What Is Line Shopping in Sports Betting?

Line shopping means comparing the odds for the same bet at different sportsbooks. While the difference between -110 and -105 might seem small, it adds up over time, especially for high-volume bettors.

Line shopping is the easiest way for any sports bettor to make better bets. If you bet the same dollar amount on a bet at +100 instead of -105, you win more when you win and lose less when you lose. While this compounds over time and volume, the results are immediately apparent.

In order to line shop, you need a tool and multiple funded accounts. Both are easy to do, though the latter is more of a lift for bettors. That said, the small effort it takes to sign up for multiple accounts and split your bankroll across them will save you time and money with every bet you place.

Why Odds Differ Between Sportsbooks

Each sportsbook uses its own risk model, pricing algorithm, or third-party provider. That means one book might list a team at -115 while another has -105 for the same line. Those price differences are profit opportunities, and depending on the reason for the price discrepancy, these small differences may not last long.

Some sportsbooks copy odds from other sportsbooks and might be slow to move. Peer-to-peer exchanges allow users to set their own odds, so these odds are more likely to be off-market than traditional sportsbooks.