Getting better odds than the final line at market close — the strongest indicator of long-term betting skill.
Closing line value (CLV) measures whether you consistently get better odds than the market's final price. The closing line is considered the most efficient odds because it incorporates the most information.
If you regularly bet -110 and the line closes at -115, you have positive CLV. Research shows that CLV is the single best predictor of long-term profitability — better than win rate.
Sportsbooks use CLV to identify sharp bettors. Consistently beating the closing line will eventually lead to limits at recreational books.
The average profit or loss per bet if you made the same wager thousands of times. Positive EV means long-term profit.
Sharp BettorA professional or skilled bettor whose action moves lines. Sharps consistently beat closing lines.
VigThe bookmaker's built-in commission. The difference between true odds and what you're offered.