Comparative advantages of sports betting in Vegas vs. Online?

SammyKid11 · #1 05-05-2007, 05:56 PM

I'm basically a n00b as far as sports is concerned. I bet in college and made some nice dough, but it was before I really understood what I was doing...I think I just had a nice run. I'm now a poker player/musician by trade, and I'm seriously considering a move to Vegas. Obviously, some nice opportunities there poker and music wise...but I was also hoping to do some line shopping/arbitraging out there. I'd have a nice starting roll for such ventures, but I'm basically looking for information from those of you who are familiar with the Vegas sports market in terms of what opportunities are available, how it compares to the online markets (perhaps using Vegas in concert with online markets?), and any other information one would be willing to share with me on the subject. All help appreciated.

Moneyline · #2 05-05-2007, 06:16 PM

I live in Vegas, bet on sports a decent amount (capped full time for a while last year, but not playing poker cost me too much money), and have never placed a bet in a Vegas sportsbook. Line shopping is a major pain in the ass in the casinos. What takes 5 minutes online takes all day. The odds are almost always worse than what you'll find online, and bonuses and promotions are inferior to what the online shops offer. Forget about reduced juice, and I don't know of any book that hangs overnight lines on MLB, NBA, and other non-NFL sports. The one group of books that you'll find helpful to you are the Station casinos books, and I only say that because you can bet online with them as long as you live in Nevada.

I'm sure there are times when you can find good lines in Vegas books, but you have to be in the right place at the right time in order to see them. Also, I've heard from multiple sources that football props are often weak and scalpable, but to find these spots it takes a major amount of effort wandering literally miles from book to book.

playersare · #3 05-05-2007, 11:16 PM

no laptops, cellphones or pagers in the B&M sportsbooks.

real time arbitrage would be extremely difficult.

futures/props would be the main play if anything.

Thremp · #4 05-05-2007, 11:18 PM

[ QUOTE ]
no laptops, cellphones or pagers in the B&M sportsbooks.

real time arbitrage would be extremely difficult.

futures/props would be the main play if anything.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is so correct its absurd that I can't mock it in any way.

Jordan · #5 05-06-2007, 02:13 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
no laptops, cellphones or pagers in the B&M sportsbooks.

real time arbitrage would be extremely difficult.

futures/props would be the main play if anything.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is so correct its absurd that I can't mock it in any way.

[/ QUOTE ]

how close can you get? what's to stop me from looking up lines from 30 feet away (near a slot machine or something) on my blackberry and then go place a bet at the book.

TomG · #6 05-06-2007, 03:03 AM

I was in Las Vegas staying at the Mirage last week. I used my laptop in my room to compare the prices of games between Pinnacle and the lines listed on Vegas Insider. Vegas lines are nearly all 20 cent lines which sucks but often they are far enough off to be quite profitable. I would write down all of my potential bets in my room and then race down to the sportsbook to confirm the lines and place my bets.

Jordan · #7 05-06-2007, 03:12 AM

i was just in reno and saw dime lines on baseball. some of which were very arbable from what i saw earlier in the day online(not big arbs just a couple cents). also not sure if they were all linemovements or just off because i didn't get to check online again for a while.

Daliman · #8 05-06-2007, 03:38 AM

Also, casino sportsbooks are more likely to make exploiatable mistakes, like incorrect odds on parlay cards, etc.

Parlay cards are also exploitable, as their point spread doesn't change throughout the week.

TomG · #9 05-16-2007, 08:39 PM

[ QUOTE ]
i was just in reno and saw dime lines on baseball. some of which were very arbable from what i saw earlier in the day online(not big arbs just a couple cents). also not sure if they were all linemovements or just off because i didn't get to check online again for a while.

[/ QUOTE ]
Since you have to be physically present in Nevada to place a bet at a B&M sportsbook, their lines are less efficient in general. Time to start the 2+2 Las Vegas Syndicate!!