A sharp, or sharp bettor, is a professional or highly skilled sports bettor who consistently profits over the long term through disciplined, analytical wagering. Sharps use sophisticated statistical analysis, proprietary models, and deep market knowledge to identify edges. They typically have large bankrolls and their wagers are significant enough to move betting lines when they place them. Sportsbooks closely monitor sharp action because it reveals where the true value lies in the market. The term originates from the contrast with casual or recreational bettors, who are referred to as squares.
Example
When a sharp bettor puts $10,000 on the Bills at +3, sportsbooks often move the line to Bills +2.5 within minutes. This movement caused by sharp money signals informed betting and tells the market that the Bills side likely has value. Books will often limit betting accounts or ban sharps entirely to protect their profit margins. You can track sharp action by monitoring line movements that go against public betting percentages. For instance, if 75% of bets are on the favorite but the line moves toward the underdog, that typically indicates sharp money on the underdog side.
Common Questions
How do sharps make money?
How do sharps make money?
Sharps find edges through superior analysis, proprietary models, and faster access to information than the general betting market. They often specialize in specific sports or bet types where they have deep expertise. Sharps bet large amounts early when lines first open to capture maximum value before the market corrects, and they manage their bankrolls professionally using methods like the Kelly Criterion. They also maintain accounts at many sportsbooks to always get the best available line, and they understand that consistent small edges compound into significant profits over thousands of bets.
How do I know if I'm sharp?
How do I know if I'm sharp?
The most reliable indicator is your CLV (Closing Line Value) over a large sample of bets. If you consistently beat the closing line, meaning the odds move in your favor after you place your bet, you're betting like a sharp. Track this metric over at least 500 to 1,000 bets. Win rate alone is not enough to determine sharpness because variance can easily mask or inflate true skill over short periods. A bettor who beats the closing line regularly is demonstrating genuine predictive ability, regardless of short-term results.
What's the difference between sharp and square?
What's the difference between sharp and square?
Sharps bet professionally with an identified mathematical edge on every wager, while squares are recreational bettors who typically lose money over time. Squares tend to chase favorites, overvalue popular teams, bet parlays for big payouts, and make decisions based on narratives, emotions, or gut feelings. Sharps bet strictly on value regardless of public perception, are willing to take unpopular sides, and approach betting as a long-term investment rather than entertainment. The betting market essentially transfers money from squares to sharps, with the sportsbook taking a cut through the vig.
Why do sportsbooks limit sharp bettors?
Why do sportsbooks limit sharp bettors?
Sportsbooks are businesses that profit from recreational bettors, and sharp bettors consistently take money from them. When a book identifies a sharp account through patterns like consistently beating closing lines or triggering line movements, they may reduce maximum bet sizes, delay bet acceptance, or close the account entirely. This practice is common at retail sportsbooks with lower limits. Some books, like Pinnacle and Circa, are known for welcoming sharp action because they use it to sharpen their own lines and then profit from higher volume at more accurate prices.