Home › Sports Betting › Line Shopping

Line Shopping & Getting the Best Odds

Line shopping is one of the few real “edges” a recreational bettor can have. Instead of trying to predict games perfectly, you avoid overpaying on every bet by comparing prices across sportsbooks.

Key idea: If you’re going to bet anyway, you may as well get the best price on your opinion. A half-point on a spread or a few cents on the moneyline doesn’t feel like much, but it compounds over hundreds of bets.

1. Why Line Shopping Matters More Than Hot Takes

Most casual bettors focus on what to bet – winners, narratives, injuries. Serious bettors obsess over price. The same pick at -120 vs -105 is a completely different bet in terms of long-term expectation.

  • Better prices lower the break-even win rate you need.
  • Shaving a few cents of vig off every wager compounds massively.
  • Even if you’re slightly negative EV, line shopping can soften the damage.
Line Shopping CLV Sports Betting 101

2. What Line Shopping Actually Looks Like

Line shopping just means checking multiple books for the same game before you bet, then placing your wager where the odds are best for your side.

Market Book A Book B Book C Best price if you like…
Team A moneyline -120 -115 -110 Team A: bet at Book C (-110)
Team B moneyline +105 +108 +112 Team B: bet at Book C (+112)
Spread: Team A -3 (-110) -3.5 (-105) -2.5 (-120) Depends: -3 (-110) vs -2.5 (-120)

You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Even having 2–3 reputable accounts and taking 20 seconds to compare will put you ahead of most bettors who fire everything with one book.

3. Closing Line Value (CLV) – Are You Beating the Market?

Closing line value (CLV) compares the odds you got to the odds at kickoff. If you consistently beat the closing number, it’s a sign your timing or reads have some merit, even if short-term results are noisy.

Simple CLV examples

  • You bet Team A -2.5 (-110), it closes at -3.5 (-110) → you beat the line.
  • You bet Over 45.5 (-110), it closes at 48 (-110) → you beat the line.
  • You bet Team B +3 (-110), it closes at +2 (-110) → you beat the line.

4. How Many Sportsbooks Do You Really Need?

More accounts means more chances to find a better number, but also more apps to manage. For recreational bettors, you don’t need a dozen books to benefit from line shopping.

  • Step 1: Open 2–3 licensed, reputable sportsbooks in your region.
  • Step 2: Deposit small amounts across them rather than everything in one place.
  • Step 3: Before each bet, check all your books for the same line.
  • Step 4: Bet where your side has the best odds / best spread.
Important: Stick to licensed operators only, and treat any sign-up bonuses as a nice extra – not the main reason you choose a book. Read promo terms carefully and see our sports betting bankroll guide for how to integrate bonuses without overextending.

5. Common Line Shopping Mistakes to Avoid

  • Betting early just to feel “sharp”. Sometimes waiting closer to game time yields a better line.
  • Forgetting juice differences. -105 vs -115 is a big deal, even if spreads are the same.
  • Ignoring alt lines. Alternative spreads/totals can sometimes offer a better risk/reward match to your opinion.
  • Not checking limits. Some books limit stakes on softer numbers; always verify you can get down what you want.
  • Letting FOMO drive bets. Don’t bet a worse line just because you “missed the best number.” Sometimes the best move is to pass.

6. Line Shopping Without Over-Betting

Because line shopping feels like “smart” activity, it can tempt you into betting more games than you should. Remember:

  • Your bankroll and unit plan still come first.
  • Only bet games you’d play even if you had a single book.
  • Use limits and time controls if you find yourself scrolling lines instead of watching the sport for fun.

If you feel out of control, or like you’re betting because of boredom rather than genuine edges, pause and visit Responsible Gambling for support and helplines in your region.

Next Steps in Your Sports Betting 101 Path