Sports Betting 101: What Is An Opening Line?

Betting 101: What is an Opening Line? 

The initial posting of a betting line is known as the opening line. Bookmakers open a line for wagers with lower limits (lower max bet) than you’ll see closer to game time.

It doesn’t take much to move a line shortly after it opens, given bookmakers aren’t taking large bets yet. They use the opening number to help gain information from the betting market and come up with a better number. Most opening lines aren’t generated by “Vegas,” but are opened offshore, with only a few shops taking a risk by posting true opening numbers. Most sportsbooks won’t post their own line/number until they feel comfortable enough with the market to start taking their own wagers, as a consensus number forms. Those books won’t have to come up with their own line, they simply copy the market’s current consensus number. Occasionally a sportsbook might post a number that is differing from the market, which tells you the bookmakers’ have their own opinion on where the game should be lined, or they’re trying to attract more bets on a specific side. 

In most sports, the opening line is posted the night before the game, sometimes referred to as the ‘overnight line,’ and books won’t increase their bet limits until the following day. As the bettors place their wagers, bookmakers gain information; a more accurate number than the opening number is formed, and that number becomes widely available. Most professional bettors will wait until bet limits increase and are able to get a sizeable bet down before placing their bet. Despite what you may hear, sports bettors are the ones setting the lines, not “Vegas.”

Check out the live odds board at FTN Bets to ensure you’re always getting the best number available.