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The Sensitivity of Findings of Expected Bookmaker Profitability

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  • Kevin Krieger
  • Andy Fodor
  • Greg Stevenson

Abstract

Levitt demonstrates that, contrary to conventional wisdom, sports books may not try to balance the money wagered on the sides of a game but instead exploit preferences of bettors in order to maximize expected profits. Levitt’s findings are based on unique data from a wagering contest of the 2002 National Football League (NFL) season. Reconsideration based on 2004-2010 data from a similar contest yields findings of a dramatically smaller increase in expected profitability from strategic line making. Additionally, the traditional underperformance of favorites in athletic wagering may have somewhat subsided, which would also imply reduced bookmaker profits compared to those Levitt reports.

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Krieger & Andy Fodor & Greg Stevenson, 2013. "The Sensitivity of Findings of Expected Bookmaker Profitability," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 14(2), pages 186-202, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jospec:v:14:y:2013:i:2:p:186-202
    DOI: 10.1177/1527002511418516
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Sinkey & Trevon Logan, 2014. "Does the Hot Hand Drive the Market? Evidence from College Football Betting Markets," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 40(4), pages 583-603, September.
    2. Krieger, Kevin & Fodor, Andy, 2013. "Price movements and the prevalence of informed traders: The case of line movement in college basketball," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 70-82.

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