What Does ‘Odds Shopping’ Mean in Sports Betting?
“Odds Shopping” (also commonly called “Line Shopping”) is the practice of comparing the odds and lines across multiple different sportsbooks before you place a bet.
The goal is to ensure you find the most favorable terms—whether that means a better payout or a safer point spread—every single time you wager.
Why You Must Shop Around
Every sportsbook sets its lines independently, which means the odds for the same exact bet can be slightly different from one app (like DraftKings) to another (like FanDuel or Caesars).
These small differences can be the difference between a winning and losing bet in the long run.
1. Shopping for the Best Odds (Highest Payout)
This is the simplest part. You want the biggest profit for your risk.
- Scenario: You want to bet $100 on the Giants Moneyline.
- Book A offers Giants at +150 (Win $150 profit).
- Book B offers Giants at +165 (Win $165 profit).
In this case, you should bet at Book B because you get $15 more in profit for the same $100 risk.
2. Shopping for the Best Line (Safest Spread)
This is often even more valuable than a higher payout, as it can turn a loss into a “push,” or a “push” into a win.
- Scenario: You want to bet on the Eagles to cover the spread.
- Book C offers Eagles -3.5 (at -110 odds).
- Book D offers Eagles -3 (at -110 odds).
If the Eagles win by exactly 3 points:
- At Book C (-3.5): Your bet loses.
- At Book D (-3): Your bet is a push (you get your money back!).
The small half-point difference in the spread (often called “The Hook“) is often more valuable than a few cents of odds.
The Bottom Line for Long-Term Profit
Professional bettors will tell you that line shopping is the single easiest edge a bettor can gain over the house. By having accounts at multiple sportsbooks and always betting at the best available number, you minimize the house’s “vig” (or “juice”) and boost your long-term profits dramatically.