum up to 18.5 when all of them are added together. However, due to a back-to-back game and the use of backup goalies, this applies only to the second half.
The oddsmakers have made a slight increase in the NHL Grand Salami odds.
- Over 19.0 (-110)
- Under 19.0 (-110)
The scoring system is similar to MLB, but instead of runs, goals are being counted.
Additional details: A guide on placing bets on NHL games.
Other sports that could offer a Grand Salami or similar bet
Grand Salami bets are available for MLB and NHL games at sportsbooks, along with the possibility of placing them on other leagues as well.
Soccer leagues, including the Premier League, offer goal options that are also occasionally found in sports like football or basketball, despite being relatively high-scoring sports.
Which sportsbooks offer the Grand Salami bet?
Online sports betting options are widely available at numerous sportsbooks, including those that offer a Grand Salami. Here, we present the top destinations for your online betting needs.
Getting started with these retail sportsbooks is a breeze. Simply create an account and commence betting. Moreover, signing up will likely earn you an exclusive online betting bonus. Once registered, just download the sports betting app and you’ll be good to go.
Grand Salami betting strategy
Is betting the Grand Salami on a set of MLB or NHL games enjoyable, or is it a wise approach? Predicting the scores of multiple games can be quite difficult. Therefore, here are some suggestions to assist you in this endeavor.
MLB
- Players who occupy specific positions often have designated off days scheduled approximately once a week during the season. When a team chooses to field their secondary lineup, commonly referred to as the “B” lineup, they are unlikely to score as many points compared to when they play their top-performing lineup, which is crucial in must-win situations.
- Starting pitcher matchups and bullpen availability play crucial roles in determining the outcome of a game. On a day when the majority of aces are scheduled to pitch, we can expect a lower scoring game compared to a day where spot starters are predominantly featured. Additionally, a well-rested bullpen generally proves highly effective in shutting down opponents, unlike a situation where the top arms are unavailable.
- The weather significantly impacts the number of home runs and scoring in games, with warmer temperatures favoring a higher amount compared to colder games.
NHL
- Injuries are common in hockey due to its physically demanding nature, often resulting in players participating while injured or taking breaks to recuperate.
- Monitoring the number of nights between games is essential in the schedule, as it directly affects fatigue and performance. Additionally, travel can also contribute to fatigue and impact the team’s overall performance.
- When a group of games showcases the league’s top goaltenders, scoring is typically lower compared to nights when teams are playing with their backup goalies.
What are the payouts like for Grand Salami bets?
If you’re placing a bet on a Grand Salami, don’t anticipate highly favorable or unfavorable odds. Typically, they fall within the range of -120 to +110, but the oddsmakers have the authority to set them at any point they choose.
Why play the Grand Salami rather than a single over/under?
If you have limited confidence in just one or two games, it may be more beneficial for you to place a single bet or a parlay bet involving multiple games. However, if you believe you have a strong understanding of how each game will play out or have a gut feeling about the scoring on a particular day, it is worth considering this type of bet.
Who invented the Grand Salami?
The term first emerged in the world of baseball to describe a grand slam, yet there remains a disagreement regarding the announcer responsible for its creation. One school of thought credits Bob Uecker, the announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers, whereas others argue that Dave Niehaus from the Seattle Mariners deserves the recognition.
The origins of betting on hockey games are often credited to bettors who sought to predict the total number of goals scored in a day.