← All guides

Learn · Source freshness

Source freshness

Odds data changes quickly. Sharp.IQ shows freshness so you can tell whether the number in front of you is current, delayed, stale, or retained as snapshot context — without hiding the uncertainty.

Why freshness matters

Odds move in seconds: line shifts, source delays, and provider gaps all change what is "current" right now. A number that looks fresh but is actually 30 minutes old can mislead market interpretation.

Sharp.IQ surfaces a freshness label next to every price so you always read the data with its timing context attached. Old data is not hidden — it is labeled.

The freshness vocabulary

  • Fresh — the most recent source update is inside the freshness window.
  • Delayed — the update is slightly behind the freshness window. Treat the row as a recent snapshot rather than a live feed.
  • Stale — the update is well outside the freshness window. Inspect with caution.
  • Mixed freshness — sources on the same row were captured at different times.
  • Last verified snapshot — during launch tuning, prices are retained for context. They are not a live feed.

How to use freshness in practice

Use the freshness label as a primary trust signal before reading the price itself. A fresh, multi-source row carries different weight than a stale single-source row even when the headline number looks the same.

When freshness is unknown, Sharp.IQ never invents a timestamp — the row is labeled `Freshness unknown` and surfaced for inspection rather than hidden. Informational analytics only; coverage and timing may vary.

Related guides

Important

Informational analytics only. We do not accept wagers, hold balances, or operate a sportsbook. Coverage and timing may vary.