Sports betting can be a fun endeavor if you do it correctly, and approach it in a professional manner. For most of us who do sports bet analysis, it is an enjoyable pleasuring experience but with a touch of professionalism. For anyone contemplating sports betting, just remember these few simple rules.
- Bet only what you can afford to lose – Obviously do not bet your rent or school fees looking for a get rich quick scheme. Most times you will lose that money. Because some heart ache not just for yourself but your family as well.
- Don’t bet with Emotion – It is easier to say than done because we are all human. We always want the teams that we cheer for and support to succeed. My rule of thumb is to never bet on my teams. I say so because it will be a double heartache when they lose and I lose my money as well. Use your head, not your heart.
- Do the research – Unlike regular betting, sports’ betting is based on information. With the right tools, you can be able to predict with greater accuracy how a particular team will perform. Thus you can increase your winning odds.
- Have a betting strategy – “But you said this was supposed to be fun, now you are making it sound complicated and work like”. Well at the end of the day it is your money. I would bet that fun is more fun if you are winning. Having a betting strategy will help you win on a more consistent basis. It also prevent the dreaded feelings that losing brings regardless if it is just a hobby or not so. My advice would be to create a winning betting strategy and stick with it.
- Know your Sport – It is always a good thing to know your sport, teams, players and all the other nuisances of the bet before you start betting. That way you will make better decisions based on knowledge and information.
- Favorites don’t always win – in November 2016 Barcelona was supposed to play a third tier Hercules team in the round of 32 of the Copa Del Rey. Barcelona being the giants of football that they are being heavy favorites to win this game. They even rested their stars in Messi and Neymar. Guess what this unknown team nearly pulled off the upset. It wasn’t a timely goal by a backup youngster named Carles Alena.
- Don’t stick with one book maker – as with many other aspects of life, you can never stick with one book maker. You should always shop around to find the best deal that works for you.
- The fewer selections that you make the better – When betting you have to understand that the odds are stacked against you. So to mitigate those odds you have to choose fewer teams. Even though the payoff might not be too great, 4-5 teams are often sufficient. Most people choose up to 20 teams and always end up losing.
- Consider smaller markets – When most of the common and popular leagues have no value then you can consider the smaller markets to find a value for you. If you know your sports then it would be much easier to find those teams in the smaller markets to bet on.
- Have Fun – At the end of the day betting should not be taken seriously. It is a hobby that yes has the potential to make you a lot of money. But it should never be taken to addiction levels. If you find yourself getting addicted then you should stop and seek help immediately.