What is Reverse Line Movement in Betting?

It seems counterintuitive for sportsbooks to do this, but it does happen. We’re going to look at why reverse line movement happens, how you can identify it, and if you can use this knowledge to your advantage. 

Why Does Reverse Line Movement Happen?

We know what reverse line movement is now, but why does it happen? Usually, it’s to do with sharp money. Sharp money is what we call it when bettors who are very often correct (sharps) place a lot of money on one outcome. The sportsbook will notice this and might adjust their odds in accordance.

So, if the public thinks that Team A is going to win, but the sharps are placing money on Team B, the sportsbook might adjust the odds of Team B down. This is reverse line movement.

The sportsbook does this to avoid losing out on money from winning bets placed at longer odds. Basically, they’re taking the ‘advice’ of the sharp money. The end goal is for them to have close to 50% of all stakes on either side of the line. This means that they’ll benefit from the juice regardless.

How to Identify Reverse Line Movement  

In order to identify reverse line movement, you need to watch the betting lines. You’ll notice how many bets are being placed on one side and how many on the other. If there’s one side that clearly has had more individual bets placed on it, yet the other side moves - that’s reverse line movement.

How Do I Track Reverse Line Movement?

You can track reverse line movement by yourself, simply by watching the bets and the lines. However, it’s much easier to use a reverse line movement tracker. Sites like Sports Insights can give you reverse line movement notifications. This lets you check out other sports betting sites to find out if their line hasn’t moved yet.

Using Reverse Line Movement to Your Advantage

Whether you choose to turn on a reverse line movement tracker or watch the lines yourself, if you’re quick, you can benefit. You need to quickly find a sportsbook where the line hasn’t moved yet and place your bet there. This is known as steam chasing.

The benefit to doing this is simple, you’re getting the best odds and you’re on the side of the sharps.

However, there are drawbacks too. Sometimes the sharps don’t have it right, so you’d have been better siding with the public. Sometimes sharps intentionally move the line so that the other side lengthens even further. The final drawback is that sportsbooks don’t like this practice and may take actions on your account.