Book Shenanigans

[21 skidoo]

Question for the experts. I am a notorious lurker and for many years, I have witnessed various conspiracy theories about Vegas and the various offshore shops.

I tend to be from the camp that gambling comes down to basic economics with the books trying to set the lines to get half the action on one side, and half on the other. I believe, perhaps erroneously, that these books are big enough that the big-time gamblers can not possibly bet high enough to move a line (by themselves) more than maybe a half point.

Having said all that, I am still curious whether there are some books that are notoriously more conservative or liberal with setting their lines and/or line movement.

Any opinions?

Thanks in advance,
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[heleanth]

I am not sure about Vegas, but I know sometimes I get frustrated with Pinnacle because they are constantly moving the line back and forth 1/2 point in many games. It drives me crazy when I take a game at, say, 4 in the hole and two seconds later it is at 3 1/2. Or if I see a game I wanted to play has gone up a half point, so I wait for it to come back down and then, of course, it goes up another half.

I have complained to them many times that they move the line back and forth too much, but they never respond to that.

 

[danmurphy jr]

You are right when you say Las Vegas Sportsbooks look to balance the play. There are limits placed on sides and totals. More on the pros than college because a select few are brought in on Sunday night to produce a public line. They are allowed a bet limit to produce a valid line. The finished product is the "Outlaw Line.". Bingo, that is it. That line is offered at the Stardust.
If you want to bet, let's say $10,000 on a game, you need to be registered with the State of Nevada Gaming Board, the IRS and the Casino. Stories about Fixers, Outlaws, Wiseguys, etal are all figments of livid imaginations. In the early 80's a Gary Austin had a piece of a betting parlor called Little Caesar's on the Strip. He was one of the best handicappers of his time. When he tried to outplay the bettors, one Sunday night, he had no money to pay his winners. Giant scandal almost brought the Feds in. The other books in Town, about 30 chipped in to pay the players who had won. Hope this helps.
Off shores??

 

[hyperion]

Pinnacle takes some HEAVY action from some sharp players and as such adjusts lines faster and more often than ANY book out there.

 

[godsfavoritedog]

I am not sure about Vegas, but I know sometimes I get frustrated with Pinnacle because they are constantly moving the line back and forth 1/2 point in many games.

I agree 100% with this. It is very annoying, especially when the line NEVER moves in your favor. I can understand lines move, but at least once in a blue moon it should happen in your favor, right?

Last NBA season, I was playing 2nd half totals and hitting 64% despite betting every single one. After awhile, the book was moving the line between the time I'd hit submit and confirm. It got so bad I finally took my money out. And I know they were trying to do it to me specifically because I would submit the opposite of what I wanted to play, let then move the line and then go back and change and submit and confirm my real play. :scared

 

[21 skidoo]

Yeah I have heard that about Pinnacle, but have never wagered through them.

What about the others on like Don Best for example? Their lines are all over the board! Some have over/unders lines for baseball totals and others do not. Is there an advantage to the book itself one way or another?

Thanks again,
21