Betting Tips & Strategies

Betting on sports is an enjoyable pastime, and a tiny fraction of the lucky (and hardworking) manage to turn it into a career. However, like almost any interest-based endeavor, it requires self-control and a lot of hit-and-miss effort to be successful.

There's also no surefire way to succeed. Some bettors use statistical analysis across a wide range of sports, while others focus on just one league, such as the NFL or NBA. Then there are gamblers who use a specific betting system, and these can vary in complexity from easy to understand to almost impossible to figure out.

Whether you're a novice bettor or a seasoned pro, the sports betting tips offered in this article should help increase your overall win rate. (The easiest way to improve your odds is to play only at sportsbooks that offer the best odds). Just remember that there is no one strategy that works perfectly for everyone, so don't be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes.

Building a Bankroll

If you decide to start betting on sports, don't take a handful of cash out of your checking account and dive in headfirst. The best approach is to set aside a small amount of disposable income until you have enough to open betting accounts at several sportsbooks. Patience is a virtue that pays off in the long run, and even in the short run, because it keeps your starting bankroll intact and growing. You're actually waiting to win some bets before you increase your action.

Managing a Bankroll

You have a bankroll now, and you don't want to lose it all on a single bet. My suggestion is to risk between 1% and 5% of your bankroll on any given bet. If your bankroll is $1,000, then your bets should be between $10 and $50. This may not sound very exciting, but you should remember that the best bets are the ones that won't get you wiped out by a few unlucky outcomes.

Bet with Purpose

The goal of sports betting is to make a profit. If you bet on games just for the fun of it, you are likely to lose in the long run. Always have a goal in mind when placing a bet, and do not underestimate the oddsmakers' ability to set a good line.

It's hard to achieve consistent success if you don't recognize the participants and the outfits. This is true no matter what sport you are betting on: You should watch as many of their contests as possible and then dissect the numbers. Ensuring that you have a thorough understanding of the game, its players, and its mechanics will greatly increase your chances of cashing winning tickets.

Avoid Tout Services

All of these services offer to provide winning picks for a price. Don't fall into this trap, as their supposed success rates are often exaggerated. If it were that easy to make money on sporting events, everyone would be doing it.

Don’t Go on Tilt

When a gambler loses his cool, he will follow up a losing bet with an even bigger bet that is sure to lose. Don't do that. If you lose a bet, even a sure thing, accept your mistake and misfortune and move on. Don't chase a big bet; it won't pay off.

Shop for Lines

Do not settle for the first odds you find. Look at several sportsbooks and find lines that give you a better number. This takes some time and effort, but in the long run you should find that it saves you money.

Keep a Clear Head

Many people enjoy drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana, but neither of these activities should ever be combined with sports betting. This is a sure way to make bad decisions and lose money. If you want to give yourself a fair chance of winning when betting on sports, you should get a full night's sleep the night before you place your bets.

Conclusion

While there is no one sports betting strategy that works all the time, the items on this list will serve you well under most circumstances. Betting on individual sporting events still involves a lot of luck, but careful research and thoughtful money management can help you weather the inevitable rough patches and come out ahead in the end.