How Can A Bettor Use Line Movements To Make Sharper Bets?

Opening Line

The opening line at a sportsbook is the initial set of odds offered on a particular sporting event. Most sportsbooks use computer programs or algorithms to help generate odds and lines. These programs often rely on data and statistical analysis to determine the probability of each team or athlete winning. 

Once the opening line is set, it can be adjusted based on the volume and type of bets being placed, as well as other factors that may affect the outcome of the event. For example, if a significant number of bets are placed on one team, the sportsbook may adjust the odds to balance the risk and protect against potential losses.

Sharp Money Moving a Line

"Sharp money" refers to bets placed by professional or knowledgeable bettors, who are often referred to as "sharps." Sharps are often very knowledgeable about the teams or athletes involved in a particular event and may have insights that are not reflected in the initial lines or odds offered by a sportsbook.

If a sportsbook detects that sharp bettors are heavily betting on one side of a bet, it may adjust the line to protect against potential losses. This is because sharp bettors are often seen as more reliable indicators of the true probability of an event than the general betting public, who may be influenced by factors such as bias or emotions.

For example, if a sportsbook receives a large number of bets on one team from sharp bettors, it may adjust the line to attract more bets on the other team. This helps the sportsbook balance the risk of accepting bets and protect against potential losses.

Overall, sharp money can impact line movement at a sportsbook, but it is only one factor that is considered when adjusting lines. Sportsbooks also consider other factors, such as changes in the underlying event, the betting patterns of the general public, and the need to balance the risk of accepting bets. Sharp app pro subscribers have seen this first hand. Our Top Prop NBA bets can move the line rather quickly.

Reading Line Moves

Line moves can be an important tool for sports bettors because they can provide insight into the betting patterns and expectations of other bettors and the sportsbook itself. By understanding the factors driving line moves, bettors can better understand the true probability of an event and potentially make more informed betting decisions.

1. Look for reverse line moves: 

   A reverse line move occurs when the line moves in the opposite direction of where the money is being bet. This can indicate that sharp bettors, who are often seen as more knowledgeable and reliable indicators of the true probability of an event, are heavily betting on that side. You can read the Sharp Report in the content section of the Sharp App to see where the sharps and public (squares) are putting their money. Look at the handles in the game center for the bet%(# of tickets) and money% being bet on each side. If the line seems to be moving against where the money is being bet, it may indicate sharp money.

2. Monitor line moves over time:

   Lines can frequently change, especially as the event approaches and more information becomes available. By monitoring line moves over time, bettors can better understand the overall trend and make more informed betting decisions. When viewing the gamecenter in the app, you will see a chart of the line moves from the open up until the current line.

3. Watch out for steam:

   A steam move refers to a sudden and significant line move in a particular betting market. These moves are often caused by a large number of bets being placed on one side of a game, which can result in the line moving quickly and dramatically. Steam moves are often associated with sharp or professional bettors.

4. Consider other factors:

   In addition to line moves, bettors should also consider other factors that may affect the outcome of the event, such as injuries, weather conditions, and home-field advantage. By taking these factors into account, bettors can get a complete picture of the true probability of the event.

Conclusion

Line moves can be a valuable tool for sports bettors looking to gain an edge in their betting. By understanding how and why lines move, and using advanced betting strategies, bettors can better understand the betting patterns and expectations of other bettors and the sportsbook. By considering these factors, bettors can make more informed betting decisions and potentially increase their chances of winning. The Sharp App gives you the same information the professionals use when analyzing line moves.

Join thousands of like minded sports bettors along with the pros in our discord to learn more about how to read line moves.