Sports betting can be a lot of fun – especially when done with friends who are all rooting for the same team. It ups the ante, adds a layer of personal stake to the outcome of an already momentous match. If you’ve just started and you feel like you’ve been thrown in the deep end, maybe you’ve lost a few wagers and you’re starting to think about how you might increase your chances of winning, we’ve got a list of tips that’ll get you on the right track.
Research
Sports betting isn’t like casino betting in that there’s a lot more you can do to successfully predict wins in quick succession during the course of a season, walking away with bulging pockets. This might seem obvious, but the best way to keep on top of the game is to stay informed on all the teams that play in your league: who’s got a new good coach, which players have switched teams, who’s looking strong at the beginning of a new season etc.
But then there’s the other difference between sports and casino betting – history. Every team, player and coach have a unique, accessible history of wins and losses that not only reveals a fascinating narrative but also helps you better predict future outcomes. In the world of sports betting, having an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of your sport can actually make you money.
Be A Realist
This is a difficult one, especially when you’re a big fan of your team or player. There’s a saying often heard amongst the older generation of sports bettors, “I’m not a fan of any team, I’m a fan of the ball.” This kind of thinking is what’s kept them in the game so long.
Of course, if you’re not betting on a particular season (taking breaks is healthy and recommended) go all out in support of your favourite team! But when you’re placing a wager it’s time to get real and put your money where you know the jackpot will be.
Know When to Back Down
This comes alongside being a realist. If you’re on a bit of a losing streak, it’s time to stop, slow down and maybe go back to the drawing board. Maybe you haven’t put enough time into your research for the season, or maybe luck just isn’t on your side, but don’t keep pushing ahead and losing money when it’s clear that you’re in the dark. Every dog has its day and perhaps today just isn’t that day.
Don’t Bet Under The Influence
It’s okay to sit and have a whiskey while you’re watching the game, but if it’s betting you’re doing, stay smart, sharp and sober. No one’s clear-minded enough to make wagers once they’ve been drinking. As emotions rise and healthy self-doubt leaves the table, it becomes more tempting to start increasing your wager despite evidence to the contrary.
So, here’s a small list of basic tips to get you started, and they’ve all centred around one thing, one quality essential to becoming a pro sports bettor: dedication. Now go out and start winning!