If you feel like now is the time to get in on sports betting, there are a lot of places to start. Having as much knowledge before you begin is certainly a good place to begin. For instance, knowing all about what the lines mean.
There is a term known as “shopping the lines” that you will hear thrown about quite a bit. Below, you will learn what it means to shop the lines, how to do it, and why it is important to add it to your betting habits.
Table of Contents
What is Line Shopping?
When it comes to football betting, there are betting lines. These lines are the odds on the outcome of that game. When you see a team with either a + or – and a number next to their name, it tells us how likely the outcome of that event is.
Lines also tell us how much will be returned to us in the event of a win. But it is important to know that, just like similar entertainment options, there are minor differences that may not jump out immediately. Checking out the different lines out there can wind up being an important part of your football betting life.
Why is it Important to Shop for Lines?
In theworld of sports betting, the most important thing is gaining value. Making a correct pick 100% of the time is impossible even if you have inside information about the game in question. With so many moving parts, there is no such thing as a lock in the betting world.
By shopping for lines, you find value. Let’s look at an example: one sportsbook has Patriots -7 vs. Dolphins +7. Another book has the Patriots -6.5, but what’s the difference? That half-point guarantees a win or a loss, whereas the full point can result in a push, which is basically a draw. Moreover, significant line shifts can provide a better chance of hitting on that bet, increasing the odds of a win. Any edge you can gain is welcome in the betting world.
The goal in sports betting is to make a profit long term. Hitting on bets regularly is tough as it is, so maximizing your winnings means having to win fewer games in order to break even or generate a profit. There is a very small margin of error that can lead to an overall loss versus a profit.
Smart or “sharp” bettors try to hit a winning percentage of somewhere between 53 and 56 percent. Even a couple of games can wind up keeping you out of that percentage, so maximizing the value of the line can improve your odds of picking correctly, ultimately impacting your bottom line.
Protect Profits
Shopping for lines also involves odds. For the most part, you are going to find the average spread at -110 for both teams. If you shop around, however, you might find -105 or even +100. That might not seem like a big deal, but over a longer period, it can definitely add up.
By maximizing your winnings, you need to hit on fewer picks to ultimately come out ahead. You can branch out to other bet types and really find value in the lines, furthering this strategy. But if you stick with one sportsbook, you get their lines and their lines only. That’s a lot of pressure to pick right more often than not. If you shop lines regularly, you can put yourself in the best position to be correct less but still come out ahead thanks to bigger winnings.
