This simply requires you to find the online sportsbook that offers the most attractive odds on your pick. For example, if FanDuel is offering +138 on the Cleveland Guardians to win and DraftKings is offering +145, it would make sense to place your bet at DraftKings.
Line Shopping in Sports Betting: How to Find the Best Odds
You can maximize your winnings on every successful pick you make by shopping around for the best available odds. Line shopping is a reasonably simple process, but it can increase your chances of earning a long-term profit as a sports bettor.
This guide explains how to find the best odds and lines before placing a wager. We will provide examples to highlight the benefits of line shopping, and you will also discover our top tips and strategies.
What Is Line Shopping in Sports Betting?
Line shopping is the art of finding the online sportsbook that offers the most favorable terms on any pick you make.
Some bettors use the terms “line shopping” and “shopping for the best odds” interchangeably, but they are actually slightly different concepts:
Shopping for the Best Odds
Shopping for the Best Line
This requires you to focus on the odds a sportsbook offers, but you also need to consider the point spread or the total points line. For example, if BetMGM has -110 on the Arizona Cardinals -3 and Caesars Sportsbook has -110 on the Cardinals -3.5, you should place your wager at BetMGM if you expect the Cardinals to cover.
Why Line Shopping Matters in Sports Betting
Line shopping may look like a small edge, but over time, it can be the difference between winning and losing as a bettor. Even a slight difference in odds has a real financial impact.
For example, imagine you bet $100 on the same team at two different sportsbooks:
- Sportsbook A offers +120, paying out $220 total ($120 profit).
- Sportsbook B offers +130, paying out $230 total ($130 profit).
That’s a $10 difference on a single bet. If you place 200 similar wagers during a season, that’s an extra $2,000 in profit just by consistently choosing the better line.
The takeaway: every percentage point counts. By shopping lines, you don’t just maximize single wins, you build a sustainable path toward long-term profit.
Line Shopping Odds Example
Shopping for the best odds is pretty simple. You just need to find the sportsbook that offers the largest potential profit on your pick.
This chart highlights the odds that various sportsbooks were offering on an MLB game during the 2024 season:
| Sportsbook | Pittsburgh Pirates to win | Cincinnati Reds to win |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | -146 | +124 |
| DraftKings | -155 | +130 |
| BetMGM | -145 | +120 |
| bet365 | -150 | +125 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | -155 | +130 |
| BetRivers | -145 | +125 |
In this case, BetMGM was the best sportsbook for anyone who wanted to bet on the Pirates to win. A $100 wager on the Pirates to win at BetMGM would have delivered a $68.97 profit, whereas a $100 bet on Pittsburgh at DraftKings would have resulted in a $64.52 profit.
That does not sound like a huge difference, but the extra money can add up over the course of the season. It may ultimately make the difference between ending the year at a loss or a profit.
Meanwhile, any MLB fans who wanted to bet on the Reds to win should have visited either DraftKings or Caesars Sportsbook. A $100 bet on Cincinnati at either of those sportsbooks would have resulted in a $130 profit if they won, compared to a $120 profit at BetMGM.
There are two simple concepts to keep in mind when shopping for the best odds:
- If the odds begin with a minus symbol, look for the smallest number. For example, odds of -105 are more attractive than -120.
- When the odds start with a plus, look for the largest number. For instance, odds of +150 are more appealing than +140.
Sportsbook Line Shopping Examples
Shopping for the best line is slightly more complex. Sometimes, all of the leading sportsbooks offer an identical line on the same game. If so, it is relatively easy to find the site or app offering the best terms.
| Sportsbook | Miami Dolphins -3 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | -110 | -110 |
| DraftKings | -112 | -108 |
| BetMGM | -110 | -110 |
| bet365 | -110 | -110 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | -110 | -110 |
| BetRivers | -109 | -112 |
In this example, all of the sportsbooks make Miami a 3-point favorite to beat Tampa Bay. If you expect the Dolphins to cover the spread, you will find slightly better odds at BetRivers than at any other sportsbook.
