If the lines are sharp and the book makes a lot of money, the linemaker(s) will be given a pat on the back. A linemaker typically starts from scratch in games between two teams and must figure out which team should be labeled as the favorite and by how many points. However, sometimes an individual linemaker can be part of a larger group of people, depending on the magnitude of the event that needs a betting line.Ī linemaker has a huge responsibility to put out solid lines and/or totals. A linemaker can also be referred to as an oddsmaker, and they typically create lines and totals on their own. When someone is referred to as a 'linemaker, it means they are responsible for creating lines and totals for sportsbooks. Sportsbooks have the utmost trust in their linemakers so that when they post their lines to the betting public, they aren't vulnerable to big losses. It's not often you come across a line that is far off from what actually happens in the game. Setting the right number is the heartbeat of any sportsbook, which is why they hire the sharpest minds in the betting game and task them with calculating the lines. If you've ever found yourself cursing the game line or completely dumbfounded at how a basketball total from the Russian basketball league lands right on the 'over/under' number, I can assure you that you are not alone.
