This led to certain offshore sportsbooks becoming the gold standard as far as the opening line was concerned. In the mid nineties as the internet rose to prominence and the most talented bookmakers migrated offshore, a new breed of oddsmakers emerged who set the lines from various island locales and were looking to deal higher limits than ever before to their growing customer base. The tradition of Las Vegas helping to establish the opening lines continued years later as the Stardust Line became a respected number with the assistance of Roxy Roxborough and his company LVSC. This line was gradually disseminated all over the country and more often than not tweaked based on anticipated regional action.
Years ago, the legendary Bob Martin opened what came to be known as the Las Vegas Line during his stints at Churchill Downs and the Plaza. There was a time many years ago when most of the betting lines did in fact originate from Las Vegas. But what does that really mean when we hear these expressions? Is there one sportsbook in Las Vegas setting all the lines? Do all the sportsbooks get together and agree on what the line should be? Does Las Vegas even really set the line at all? You will often hear media outlets say “Vegas” opened the line this or “Vegas” has the line at that.
By Matt Metcalf / opening line can be a term that is thrown around pretty loosely when it comes to sports betting.
