Question: Opening Lines

[jimmymo]

I would really appreciate some insight into how opening lines are set by those in the industry.

I think it would be a mistake to assume that computer power rankings aren't involved initially, but assume that the lines are then adjusted for public perception (which includes the publics perception of how injuries, home court advantage, etc. may effect the outcome) and finally an adjusment based upon a sampling of 'consultants' in the industry to determine how a given line would be bet by "sharps" -- thus sharpening the lines of those games in which the house anticipates sharp action.

Anywhere close? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS

 

[TheGeneral+]

I think the LVSC group use charts as a basis for an opening number, then adjust for other faactors as you mention to get a start, then move with the money once the line is opened.

 

[bongzanpoker]

what the general says is basically right.

thing is sharps dont really give a toot about the books, they lead the bookmakers astray all the time. at the end of the day the sharps clean up and the bookmakers scratch their heads, well most of them anyways..

the guys that make the line know straight away what the line is, it then gets kicked around and a bit of tweeking is done. then they stick it up and take bets.. get a feel for the market, take more bets then finally taking a position or having a strategy for booking the game.. u can be a point out here and there and sometimes 3 points out. the opening line is just that, the opener, the beginning. analogy i think of is a game that is in the 1st quarter.

out of the thousand or so books that exist on the net i'd estimate about a half a percent come up with their own stuff.