Are you looking for a way to capitalize on your passion for sports? Do you wish there was a way to crank up the competition, even more, when you watch professional sports? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about sports betting.
This can add a fun element to your love of professional sports. You and your friends can add a whole new layer of fun when you watch the games together for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and so on.
See below for an in-depth guide on the 5 pro tips you should know for sports betting that can help you enjoy yourself and stay responsible.
1. Look Beyond the Records
When David went up against Goliath, he had only a few pebbles and a slingshot. Professional teams—even the underdogs—can beat the favorites with even less!
Many people use the records to indicate which team they’ll place a bet on. However, the margin of talent is minimal in any professional sport. This means that any great team can be beaten under the right circumstances.
So how will you know who’s going to come out on top? How can you pinpoint the major upsets that are most likely to happen? By looking beyond the team’s records. We encourage you to look at things like:
- The weather report for the day
- The home team’s record at home, and vice versa
- How each team’s superstar performs against the other team (EX: Miami was always a problem for Tom Brady)
- Each team’s record the last three games
Some of these factors will play bigger roles than you’d think. For example, if the Los Angeles Chargers have to play in 10-degree weather in New England, which do you think will win?
If you want to pull off the big upsets, then you have to take initiative and look into the finer details of the matchup.
2. Create a Bankroll
It’s well documented that gambling, when done irresponsibly, can lead to money loss. This has some people thinking that you have to micromanage your spending to ensure you don’t hit the red. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
There is an easy way to enjoy sports betting without having to manage your money at every turn: start a bankroll.
This concept allows you to allocate a certain amount of money to be used only for sports betting while making sure that you never spend more than you intend to.
First, determine a set amount of money that you’ll apply to sports betting each paycheck. No amount is too small, just make sure you’re comfortable with it.
For example, let’s say you decide that $20 from each paycheck will go into your bankroll. After two paychecks, you have $40 in your bankroll. Let’s say you place $10 on a bet and, after winning, receive $20. That means you now have $50 in your bankroll to use.
However, if you were to ever hit $0 in your bankroll, you can’t place any more bets until $20 is deposited from your next paycheck.
As a side note, experts recommend that you should never place more than 5-percent of your bankroll on any given bet. This minimizes the risk and allows you to place several bets to increase your winnings.
3. Always Check the Injury Report
The Golden State Warriors are always a tough team to beat. On paper, if they were to match up against the last-place Houston Rockets, they should win pretty easily. However, what if Steph Curry was out with an ankle injury that night? That certainly changes the complexion of the game.
It’s always important to look at player injury reports before you place a bet. Whether you’re betting on a point spread or money lines, an injured superstar can significantly shift the competition level.
Injury reports are made quote public these days, so you can find this information with ease. Use whichever sporting news platform you trust the most!
4. The Team’s Schedule Matters
Is the favored team coming off of a huge upset? If so, then they will be inspired to make a statement in the next game, meaning they might cover the spread easily.
Do they have a big matchup coming up in their schedule relatively soon? If that’s the case, then they might be looking ahead to that one and, if they aren’t careful, fall victim to an upset!
The schedule of the favored team always plays a factor in your bets. On-field production is as mental as it is physical, which could give you an edge when betting on sports.
5. Know the Designations
If you’re just starting or getting a feel for sports betting, then you’re probably confused by looking at a betting line.
Just know this: if a team is favored to win, then they will have a minus sign next to their name, along with the odds. If a team is labeled as the underdog in that matchup, they will have a plus next to their name, with the odds to the side.
When betting for the favored team, make sure you understand how much you’d have to pay to get a fair amount of winnings. Make sure it’s worth it before you take the bet.
Use These Sports Betting Tips to Your Advantage
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on all of the pro tips that you should know for sports betting, be sure to use this information wisely.
Take the time to browse our website for more articles on sports betting, as well as many other topics that you will find helpful.
