01 Definition
Sharp bookmakers (sharps) are known for having the tightest margins, fastest odds adjustments, and willingness to accept large stakes from professional bettors. Examples include Pinnacle and Betfair Exchange. Their odds are considered the "true" market price and are used as benchmarks for calculating closing line value.
02 Example
Pinnacle offers Over 2.5 at 2.05 while a soft bookmaker offers 2.20. The price difference exists because Pinnacle's odds are tighter (more accurate). Betting on the soft bookmaker at 2.20 captures value relative to the sharp market.
03 Why It Matters
Sharp bookmakers set the benchmark. If you consistently bet at better odds than the sharps offer, you're capturing genuine value. If you can't, you're likely on the wrong side of the market. Sharp lines are "the truth" of the betting market.
04 How thetipster.xyz Uses This
Our model references sharp market odds as one of its inputs. We compare our probability estimates against sharp lines to ensure our detected edge is genuine — not just a soft bookmaker's mispricing that will be corrected instantly.
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