What does layoff mean when it comes to sports wagering, and how can an agent use a layoff account to help cover his losses? The term layoff in sports betting refers to a situation where a bookmaker will place a bet with another bookmaker to reduce the liability on a certain event or to simply just balance their action out. The art of bookmaking is full of small details that can make a big difference. Today we’re going to go over one of those difference makers, the layoff account. The best way to understand this process is with a real-world example. Say the New England Patriots and the host Los Angeles Rams have been a hot topic in the industry and the Sunday Night Football game is seeing heavy action at your sportsbook. You are seeing a big increase in both the number of bets and the amount being wagered on average. Trouble is, most of that action is coming in for the Los Angeles Rams at home. If they were to cover the spread then your book would stand ...