What is reverse line movement and how can it be used to identify smart money bets?

[Bruce]

Reverse line movement occurs when the betting line shifts contrary to the expected direction based on public betting percentages, often indicating that sharp money or experienced bettors (often referred to as "smart money") are placing bets on the less popular side. For instance, if a team opens as a 3-point favorite and, despite the majority of bets being placed on them, the line moves to favor the opposing team, this suggests that significant amounts of money are being wagered on the underdog, signaling confidence from well-informed bettors.

 

[CR7]

Exactly! Reverse line movement is a valuable tool for bettors looking to follow the money of more knowledgeable or skilled gamblers. By tracking these line movements, bettors can potentially identify situations where the betting public is leaning one way, but the line is moving the other way, signaling that the smart money is on the opposite side. This information can be used to inform betting decisions and potentially capitalize on market inefficiencies created by the actions of these sharp bettors. It's important to note that reverse line movement is just one factor to consider when making betting decisions, but it can be a useful indicator of where the smart money is flowing.