If you already know the benefits of using more than one book, then read no further. If you're only using one book right now, what are you waiting for? Get another one!
I've noticed that a lot of users seem to be new to this world of sports betting. I say this because I see so many novice questions arise, which is fine. But let me tell you this, using more than one book will save you money. It's exactly like shopping for a TV, or any purchase for that matter. You find a model that you want, and you shop around for the best price.
In other words, you find a game you want to bet on, and you shop around for the best price.
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For example: using Monday's (3/2/09) NBA lines, say for instance I want to play 76ers -2.5 for $500.
At BookMaker.com, I can play the 76ers -2.5 at -110 odds which would cost me $550 to win $500
At Pinnacle, I can play the 76ers -2.5 at -105 odds which would cost me $525 to win $500
At Bodog, I can play the 76ers at -2 at -110 odds which would cost me $550 to win $500
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First of all, by choosing to play this bet on Pinnacle instead of Bookmaker, I easily save $25.
Alternatively, if I decide to play this bet on Bodog instead of Bookmaker, in essence, I save $50.
How do I save $50? If I were to buy a hook (or half a point) on the 76ers -2.5 to get it down to -2, it would cost me 10 cents per dollar. In other words, on Bookmaker, 76ers at -2 would cost -120, which would yield a play for the 76ers at -2, $600 to win $500
You see, having multiple books is advantageous. Ask yourself: why pay more for the exact same thing?
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It's silly not to shop around for lines. When your wager amounts increase, every percent makes a difference. In the long run, two identical players betting $500 per play, one using Bookmaker, and the other using Pinnacle (low juice) will save a ton of money.
100 plays - 55 wins, 45 losses, with $500 units.
Bookmaker
55 wins = $27500
45 losses = $24750
Profit = $2750
Pinnacle
55 wins = $27500
45 losses = $23625
Profit = $3825
The player at Pinnacle will have an extra $1125 in his pocket for playing the exactly the same as the player at Bookmaker. For a more reasonable estimate, $50 per unit bettors would save $112.50.
FOR THE ROOKIES and not-so-rookie! Here are some useful links to help out your game:
Compare lines at - http://www.sbrodds.com/
Get live feeds at - ATDHE.net
Match-up reports and public betting percentages at - thespread.com
Injury reports at - rotoworld.com