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Steam Move
sports bettingA sudden, dramatic line movement caused by heavy sharp action hitting multiple sportsbooks simultaneously.
Key Takeaways
- 1Steam moves are sudden sharp-driven line movements
- 2They hit multiple sportsbooks simultaneously
- 3One of the strongest signals in sports betting
- 4Value is usually gone by the time most bettors notice
What is a Steam Move?
A steam move is a sudden, significant line movement that occurs when sharp bettors hit multiple sportsbooks simultaneously with large wagers on the same side. It's one of the strongest signals in sports betting.
How to Identify Steam
- The line moves 1+ points in minutes across multiple books
- The movement is in the same direction at all major sportsbooks
- It often happens early in the week or close to game time
Steam vs. Regular Line Movement
| Feature | Steam Move | Regular Movement |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Minutes | Hours/days |
| Books affected | Multiple simultaneously | Gradual spread |
| Cause | Coordinated sharp action | Mixed money |
| Significance | Very high | Moderate |
Should You Follow Steam?
Following steam can be profitable if you're fast enough to get the number before it moves. But by the time most bettors notice a steam move, the value is already gone. The key is to understand WHY the steam happened, not just to chase it.