A curated list of tools, APIs, datasets, libraries, models, and resources for sports betting, handicapping, and quantitative sports analysis.
Maintained by Ian Alloway. Contributions welcome!
- Odds APIs
- Datasets
- Python Libraries
- R Libraries
- ML Models & Papers
- Kelly Criterion & Bankroll Management
- CLV & Line Shopping
- DFS Tools
- Books
- Podcasts
- Communities
- Platforms & Sportsbooks
- Related Awesome Lists
- Contributing
APIs for retrieving live and historical odds across sportsbooks.
- The Odds API - Aggregated odds from 70+ bookmakers worldwide with a generous free tier. Supports NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, and more.
- Sportradar - Enterprise-grade sports data provider powering the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NASCAR with official league data feeds.
- Betfair Exchange API - Programmatic access to the world's largest betting exchange, including market data, placing bets, and streaming prices.
- Odds API (odds-api.com) - Real-time and historical odds comparison API covering major US and European sportsbooks.
- BetBrain API - Odds comparison data from 200+ bookmakers across 30+ sports.
- Pinnacle API - Direct API access to Pinnacle's sharp lines, widely regarded as the market benchmark.
- Kambi API - B2B sportsbook technology provider powering DraftKings, Unibet, and others.
- DraftKings API - Unofficial endpoints for retrieving DraftKings odds and market data.
- FanDuel API - Unofficial endpoints for FanDuel sportsbook odds retrieval.
- Betfair Historical Data - Tick-by-tick historical exchange data for backtesting trading strategies.
- SportsDataIO - Real-time and historical sports data APIs for odds, scores, projections, and player stats.
- OddsPortal - Historical odds archive and comparison tool across hundreds of bookmakers.
Publicly available datasets for sports analytics and model building.
- Kaggle Sports Datasets - Community-contributed datasets covering betting lines, game results, and player stats.
- Sports Reference - The gold standard for historical sports statistics across MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, and college sports.
- FiveThirtyEight Data - Open datasets from FiveThirtyEight including ELO ratings, game predictions, and historical forecasts.
- nflverse/nfldata - Comprehensive NFL play-by-play, roster, and schedule data updated weekly during the season.
- nflverse/nflfastR-data - Pre-cleaned NFL play-by-play data with EPA, WPA, and CPOE metrics going back to 1999.
- Pro Football Reference - Complete NFL historical statistics including game logs, advanced stats, and draft data.
- Kaggle NFL Big Data Bowl - Annual competition with NFL Next Gen Stats tracking data for player movement analysis.
- Aussie Rules NFL Dataset - NFL scores and betting data including spreads and over/unders from 1966 to present.
- Basketball Reference - Comprehensive NBA, ABA, and WNBA statistical database with advanced metrics.
- NBA Stats API - Official NBA stats endpoint providing player tracking, shot charts, and advanced analytics.
- Kaggle NBA Dataset - Historical NBA game data with team stats, rankings, and game outcomes.
- NBA Shot Charts Dataset - Programmatic access to shot-level data from stats.nba.com.
- NBA Betting Dataset (Kaggle) - NBA historical stats merged with betting lines and totals.
- Lahman Baseball Database - The most comprehensive open baseball database covering stats from 1871 to present.
- Retrosheet - Play-by-play data for every MLB game going back to 1921, including event files.
- Statcast Data (Baseball Savant) - MLB pitch-level and batted-ball tracking data with exit velocity, launch angle, and spin rate.
- pybaseball Data - Python scraper for FanGraphs, Baseball Reference, and Statcast data.
- football-data.co.uk - Historical match results and betting odds for 20+ soccer leagues going back to the 1990s.
- FBref - Advanced soccer statistics powered by StatsBomb data for major leagues worldwide.
- Transfermarkt - Player valuations, transfer history, and squad information for soccer leagues globally.
- Open Football Data - Free open public domain football data covering leagues, cups, and national teams.
- European Soccer Database (Kaggle) - 25,000+ matches from 11 European leagues with player attributes from FIFA video games.
- Tennis Abstract - Match-by-match historical tennis results with Elo ratings and serve statistics.
- UFC Stats - Official UFC fight statistics including striking, grappling, and fight outcomes.
- Hockey Reference - Complete NHL statistical database with game logs and advanced metrics.
Python packages for data retrieval, analysis, and model building.
