Table of Contents
- Getting Started
- Platform Overview
- Risk Command Center
- Sharp Detection Engine
- Integrations
- Configuration
- Best Practices
- FAQ
Getting Started
Quick Start Guide
Welcome to SharpShield. This guide will help you get your risk management platform operational within 24 hours.
Step 1: Account Setup
- Log in to your SharpShield dashboard at
app.sharpshield.io - Complete your organization profile under Settings > Organization
- Add team members and assign roles under Settings > Team
- Configure two-factor authentication for all admin accounts
Step 2: API Integration
- Navigate to Settings > API Keys
- Generate your production API key
- Integrate the SharpShield SDK into your platform (see API Reference)
- Begin sending bet data and player information
Step 3: Configure Thresholds
- Go to Settings > Risk Thresholds
- Set your risk tier boundaries based on your risk appetite
- Configure automated actions for each tier
- Set up alert notifications
Step 4: Enable Real-Time Monitoring
- Access the Risk Command Center
- Verify data is flowing correctly
- Review initial player assessments
- Fine-tune settings based on your player base
Platform Overview
Architecture
SharpShield operates as a cloud-based SaaS platform with real-time processing capabilities:
┌─────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐
│ Your Platform │────▶│ SharpShield API │────▶│ ML Processing │
│ (Sportsbook) │◀────│ Gateway │◀────│ Pipeline │
└─────────────────┘ └──────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘
│ │
▼ ▼
┌──────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐
│ Risk Command │ │ Model Training │
│ Center │ │ & Updates │
└──────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘
Core Components
1. Risk Scoring Engine- Real-time player risk assessment
- Machine learning-based classification
- Continuous model updates
- Pattern recognition algorithms
- CLV (Closing Line Value) analysis
- Syndicate detection
- Live monitoring dashboard
- Alert management
- Reporting and analytics
- Automated limit adjustments
- Rule-based actions
- Webhook notifications
Risk Command Center
Dashboard Overview
The Risk Command Center is your central hub for monitoring and managing betting risk.
Key Metrics Panel
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Sharp Players | Players currently classified as HIGH or CRITICAL risk |
| Today's Risk Exposure | Total liability from sharp-classified bets |
| Pending Reviews | Players requiring manual assessment |
| CLV Leakage | Estimated value lost to sharp bettors |
Live Activity Feed
The activity feed displays real-time events:
- New sharp player detections
- Risk tier changes
- Suspicious pattern alerts
- High-value bet notifications
- Syndicate link discoveries
Player Management
Player Profile View
Each player profile contains:
Risk Assessment- Current risk score (0-100)
- Risk tier classification
- Confidence level
- Historical score trend
- Win/loss record
- ROI performance
- Average stake
- Preferred markets
- Timing patterns
- CLV performance
- Steam move correlation
- Line shopping behavior
- Account linking signals
- Current stake limits
- Market restrictions
- Account status
Bulk Actions
Perform actions on multiple players:
- Select players using filters or checkboxes
- Choose action: Adjust Limits, Add to Watchlist, Export Data
- Confirm and apply
Alert Configuration
Alert Types
| Alert | Trigger | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Detection | Player crosses HIGH threshold | High |
| Tier Change | Risk tier upgrade | Medium |
| Unusual Pattern | Anomaly detected | High |
| Syndicate Link | Account connection found | Critical |
| Liability Threshold | Event exposure limit | High |
| Steam Move | Sharp money detected | Medium |
Notification Channels
Configure notifications via:
- Email (individual or distribution list)
- SMS (critical alerts only)
- Slack integration
- Webhook to your system
- In-app notifications
Sharp Detection Engine
How It Works
SharpShield's detection engine uses a multi-layered approach combining statistical analysis, machine learning, and behavioral pattern recognition.
Layer 1: Statistical Analysis
CLV (Closing Line Value) TrackingCLV measures the difference between the odds when a bet was placed versus the closing odds. Sharp bettors consistently beat the closing line.
CLV = (Closing Odds - Bet Odds) / Bet Odds × 100
Players with average CLV > 2% over 100+ bets are flagged for review.
Win Rate AnalysisLong-term win rates above expected values indicate sharp behavior:
| Market Type | Expected Win Rate | Sharp Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Point Spreads | 50.0% | > 53% |
| Totals | 50.0% | > 53% |
| Moneylines | Varies | > Expected + 3% |
| Props | 48-50% | > 52% |
Layer 2: Machine Learning Models
Ensemble Model ArchitectureSharpShield uses an ensemble of models:
- Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) - Pattern classification
- LSTM Networks - Temporal betting patterns
- Random Forest - Feature importance analysis
- Neural Networks - Complex pattern recognition
The models analyze 150+ features including:
- Betting timing relative to line moves
- Market selection patterns
- Stake sizing behavior
- Historical performance metrics
- Account activity patterns
- Device and session data
Layer 3: Behavioral Analysis
Timing Pattern DetectionSharp bettors often exhibit specific timing behaviors:
- Betting immediately after line releases
- Activity spikes before steam moves
- Consistent betting windows
- Quick reaction to injury news
Algorithms identify potential connected accounts through:
- Betting pattern correlation
- Device/IP fingerprinting
- Deposit/withdrawal patterns
- Referral chains
Risk Scoring
Score Calculation
The risk score (0-100) is calculated as a weighted combination:
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| CLV Performance | 30% |
| Win Rate vs Expected | 25% |
| ML Model Prediction | 25% |
| Behavioral Patterns | 15% |
| Account Signals | 5% |
Risk Tiers
| Tier | Score | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0-30 | No action required |
| MEDIUM | 31-60 | Monitor, standard limits |
| HIGH | 61-85 | Apply reduced limits |
| CRITICAL | 86-100 | Maximum restrictions |
Integrations
API Integration
See API Reference for complete documentation.
