Why Do Traders Often Sell OTM Options Instead of Buying Them?

Traders often sell OTM options to collect the premium, which is composed entirely of time value. This strategy profits from the decay of time value (Theta) and the high probability that the option will expire worthless.

Selling OTM options is a high-probability, low-return strategy, contrasting with buying OTM options, which is a low-probability, high-return strategy.

How Does the Concept of “Time Decay” (Theta) in Options Relate to the Urgency of a Trade during a Mempool Spike?
How Does the Time Decay (Theta) of an Option Benefit the Seller?
What Is the Typical Timeframe Where Theta Decay Is Most Aggressive?
Can an OTM Option Expire ITM?
How Does the Rate of Theta Decay Change for At-The-Money (ATM) Options versus Out-of-The-Money (OTM) Options?
Which Options Are Most Affected by Theta Decay: Short-Term or Long-Term?
What Is the Impact of Time Decay (Theta) on an Option’s Time Value?
Why Is a Low-Volatility Market Environment Generally Favorable for Option Sellers?

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