Knowledge is power and being able to decipher between sharp and public money is a powerful skill for any sports bettor. Below, we’ll discuss what sharp money means and how to trace it.
Professional bettors are also referred to as “sharps”, “wiseguys” or “pros” and they are the experts of the sports betting world. While the public bets for fun, the sharps bet to make a living. The only way that can happen is if the pro is winning their bets at a 55% or higher clip.
Also see: Sports Betting Terms and Definitions
What is ‘sharp’ money?
Most bettors reading this don’t qualify as a “sharp” so the best we can do is to align with the sharp money. This makes figuring out where the sharp money is a vital part of handicapping a sporting event. Aligning with pros is the easiest way for us “squares” to get down on plus-expected value wagers.
These are the people who are grinding daily to find the best odds across several sportsbooks, working with runners or partners to get down big money on a particular game and their action changes lines in the market.
There are plenty of routes to becoming a “sharp” whether it’s via complex algorithms, math models, line originating, or handicapping; however, not being in this select group doesn’t exclude someone from making a sharp wager.
Using line movement to find ‘sharp’ money
Typically, when the wiseguys get down on a game it moves the market. Also, they bring a lot more money to the window than the “square” bettor, which usually explains line movement.
There are three different ways a line could move that would indicate where the sharp money lies:
- Steam
- Reverse line movement
- Line freeze
First, a “steam move” is slang for the entire market (all sportsbooks) moving the spread, money line or total based on incoming action. Usually, this happens when a syndicate or group of pros bet big money on a particular side.
This isn’t always the case and because bookmaking is becoming more “group think” sometimes the market will move as a whole if one of the sportsbooks that knowingly accept sharp money changes their odds.
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Second, “reverse line movement” (RLM) is when the odds change in favor of the less popular side. Most bettors understand this concept inherently because it’s fishy if the House makes the more popular team cheaper.
That type of bookmaking suggests the House respects or is fearful of the few bettors who’ve backed the less popular side.
In order to find RLM, you first have to access free betting splits, which are available on websites including VSIN.com and Pregame.com or by the sportsbooks themselves via social media.
Finally, a “line freeze” is simply when the public and even sharp money is backing one side but the oddsmakers haven’t budged from their opening number.
This indicates bookmakers know they are the sharp side and are comfortable taking more action. Finding a “line freeze” on the board tends to be profitable since you’re on the same side as the House and the House usually wins.
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