Steam
A sudden, significant movement in a betting line caused by heavy sharp money on one side.
Steam refers to a sudden, significant shift in a betting line, typically caused by large amounts of sharp (professional) money coming in on one side of a game. When a line "steams," it moves quickly and often decisively.
What Causes Steam
Steam moves are typically triggered by sharp betting syndicates placing large, coordinated bets at multiple books simultaneously. Books respond by quickly moving their lines to reduce exposure.
Following Steam
Some recreational bettors try to chase steam, betting the same side after they see a line move. The challenge is that by the time you see the move, the best number is often gone.
Key Takeaways
- Steam = fast, significant line movement caused by sharp money.
- Steam moves are often caused by betting syndicates hitting multiple books.
- Chasing steam is difficult because the best price is already taken.
Examples
- A college football total drops from 58 to 55.5 at every major book within 10 minutes. That is a steam move.
- The Celtics go from -4 to -5.5 everywhere at once on a Tuesday afternoon with no injury news.
Related Terms
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A professional or highly sophisticated bettor who consistently makes profitable wagers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a steam chaser?
A bettor who jumps on a side right after a steam move, ideally at a slower book that has not moved yet. Books watch for this and limit accounts that do it consistently.
Is steam the same as reverse line movement?
Not exactly. Steam is any fast, market-wide move caused by heavy money. Reverse line movement is a line moving against the side most bettors are on. A steam move can be both.