Many US bettors are transitioning to subscription-based betting tools to make smarter bets, gain valuable insights, and achieve a genuine edge, ultimately leading to improved results. However, while there are tons of choices for +EV finders or odds comparisons, there aren’t as many that purely focus on line movement, and even fewer that feature steam tracking tools. That is where we can help.
We have extensive experience in reviewing betting tools and software, and have encountered some that excel in lone movement. We know how important being aware of sudden shifts in betting lines is, so we have compiled a shortlist of the best line movement and steam tracking tools that can enhance your betting strategy.
What is Line Movement and Steam Tracking?
Even if you are just a casual bettor, I think it is unlikely that you are unaware of what line movement means and what it entails. But just in case, it refers to how the betting lines (moneylines, totals, spreads) move over time. Lines move for a reason, and this could be due to a big injury to a key player, big bets placed, new information, or a market imbalance. Tracking these movements helps players decide if odds are reacting reasonably to news, or if smart money is influencing markets.
Steam tracking is less well-known in the betting world. This is a term used to describe rapid, sharp line movement across numerous sportsbooks. Steam typically refers to a lot of volume coming from professional bettors or algorithms to identify value and force the market to adjust quickly. Recognizing steam early can get you ahead of the game and present profitable opportunities.
Top Line Movement and Steam Tracking Tools
Below are some of the best platforms for line movement and steam tracking, ranging from pro to premium level tools.
#1. Action PRO Network
Action Network is synonymous with casual and serious bettors like. The platform is excellent for line movement as it provides comprehensive live odds, bet tracking (BetSync), data-driven analysis, and sharp money alerts. Although the news and analysis are detailed, it isn’t complicated to follow, and once you have been alerted to any line movements from their charts, you can jump on the opportunity without needing to read through streams of stats and information.
Users will also be made aware of public betting percentages and money distribution, which helps with identifying trends. Action Network has experts who make picks, so look out for the odds to move once their picks have been released.
#2. OddsJam
OddsJam is a fast-growing odds and line tracking platform. It is an extremely sophisticated betting tool, with a strong reputation for speed and accuracy in updating odds from over 150 sportsbooks. One of the strengths of OddsJam is it’s ability to identify +EV bets and find live movements that offer users a mathematical edge. Whenever any odds diverge, you will receive instant alerts so you can act quickly.
Although subscriptions for OddsJam are expensive, it packs so much into one platform. It is an ideal option for value hunters and players who don’t mind using multiple sportsbooks searching for discrepancies.
#3. Trademate Sports
Trademate Sports specializes in identifying variance in odds and sportsbook margin, which makes it a great choice if you are looking for line movement and steam tracking tools. It does all of the hard yards to give you an edge over the sportsbook, finding the most profitable line opportunities. The platform uses historical data and aggregators to go through the numbers to provide players with a realistic projection on how much they could potentially win.
The Game Center Button on the dashboard is where you will find all of the sports and markets, and you will also notice the CLV tracking charts, which show you how the odds move in the moments before a game.
#4. Outlier.bet
Like OddsJam, Outlier.bet is a sophisticated betting tool that helps bettors find an edge and make more informed wagers. One thing that always strikes me when I am using Outlier.bet is the striking visualizations. They do an excellent job of putting line movements in charts and graphs, so it is easy to read and understand. This tool is also excellent at identifying +EV bets.
Line movements play a big role in betting strategies, and Outlier.bet has recognized this. If you get the timing just right, you can maximize the value of your bet. Outlier utilizes AI analytics to help you determine when is the best time is to find the best prices.
Top Line Movement & Steam Tracking Features
All of the tools we have listed above have line movement and have steam tracking features. They all go about presenting the odds movement in different ways. Some use charts and graphs, while others list the movements on a simple odds screen with filters. Here are some key features to look out for:
- Real-Time Data: With line movement and steam tracking, speed is a critical factor. Tools like OddsJam and Outlier.bet offer rapid updates to users can capitalize on shifting lines before they move further and you miss out on the best prices.
- Closing Line Value (CLV): This is very important as it gives you the ability to monitor if you are getting better odds than the final, most accurate line. If you are not, you know you need to make some adjustments.
- Steam Alerts: These are tools that give you an alert, that could be by email or text message if you are using an app, when a respected or ‘sharp’ bettor moves the market by heavily backing a certain outcome.
- Reverse Line Movement: (RLM): This is another alert that indicates that smart money is moving in the opposite direction to the public. This is valuable, as if you are going against the grain, you are likely to get better odds.
These are just some of the key features that line movement and steam tracking tools provide. The best options will also identify +EV bets and give you plenty of stats and historical data to make smarter wagers. Then, it is up to you to use these features effectively, and we have some pointers for doing that, too.
How to use Line Movement and Steam Tracking Tools Effectively
It is great to have all of these features at your disposal, but the key is using them effectively. It is no good paying a lot of money for a premium tool if you then don’t use it to its full potential. Here are some strategies for using line movement and steam tracking tools:
- Look out for rapid movement: A sudden jump, which could be a team’s spread point moving half a point in under a minute, could indicate steam and is worth investigation.
- Set up alerts: Lots of tools allow you to create custom alerts. Make sure you use them to get the best value before the odds shift.
- Compare lines across sportsbooks: It is always wise to check several sportsbooks; the ones that move first might show where the sharp money is.
- Use tools with your own research: The tools shouldn’t replace your own research. If you are like me, you will also find some enjoyment researching player stats and how they fare against certain opponents, etc. Rather, use the tools to augment it.
- Check the news: Use verified news platforms to check whether a movement is news-driven, such as a big injury, or market-driven, such as sharp activity.
Summary
Line movement and steam tracking shouldn’t feel like a nice to have or a niche option; they should play a big role in your betting strategy. Whether you only bet on the big games or you are a full-time handicapper, knowing how markets react and why can help you make smarter bets and also be more calculated with your wagers.
The tools we have listed on this page all offer excellent features for casual and professional bettors alike. The best choice depends on your betting style, budget, and the type of insights you need.
