Sharp Sports Betting by Stanford Wong

What is the difference between a sharp and a square bettor?

Sharps are professional bettors who use data models, beat closing lines consistently, and profit long-term. Squares are recreational bettors who bet on favorites, parlays, and popular teams. Sportsbooks track this — sharp money moves lines, square money doesn't. Following line movements caused by sharp action (reverse line movement) is a common strategy for intermediate bettors.

What is the difference between sharp and public money?

Sharp money comes from professional bettors who bet large amounts based on calculated edges. Public money comes from casual bettors who often back favorites, popular teams, and overs. Sportsbooks shade lines to account for sharp action. Reverse line movement — when a line moves opposite to where public bets are going — typically signals sharp money coming in on the other side.