A linemaker is a person who establishes the original and subsequent betting lines for a sport or event. A linemaker is also known as an oddsmaker, a bookmaker, or a sports analyst. A linemaker’s role is to create and maintain a fair and balanced betting market, where the odds reflect the true probability of each outcome, and where the bookmaker can make a profit regardless of the outcome.
How Linemaker Works
To establish the betting lines, a linemaker follows these steps:
Choose the sport or event that they want to set the lines for. They can select from various sports and events, such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, etc.
Choose the type of bet that they want to set the lines for. They can select from various types of bets, such as moneyline, point spread, totals, props, or futures.
Choose the teams or players that are competing or participating in the sport or event. They can select from various leagues or tournaments, such as NFL, NBA, MLB, FIFA, ATP, etc.
Collect and analyze the data and information that are relevant and reliable for the sport or event. They can use various sources and methods, such as statistics, trends, injuries, weather, etc., to measure and compare the performance and potential of each team or player.
Calculate and assign a numerical value or a point spread to each team or player, based on their data and analysis. They can use various formulas and models, such as power ratings, regression analysis, etc., to estimate and adjust the value or the spread of each team or player.
Adjust and finalize the odds and the margins for each team or player, based on the supply and demand in the betting market. They can use various tools and techniques, such as market research, customer feedback, hedging, etc., to monitor and modify the odds and the margins of each team or player.
Examples of Linemaker’s Lines
Here are some examples of the lines that a linemaker sets for different sports and types of bets:
Example 1:
The lines for a football game with a point spread bet:
Sport: Football
Event: NFL game between Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants
Bet type: Point spread
Teams: Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants
Data and analysis: The linemaker collects and analyzes the statistics, trends, injuries, weather, etc., of both teams, and assigns a power rating to each team. The power rating is a numerical value that represents the strength and quality of each team. The linemaker calculates the point spread by subtracting the power rating of the underdog from the power rating of the favorite, and adding or subtracting a home-field advantage or a key number. The linemaker adjusts the point spread based on the market research and customer feedback.
Point spread: Dallas Cowboys -7.5
Odds: -110 for both teams
Margin: 10%
Example 2:
The lines for a basketball game with a totals bet:
Event: NBA game between Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics
Bet type: Totals
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics
Data and analysis: The linemaker collects and analyzes the statistics, trends, injuries, weather, etc., of both teams, and assigns an offensive and defensive rating to each team. The offensive rating is a numerical value that represents the scoring ability of each team. The defensive rating is a numerical value that represents the defensive ability of each team. The linemaker calculates the total by adding the offensive ratings of both teams, and subtracting the defensive ratings of both teams. The linemaker adjusts the total based on the market research and customer feedback.
Total: 220.5
Odds: -110 for both over and under
Margin: 10%
Pros and Cons of Linemaker’s Lines
Linemaker’s lines can have some benefits and drawbacks for both the linemaker and the bettor. Some of them are:
Pros:
For the linemaker: Linemaker’s lines can provide an opportunity for making a profit by attracting more bets and charging a margin or a commission. Linemaker’s lines can also provide a challenge and a thrill for analyzing and predicting the outcomes of sports and events.
For the bettor: Linemaker’s lines can provide an opportunity for finding value and making a profit by comparing different lines and margins offered by different linemakers or betting platforms. Linemaker’s lines can also provide more excitement and variety for betting on different sports and events.
Cons:
For the linemaker: Linemaker’s lines can involve a high risk and difficulty of losing money by setting unfavorable or inaccurate lines, or by facing unexpected or unpredictable outcomes, especially in volatile or uncertain markets or events.
For the bettor: Linemaker’s lines can involve a high risk and difficulty of losing money by placing unfavorable or inaccurate bets, or by facing unexpected or unpredictable outcomes, especially in volatile or uncertain markets or events.
To Sum Up
A linemaker is a person who establishes the original and subsequent betting lines for a sport or event. A linemaker is also known as an oddsmaker, a bookmaker, or a sports analyst. A linemaker’s role is to create and maintain a fair and balanced betting market, where the odds reflect the true probability of each outcome, and where the bookmaker can make a profit regardless of the outcome. Linemaker’s lines can have some pros and cons for both linemakers and bettors, depending on their goals and preferences.