How Caesars Sportsbook Insures First TD Scorer Bets with Close Call

What is Caesars Sportsbooks' Close Call First TD?

Anyone who likes to bet on NFL first touchdown scorers (one of my favorite props) knows the pain of your player scoring just after the first touchdown. Often, they don't even get the chance if the other team gets the ball first and scores.

Caesars Sportsbook’s Close Call First TD market is a twist on the standard first touchdown scorer prop that gives you a bit of insurance, so this doesn't happen. Instead of your bet being completely dead the moment someone else scores first, Caesars offers money back if your player still finds the end zone early in the game.

With Close Call First TD, you bet a player to score the first touchdown, just like a normal first TD prop. The difference is what happens if they don’t get there first. If your pick ends up scoring the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th touchdown of the game instead, your stake is refunded. The original bet technically loses in the first TD market, but this Close Call feature bails you out if your player still scores one of the first few touchdowns.

If your player does score the first touchdown, then you win as normal, except with a reduced payout depending on the level of insurance you opted for.

It’s an appealing option if you like taking shots in the first TD market but hate the all-or-nothing feel. You still have the sweat of needing your guy to score early, but there’s a built-in safety net if he isn't the first one across the goal line.

It's one of my favorite new NFL betting promos of the season, and improves on BetMGM's Second Chance TD promo that they are so proud of.

You Choose the Risk

With Close Call First TD, the bettor is in control of the level of risk. The more insurance you want, the lower the payout will be if your player scores first.

Meaning, if you only want to ensure the 2nd touchdown, the odds are closer to if you had just bet the first touchdown scorer. If you choose the 3rd or 4th touchdown option, you are more likely to at least get your bet back, but the odds are not as profitable if your bet wins.

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How to Use Close Call First TD

Pick a game & select 'Close Call First TD' tab

Start by choosing the matchup you want to bet on, then scroll through the upper bar that lists the market options until you see the Close Call First TD tab. It's located to the right of the regular TD Scorer tab.

This is where Caesars lists every eligible player for the market, along with the odds and the built-in refund rules. Once you're in that tab, you’re ready to start making your pick.

Pick your player & level of risk

Now, you simply pick the player you think will score the first touchdown of the game, and then choose the level of insurance/odds that you want.

Your options are:

Cash back if 2nd
Cash back if 2nd/3rd
Cash back if 2nd/3rd/4th

The payout is closer to a standard first touchdown scorer bet if you only pick "cash back if 2nd" and less of a payout with each additional touchdown you insure.

Place your wager

Finally, it's time to set the amount you want to wager and place your bet

The app has pre-set wager options, but you can also type in whatever amount you want to bet.

Caesars Sportsbook also allows you to use Rewards Credits, which can be earned by gambling at any Caesars property or using the Caesars Sportsbook app.

Note that this market cannot be included in parlays or same-game parlays. Close Call First TD is only eligible for straight bets on a single touchdown scorer. However, you can place as many as you would like.

Close Call First TD Example

Using the same images from above, this is how it could look:

Click into Patriots vs Jets
Select 'Close Call First TD'
Pick Justin Fields to score the first touchdown
Choose 'Cash Back if 2nd' for +1500 odds
- If Fields scores the first touchdown, you win your +1500 bet ($100 profits $1500)
- If Fields scores the 2nd touchdown, you get your original wager back
- If Fields scores the 3rd, 4th, or any other touchdown in the game, your bet loses the full amount.

Now, if you opted for more insurance:

Pick Justin Fields to score the first touchdown
Choose 'Cash Back if 2nd/3rd/4th' for +850 odds
- If Fields scores the first touchdown, you win your +850 bet ($100 profits $850)
- If Fields scores the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th touchdown, you get your original wager back
- If Fields scores the 5th TD or beyond, your bet is a loss.

As you can see, in the 2nd scenario, the possible payout is significantly less (by almost half), but scoring the 3rd or 4th touchdown results in the bet not being a total loss.

My Thoughts on Caesars' Close Call TD

Close Call First TD is one of the better touchdown props/promos we’ve seen this season. It takes some volatility out of first TD betting by giving you a safety net if your player scores early but not first.

I like that you can choose your own level of insurance (more protection means a smaller payout), but the tradeoff is worth it if you hate losing on the first drive. It’s simple, flexible, and a clear upgrade over similar promos elsewhere.

Caesars Close Call First TD FAQ

What is Close Call First TD on Caesars Sportsbook?

Close Call First TD is a first touchdown scorer market that refunds your bet if your player scores the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th touchdown of the game, depending on the insurance level you choose.

Can Close Call First TD bets be used in parlays?

No. Close Call First TD is only available as a straight bet and cannot be included in parlays or Same Game Parlays.

How does Caesars Close Call First TD work?

You pick a player to score the first touchdown and choose how much insurance you want. If your player scores the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th touchdown, based on the option you selected, your stake is refunded. If they score first, you win at the adjusted odds, and if they score later than your insured range, the bet loses.

Jake Koehler

Content Writer

Sports have always been a major part of my life. I played football and basketball, and I'm an avid golfer. My love for sports naturally led to a passion for sports betting, which I've been doing for 8 years. Initially, I relied on offshore bookies in Oregon, but since the approval of legitimate sites in 2022, I understand the importance of using reliable betting apps. As a strong advocate for smart sports betting, I aim to guide bettors in the right direction.

I hold a Writing degree from Oregon State and a journalism certificate from Palomar College. My goal has always been sports journalism, and writing in the sports betting industry allows me to combine my skills and interests. So far, it has led me to some cool places, such as becoming a voter for the Maxwell Award (College Football Player of the Year).