Limit
A limit is a restriction on the maximum amount you can bet. Sportsbooks aggressively limit winning accounts, often reducing max bets from thousands of dollars to single digits.
How Limits Work
Limits typically escalate in stages:
| Stage | Max Bet | Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| New account | $5,000+ | None |
| Flagged | $500-1,000 | Early winning patterns |
| Limited | $50-200 | Consistent CLV |
| Severely limited | $5-20 | Sharp confirmation |
| Closed | $0 | Account terminated |
The speed of limiting depends on the book. Some limit after a few winning weeks; others give more runway.
Why Books Limit Winners
Sportsbooks are businesses. Their profit comes from:
- Vig from recreational bettors
- Winners paying losers (the book as middleman)
Sharps break this model by consistently extracting value. Limiting them protects margins.
Key insight: Getting limited is proof you're winning. It's a badge of honor in betting circles.
Limit Triggers
What gets you limited:
Betting off-market hours. Sharp lines are posted early; squares bet closer to game time.
Betting steam. Consistently betting lines right before they move.
High CLV. The clearest signal. If you beat closing lines, you're sharp.
Account profiling. Quick deposits/withdrawals, maximum bets, specific market focus.
Avoiding Limits
Strategies to extend account life:
| Strategy | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Bet recreational patterns (round numbers, popular games) | Moderate |
| Mix in losing square bets | Costly but effective |
| Use beards | High risk, high effectiveness |
| Bet with sharp-friendly books | Best long-term solution |
Sharp-friendly books (Pinnacle, Circa, some European books) don't limit winners—they use sharp action to sharpen their lines.
Limits on Prediction Markets
Kalshi and other prediction markets operate differently:
- Exchange model: trade against other users, not the house
- Position limits exist but aren't punitive
- No profit-based restrictions
This is one advantage of prediction markets over traditional sportsbooks for winning traders.
Life After Limits
Options when limited everywhere:
- Beards: Use proxy bettors (risky, relationship-dependent)
- Betting exchanges: Betfair, prediction markets
- Sharp-friendly books: Accept lower limits for no restrictions
- Pivoting: Move to markets with higher limits (horses, props at certain books)
Most professional bettors eventually face limit challenges. It's the ultimate sign you've made it.
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