I've read this entire thread and I must admit a number of statements, if they are true, make me scratch my head.
I've had lines move at the confirmation screen....having one move every once in a while is acceptable.....having all 4 side wagers move as JFS described would be totally unacceptable if I wagered there. That would definitely be a red flag.
I had a game total move against me 2 points on the confirmation screen....I've had a few move, especially during halftime when everybody and God wants to get in on the second half, that's more understandable.....but moving 2 points on a game that starts three hours later????
The only way to combat this problem, as other posters have already stated, is to move your money to a better shop. The only way gamblers are going to get fast and fair lines is to place accounts in the top tier sportsbooks who offer overnight lines, halftime lines, props wagers, fair odds on teasers and parlays, and good customer service.
When enough gamblers unite together to do this the books will get the message that anything less is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the offshore gamblers. The fly by night operations will get driven out of business and go under, while the top tier sportsbooks will thrive and we can receive the service we expect.
I'm sticking with a few top notch books who have treated me right and are willing to provide the things that make them what they are today. If there were 300 books out there and only 5 of them were top tier then I'd be looking to set up accounts at one of those 5 and let the other 295 wither and die.
This is just about like the baseball strikes or other strikes that seem to come along about every five years in some major sport or another......players bitch because 4 million dollars a year isn't enough money to make a living on....my suggestion is to just stop going to the ballparks.....when the strike is settled and there are like 7 people sitting in the stands then the players will get the message....
The books will get the message if we as gamblers quit going to the lousy ones.....