Sports betting is a fun and easy way to enhance your enjoyment of sports events. It can be as simple as placing a moneyline or spread wager, or you can go all out with a parlay bet. But the key to success is knowing how much to risk and sticking to that limit. A good rule is to only bet 1% to 5% of your total bankroll per game.
When you’re first starting out, it’s best to stick with one sport competition and hone your skills there. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of the rules and strategies involved. It will also give you a better chance of making the right bets. This will also prevent you from becoming a victim of shady sports handicappers who promise guaranteed wins but deliver nothing but bad beats.
Bet with your head, not your heart
Betting on sports with your emotions is a recipe for disaster. It can be hard to ignore all the locker room gossip and news surrounding a team you’re rooting for, but it’s crucial that you remain objective when making your selections. If you make decisions based on emotion, it’s almost impossible to keep winning. Instead, try to focus on the numbers and unique circumstances at play in a given game. You should also refrain from betting on teams simply because you’ve been rooting for them since you were a kid.
Another great strategy is to research sports betting services that have a proven track record. Take the time to read online reviews, find out what other bettors think about them and check their Better Business Bureau rating. Don’t be afraid to shop around, because odds are that you’ll get better prices from different sportsbooks.
Over/Under Sports Betting
In addition to moneylines and spreads, you can bet on sports by laying over or under the total points, goals or runs scored in a particular game. These bets are quite similar to point spreads, but they focus on the total number of points scored rather than who will win a game. If you expect a high-scoring affair, bet the over; if you anticipate a defensive slugfest, bet the under.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it’s almost impossible to predict a winner ahead of time. While handicappers may make picks and come up with reasons as to why they’re right, it’s ultimately a guessing game. And even the most experienced handicappers are considered successful only at a 50% rate.