BetRivers customers only need to risk $109 to win $100, whereas bettors at other sportsbooks must risk $110. By contrast, anyone who thinks the Bucs will cover should head to DraftKings, which has the best odds on Tampa Bay +3.
Line Shopping Example #2
However, sportsbooks do not always agree on the same line. For example, FanDuel was offering this line on a Week 1 game between the 49ers and the Raiders in 2024:
- San Francisco 49ers -7 (-110)
- Las Vegas Raiders +7 (-110)
Meanwhile, Caesars Sportsbook had this point spread on the same game:
- San Francisco 49ers -6.5 (-110)
- Las Vegas Raiders +6.5 (-110)
In this case, FanDuel would have been the best option for anyone who wanted to bet on the Raiders to cover. Here’s why:
- If the Raiders had lost by 7 points, a bet on them at FanDuel would have been graded as a push. That means you would have got your money back.
- If the Raiders had lost by 7 points, a bet on Las Vegas -6.5 at Caesars Sportsbook would have been graded as a loser, meaning you would not get your money back.
By contrast, Caesars Sportsbook would have been the best option for anyone who wanted to back the 49ers to cover:
- If the 49ers won by precisely 7 points, a wager on San Francisco +6.5 at Caesars Sportsbook would have been graded as a winner. A $100 bet would have returned $190.91.
- Meanwhile, a bet on San Francisco +7 would have been graded as a push at FanDuel if the 49ers won by exactly 7 points. That means you would have got your $100 back, but you would not have earned the $90.91 in profit.
When betting on the spread or the total, make sure you consider the line as well as the odds that the sportsbook is offering.
Line Shopping by Bet Type
Different wagers require different line shopping strategies. Here’s how it works for the most common bet types:
Moneyline Bets
This is the simplest form of line shopping. You just need to find the sportsbook offering the highest payout for the team or player you want to back. Even small differences in moneyline odds can add up to hundreds of dollars over a season.
Point Spread Bets
When betting the spread, the line itself is just as important as the odds. For example, betting a team -3.0 instead of -3.5 could turn a loss into a push. Always check whether another sportsbook is giving you a more favorable number.
Totals (Over/Under)
Shopping totals means looking for differences in both the number (e.g., 47.5 vs. 48.0) and the odds attached. That half-point in either direction can be the difference between winning and losing.
Props & Parlays
Not every odds comparison site covers props or same-game parlays. If you like these markets, you’ll often need to manually compare across sportsbooks. Line shopping here can uncover huge differences, since books often set unique prices for niche bets.
Line Shopping by Sport
Every sport has its own quirks when it comes to line shopping. Here’s what to keep in mind for the major leagues:
NFL Line Shopping
NFL lines move fast, especially around key numbers like 3 and 7 in point spreads. A half-point difference can make or break your bet. Always check multiple NFL sportsbooks before betting football spreads.
NBA Line Shopping
NBA odds shift frequently based on player news. A star being ruled out can swing a line several points. Line shopping helps you lock in value before or after those market moves.
MLB Line Shopping
Baseball is moneyline-heavy, and odds vary a lot between books. Shopping for the best price on an underdog can make a huge difference over a 162-game season.
NHL & Other Sports
Hockey often features puck lines set at -1.5, but the odds on that line vary widely. In smaller sports or niche markets, sportsbooks sometimes disagree completely, creating opportunities for sharp bettors.
Is Line Shopping Worth It?
Yes, line shopping is absolutely worth the effort. The differences between sportsbooks may look small at first, but they add up quickly.
For example, betting $100 on a team at +120 returns $220, while the same bet at +130 returns $230. That is only a $10 difference on one wager, but across 100 similar bets in a season, it becomes $1,000 extra profit without changing your picks.
Sharp bettors treat line shopping as non-negotiable because it turns winning bets into bigger payouts and reduces the long-term house edge. If your goal is to maximize profit, line shopping is not optional. It is essential.
