Line shopping—comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks to find the best price—is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies available to bettors. It requires no handicapping skill, just a few extra minutes and accounts at multiple books.
The Math Behind Line Shopping
Consider betting on a team at +110 versus +120. On a $100 bet:
- At +110: Win $110 profit
- At +120: Win $120 profit
That’s $10 extra per bet for the same outcome. Over 100 bets per year, that’s $1,000 in additional profit—just from shopping for better lines.
How Lines Differ
Sportsbooks set their own lines based on their own risk management and customer base. A book with heavy public action on one side might shade their line, while another book might offer a better price.
Common scenarios where lines differ:
- Prime-time NFL games with heavy public betting
- Smaller market games with less betting volume
- Immediately after significant news (injuries, weather)
Building Your Setup
To effectively line shop, you need:
- Accounts at multiple reputable sportsbooks
- A system for quickly comparing lines
- The discipline to actually check before placing bets
Timing Considerations
Line shopping also helps you identify when to bet. If one book moves significantly off the market consensus, it might signal information you don’t have, or it might be an opportunity to grab value before it disappears.
The Compounding Effect
The real power of line shopping comes from consistency. Small edges on individual bets compound dramatically over time. Professional bettors consider line shopping non-negotiable precisely because of this compounding effect.
Getting Started
Start by opening accounts at 3-4 major sportsbooks. Before placing any bet, take 60 seconds to compare odds across all your accounts. This simple habit can add percentage points to your long-term returns.