How to Avoid Getting Limited by Sportsbooks
Strategies to extend your account lifespan while staying profitable
9 min read
The Uncomfortable Truth
If you're consistently profitable, you will eventually get limited. It's not a matter of if, but when. Sportsbooks are businesses, and winning bettors are bad for business.
The goal isn't to avoid limits forever—it's to maximize your profitable betting window before restrictions hit. These strategies help you fly under the radar longer.
Why Sportsbooks Limit Bettors
Sportsbooks use sophisticated systems to identify "sharp" behavior. They're looking for patterns that indicate you're not a recreational bettor:
Red Flags That Trigger Limits
- Consistently beating the closing line
- Betting right after lines open
- Only betting on mispriced odds/promos
- Hitting niche markets (props, alt lines)
- Betting exact, odd amounts ($147.38)
- Betting on steam moves/breaking news
What "Recreational" Bettors Do
- Bet on favorites and popular teams
- Place parlays regularly
- Bet round numbers ($50, $100)
- Lose money over time
- Bet on main markets (spreads, totals)
- Use the sportsbook's casino/slots
10 Strategies to Extend Your Account Life
1. Round Your Bet Amounts
Never bet $147.82. Round to $150 or $145. Sharp systems calculate optimal bet sizes to the penny—rounding looks recreational.
2. Mix in "Recreational" Bets
Occasionally bet on favorites, popular teams, or small parlays. Yes, these might be -EV, but they help camouflage your sharp bets. Think of it as paying for cover.
3. Don't Always Max Bet
Even if you see a great +EV opportunity, don't always slam the maximum. Varying your bet sizes looks more natural.
4. Avoid Obvious Sharp Timing
Don't bet immediately when lines open or right after team news breaks. Wait a bit—even 30 minutes can help.
5. Stick to Main Markets
Spreads and totals on major sports have more action and better cover. Niche props and alt lines are easier to spot winners on.
6. Don't Ask About Limits
Calling support to ask "what's my max bet?" immediately flags your account for scrutiny. Just bet and find out naturally.
7. Use Multiple Books
Spread your action across FanDuel, DraftKings, and other books. Lower volume at each reduces the chance any single book notices you.
8. Take Worse Lines Sometimes
Paradoxically, occasionally betting at -115 instead of hunting for -105 makes you look less sophisticated.
9. Don't Clean the Board
Betting every +EV opportunity you find signals you're using a tool or system. Be selective.
10. Play the Long Game
Sustainable profits beat maximum extraction. A book that limits you in 3 months is worse than one that stays open for 3 years.
When You Eventually Get Limited
It happens to everyone who wins consistently. Here's what to do:
- Move to other sportsbooks
You should already have accounts at multiple books. Focus your action on the ones that haven't limited you yet.
- Consider betting exchanges
Exchanges like Betfair don't limit winners because they only take commission. You're betting against other users, not the house.
- Use your limited accounts strategically
Even at $20-50 max, you can still bet. It's less volume but still +EV. Some profit is better than none.
- Celebrate (seriously)
Getting limited means you're winning. That's the goal. It's validation that your strategy works.
Why +EV Bets Users Have an Advantage
+EV Bets focuses on FanDuel and DraftKings—the two largest US sportsbooks. These mainstream books have advantages:
Higher Volume = Slower Limits
Major books handle so much action that individual winners are harder to spot quickly.
Main Market Focus
+EV Bets prioritizes spreads, totals, and moneylines—markets with more cover than obscure props.
Tap to Bet Speed
Fast execution means you can act on +EV before it disappears, maximizing your profitable window.
Two-Book Comparison
Spreading bets between FanDuel and DraftKings reduces your profile at each individual book.
Start Finding +EV Bets Today
Get 5 free +EV picks daily on FanDuel and DraftKings—no credit card required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do sportsbooks limit winning bettors?
Sportsbooks are businesses that profit from losing bettors. When someone consistently beats the closing line or exploits mispriced odds, they become a liability. Books limit these bettors to protect their bottom line—it's not personal, it's business.
How do I know if I've been limited?
Signs of being limited include: maximum bet amounts significantly reduced, certain markets unavailable, bets being manually reviewed before acceptance, or outright account closure. You might go from betting $500 per game to only $20-50 allowed.
Can I get unlimited if I've been limited?
Generally, no. Once a sportsbook identifies you as a winning player, they rarely reverse course. You can try contacting support, but typically you'll need to move on to other books or betting exchanges.
Which sportsbooks limit the fastest?
Softer books (those with less sophisticated odds-making) tend to limit faster because winning bettors hurt them more. Market-making books like Pinnacle rarely limit because they actually want sharp action to shape their lines.
How long can I bet before getting limited?
It varies widely. Some bettors get limited after a few weeks of winning, others last years. Factors include bet sizing, market selection, and how closely you match sharp betting patterns. Following the strategies in this guide can extend your account lifespan.