Why You Need Multiple Sportsbooks and Shop for Lines
If you only have one sportsbook account, you cannot line shop effectively. To maximize your chances of finding value, you need access to as many sportsbooks as possible in your state.
Having multiple accounts gives you several advantages:
- Better odds and lines: Each sportsbook sets prices slightly differently, so you can always choose the most favorable one.
- Access to bonuses and promotions: Every new account comes with welcome offers, free bets, or bonus credits. These sports betting bonuses add real value on top of line shopping itself.
- Faster betting: When you already have accounts created and verified, you can place a wager immediately instead of scrambling to sign up as odds are moving.
If you are serious about sports betting, maintaining multiple sportsbook accounts is not just convenient. It is the only way to guarantee you are always betting at the best possible price.
How To Shop for the Best Odds and Lines: Step by Step
Line shopping is simple once you know the process. Follow these steps every time you want to place a bet:
1
Sign Up With Multiple Sportsbooks
You can’t compare odds if you only have one account. Register at several legal sportsbooks in your state so you always have options.
2
Pick the Game You Want to Bet On
Navigate to the matchup you’re interested in. Write down or keep track of the line (spread, total, or moneyline) each sportsbook is offering.
3
Compare the Odds and Lines
Check both the odds (payout potential) and the line (spread or total points). Even a half-point difference on a spread can be the difference between winning or losing a bet.
4
Use an Odds Comparison Tool (Optional)
Odds comparison sites can save you time by showing prices across multiple sportsbooks instantly. Just keep in mind they may not list every sportsbook or have the most updated odds. Always double-check on the sportsbook’s site before betting.
5
Place Your Bet With the Best Terms
Once you’ve identified the best value, place your wager right away. Odds can shift quickly, especially in popular markets.
A note on using comparison services
If you use an odds comparison service, just keep in mind that it may not feature every legal online sportsbook in your state. You may find better odds at a sportsbook that is not listed on the comparison service.
Meanwhile, some of the odds listed at a comparison site may be out-of-date, so it is important to visit the actual sportsbook and verify them yourself.
Lots of markets will not be covered by odds comparison sites, such as prop bets and same-game parlays, so you often need to do the legwork yourself if you want to find the best available odds on your picks.
Line Shopping Strategies and Tips for Sports Bettors
These are our top tips for anyone interested in shopping around for the best lines and odds on their sports betting picks.
1
Sign up With Multiple Sportsbooks
It is important to hold accounts with all the leading online sportsbooks in your state if you want to maximize the opportunity that line shopping provides.
You can compare the odds they are all offering on a pick you like and then quickly place your bet with the sportsbook that has the best terms.
Do not leave it until the last minute to sign up with an online sportsbook that offers great odds on a bet you like. By the time you have created an account and completed the KYC process, the odds may have changed, or the game may have started.
Signing up with multiple sportsbooks also has an added benefit, as you will receive all the best welcome bonuses in your state.
2
Look for Early Value
You will often find the best odds on popular teams immediately after the opening lines are published. For example, if the Dallas Cowboys open as the -125 favorites to win a game, they may be priced at -140 by the following day.
That is because many fans bet on popular teams out of habit without conducting a great deal of research. The sportsbooks respond by offering less favorable terms on the popular team and more attractive terms on the opposing team, which helps them balance their risk and encourages a similar volume of wagers on either team.
Find sportsbooks that have a habit of publishing early lines, and shop for the best odds on popular teams before public sentiment causes them to change.
3
Fade the Public
At the other end of the spectrum, you will often find attractive odds and lines on unpopular teams just before a game is about to begin.
For example, the Kansas City Chiefs opened as -115 favorites to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship game in Jan. 2023. However, the Chiefs had moved to +105 underdogs by the day of the game, as bettors felt that the Bengals would be too strong for a faltering Kansas City team with Patrick Mahomes carrying an injury.
In the end, the Chiefs won the game 23-20, so anyone that faded the public and grabbed odds of +105 earned a substantially larger profit than the bettors that placed their wagers earlier in the week.
