Opening and Closing Line Values

Overview

The opening line is the odds of an event when they are first posted. The closing line is the final odds value before the event starts.

Example

If the New York Knicks are -4.5 (-115) when the odds are first posted, the opening line is 4.5. If they close as -5.5 (-110) favorites just before the event begins, the closing value is 5.5.Opening line and closing line can also represent odds values rather than point spreads. Using the same example, if the Knicks open at -200 on the moneyline and close at -220, the line moved 20 points in value. Closing line value reflects the value a bettor obtained when they placed the bet relative to what it closed at. If they got the Knicks at -205 shortly after opening, then they got 15 points in the closing line value.

Conclusion

Obtaining positive closing line value tends to be more profitable long-term, though it does not guarantee wins.