Definition
A steam move is a sudden, significant line movement caused by heavy sharp betting action at multiple sportsbooks simultaneously. When a steam move happens, lines across the market shift rapidly as books react to protect themselves from informed money.
Example
At 2:15 PM, Chiefs move from -3 to -4 at Pinnacle, Circa, and BetMGM within minutes. This coordinated movement across sharp and soft books signals a steam move—professional bettors have identified value on the Chiefs.
Common Questions
How do I spot a steam move?
How do I spot a steam move?
Watch for rapid, coordinated line movement across multiple books, especially originating from sharp books like Pinnacle or Circa. Real-time odds trackers and alerts can help you catch steam moves.
Can I profit from steam moves?
Can I profit from steam moves?
If you catch a steam move early at a slow-moving book, you can bet before they adjust. But steam-chasing is competitive—algorithms and professional syndicates often capture the value before recreational bettors can react.