Why the numbers differ
Each sportsbook sets and moves its own lines. They react to their own customers, at their own speed, with their own margins. At any moment one book may be a half-point or a full point away from another on the same game, or charge −105 where another charges −115.
What half a point is worth
A half-point only matters when the final margin or total lands right on it, but over a season those landings add up. Price works the same way: at −105 you need about 51.2% to break even; at −115 you need about 53.5%. Taking the better price lowers the bar on every bet you place. See break-even and juice for the math.
How to shop, in practice
- Hold accounts at more than one licensed sportsbook in your state.
- Before each bet, compare the line and the price at each one.
- Take the best combination of line and price that still meets your number.
- Log what you actually got, not what you saw first: that's the number your results depend on.
Line and price together
A better line at a worse price isn't always better. +4.5 at −120 versus +4 at −105 is a real trade-off. Converting prices to implied probability (the odds converter does this) makes comparisons easier.
Members see current prices at the licensed sportsbooks in their state on each pick, checked against the playable-to number. We aren't paid by any sportsbook.