What is Pinnacle and Why It Matters

Pinnacle is widely regarded as the sharpest sportsbook in the world. Unlike recreational sportsbooks, Pinnacle:

Because of these factors, Pinnacle closing lines are considered the most accurate predictor of game outcomes and the gold standard for measuring betting skill through Closing Line Value (CLV).

Pinnacle API Status: What Happened?

Official Pinnacle API (Restricted)

Status: ⚠️ Closed to general public as of July 23, 2025

Pinnacle operated a public API for many years that allowed developers to access odds, place bets programmatically, and retrieve account information. However, as of July 23, 2025, Pinnacle closed API access to the general public.

Pinnacle now offers bespoke data services for:

  • Select high-value bettors
  • Commercial partnerships
  • Academic researchers
  • Pregame handicapping projects

To apply for access, email api@pinnacle.com with a description of your use case.

Current Alternatives

Since Pinnacle's API is now restricted, you can access Pinnacle odds through:

  • Third-Party Aggregators: Several providers in our API directory offer direct Pinnacle API access
  • PS3838 API: Pinnacle's sister brand (via brokers like Sportmarket) may still offer API access
  • Apply for Direct Access: Contact api@pinnacle.com if you qualify for their bespoke services

Browse Pinnacle Data Providers →

Understanding Closing Line Value (CLV)

Closing Line Value is the gold standard metric for measuring betting skill. Here's how it works:

What is CLV?

CLV measures the difference between the odds you bet at and the closing line (final odds before the game starts). The closing line represents the market's final, most accurate assessment of probabilities.

  • Positive CLV: You bet at better odds than closing = you beat the market
  • Negative CLV: You bet at worse odds than closing = market was ahead of you

CLV Example

You bet Lakers -5.5 (-110) on Tuesday. By game time Sunday, the line closes at Lakers -6.5 (-110).

  • You got 1 point better than closing → Positive CLV
  • Over time, consistently positive CLV = profitable betting
  • Studies show CLV correlates strongly with long-term profitability

Why Pinnacle Closing Lines?

Pinnacle closing lines are the industry benchmark because:

  • They accept sharp action that other books limit
  • High limits mean prices reflect real money consensus
  • No account restrictions create honest, efficient markets
  • Academic studies confirm Pinnacle closing lines are most accurate

What Pinnacle Data is Available

Current Pinnacle Odds

Pinnacle Historical Odds

Third-party providers offer historical Pinnacle data including:

Learn more about historical odds →

What's NOT Available

Use Cases for Pinnacle Odds Data

Closing Line Value (CLV) Tracking

Compare your bet prices to Pinnacle closing lines to measure betting skill. Consistently beating Pinnacle closing = you're a sharp bettor.

Finding Soft Books

Compare other sportsbooks' odds to Pinnacle to find which books offer worse (beatable) prices.

Arbitrage Opportunities

Find arbs between Pinnacle and recreational books that don't track Pinnacle closely.

Model Validation

Test your predictive models against Pinnacle's efficient market to see if they have edge.

Line Shopping Tools

Include Pinnacle as the "fair market price" benchmark in odds comparison tools.

Academic Research

Study market efficiency using Pinnacle as the sharpest, most efficient sportsbook.

Accessing Sharp Odds Data

Since Pinnacle restricted their API to select partners in July 2025, sharp odds data is primarily available through third-party aggregators. Here's what to look for:

What to Evaluate in a Provider

Typical Pricing

Sharp odds data typically costs $50-500/month depending on features. Some providers offer free tiers with limited requests that include Pinnacle data - useful for testing.

Find Pinnacle Data Providers

Compare APIs that include Pinnacle odds and closing lines in our directory.

Browse API Directory →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use the Pinnacle API?

As of July 23, 2025, Pinnacle closed their API to the general public. However, they still offer bespoke data services for high-value bettors, commercial partners, academics, and pregame handicapping projects. Contact api@pinnacle.com to apply. Alternatively, use third-party aggregator APIs or consider PS3838 (Pinnacle's sister brand) via brokers like Sportmarket.

Where can I find Pinnacle API documentation?

The Pinnacle API documentation is still available on GitHub, but API access is now restricted. If approved for access, Pinnacle will provide onboarding. For alternatives, refer to third-party provider documentation. Browse providers in our directory →

Why are Pinnacle lines considered the sharpest?

Pinnacle doesn't limit or ban winning players, accepts very large bets, and uses sophisticated pricing models. This means their lines reflect true market consensus from professional bettors with real money at stake. Other sportsbooks often copy Pinnacle's lines because they're so accurate.

Can I place bets via API on Pinnacle?

No. Even when Pinnacle had a public API, automated betting was restricted. Currently, there's no way to place bets on Pinnacle programmatically - you must do it manually through their website.

What's the difference between Pinnacle and Bet365 odds?

Pinnacle caters to professional bettors and offers sharp, efficient lines with low margins. Bet365 is the world's largest recreational sportsbook with worse odds but much wider market variety (more props, SGPs, etc.). Pinnacle is better for value; Bet365 is better for market selection. Learn more →

Ready to Access Pinnacle Odds?

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