The Art of Line Shopping
Why comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks is the most important habit for long-term betting success.
A half-point difference in odds can mean the difference between winning and losing over time. If you're betting at only one sportsbook, you're almost certainly leaving money on the table.
What Is Line Shopping?
Line shopping is the practice of comparing odds for the same bet across multiple sportsbooks before placing your wager. Different sportsbooks often offer slightly different lines on the same game, and finding the best price can significantly improve your long-term results.
Real-World Example
Chiefs vs. Bills - Moneyline
DraftKings
-145
FanDuel
-150
BetMGM
-148
bet365
-142
Best Line
Betting at -142 instead of -150 saves you $8 per $100 wagered. Over hundreds of bets, this adds up significantly.
The Math Behind It
Let's say you make 500 bets per year at $100 each. If line shopping saves you just 2% on average (which is conservative), that's $1,000 in your pocket, which otherwise would have gone to the sportsbooks.
- • Paying higher vig on every bet
- • Missing better point spreads
- • Lower long-term ROI
- • More money to sportsbooks
- • Best available odds on every bet
- • Key number advantages (3, 7)
- • 1-3% improvement in ROI
- • Professional-level edge
Key Numbers to Know
In football, certain point spreads are more important than others. The numbers 3 and 7 are crucial because they represent common margins of victory (field goals and touchdowns). Getting -2.5 instead of -3 can be the difference between a win and a push.
How to Get Started
- Open accounts at 3-5 sportsbooks. This gives you enough options to find good lines without being overwhelming.
- Check lines before every bet. Make it a habit. It takes less than a minute to compare.
- Use odds comparison tools. Several websites aggregate odds from multiple books for easy comparison.
- Track your savings. Over time, you'll see how much line shopping is worth to you.
Continue Learning
Keep It Fun. Keep It Safe.
Smart bettors know their limits. Explore our toolkit for managing your bankroll, understanding the odds, and spotting the signs of problem gambling.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available.
Call 1-800-GAMBLER (US) or ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 (Canada).