Line shopping is the practice of comparing betting odds and lines across multiple sportsbooks to find the most favorable conditions for placing a bet. This is crucial in sports betting because even seemingly small differences in point spreads or moneyline odds can have a significant impact on a bettor's overall profitability, especially when compounded over numerous bets. By engaging in line shopping, bettors can maximize their potential returns and minimize losses, as they ensure they are placing their wagers at the best available price.