Integration Modes
Mode 1: Real-Time AnalysisSubmit bets for analysis before acceptance:
Your Platform → SharpShield API → Risk Analysis → Accept/Reject
Latency: < 100ms average
Mode 2: Asynchronous ProcessingSubmit bets after acceptance for analysis and model training:
Your Platform → SharpShield API → Background Processing → Alerts
Mode 3: Hybrid
Combine real-time analysis for flagged players with async processing for all bets.
Third-Party Integrations
Odds Providers
SharpShield integrates with major odds providers for CLV calculation:
- Pinnacle (Primary sharp reference)
- Bet365
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Custom provider via API
Data Platforms
- Sportradar (Event data, results)
- Betgenius (Trading data)
- Custom data feeds
Communication Tools
- Slack (Alerts and notifications)
- Microsoft Teams
- Email (SMTP or SendGrid)
- Custom webhooks
Configuration
Risk Thresholds
Default Settings
{
"risk_tiers": {
"low": { "min": 0, "max": 30 },
"medium": { "min": 31, "max": 60 },
"high": { "min": 61, "max": 85 },
"critical": { "min": 86, "max": 100 }
},
"auto_actions": {
"high": {
"reduce_limits_by": 50,
"notify_team": true
},
"critical": {
"reduce_limits_by": 90,
"restrict_markets": ["spreads", "totals"],
"notify_team": true,
"require_review": true
}
}
}
Customization
Adjust thresholds based on your business model:
- Recreational-Focused Books: Lower thresholds, stricter actions
- Sharp-Tolerant Books: Higher thresholds, graduated response
- Market Makers: Focus on syndicate detection over individual sharps
Automated Actions
Available Actions
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
REDUCE_LIMITS | Decrease stake limits by percentage |
SET_MAX_LIMIT | Set absolute maximum stake |
RESTRICT_MARKETS | Block specific market types |
ADD_DELAY | Add bet acceptance delay |
REQUIRE_REVIEW | Queue for manual approval |
SUSPEND_ACCOUNT | Temporary account freeze |
NOTIFY_TEAM | Send alert to team |
Rule Builder
Create custom automation rules:
IF player.risk_score > 75
AND player.sport = "NFL"
AND bet.stake > 1000
THEN
reduce_limits(75%)
AND notify_team("High-value NFL bet from sharp")
Best Practices
Implementation Recommendations
Phase 1: Monitoring (Week 1-2)
- Enable data integration
- Run in "observe only" mode
- Review initial classifications
- Calibrate thresholds
Phase 2: Alerts (Week 3-4)
- Enable alert notifications
- Monitor false positive rate
- Adjust sensitivity settings
- Train team on response procedures
Phase 3: Automation (Week 5+)
- Enable automated limit adjustments
- Start with conservative settings
- Gradually increase automation
- Monitor impact on revenue
Operational Guidelines
Daily Tasks
- Review overnight alerts
- Check new HIGH/CRITICAL classifications
- Process pending reviews
- Monitor liability exposure
Weekly Tasks
- Review sharp player trends
- Analyze CLV leakage reports
- Adjust thresholds if needed
- Team performance review
Monthly Tasks
- Generate comprehensive reports
- Review automation effectiveness
- Audit false positive/negative rates
- Strategic planning session
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Over-Restricting: Don't limit every winning player; focus on true sharps
- Ignoring Context: Consider market conditions and sport specifics
- Delayed Response: Act on critical alerts promptly
- Set and Forget: Regularly review and adjust settings
FAQ
General Questions
Q: How long does it take to see results?A: Initial classifications are available within 24-48 hours of integration. Model accuracy improves over 2-4 weeks as more data is collected.
Q: What data do you need from us?A: At minimum: player IDs, bet details (stake, odds, market, outcome), and timestamps. Additional data like device info and session data improves accuracy.
Q: Do you store player personal information?A: We only store the data necessary for risk analysis. We never require or store names, addresses, or payment information. See our Privacy Policy.
Technical Questions
Q: What's the API latency?A: Average response time is < 100ms for risk queries. Real-time bet analysis averages 50-75ms.
Q: Can we use our own risk models alongside SharpShield?A: Yes. Our API returns raw scores and features that you can incorporate into your own models.
Q: How often are models updated?A: Models are retrained weekly with new data. Major model updates are deployed monthly with changelog notifications.
Pricing Questions
Q: How is pricing calculated?A: Pricing is based on monthly active players analyzed. See our pricing page for current tiers.
Q: Is there a free trial?A: We offer a 14-day free trial with full feature access. Contact sales@sharpshield.io.
Support
Contact
- Technical Support: support@sharpshield.io
- Sales Inquiries: sales@sharpshield.io
- API Issues: api-support@sharpshield.io
Resources
- Status Page: status.sharpshield.io
- API Documentation: docs.sharpshield.io/api
- Changelog: docs.sharpshield.io/changelog
SLA
| Plan | Response Time | Uptime SLA |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 24 hours | 99.5% |
| Professional | 4 hours | 99.9% |
| Enterprise | 1 hour | 99.99% |
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