If there’s one vice that really stands out among investors, then it’s sports betting. After all, playing the financial markets takes a certain attraction to taking risks and an appetite for big pay-outs. Just as you want to know all the secrets of the stock market, you may also have a burning drive to beat the bookies and make a big win. Despite what some people suggest, you can help your odds when betting on sports. Here are a few pointers that will get you off to a great start.
First of all, establish a good bankroll. Just as you’d place (x) amount on the stock market to invest, you should apply the same principle when you’re making wagers on sports. In general, thinking of it as more “sports investment” than gambling will improve your odds of success. The size of your bankroll will vary depending on a few different factors. When setting one for yourself, you need to consider how long you plan to wager for, the amount of money you can realistically afford to lose, and how much you’d ideally like to bet per match or game. As with anything, the longer you’re planning to invest in sports betting, the larger your bankroll should be. Find a good balance somewhere between having a good chance at considerable profits, and avoiding any major risk to your personal finances.
Next, set yourself a unit. If you’re new to sports betting, a “unit” refers to a fixed amount that you’re going to wager per match or game. Once you’ve set yourself a good bankroll, getting your unit becomes a breeze. The perfect unit size should allow you 20 separate bets within your bankroll. You can figure it out to a tee with a simple equation which factors in the vig. Remember, when you’re making a straight bet, you’re putting down 110% with the chance to win 100%. The only time you pay the vig is when you lose. Let’s say you’ve set yourself a $1500 bankroll. Divide this by 22 (the amount of bets you can make plus the vig). This will give you a unit of $68.18.
Finally, pin down a betting system and some tools to help you along. To anyone who’s been in the game a long time, most people’s system of making sports bets is akin to putting on a blindfold and throwing darts at a board. A well-honed betting system is much more precise. Find one that works for you, and you’ll have much better odds of making a big profit. The best way you can protect yourself against variance is by applying “the long sample”, and trying out different systems you can find online. Many of them are useless, but there are certainly diamonds in the rough! You can also support yourself with tools like the Ladbrokes Odds Boost & Ladbrokes App.
I hope these pointers have given you a great head start in the world of sports betting. Just remember to take it slowly an methodically, and know your limits. The only real losers are the people who let gambling swallow them up.