Closing line

In sports betting the closing line refers to the final odds available at the time the betting market for a given event closes. These are often the last lines being offered by a sportsbook before the match begins.

Experienced sports bettors consider the closing line to be when the market is at it's highest expected efficiency. Oddsmakers shape their lines using early action placed by knowledgeable sports bettors who have identified a betting advantage. Line movement leads the betting market closer to it's expected value resulting in relatively efficient odds. This yields closing lines that do not have betting advantage on either side. It is recommended that bettors wager on opening lines in order to generate profit.

Bettors who can consistently beat the closing line often find long term success.