Line Shopping Strategy

What is Line Shopping?

Line shopping is the practice of comparing the odds and betting lines offered by multiple sportsbooks before placing a wager. Just as a savvy shopper compares prices for a product at different stores, a sharp sports bettor compares the lines at various sportsbooks to find the most favorable odds for their bet. This simple yet powerful strategy is one of the easiest ways to increase your profitability as a sports bettor.

Why is Line Shopping So Important?

Line shopping is crucial because even small differences in the odds can have a significant impact on your long-term profitability. By consistently getting the best possible line, you are maximizing your potential winnings and minimizing your potential losses. This can be the difference between being a winning and losing bettor over the long run.

Let's say you are a -110 bettor, meaning you win 52.38% of your bets. If you can improve your odds to -105 on average, you only need to win 51.22% of your bets to break even. This is a significant difference that can have a major impact on your bottom line.

How to Line Shop Effectively

To line shop effectively, you need to have accounts at multiple sportsbooks. The more sportsbooks you have access to, the more likely you are to find the best possible line. Here are the steps to effective line shopping:

1. Open Accounts at Multiple Sportsbooks: Sign up for accounts at several reputable sportsbooks. This will give you a variety of options to choose from when you are ready to place a bet.
2. Use an Odds Comparison Tool: There are many websites and apps that provide real-time odds from multiple sportsbooks. These tools make it easy to compare the lines and find the best odds for your bet.
3. Identify the Bet You Want to Make: Before you start comparing lines, you need to know what bet you want to make. This will help you focus your search and avoid getting overwhelmed by the sheer number of options.
4. Compare the Lines: Once you have identified your bet, use an odds comparison tool to compare the lines at the sportsbooks where you have accounts.
5. Place Your Bet at the Sportsbook with the Best Odds: Once you have found the best line, place your bet at that sportsbook.

The Impact of Line Shopping on Your Bottom Line

Let's look at a concrete example of how line shopping can impact your bottom line. Suppose you are betting on an NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. You want to bet on the Packers to cover the spread of -7.

• Sportsbook A: Packers -7 (-110)
• Sportsbook B: Packers -7 (-105)
• Sportsbook C: Packers -6.5 (-115)

In this scenario, the best line is at Sportsbook C. By getting the Packers at -6.5 instead of -7, you are giving yourself a significant advantage. If the Packers win by exactly 7 points, your bet at Sportsbook C will be a winner, while your bet at Sportsbooks A and B would have been a push.

Conclusion

Line shopping is a simple but powerful strategy that can have a significant impact on your long-term profitability as a sports bettor. By consistently getting the best possible line, you are maximizing your potential winnings and minimizing your potential losses. If you are serious about making money from sports betting, line shopping is a must-do for every bet you place.