Line Shopping In Sports Betting Explained
If you’re not line shopping for the best odds, you’re leaving money on the table—simple as that. Sports betting is already tough enough. So, why not make it a little easier?
A half-point can be the difference between winning and losing a bet. A slightly better payout adds up over time. The best bettors don’t just pick winners; they find the best odds. That’s how you maximize profits and stay ahead.
On this page, you’ll learn how line shopping works, why sportsbooks offer different odds, and how to use it to your advantage. We’ll also break down the best way to compare lines quickly, so you can always get the best number.
What is Line Shopping Exactly?
Line shopping is simply checking multiple sportsbooks to find the best odds for your bet. Think of it like comparing prices at different grocery stores. Instead of taking the first number you see, you compare different books and go with the one that pays the most or gives you the best chance to win.
It works because sportsbooks don’t always have the exact same odds. One might have the line for an NBA game at over/under 215.5, while another offers the same game at 213.5. Those two points could be the difference between a win and a loss. The same goes for moneylines—one book might have +120 while another offers +130. Over time, those differences add up.
How to Line Shop for Better Bets – A Real-World Example
Let’s take a look at an actual line comparison example from two online sportsbooks. If you are shopping for the best odds, this is the chain of thought you should be doing.
Below are the bets on a Bucks and Hawks game available at BetOnline during the time of this post.
Next, we have the same exact game from BetUS. (These screenshots were taken seconds apart, so these lines and odds were both available at the same time.)
Comparing the Lines
A quick glance will tell you that these two books have drastically different lines for this game. What information can we extract from these images?
- The Point Spread – You get -110 odds for both sides of the bet at either sportsbook, but BetUS is giving 1.5 more points to the spread with ±7 versus ±5.5.
- The Moneyline – The Bucks are the favorite (-), and the Hawks are the underdog (+) at both sites. The odds and payouts vary quite a bit.
- The Total (Over/Under) – BetOnline has the line set at a half point, preventing a draw, where BetUS has the line a half point higher on a whole number.
Which Line Offers The Best Value?
It’s important to remember these are the same game on the same night. So, considering everything from the example above, where do you get the best value for your desired bet?
- Bucks to Cover the Point Spread – BetOnline has the best value here since the Bucks only need to win by 6 to cover. At BetUS, they need to win by 8 for you to win since 7 is a push.
- Hawks to Cover the Point Spread – BetUS has the best value here because of the whole number. Both sites will payout if the Hawks lose by 6 or less, but BetUS pushes if they lose by 7. That’s the big difference here.
- Bucks to Win the Game (Moneyline) – At the listed odds, you’d have to wager $265 on the Bucks to win $100. At BetOnline, you’d only need to wager $215 for the exact same payout. That’s a $50 savings for the same outcome, so BetOnline has the better value.
- Hawks to Win the Game (Moneyline) – If you wager $100 on the Hawks to win at BetOnline, you can win $185. Do the same thing at BetUS, and you’ll win $223. BetUS is paying more here, so they have the best value for this bet.
- Total Points Over – BetOnline has a slightly better value because if the games ends with a combined score of 243, you’d win with an over bet at BetOnline and only push at BetUS.
- Total Points Under – BetUS has a slightly better value for this one because you have a two-point cushion. If the game ends with a combined score of 242, you’ll win the under bet at BetUS, and if the final combined score is 243, you’ll push. Both of those results end up with losing bets at BetOnline.
Line Shopping Tips for Success
As you can see, finding the best odds isn’t complicated, it just takes a little bit of effort. A few small adjustments to your routine can make a big difference in your results. Here are five key tips to make line shopping easier and more effective.
Line Shopping Tip #1Get Accounts at Multiple Sportsbooks
If you only bet with one sportsbook, you’re stuck with whatever odds they give you. The more books you have access to, the better your chances of finding the best lines.
Sign up for accounts at several reputable books so you can compare and choose the best number. It’s also a good idea to have funds in each account so odds don’t have the chance to shift while waiting for transactions to go through.
Line Shopping Tip #2Look for Outlier Lines
Sometimes, sportsbooks look to each other for tighter lines, but not all books adjust their odds at the same time. Some are quicker to react to betting action and current events, while others lag behind.
If a majority of books have a line at -6.5, but one still has -5.5, that’s a valuable point. Outliers are where you’ll find the best edge.
Line Shopping Tip #3Look for Trends in Lines Over Time
Some sportsbooks consistently offer better odds on certain markets. One book might have better underdog prices, while another is more favorable for favorites.
If you take notes, you’ll get a good idea of how each book operates, and you’ll eventually spot trends. Track which sportsbooks offer the best numbers for your betting style so you know where to go first when comparing lines.
Line Shopping Tip #4Bet on Markets You Know
Don’t chase bets for sports and events you’re not familiar with just because you see one book has a much different line than the others. Yes, outliers are a good indication of value, but that bookmaker may be the first to react to some news about a player.
It’s always best to stick to markets you know and look for the best value on bets you plan on placing anyhow.
Line Shopping Tip #5Use the Right Tools
There are plenty of tools and sites for bettors. If you’re still learning how to read the odds, use an odds conversion calculator to help you see which site has the best value for your bet.
Avoid bet aggregators that try to show you all the lines in one place. These tools have slower updates and limited information. You’re better off manually checking sites for yourself.
Comparison is King When You’re Shopping for the Best Price
If you’re not line shopping, you’re giving up value on every wager. A better price here, a half-point there—it might not seem like much at first, but over time, those small advantages separate winning bettors from everyone else.
The good news? Line shopping isn’t hard. With the right approach, a few extra sportsbook accounts, and a habit of comparing numbers before you bet, you’ll start seeing the difference in your bankroll.
The choice is simple. You can take whatever odds you’re given, or you can take control and get the best price every time. If you want to bet smarter, line shopping isn’t optional—it’s essential.
