JUMP TO:
- What is line shopping in sports betting?
- Why small differences in odds make a big impact
- Real examples of profits gained from line shopping
- How to compare sportsbooks effectively
- Line shopping tools and strategies bettors use
- Common mistakes bettors make when line shopping
In sports betting, just like anything you can spend money on, getting the best price can pay off handsomely in the long run.
The most successful sharp bettors know that the juice is worth the squeeze in terms of finding the best odds each and every time, and you can't find the best odds if you don't engage in line-shopping.
Here's why signing up for multiple sportsbooks and always finding the best odds can greatly increase the health of your bankroll and the long-term prosperity of your sports betting career. Let's discuss further below.
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What is line shopping in sports betting?
Line shopping is looking across all of the sportsbooks available in your area to find the best odds on a bet. Once you pinpoint the most attractive line — and therefore, the best potential payout — you lock in the bet. It's like price-comparing a laptop before you buy one — you're not going to buy the first one at the first store or website you visit!
Signing up for multiple sportsbooks means having access to a wider variety of sports odds. It allows you to find the shortest spreads, the highest-value over/under totals and the most lucrative potential payouts.
MORE: What to know about betting on the NBA
Why small differences in odds make a big impact
Line shopping maximizes value because it ensures you find the biggest potential payouts and also the most attractive lines and spreads every single time you wager.
Often, certain books see different action and therefore adjust their lines differently from other major sportsbooks. Other times, a book is simply late on the draw in terms of adjusting odds based on public betting handles.
In any event, every time you can get a better price on a bet, you must capitalize. Little daily boosts can have a profound effect on your long-term bankroll. If you net yourself an additional $2 every time you win because you find the best odds, it's like buying yourself an extra $10 wager after every five winning bets.
MORE: Why bettors should utilize multiple sports books
Real examples of profits gained from line shopping
Let's take a look at some examples of the benefits of line shopping.
Buying the hook
The hook is a term that refers to the extra half-point added to a spread or total. When there's a hook, there's guaranteed to be a winner and takes a push out of the equation. Buying the hook is a strategy that can lead to increased profits. Here's an example.
Game: Eagles (-3) vs. Lions
- Sportsbook A: Eagles -3 (-110)
- Sportsbook B: Eagles -2.5 (-110)
Result: Eagles win by 3
- Sportsbook A: Eagles -3 is a push (no profit)
- Sportsbook B: Eagles -2.5 is a win ($90.91 profit on a $100 bet)
Profit gained by line shopping: $90.91 from using -2.5 instead of -3
Moneyline odds difference
Game: Panthers vs. Lightning
- Sportsbook A: Panthers -125
- Sportsbook B: Panthers -110
Outcome: Panthers win
- Betting $100 at -125 = $80 profit
- Betting $100 at -110 = $90.91 profit
Profit gained by line shopping: $10.91 for finding better odds on the same bet
Total points
Game: Spurs vs. Warriors
- Sportsbook A: Over 235.5 (-110)
- Sportsbook B: Over 234.5 (-110)
Outcome: Final score — 235
- Sportsbook A: Loss
- Sportsbook B: Win
Profit gained by line shipping: Avoided a loss to earn $90.91, which is a $190 difference
MORE: Everything to know about odds in American sports betting
How to compare sportsbooks effectively
Odds and lines vary from book to book more often than most novice bettors realize. It's a great idea to have your eye on all of the lines across all the books so that you can maximize the value of every wager. This can have a profound effect on the long-term growth of your betting bankroll.
You don't need to log into all the sportsbooks individually every time. Online resources like OddsChecker show the most current odds from every major sportsbook at all times. They also highlight which book has the best odds for each bet, which books' odds have been trending shorter and which books are trending longer.
MORE: 10 common betting mistakes made by new bettors
Line shopping tools and strategies bettors use
Let's take a look at some tips, tools and strategies to help maximize your profits.
- Open accounts with multiple sportsbooks
- Access promotions and boosts at different books
- Exploit varying odds
- Find alternate spreads/totals markets and "buy points" for better odds
- Focus on opening line value and closing line value
- Track line movement and anticipate the books' shifts
- Act quickly as soon as you pinpoint value
- Place arbitrage and middling bets when opportunities arise
- Utilize odds comparison tools like OddsChecker, Action Network and OddsJam
MORE: Key sports betting terms every beginner should know
Common mistakes bettors make when line shopping
Here are some common line-shopping mistakes new bettors should avoid:
- Not maintaining multiple sportsbook accounts: You can't find the best lines if you don't price-compare. Having multiple sportsbook accounts makes it easier to spot line shifts and capitalize on the moment.
- Ignoring small differences in odds: Every little difference matters. Small, positive gains add up and greatly improve the long-term prosperity of your bankroll.
- Not understanding how to find value beyond standard lines: You can also buy points or seek optimal odds on the alternate spread and alternate totals markets!
- Failing to read betting reports and public betting data: All sportsbooks have different activity on different bets. Knowing how the action is unfolding on certain books makes it easier to anticipate their upcoming line changes.
MORE: Complete guide for how to bet on college football
Popular sportsbooks that may be available in your area
Even if sports betting is legal in your state, not all sportsbooks may be available to you. Here are some of the most popular options to look into: