Line Shopping
Different sportsbooks offer different odds on the same bet. Line shopping means checking several before you bet and taking the best price. It costs nothing and it adds up fast.
What it looks like
One moneyline, three booksDraftKings: -115
FanDuel: -108
BetMGM: -110
Same bet. At -108 you win $92.59 on a $100 stake; at -115 you win $86.96.
FanDuel: -108
BetMGM: -110
Same bet. At -108 you win $92.59 on a $100 stake; at -115 you win $86.96.
Why it matters
The price sets the win rate you need just to break even:
- -115: you need to win 53.5%
- -108: you need to win 51.9%
Same picks, different prices100 bets of $100, winning 53 of them.
All at -115: −$91.
All at -108: +$207.
Nothing changed but where the bets were placed.
All at -115: −$91.
All at -108: +$207.
Nothing changed but where the bets were placed.
How to do it
- Have accounts at three or more sportsbooks.
- Before you bet, check the line at each one, or use an odds comparison site.
- Bet wherever the number is best, even by a few cents.
Props especially
Player prop lines vary far more between books than sides and totals do. A half-point or a full point on the same prop is common. Always shop props.
Key takeaways
- Never take the first price you see.
- A few cents of juice is the difference between a winning and a losing season.
- The more books you can check, the better your average price.
Use it on the boards
Put it to work
The MC Sports model boards rank every player and game, every game day, and show the numbers behind each score.
See the model boards →