Line shopping: the free edge most bettors skip
If you only take one lesson from the Academy, make it this one.
The punchline up front
Having accounts at 3+ sportsbooks and always taking the best price = worth 2-3% in ROI over a season. That's the difference between breaking even and profiting.
This is the single most underrated edge in sports betting. And it's free.
Why books price differently
Books compete for your money, but also manage their risk. When one side gets heavy action, the book moves the line to rebalance.
Because each book takes different action from different customers, their lines diverge. DraftKings might move first because they get more sharp action. FanDuel might lag because they get more recreational.
What "best price" saves you
You want Chiefs -3. - DraftKings: Chiefs -3 (-110) - FanDuel: Chiefs -3 (-105) - BetMGM: Chiefs -3 (-108)
FanDuel is best. Save 5 cents of juice per bet. Over 500 bets, that's $1,500-$2,000.
Totals example
You want Lakers-Suns OVER 229. - DraftKings: OVER 229.5 (-105) - FanDuel: OVER 229 (-110) - BetMGM: OVER 228.5 (-115)
BetMGM has the best number. On a game landing at 229, BetMGM wins, DraftKings loses.
The rules
- Minimum three accounts. DraftKings, FanDuel, + BetMGM / Caesars / ESPN Bet.
- Check all three every time. 30 seconds of work.
- Use odds comparison sites. Or our free line shopping tool.
- Watch for promos. Odds boosts can create +EV markets.
- Track where you get the best lines. Patterns emerge.
Action step
Open your phone right now. List your current sportsbook accounts. If you have fewer than three, add at least one today.