Help CenterSignals & EdgeWhat are Steam Moves?

What are Steam Moves?

Signals & Edge

A steam move is when professional bettors all rush to bet the same side at the same time, causing the line to move fast.

Picture This

12:00 PM — Lakers are +150 at every book
12:03 PM — A betting syndicate hits Lakers +150 at 8 books simultaneously
12:05 PM — All books scramble to adjust: Lakers now +135

⚡ STEAM MOVE DETECTED Direction: Lakers (home) Magnitude: 15 cents in 5 minutes [/example]

Why It Matters

Professional syndicates don't bet randomly. They have models, data, and inside information (injuries, lineup changes) that casual bettors don't. When they all move at once, they've found something.

What SharpWire Detects

  • Moneyline moves 15+ cents within 8 minutes
  • OR spread moves 0.5+ points within 8 minutes

Should You Chase Steam?

⚠️ Chasing steam (betting AFTER the move) is risky. By the time you see it, the best price is usually gone. The real value is in identifying the direction BEFORE the move, which is what our Line Forecast tool does.

What the Badge Looks Like

On the dashboard, you'll see a red ⚡ badge on games with steam moves. On the game detail page, you'll see the exact time, direction, and magnitude.