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Closing Line Value

What is CLV?

Closing line value (CLV) is the difference between the odds you got when you placed your bet and the odds available when the game starts (the closing line). If you bet -108 and the line closed at -115, you beat the close — positive CLV.

Why it's the most important metric

The closing line is the most efficient price the market produces. Sharp money, injury news, and all available information gets baked in by game time. If you consistently beat the closing line, it means you're identifying edges before the market does — which is the definition of a skilled bettor.

In a large enough sample, CLV + is highly correlated with long-run profitability. Win/loss record is noisy (variance) but CLV is signal.

Example

You betTeam A -3 at -108
Line closes atTeam A -5 at -110
CLV+2 points (you got better price)
VerdictPositive CLV — good bet regardless of outcome

How BetIQ tracks CLV

When you log a bet and the game closes, BetIQ automatically records the closing line and calculates your CLV. Over time, your CLV beat rate appears in your tracker — the % of bets where you beat the closing price. 55%+ is considered sharp.

Next: How the BetIQ Model Works →