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Line Movement
sports bettingChanges in the odds or point spread between when a line opens and when the event starts.
Key Takeaways
- 1Lines move due to betting action, news, and other factors
- 2Steam moves indicate sharp bettor activity
- 3Reverse line movement can signal sharp money
- 4The closing line is the most efficient price
What is Line Movement?
Line movement refers to changes in the odds or point spread from the time a line is first posted (the opening line) to when the event begins (the closing line). Understanding why lines move is crucial for finding value.
What Causes Lines to Move
- Sharp money — Professional bettors placing large wagers
- Public money — Heavy one-sided action from recreational bettors
- News — Injuries, weather, lineup changes
- Steam moves — Coordinated sharp action across multiple books
Reading Line Movement
- Line moves toward the favorite → Money is coming in on the favorite
- Line moves toward the underdog → Money is coming in on the underdog
- Reverse line movement → The line moves opposite to the public betting percentages, suggesting sharp money on the other side
Reverse Line Movement (RLM)
RLM is one of the most valuable signals:
- 75% of bets are on Team A
- But the line moves toward Team B
- This suggests sharp money on Team B is outweighing public money on Team A
How to Use Line Movement
- Track opening lines and compare to closing lines
- Look for RLM as a sharp indicator
- Bet early if you expect the line to move in your direction
- Wait if you expect the line to move toward your side