Today, we’re tackling a crucial topic that will help you bet smarter and get more value from your bets: line shopping. Spoiler alert: finding the best odds can significantly boost your long-term success. You’re leaving money on the table if you don’t.
What is Line Shopping?
Line Shopping: The practice of comparing odds across different sportsbooks to ensure you get the best possible value for your bet.
Why is Line Shopping Important?
Let’s explore an example. You love Aliyah Boston over 9.5 rebounds. You place it on Draftkings (top photo below) rather than Fanduel (second photo below). You win your bet for $10.00. On DraftKings, you take home $9.50 in profit. Not bad! However, on Fanduel, that same bet would have paid you $10. You just left $.50 on the table.
Why is Line Shopping Important?
Without line shopping, you might place bets at less favorable odds. Here’s why it matters:
Maximize Your Winnings: Even small differences in odds can add up over time, increasing your overall profits.
Minimize Your Losses: Better odds mean better value, reducing the impact of losses on your bankroll.
Take Advantage of Variance: Different sportsbooks might have different opinions on a game, leading to more favorable lines.
1. Compare Odds Across Multiple Sportsbooks
The first step in line shopping is to compare odds from different sportsbooks. Here’s how:
Sign Up for Multiple Accounts: Open accounts with several reputable sportsbooks. This gives you access to a variety of odds for any given bet. If you need invites, let me know!
Use Odds Comparison Websites: Websites like Odds Jam, Odds Checker, and Sportsbook Review aggregate odds from various sportsbooks, making comparison easy.
Check Regularly: Odds can change frequently. Check multiple sportsbooks regularly to find the best lines before placing your bets.
2. Understand the Impact of Juice
Juice (or Vig): The commission that sportsbooks take on bets. Lower juice means better value for you.
Compare the Juice: Some sportsbooks offer reduced juice, meaning they take a smaller commission on bets. For example, instead of the standard -110 odds, you might find -105.
Example: If you bet $100 at -105 odds instead of -110, you save money over time and increase your net profits.
3. Use Line Movement to Your Advantage
Line Movement: Changes in the betting line due to various factors, such as betting volume or news about the game.
Monitor Line Movement: Track how lines move over time to spot trends and potential value.
Bet at the Right Time: Place your bets when you identify favorable line movements. Sometimes, it’s better to bet early, while other times, you might get better value closer to game time.
Example: If the line on a game moves from -3 to -2.5, betting at -2.5 gives you a better chance to win your bet if the favorite wins by exactly 3 points.
4. Take Advantage of Different Markets
Different sportsbooks might offer different markets or bet types. Explore these options:
Alternate Lines: Some sportsbooks offer alternate point spreads or totals with varying odds.
Prop Bets: Player or game-specific bets can vary significantly between sportsbooks. Find the best value by comparing these props.
Example: If you want to bet on a player to score over a certain number of points, check multiple sportsbooks to find the best odds for that prop bet.
Conclusion
Line shopping is a simple yet powerful way to maximize your betting value. By comparing odds, understanding juice's impact, monitoring line movements, and exploring different markets, you can increase your chances of success and boost your long-term profits. Remember, it’s all about finding the best value for your bets.
Feel free to share your own experiences or ask any questions in the comments below. Happy betting!
Key Terms
Line Shopping: The practice of comparing odds across different sportsbooks to get the best value for your bet.
Juice (or Vig): The commission that sportsbooks take on bets.
Line Movement: Changes in the betting line due to various factors.