If you’re looking to make money on sports betting, you need to do everything possible to improve your return on investment (ROI). One of the best ways to do this is by line shopping, comparing the odds at different sportsbooks to find the best line for each wager. It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s pretty easy to do and can make a big difference in your bottom line. This article will discuss why line shopping is so important and how you can do it effectively.
What is Line Shopping?
Line shopping is the process of comparing lines at different sportsbooks to find the best possible price for each wager. Line shopping is crucial because odds vary widely from book to book, and even a tiny difference can significantly impact your profits.
Like shopping at different stores, you can often find the same product for different prices.
For example, if you want to bet $100 on the Dallas Cowboys moneyline, you find the bet available at -120, -115, and -110.
- -120 odds will payout $80 profit
- -115 odds will payout $85 profit
- -110 odds will payout $90 profit
Even though it may seem like a lot of work to look for different odds available, over time, it can significantly improve your ROI and overall bankroll.
Is Line Shopping for Small Differences Worth It?
The main reason line shopping is so important is that the vig (or juice) charged by sportsbooks can significantly impact your profits. The vig is the commission that the sportsbook charges on each bet.
Over time, when you are overpaying on the vig, it can eat into your profits. Although it may seem silly to line shop to save a small amount on a single bet, the truth is that it can have a significant impact on your long-term results.
How to Line Shop in Sportsbetting
The best way to shop for lines in sports betting is to have accounts on multiple sports books. Access to numerous sportsbooks (or “outs”) allows you to take advantage of the different odds available. The more sportsbooks you have access to, the better.
To find the best lines, you must be diligent and check the odds at all your sportsbooks before placing each bet.
In this example, we have three sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Pointsbet.
- DraftKings Los Angeles Angels Moneyline: -110
- FanDuel Los Angeles Angels Moneyline: -112
- PointsBet Los Angeles Angels Moneyline: -105
In this case, we would choose to place our bet at PointsBet for -105 since it is the best odds available.
Line Shopping for spreads
Line shopping for spreads adds a layer of complexity since we have to consider the odds offered and the point spreads on the offer.
For example, one sportsbook may have the Los Angeles Rams -6.5 for -115, while another has the Los Angeles Rams -7.0 for -105.
The odds available are significantly different. However, you also have to consider the .5 point difference in the spread. Are the .5 additional points in the spread worth the extra cost?
Your answer to that question may differ depending on your sports betting strategy and the game. Finding the most valuable point spread line will benefit you in the long run and improve your ROI.
Line Shopping for Over/Under Bets and Game Totals
Line shopping for game totals and over/under bets requires finding the best odds and the total number being offered.
For example, one sportsbook may have the over/under for the New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Rams game at 56.0, while another at 55.5. The Under 55.5 is priced at -105, while the under 56.0 is offered at -110.
The value of 0.5 points in the game varies from sport to sport, so you will have to decide if the increased odds are worth it.
Final Thoughts
Line shopping is essential for any sports bettor that wants to improve their ROI. It may seem like a lot of work, but it will pay off over time. The best way to line shop is to have accounts at multiple online sportsbooks so you can take advantage of the different odds available. Check the lines at all of your books before placing a bet.
If you are serious about winning money in sports betting, line shopping is essential to include in your prices. By taking the time to find the best lines, you will improve your ROI and put yourself in a much better position to profit.
Hopefully, you found this article helpful. And while line shopping may seem like it only adds a small amount of value, hopefully not you understand how much it adds up over time.
In our daily sports betting recommendations, we always try to include all the odds for a bet. We do this to help you make an informed decision on where to place your bet.