There is a tool for every part of betting now: odds screens, +EV finders, arb scanners, bet trackers, alert bots and calculators. You do not need all of them. Here is what each category does, what to look for, and a sensible setup for different types of bettor.
1. Odds screen (odds comparison)
What it does: shows every sportsbook's price side by side so you always get the best number.
Look for: books legal in your state, fast refresh, fair line next to prices, props coverage, mobile-friendly.
Who needs it: everyone. It is the single most valuable tool for any bettor. (How to use an odds screen.)
2. +EV finder
What it does: compares every price with a fair line from sharp markets and lists bets with a positive edge.
Look for: multiple sharp sources, conservative devigging, freshness checks, a confidence score, props coverage, instant alerts. (How to find +EV bets.)
Who needs it: anyone who wants a measurable edge rather than picks.
3. Arbitrage and middle scanner
What it does: finds price pairs across books that guarantee a profit (arbs) or create a winning window (middles).
Look for: price-age display, rule matching, oversized-arb warnings, alerts. (How to find arbitrage bets.)
Who needs it: bettors with accounts at many books and the patience to act fast.
4. Bet tracker
What it does: records every bet, grades it and shows ROI and CLV.
Look for: automatic sync from your books (nothing missed), CLV, breakdowns by sport/market/book, CSV export. (Best bet tracker app.)
Who needs it: everyone who wants to know whether they are actually winning.
5. Alerts
What it does: pushes edges, arbs or moves to your phone the moment they appear.
Look for: speed, filters (sport, market, edge, confidence), delivery via Telegram/push/email, a direct link to the bet. (Betting alerts.)
6. Calculators
What they do: EV, no-vig, Kelly, arbitrage, hedge, parlay, bonus bet conversion and more.
Cost: should be free. OddsHype's betting calculators are free with no account.
7. Promo tools
What they do: find the best odds to convert bonus bets and hedge promos, and low-hold pairs for rollover. (Converting bonus bets.)
Suggested setups
| Bettor | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Casual | Odds screen + free calculators + bet tracker |
| Promo-focused | Odds screen + promo/hedge tools + tracker |
| +EV bettor | +EV finder with alerts + odds screen + tracker with CLV |
| Arber | Arb scanner with alerts + odds screen + many book accounts |
Comparing specific tools
If you are switching from another platform, see how to compare OddsJam alternatives.
Avoid paying twice
Many bettors pay for a separate odds screen, +EV tool, arb tool and tracker. An all-in-one platform is usually cheaper and keeps your data in one place.
OddsHype combines all of these: a free odds screen for every signed-up user, +EV and arbitrage screens, middles, promo tools, automatic bet sync from 80+ books, analytics with CLV, alerts by Telegram, push and email, and 20 free calculators. Free to start; paid plans from $29/month. (Pricing.)
Frequently asked questions
What tools do professional sports bettors use?
Typically an odds screen, a source of fair lines (sharp books or a +EV tool), fast alerts, a bet tracker with CLV and calculators for sizing and hedging.
Is sports betting software worth it?
If it helps you get better prices or find real edges, yes. An odds screen alone often pays for itself through better prices.
Are there free sports betting tools?
Yes. Calculators are commonly free, and OddsHype's odds screen and basic bet tracking are free with an account.