There are millions of sports fans around the world who watch a game and think to themselves “I bet that team must have a great chance of winning, it’s so exciting.” Unfortunately, betting on sports isn’t easy and even the best professional bettors lose money in the long run. Betting on sports is not like playing poker and requires knowledge of math, variance, and a solid understanding of how to make the most of your bankroll.
One of the most common mistakes new bettors make is placing wagers based on media hype and bias. Many televisions shows, radio stations and websites are devoted to covering sports, but most don’t offer much more than opinion-driven analysis. For example, if ESPN pumps the tires on Seattle all week, it will sway hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of fans to bet on the Seahawks. This is a huge mistake for bettors because the linemakers are well aware of public sentiment and will adjust lines accordingly.
Another common mistake is not examining the team’s record against the spread. Most people believe a team’s win-loss record is the only important factor when it comes to betting, but this is a flawed view. A team’s conventional win-loss record is often misleading because it doesn’t consider how often the team covers a spread. A team may have a poor record against the spread but be able to cover a large number of games.
It is also essential to understand the rules of a sportsbook. For instance, bettors are given a maximum amount they can wager on each event, and this can change depending on how the sportsbook feels about a specific bettor. For example, high rollers typically receive a higher maximum bet than other customers but this can be adjusted after a certain period of time. Changing the maximum bet size can help the sportsbook manage their risk and protect themselves from big losses.
Finally, it is important to research the sportsbook you intend to bet at. Look at user reviews and read sportsbook policies, but don’t let them dictate your decision to bet. Sportsbooks vary greatly in terms of their customer service, sports selection, and betting markets. Also, be sure to check out a sportsbook’s betting menu before making a deposit so you know which types of bets are available.
Sports betting is a fun and exciting way to get involved in a sport you enjoy. However, it is not a get-rich-quick scheme and those who are looking for a fast solution should avoid it altogether. If you’re willing to put in the work, it is possible to make money sports betting, but it’s not for everyone. Those who don’t have the discipline or patience to stick with it will quickly find themselves struggling to break even. With a little effort, though, you can learn how to place the best bets and maximize your profits. Good luck! Mike Spector is a writer and contributor to BettingPros. For more of his work, visit his site or follow him on Twitter @MikeSpector01.