CLV (Closing Line Value)
📖 GlossaryDefinition
CLV measures the difference between the odds you got when you placed your bet and the final odds (closing line) just before the game started.
You bet Lakers +150 at noon.
By game time, the line closes at +130.
Your CLV = +20 cents. You beat the market.
Why It Matters
CLV is the #1 predictor of long-term betting profitability. Studies show that bettors who consistently get positive CLV are profitable over thousands of bets, regardless of short-term win/loss variance.
Positive CLV vs Negative CLV
- •Positive CLV: You're consistently getting better odds than the closing market. Sustainable long-term winner.
- •Negative CLV: You're consistently getting worse odds than closing. Even a hot streak won't last.
Think of CLV like buying a stock before it goes up. The closing line is the "true price." If you keep buying below that price, you profit long-term.