4
Cross the Border
If you really want to increase your chances of getting the best odds on a particular game, you can consider leaving your home state.
For example, let’s say you live in New Hampshire, close to the border with Massachusetts. In New Hampshire, there is just one legal online sportsbook: DraftKings. By contrast, there are seven regulated online sportsbooks in Massachusetts, so you will have a better chance of finding sharp odds if you cross the border and visit another state.
The same advice may apply to a bettor in Arkansas who lives close to Louisiana, someone in Wyoming who lives near Colorado, or even a New Yorker who will find more choices by heading to New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
5
Pounce on Arbitrage Opportunities
Occasionally, when you are line shopping, you will find opportunities to cover both sides of the same bet and profit regardless of the result. Here is a basic example:
| Bet | Sportsbook A | Sportsbook B |
|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees To win | -125 | -148 |
| Detroit Tigers To win | +115 | +130 |
In this case, Sportsbook A and Sportsbook B are offering significantly different odds on the same game. You could bet on the Yankees to win at Sportsbook A and then bet on the Tigers to win at Sportsbook B, and you would be guaranteed to earn a profit irrespective of whoever prevailed.
This is known as arbitrage or dutching. If you spot opportunities for arbitrage, pounce on them before the sportsbooks change their odds.
Key Takeaway on Line Shopping
Line shopping is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your sports betting results.
By comparing odds and lines across multiple sportsbooks, you put yourself in a position to maximize every win and reduce losses over the long term.
The bottom line: successful sports betting is not just about picking winners. It is about making sure you always get the best possible price on every bet. If you consistently shop for the best lines, you will give yourself a real edge over casual bettors.
Line Shopping FAQ
Shopping for the best lines at multiple sportsbooks allows you to place your bets at the most favorable terms possible. You can increase your profits on successful bets by shopping for the best odds at the various legal sports betting sites in your state.
Yes, it is perfectly legal to compare the odds and lines at rival sportsbooks and then place your bet with the site offering the best terms. Sharp bettors always shop around for the best lines and odds before placing wagers, but it requires you to hold accounts with multiple sportsbooks.
Middling requires you to bet on both sides of the same bet after the line has moved, meaning that both wagers could pay out. For example, let’s say the Philadelphia Eagles open as the 2.5-point favorites against the New York Giants, and you bet on them to cover.
The line then moves, and the Eagles become the 4.5-point favorites. You can then bet on New York +4.5, meaning both bets will pay out if the Eagles win by either 3 or 4 points.
The oddsmakers at rival sportsbooks may interpret the relative strengths and weaknesses of both teams differently. That leads them to publish different odds on the same game.
Some sportsbooks also take a lower house edge than their rivals. This is known as the vigorish, and sportsbooks that take a low house edge provide the best odds on the market. Others simply like to be contrarian in a bid to attract new customers.
No. Odds comparison tools make the process faster, but they are not always 100% accurate or complete. Many bettors check odds manually to make sure they see the most up-to-date numbers.
Not exactly. Line shopping means picking the single best line for your bet. Arbitrage involves betting both sides of a game at different sportsbooks to guarantee a profit.
More Resources for Line Shopping
We offer a wide range of additional online gambling resources for anyone interested in line shopping:
- NFL Spread Calculator: Use this tool to compare the point spreads at different sportsbooks and determine which line is the best.
- Moneyline Calculator: Discover the profit you can look forward to if your bet succeeds. This can help you understand which odds are the most attractive.
- Fair Odds Calculator: This calculator removes the house edge, highlighting the true odds you would be entitled to if the sportsbook did not charge vigorish.
- Arbitrage Calculator: Find out if you have landed upon an arbitrage opportunity by entering the odds available at different sportsbooks on the same game.
- Odds Calculator: Converting odds from one format to another may help you identify which sportsbook offers the best terms. For example, you may find it easier to compare decimal odds than American odds.