- nba_api - Python client for the NBA Stats API providing access to player, team, and game data from stats.nba.com.
- nfl_data_py - Python wrapper for nflverse data, providing easy access to play-by-play, roster, and schedule data.
- sportsipy - Pull clean and structured data from Sports Reference for MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and college sports.
- pybaseball - Scrape Baseball Reference, FanGraphs, and Statcast data with simple Python function calls.
- sportsreference - Pull data from Sports Reference sites for multiple sports with a Pythonic API.
- basketball_reference_scraper - Lightweight scraper for Basketball Reference data including box scores and player stats.
- sportypy - Generate scaled, accurate sports field and court visualizations in Python.
- cfbd - Python client for the College Football Data API, providing access to play-by-play data and recruiting.
- hockey_scraper - Scrape NHL play-by-play, shift, and schedule data from NHL.com and ESPN.
- pandas - The backbone of tabular data manipulation in Python; essential for cleaning and transforming sports data.
- scikit-learn - Machine learning library with classification, regression, and clustering algorithms for building prediction models.
- XGBoost - Gradient boosting framework frequently used in sports prediction competitions for its speed and accuracy.
- LightGBM - Fast gradient boosting framework from Microsoft, efficient for large-scale sports datasets.
- PyTorch - Deep learning framework used for building neural network-based sports prediction models.
- statsmodels - Statistical modeling library for regression analysis, time series, and hypothesis testing on sports data.
- optuna - Hyperparameter optimization framework for tuning sports prediction model parameters.
- PuLP - Linear programming library useful for DFS lineup optimization and bankroll allocation.
R packages for sports data and analytics.
- nflfastR - Fast scraping and cleaning of NFL play-by-play data with EPA and CPOE models built in.
- nflreadr - Minimal, fast package to read nflverse data releases without needing nflfastR.
- hoopR - Access NBA and men's college basketball data from ESPN and the NBA Stats API.
- wehoop - Access WNBA and women's college basketball play-by-play data.
- baseballr - Scrape MLB data from Statcast, FanGraphs, and Baseball Reference directly into R.
- cfbfastR - Access college football play-by-play data and recruit rankings.
- worldfootballR - Extract soccer data from FBref, Transfermarkt, Understat, and FotMob.
- hockeyR - Load and clean NHL play-by-play data with expected goals models.
- BradleyTerry2 - Fit Bradley-Terry paired comparison models, commonly used for team strength estimation.
Machine learning approaches, published models, and academic papers on sports prediction.
- FiveThirtyEight ELO Ratings - Nate Silver's ELO-based prediction system for NFL, NBA, and MLB with publicly documented methodology.
- FiveThirtyEight RAPTOR - Player-level plus-minus model combining box score and tracking data for NBA predictions.
- Microsoft Research SportsCastr - Microsoft's sports analytics research including real-time prediction models.
- Google DeepMind Football - Reinforcement learning environment for football (soccer) strategy research.
- NFL Next Gen Stats - AWS-powered tracking analytics providing completion probability, expected rushing yards, and win probability.
- Inpredictable - Publicly available NFL and NBA win probability and ELO models with transparent methodology.
- ESPN BPI - ESPN's team strength and game prediction model using Bayesian methods.
- KenPom - Widely respected college basketball efficiency ratings used for March Madness predictions.
- Beating the Bookies with Their Own Numbers - Demonstrates profitable soccer betting strategies using bookmaker consensus odds.
- Predicting Football Results Using Machine Learning - Comprehensive comparison of ML techniques for European football match prediction.
- A Machine Learning Framework for Sport Result Prediction - Framework for evaluating various ML approaches to sports prediction.
- Deep Learning for Sports Outcome Prediction - Application of LSTM and recurrent neural networks to sequential sports data.
- Applying Machine Learning to NBA Data - Predicting NBA game outcomes using ensemble methods and player-level features.
- Dixon-Coles Model - Foundational paper on modeling soccer scores with a bivariate Poisson distribution and dependence parameter.
- Massey Ratings - College sports ranking system based on solving systems of linear equations from game results.
- Glicko Rating System - Rating system extending ELO with rating deviation and volatility, applicable to sports prediction.
Tools and resources for optimal bet sizing and bankroll management.
- kelly-js - Lightweight JavaScript implementation of Kelly Criterion for calculating optimal bet sizes, supporting fractional Kelly and simultaneous bets.
