How Do I Know If +150 Is Better Than +135 for the Same Bet?

When you’re diving into sports betting, you’ll often hear the advice: “Line shop to get the best price!” But what does that really mean? Suppose you find two different sportsbooks offering the same bet — one at +135 and the other at +150. Is +150 always better? How much does that difference actually matter? And what if the same sportsbooks are showing classic -110 lines elsewhere? Understanding odds and how to make the most profitable plays means grasping these nuances.

In this post, we'll break down the critical concepts surrounding +135 vs +150, why price matters as much as your pick, how juice and vig impact profitability, and effective strategies like moneyline shopping and leveraging sportsbook tools such as push notifications and same-game parlays.

Why Price Matters: +135 vs +150 Explained

Consider the following two bets on the same team or outcome:

Bet A: +135 — Risk $100 to win $135
Bet B: +150 — Risk $100 to win $150

Intuitively, +150 looks better, right? Because you stand to win an extra $15 on the same $100 risk. But let’s quantify what this difference means in terms of expected value (EV) and potential profits.

The Implied Probability Behind the Odds

American odds like +150 or +135 can be converted into implied probabilities:

+150 implies a probability of = 100 / (150 + 100) = 100/250 = 0.40 (40%)
+135 implies a probability of = 100 / (135 + 100) = 100/235 ≈ 0.426 (42.6%)

In reality, if your true estimation of that bet’s probability of winning falls between those two numbers, then +150 offers more value:

If you think the team has a 42% chance to win — better than what the +150 implies — +150 gives a bigger edge.
Even a seemingly small difference in implied probability can translate into significant edges for sharp bettors or over a large sample size.

Breaking Down -110 Pricing: The Classic Juice Example

It’s useful to contrast positive odds with the infamous classic -110 line that you see on point spreads or totals.

Odds Risk to Win Implied Probability Profit on $110 Risk -110 $110 to win $100 110 / (110 + 100) = 52.38% $100

A -110 line means you must risk $110 to win $100, with the sportsbook cutting a standard juice (or vig) on the market. You might think that the difference between risking $110 and $100 is just “rounding,” but it’s a self-inflicted wound if you take worse odds at a sportsbook for convenience.

Always ask: At what price am I getting this bet?

The Juice and Vig Math: How Sportsbooks Make Money

Understanding juice or vig is essential because it directly affects your long-term profitability — and the difference between +135 and +150 is sort of the inverse of juice on the plus side.

For prices like -110, you’re basically paying a 4.5% fee to place each bet (the fee is implicit in the odds).
For positive odds, sportsbooks set lower amounts to win relative to the risk for favorites, and slightly inflated plus odds for underdogs to attract action balanced with vig.
Getting +150 instead of +135 means the sportsbook is giving you a lower vig on the same outcome, which is a better deal.

Knowing how vig influences prices helps avoid what I call self-inflicted wounds — accepting worse prices and reducing your long-term profits unnecessarily.

Sportsbook Loyalty Tax: When Convenience Costs You Money

Many bettors get comfortable with a single sportsbook and assume the best odds will come through that book. This is the sportsbook loyalty tax — paying a hidden premium by sticking with one provider despite better prices elsewhere.

The reality:

Two sportsbooks offering the same bet at +135 vs +150 means you are leaving money on the table if you always bet +135.
Price differences accumulate over time.
Many books offer sign-up bonuses, but don’t blindly grab them without reading rollover terms — bragging about a $1,000 bonus without understanding requirements is my pet peeve.
Using multiple accounts and shopping lines is a way to circumvent the loyalty tax and maximize your returns.

Moneyline Shopping Basics: How to Find the Best Price

Moneyline shopping is the practice of comparing prices at different sportsbooks and placing bets at the best available odds. Here’s a quick step-by-step:

Identify your pick: Know the team or player you want to bet on.

best offshore sportsbooks review

Check multiple sportsbooks: Don’t just glance; open different apps or websites.
Compare odds: Look for the same bet at better prices — e.g., +135 vs +150.
Calculate potential value: Consider how much you win per $100 risk or implied probability.
Place bet where the price is best: Even small differences add up over time.

Some bettors keep a running note titled "self-inflicted wounds" for bets they took at worse odds just for convenience. Avoid becoming your own worst enemy.

Leverage Technology: Sportsbook Apps and Push Notifications

Modern sportsbook apps not only allow us to shop lines easily but also offer tools to give you an edge:

Push notifications: Get real-time alerts when a line moves or when special offers (like boosted odds or same-game parlays) launch.
Same-game parlay offers: Sometimes books will boost payouts on parlays involving the same teams. Shopping the best price here can mean +150 odds on a bet others have at +135.
Odds comparison tools: Apps and websites aggregate lines from multiple books, making it easier to identify the best price instantly.

Tips for Using These Tools Effectively

Subscribe to alerts on your preferred sports or teams to identify early line moves.
Use same-game parlay offers strategically—but always check the implied juice baked into these promotions.
Don’t get blinded by bonuses; check the rollover terms before jumping in.

Summary: At What Price Should You Bet?

When you say you like a team or bet, your first follow-up question should always be:

“At what price?”

Because the difference between +135 and +150 can be the difference between long-term profit and long-term loss, especially when compounded over many bets.

Odds Risk (USD) Win Amount (USD) Implied Probability (%) Example: Bet $100 +135 $100 $135 42.6% Win $135 +150 $100 $150 40% Win $150

Don’t pay the sportsbook loyalty tax. Use line shopping and tools that help you spot and lock in the best prices to maximize your return on investment.

Remember, a good pick is important — but a better price is just as important.

If you want to avoid self-inflicted wounds, make sure you’re not settling for -110 when a better price exists, and always be vigilant about where you place your bet.

Final Thoughts

Sports betting success isn’t just about picking winners; it’s about consistently getting your bets at the best possible price. When you evaluate +135 vs +150, the higher odds NOT only pay more, they represent better value based on implied probability and expected value. Shopping lines, utilizing sportsbook apps with push notifications, and capitalizing on same-game parlay offers help you stay ahead in a market that’s constantly shifting.

Next time you place a bet, ask:

“At what price am I getting my pick?”

Because your long-term bankroll will thank you.