The Complete Guide to Line Shopping
If you're betting at only one sportsbook, you're leaving money on the table. Line shopping — comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks before placing a bet — is the single easiest way to increase your long-term profitability without changing anything about your handicapping or strategy.
What is Line Shopping?
Line shopping is the practice of checking odds across multiple sportsbooks to find the best price for the bet you want to make. Different books often have different lines on the same game, creating opportunities to get better value.
Book A: Chiefs -3.5 (-110)
Book B: Chiefs -3 (-115)
Book C: Chiefs -3.5 (-105)
Best bet: Book C gives you the same spread at better odds.
Why Lines Differ Between Sportsbooks
Sportsbooks don't all use the same odds because:
- Different risk tolerance: Books manage their risk differently based on their customer base
- Timing: Books move their lines at different speeds based on betting action
- Sharp vs. recreational books: Sharp books move faster; recreational books lag behind
- Promotional strategies: Some books shade lines to attract action on one side
- Location-based biases: Books may adjust for local betting patterns
The Math: How Much Does It Matter?
Let's break down the real impact of line shopping:
At -110 (54.5% break-even):
Win 55% → Profit: +$450
At -105 (51.2% break-even):
Win 55% → Profit: +$785
Difference: $335 more profit (74% increase!)
Over a full season of betting, consistently saving even a few cents on the dollar adds up to hundreds or thousands in extra profit.
Stop Manually Checking Every Book
Landmark Bets automatically compares odds across 15+ sportsbooks and highlights the best value in real-time.
Try Landmark Free →How to Line Shop Effectively
1. Have Accounts at Multiple Sportsbooks
Ideally, you should have 5-8 sportsbook accounts. Focus on a mix of:
- Sharp books: Pinnacle, Circa, CRIS (better limits, sharp lines)
- Soft books: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM (slower to move, promotional offers)
- Regional books: BetRivers, PointsBet, Caesars (localized pricing)
2. Use Odds Comparison Tools
Manually checking every sportsbook is slow and inefficient. Use tools like:
- Odds aggregators: See all lines in one place
- Line movement trackers: Know when lines are shifting
- Positive EV tools: Automatically highlight the best opportunities
3. Act Quickly on Good Lines
Good lines don't last forever. When you spot value:
- Place your bet immediately before the line moves
- Don't wait to "see what happens" — value disappears fast
- Have funds ready across multiple accounts
4. Focus on High-Volume Markets
Line shopping works best in popular markets where books compete for action:
- NFL point spreads and totals
- NBA spreads and player props
- MLB moneylines and run lines
- College football spreads (conference games)
Common Line Shopping Mistakes
Only Shopping for Big Favorites/Underdogs
Line shopping matters on every bet, not just extreme lines. Even on -110 vs. -115, the difference adds up over time.
Chasing Bonuses Over Better Lines
Don't sacrifice 10 cents of value to use a "free bet" that has heavy rollover requirements. Do the math.
Ignoring Reduced-Juice Books
Books like Pinnacle routinely offer -105/-105 on spreads and totals instead of -110/-110. That's instant value on every bet.
Not Accounting for Withdrawal Fees
Some books charge withdrawal fees. Factor this into your line shopping — saving 5 cents per bet doesn't help if you're paying $25 in fees.
Advanced Line Shopping Strategies
Middle Opportunities
When lines differ significantly, you can sometimes bet both sides and "middle" the bet:
Book A: Team X -2.5 (-110)
Book B: Team Y +3.5 (-110)
If Team X wins by exactly 3, you win both bets!
Arbitrage (Risk-Free Profit)
In rare cases, line discrepancies create guaranteed profit:
Book A: Team X +150
Book B: Team Y -140
Bet $100 on Team X and $140 on Team Y → Guaranteed profit no matter who wins.
Note: Arbitrage opportunities are rare and usually disappear within seconds. Books also don't like arbers and may limit your account.
Tools to Help You Line Shop
Manual line shopping is tedious. Here's how to automate it:
- Odds comparison sites: OddsChecker, OddsJam, Action Network
- Positive EV calculators: Compare fair odds vs. sportsbook odds
- Line alerts: Get notified when lines hit your target number
- Multi-account management: Track balances and limits across books
Line Shopping Made Simple
Landmark Bets scans 15+ sportsbooks in real-time and shows you exactly where to place each bet for maximum value.
Start Free Trial →Final Thoughts
Line shopping is the lowest-hanging fruit in sports betting. It requires zero handicapping skill — you're making the same bets you were already going to make, just at better prices.
If you're serious about long-term profitability, line shopping isn't optional. It's mandatory.
1. Open accounts at 5-8 different sportsbooks
2. Use an odds comparison tool (or Landmark Bets)
3. Always check 3-5 books before placing any bet
4. Track your savings — you'll be surprised how much it adds up
Ready to maximize your edge? Start finding the best lines automatically →