- Kelly Criterion Calculator (Wizard of Odds) - Online calculator for determining optimal bet fractions based on edge and odds.
- PyKelly - Python implementation of the Kelly Criterion with support for multiple simultaneous outcomes.
- Kelly Criterion (Wikipedia) - Comprehensive mathematical overview of the Kelly Criterion with proofs and examples.
- Fractional Kelly Strategies - Pinnacle's guide to using fractional Kelly for more conservative bankroll management.
- Staking Plans Comparison - Empirical comparison of Kelly, flat, and proportional staking plans across historical soccer data.
- Fortune's Formula by William Poundstone - The story of the Kelly Criterion, from information theory to Wall Street to gambling.
- The Kelly Capital Growth Investment Criterion - Collected academic papers on Kelly strategies edited by MacLean, Thorp, and Ziemba.
Tools for tracking closing line value and comparing odds across sportsbooks.
- OddsJam - Real-time odds comparison, positive EV finder, and CLV tracker across 50+ sportsbooks.
- Pinnacle - The sharpest sportsbook in the world; Pinnacle closing lines are the industry benchmark for CLV measurement.
- DarkHorse Odds - Odds comparison and arbitrage finder for US-legal sportsbooks.
- OddsShopper - Line shopping tool with conversion calculators, hold percentages, and best-odds highlighting.
- Unabated - Professional-grade line shopping, no-vig fair odds calculator, and CLV tracking dashboard.
- BetStamp - Bet tracking app with automatic CLV calculation, ROI analysis, and odds comparison.
- Rebel Betting - Value betting and sure betting (arbitrage) finder covering international sportsbooks.
- Odds Shark - Free odds comparison and historical line movement charts for major US sports.
- Action Network - Odds comparison, public betting percentages, and sharp money indicators.
- SharpSide - Bet tracking and analytics platform with CLV monitoring and bankroll visualization.
Daily fantasy sports optimization and research tools.
- FantasyLabs - Data-driven DFS research platform with player models, ownership projections, and correlation tools.
- SaberSim - Lineup optimizer using game simulations and projected ownership for GPP tournament strategy.
- RotoGrinders - DFS community with free projections, articles, lineup tools, and the GrindersLive show.
- DraftKings Optimizer (LineStarApp) - Free DFS lineup generator and optimizer for DraftKings and FanDuel.
- FantasyCruncher - Advanced lineup optimizer with late-swap support, multi-entry tools, and stacking features.
- Daily Fantasy Nerd - Projections aggregator and optimizer that combines multiple expert projection sources.
- Stokastic - DFS projections, ownership models, and optimal lineup construction tools.
- AwesemoDFS - Premium DFS projections with course-fit models for golf and positional rankings for all sports.
Essential reading for sports bettors, from beginner to advanced.
- Sharp Sports Betting by Stanford Wong - A classic reference on sports betting mathematics covering closing line value, money management, and market theory.
- Calculated Bets by Steven Skiena - Computer science professor documents building an automated prediction system for jai alai, applicable to any sport.
- Trading Bases by Joe Peta - A Wall Street trader applies financial modeling techniques to MLB betting with entertaining narrative.
- Mathletics by Wayne Winston - How math and analytics are used across major sports for roster construction, in-game strategy, and prediction.
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver - Broad exploration of prediction science with dedicated chapters on sports forecasting and poker.
- Weighing the Odds in Sports Betting by King Yao - Practical guide covering middle plays, scalps, steam moves, and the math behind sports betting markets.
- Statistical Sports Models in Excel by Andrew Mack - Step-by-step guide to building prediction models in Excel for sports bettors.
- The Logic of Sports Betting by Ed Miller & Matthew Davidow - Modern guide to understanding how sportsbooks set lines and where bettors can find edges.
- Squares & Sharps, Suckers & Sharks by Joseph Buchdahl - Deep dive into the psychology and statistics of sports betting markets.
- The Drunkard's Walk by Leonard Mlodinow - Exploration of randomness and probability that gives essential context for understanding sports outcomes.
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - Foundational work on cognitive biases directly applicable to avoiding common betting mistakes.
- Superforecasting by Philip Tetlock - Research on what makes accurate forecasters, with lessons directly applicable to handicapping.
Podcasts covering sports betting strategy, analysis, and news.
- Behind the Bets (ESPN) - Doug Kezirian's show covering the Las Vegas sports betting scene with sharp analysis.
