Books that Deal a Single Line

[BigMoney]

Let's turn this double-dealing thread into a positive one. There are cases in which a player is looking for one good book, and is a typical player who bets mostly favorites and popular teams. He needs to choose from a list of those books who deal the same line to everyone, not one that will shade the line to his disadvantage.

I think there might be a fairly short list of books for which we can say, with some certainty, deal a single line. I'll suggest a few, you guys can agree or disagree, and add to the list. But I think the groundrule should be only to list those that you are fairly sure belong there. Here is a starting set:

William Hill Online (not phone acct)
SIA (control their wiseguys with low limits)
GrandPrix (ditto)
World Sports Exchange

[AussieVamp2]

never got an inflated line at Megasports, Canbet, Centrebet, DAS, even National Sportsbet - they shouldn't, they have billions to play with always the same odds as listed - it is how Megasports/Canbet site works - everyone views odds, logs in when want to place bet..........

[AussieVamp2]

can only speak from a rhomboid point of view, not wiseguy though, sorry

[mls]

Bowmans
Aces Gold
Premiere League
Darwin All Sports
Sportingbet
WWTS
Sands
Canbet
Olympic
ABC Islands
Caribi
CRIS
Skybook
Big Book

[AussieVamp2]

true, never saw it at Big Book

Sportingbet, either, so far

or Interwetten or Wien-west or Worldbet..........

[Jeff]

This thread should probably have a short shelf life for the simple fact that the information being thrown out is simply not true.

MLS......Your list contains at least 6 books that have used this practice at one time or another.

[BigMoney]

You guys aren't following the groundrules. Just because you've never seen it isn't enough evidence to add them to the list we're constructing.

I think one reasonable way to find single-line books is this: some books allow an anonymous guest user to see the lines, then log in to make a bet. If reasonably large plays can be made at those numbers, from an account that has typically played only the best numbers and not mostly favorites, then I think they pass the test.

mls, Jeff is right. For example, you can compare the Feist Offshore Connection with the Don Best Feed and see at least one book that posts one line in one place, another in the other. But let's not get into pointing fingers at these guys - they are in the vast majority. Let's focus on identifying the small minority.

[ray]

If your purpose is to protect the small bettors with a fair line (no inflated lines), then I can tell you that,

a) SIA is the home of the sucker lines, you will see more often over there with some ridicoulus inflated favors.

b) WH is also famous on the "added hook" in American sports.

I don't think either of them will fit for your so-called small bettors that will bet the favors no matter what the lines will be.

Sure, they give one and same line to all bettors.

But do you think they are good for the small bettors?

[BigMoney]

Ray - good point. The small, casual bettor should select a book based on more than just this criteria. But I think it is an important one.

Maybe WSEX stands out as a good recommendation in this category. Perhpas there are others.

[Cons]

First of all, ONLY online sportsbooks can qualify. Login as guest, then as yourself. If lines are different: Houston, we have a problem.

Well, I can mention two names. Intertops is the second book (Bowmans was first, but they are not online) that I joined up with, and I have been with them for a couple of years now.

Never has the guest line been different than my own, which is why I have my full trust in this operation. From my long experience with them I can say that they deal a single line to all players.

The only other online books that I'm with (putting aside more UK ones like totalbet.com , stanjames.com , bluesq.com , etc.) is Sportingbet. Although I have been with them shortly, I believe in their full integrity. So far there has always been a single line for all, and I don't believe they would ever break this rule of conduct.

But overall it's Intertops that I have been a few years with, and I have always seen a single line from them throughout.

[mls]

Jeff - Doesn't matter what they did in the past.

We are only interested in now.

The books I listed I am confident deal one line AS OF NOW. (Obviously I exclude the lines offered for huge bets over the phone.) Let's keep it simple - online books.

If you believe a book I listed deals double lines please identify them. (Again, why not identify them? Both you and the books believe this practice is fine - why can't the bettor simply be informed of the book's policy in this area? Isn't the prime directive of Bettorsworld to provide exactly such relevant info to readers?)

So far, I am only aware that only Betmaker deals double lines online.

[mikren]

Some time ago, I asked the exact question (what is your line policy) in this forum to one of the books listed above. They declined to answer the question stating it was not their policy to provide insight into their bookmaking strategy to the players (which probably indicates it is more than one line). I have to respect that answer and for that reason won;t name the book here. I know I wouldn't like it if someone posted my wagering strategies for all the books to see.

[STING]

MLS, where is your proof that none of the books you mentioned are dealing double lines NOW? You still have not proved that Betmaker engages in this activity after contradicting your responses.

First you state early in the week that it was the guest lines that you were comparing.

Then you state it was two of your friends lines that you were comparing.

Then you state it was both the guest lines and your friends lines that you were comparing.

But then you state that you only checked the guest lines YESTERDAY.

Are you with ALL OF THESE BOOKS NOW to honestly say that the one's you listed do NOT deal double lines?

You're right, I doubt The Big Book deals double lines, so maybe you should go play with them.

[randyrohm]

How about the books on the Don Best feed. Aren't they required to honor the # on the screen (except for Intertops who never updates their lines on the screen). I only have accounts with 4 of those books, but always get the # it shows unless I happen to call right as it changes.

[mls]

Yes Sting - I either have an account with all the books I listed or they are on the Don Best feed (which Dana vouches for).

This matter surfaced against Betmaker maybe 10 days ago when a buddy called to ask my opinion about his small play at +18 1/2. For some reason I checked my old account with Betmaker and they were +18. A quick call to my friend proved to me Betmaker deals two lines (since his line was still +18 1/2).

Frankly I did not think about comparing the "guest" lines until a couple of days ago for "proof." (I obviously could not tell readers to login under my friend's login to prove the matter.)

Sure I understand Betmaker wined and dined you last week and you feel you owe them. Print what you want, I'll stick to the truth about Betmaker.