In the 2024-25 NFL season, BetIQ compared odds across 4 major sportsbooks on 263 games. In 62% of cases, at least one book offered a better price than DraftKings alone. The average difference was small — about 3-4 cents on the dollar. But at $100/bet over a full season, that's $366 extra in your pocket.
Books set their own lines based on their own models and their own book of customers. A book that took heavy action on one side will shade their line to balance — creating a discrepancy with a book that got different action. These discrepancies are small (usually 1-3 cents) but they're consistent and reliable.
For most bettors in legal US states, the five most valuable accounts to have are: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and BetRivers. Each has slightly different lines for different sports, and all five have large sign-up bonuses for new users.
BetIQ's Promotions page shows the current best sign-up offers ranked by expected value — worth checking before you open any new account.
Sharp bettors get limited by books. To avoid it: keep bet sizes reasonable (under $500), don't always bet the same side, and occasionally take -EV promos that books offer to recreational players. Books want recreational bettors — act like one occasionally to stay in good standing.