- Beating the Book - Gill Alexander's weekly podcast focused on NFL sides, totals, and market analysis.
- The Athletic Gambling Podcast - Data-driven betting discussion across multiple sports from The Athletic's staff.
- You Better You Bet (VSiN) - Nick Kostos and Ken Barkley cover daily sports betting markets with a conversational approach.
- Bet the Process - Spanky's data-driven approach to NFL and NBA betting with transparent record-keeping.
- The Favorites (FanDuel) - FanDuel's betting strategy podcast covering lines, props, and market movements.
- Circles Off - Podcast about the sports betting industry covering market dynamics, technology, and regulation.
- The Ringer Gambling Show - Bill Simmons' network explores betting angles across NFL, NBA, and college sports.
- Pinnacle Podcast - Educational content on betting strategy, market efficiency, and value finding from the sharpest book.
- Edge (with Andrew Brandt) - Business side of sports including the growing legal sports betting industry.
Online communities for discussion, strategy, and sharp betting content.
- r/sportsbook - The largest sports betting subreddit with daily pick threads, strategy discussion, and market analysis.
- r/sportsbetting - General sports betting community for sharing picks, parlays, and betting experiences.
- r/sportscontests - Organized prediction contests with leaderboards and transparent record-keeping.
- r/NFLBetting - Dedicated NFL betting discussion including spreads, totals, and player props.
- r/sportsbookextra - Supplementary sports betting subreddit for additional discussion and analysis.
- Discord: Unabated Community - Professional betting community focused on CLV, market theory, and quantitative approaches.
- Discord: OddsJam Community - Active Discord for positive EV and arbitrage discussion with automated alerts.
- Covers.com Forum - One of the oldest sports betting forums with active discussion across all major sports.
- SBR Forum (SportsbookReview) - Long-running forum with sportsbook reviews, picks, and industry discussion.
- @PlusEVAnalytics - Quantitative sports betting content focused on positive expected value strategies.
- @CaptainJackBets - Sharp bettor sharing insights on market movements and betting strategy.
- @MarkKafalas - Former Pinnacle employee sharing sportsbook and sharp market analysis.
- @spanaboredMTL - Data-driven bettor sharing transparent plays and model output.
- @ActionNetworkHQ - Breaking odds, line moves, public betting percentages, and market analysis.
Major sportsbooks and platforms with API access or notable features for serious bettors.
- Pinnacle - The gold standard for sharp bettors; lowest margins, highest limits, and doesn't limit winners.
- Betfair Exchange - Peer-to-peer betting exchange allowing lay bets and in-play trading with exchange API access.
- Circa Sports - Las Vegas-based sportsbook known for high limits and welcoming sharp action.
- Bookmaker.eu - Offshore sportsbook respected for high limits and tolerance of winning players.
- BetOnline - International sportsbook with competitive lines and prop markets.
- DraftKings Sportsbook - Major US sportsbook with extensive prop markets, live betting, and same-game parlays.
- FanDuel Sportsbook - Leading US sportsbook known for competitive odds on main markets and user-friendly interface.
- BetMGM - Full-featured sportsbook backed by MGM Resorts with a wide range of markets.
- Caesars Sportsbook - Major US sportsbook with the Caesars Rewards loyalty integration.
- PointsBet - Innovative sportsbook featuring PointsBetting where payouts scale with margin of victory.
- BetRivers - US sportsbook from Rush Street Interactive available in multiple states.
- Hard Rock Bet - Sportsbook from the Seminole Tribe of Florida expanding to additional states.
Other curated lists that complement sports betting research.
- awesome-machine-learning - Comprehensive list of ML frameworks, libraries, and software across all languages.
- awesome-quant - Curated list of libraries, packages, and resources for quantitative finance. Many tools transfer directly to sports betting.
- awesome-deep-learning - Deep learning tutorials, projects, and resources applicable to sports prediction models.
- awesome-datascience - Data science resources including tools, tutorials, and communities relevant to sports analytics.
- awesome-python-data-science - Python libraries for data science including visualization, NLP, and ML tools.
- awesome-r - Curated list of R packages and tools useful for statistical sports modeling.
- awesome-football - Open data, tools, and resources for soccer (football) analytics.
- awesome-sports-analytics - Curated list of sports analytics resources, tools, and communities.
Contributions are welcome! Please read the contributing guidelines first.
To the extent possible under law, Ian Alloway has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this work.