Can betting lines move?

Yes, odds or the point spread can change leading up to the game and during live action. Pre-event line movement may be due to an injury, change in coaches, the suspension of a key player, and other circumstances. But most often a movement happens because more money is wagered on one side of the bet.

The sportsbook can encourage more bets on the other side by changing the payout odds or shifting the point spread, or the over/under. More valuable odds, a reduction in the point spread, or a change in the sportsbook’s prediction of the final score are factors that can drive similar wager volumes to both sides of the bet by game time.

If the line moves after you have placed your bet, nothing changes for you. The odds or the line in place when you made your bet—printed on your physical or online bet slip—won’t change for your bet, even if they do change on the odds board.