Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a ban on sports betting in 2018, almost half the states legalised it. The popularity of internet gambling soared to new heights at the end of 2020. It’s a perfect time to improve your sports betting skills
Wondering how to become good at betting? Let’s take a look at some tips to make money for sports betting.
How can I improve my betting skills?
How to get better at sports betting might have to do with the frequency of your commitment to the craft. How to win consistently in sports betting—that’s a whole other story.
The first thing for getting better at anything: time management skills. You’ll realise that whatever you put into sports betting, that’s what you’ll be likely to get out of it.
That might seem too simplistic. But there’s logic inherent in making things easier on yourself. To get started, all you’ll need is a little bit of a push in the right direction.
Be realistic
Most of us have that one friend we’ve known for a long time who berates us to get real. That friend might be the best gambler you know. How to become a sharp sports bettor depends on your ability to deal with real life.
So, you’ll want to set aside some time each day or week based on realistic expectations. Get a basic idea of how much time you’ll be willing to spend on sports betting.
Is it a hobby, something to do in your spare time? Or will you be looking to establish yourself as a legitimate gambler?
Be realistic about your time, money, and strategies. That way, you’ll have realistic gains.
Don’t be afraid to lose
Since you’ll need to put some time and effort into sports betting, you should also realise that you will lose. That’s the nature of being a gambler. It’s inescapable, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting started.
Again, be realistic about the full spectrum of reality here. Most professional gamblers will tell you that losing is a part of the game. What is the best strategy for sports betting?
You won’t find out how to get better until you get over the fear of losing. Making mistakes and learning from them—that’s how you win in the long run.
Set goals and limits
Sports betting has the potential to teach you about yourself. To set goals that are realistic within your limitations, that’s an essential part of life. You should keep that in mind for sports betting as well.
If you want to improve your sports betting skills, you’ll need to set realistic goals. Limit yourself by the time and money you’re willing to lose.
Do your own research
Now that you have a better idea of how much time you’re willing to spend, you can start doing your research. At the outset, you might want to stick to the sport that you like best.
For example, if you prefer to watch baseball, then you can research upcoming games. Doing your research means knowing the terms for betting, as well. You can check out sites like Doc’s Sports for extensive information on just about any sport, to help you make a better choice.
What do you know about spreads? Will you bet over/under amounts based on total runs? If you aren’t comfortable betting on that right away, it might be best to start by picking teams outright.
Search for the most trusted online sports books
After you do your research, you’ll want to find a sportsbook that gives you the best odds to win. As you review the available odds, you can then place a bet on a reputable platform.
Many sportsbooks offer bonuses to first-time gamblers. Plus, you’ll want to consider deposits, pay-outs, fees, etc.
Customer service should also be a factor in case you run into any issues, try Safest Betting Sites to find the best sportsbook for your bets.
Don’t get overconfident when you win
How you handle losing and winning at sports betting will likely decide your fate. Most beginners who post early gains might lose it all from getting overconfident. You’ll need to keep your emotions in check no matter what happens.
If you get on a hot streak, you should realise that everything comes to an end. Professional gamblers win little more than 50% of their bets. Don’t get too low when you lose, and keep your cool when you win.
Keep your bankroll intact
Now that you’ve got the basics down, you’ll want to keep your bankroll intact. That’s the best you can hope for when it comes to sports betting.
Bet in small amounts within one to five percent (1%-5%) of your bankroll. Use a gambling calculator to see where there’s some potential value in your bets.
In the long run, a balanced sports betting strategy might offer you a chance at secondary income. Experienced gamblers take that to the next level by maintaining their bankroll.
What are the best strategies for sports betting?
The best strategies for sports betting depend on the types of bets. Moneyline betting offers beginners a way to gain some experience in various sports.
For example, an international friendly soccer match between Serbia (+500) versus Jamaica (-180). With these odds, Jamaica has a 64% chance of winning the game. Serbia has an implied probability of 17% to win.
There’s not much value for the favourite (Jamaica), but Serbia offers a lot of profit for an underdog bet. A smart bettor sees the big picture. (Weather, trends, hot streaks, etc.)
Why not wager something small on Serbia? As an international friendly game, it might not be so competitive. But it offers a gambler a perfect chance to gain 5x on something for as little as $10.
Point spread betting, over/under and fading the public
Next-level players might decide to wager on point spread betting. This style of betting offers gamblers opportunities to pick underdogs, too.
That’s way more appropriate in American football. For example, say the Philadelphia Eagles against the New York Giants. A divisional game means the spread might be small, like 2.5.
Philadelphia Eagles +2.5 (-110)
New York Giants -2.5 (-110)
With this spread, the Giants would have to win the game by three or more.
That might be a decent bet for the Birds since they’re getting points on the road. A three-point spread would be ideal. Because then the Eagles could lose by a field goal and still cover the spread.
So, why not find a platform that offers that odds? Finding the best value for your potential bets will be an important strategy in the long term.
Sports like soccer, hockey, and baseball also offer opportunities to bet over/under. Most of these games likely have lower scores. So it might be worthwhile to track some value, where predicting the final score works out best.
Fading the public offers sharp bettors another strategy for sports betting. That’s where you bet the opposite of the majority (since most gamblers lose). Sometimes the contrarian view pays off.
Conclusion
Sports betting requires plenty of patience. If you’re looking to win big right away, you’ll likely get burned. The best gamblers become profitable by winning at least 53% of their bets.
That doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from making mistakes and learning from them. Experience comes from using these basic tips and developing your gambling style.
Remember, the important thing is to have fun. If you’re not having fun anymore, then you should stop gambling. Becoming a successful sports bettor should be a rewarding experience.
To improve your sports betting skills, don’t be afraid to face reality. If you can win a little more than you lose, you can turn that reality into a profitable one.
Please play responsibly. For more information and advice visit www.begambleaware.org
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