Line Shopping: Why Comparing Sportsbooks Matters

Line shopping means checking several books and placing a bet where the price or number is best. Books set lines independently and adjust them at different speeds, so they often disagree.

Why it matters

Betting -105 instead of -110 means a winning $110 bet pays $104.76 instead of $100. Getting +3.5 instead of +3 turns some losses into wins. Neither guarantees a profit, but both lower the cost of every bet you make.

How to do it

  1. Pick the game and market on our odds board.
  2. The best available price is highlighted in green. Check whether the number differs (e.g., -6.5 vs -7) as well as the price.
  3. Confirm the line on the operator's site before betting. Lines move and our data can be delayed.
  4. Only use operators that are legal where you are located.

Our Best price of the day page lists where books disagree most.

Responsible gambling: Betting should be entertainment, never a way to make money or recover losses. Set a budget and a time limit before you start, and never chase losses. You must be 21+ (age limits vary by state) and located where betting is legal. If gambling stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (National Problem Gambling Helpline, 24/7, free, confidential).