Sports betting is an exciting and fun way to wager on your favorite team or player. But, as with any other form of gambling, it requires discipline and a clear head. Here are a few tips to help you win big while having fun:
Props and Totals
Props (prop bets) are a type of betting that doesn’t involve a standard point spread or moneyline. These bets can be very lucrative if they’re done correctly.
These bets can also be a great place to start if you’re new to sports betting, as they tend to pay out more than traditional wagers.
One example of this is Max Scherzer’s strikeout total against the Cincinnati Reds, which is set at 7.5, but more likely to be under than over. You’ll have to pay a higher price for the under than for the over, but that is usually a small price to pay in order to make a profit.
Another way to increase your chances of winning is to bet on teams with a lower win percentage than their opponents. This can help you make a profit even if you lose a bet or two along the way.
Using the Point Spread
The most popular method of betting on sports is by placing a bet on a team’s point spread. This is a handicap that’s given to a game by oddsmakers to make it more fair. In a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles, for example, the Cowboys are -5.5 points against the Eagles. This means that the Cowboys are more likely to win by more than five points, which gives them a better chance of winning your bet.
In-Game Betting
In-game basketball bets are especially profitable as there are a lot of wild swings that can occur in any given game. A team can be down 25 points in the first half of a game and then win by 20 at the end of the second half.
However, these swings can be unpredictable and hard to predict. That’s why it’s so important to research both teams before making any type of bet.
Bankrollmanagement
If you’re a beginner, it’s recommended that you limit your bankroll to a certain amount before beginning to place bets on sporting events. This will prevent you from getting overextended and losing control of your finances.
As a beginner, you’ll want to set your bankroll to be between $1 and $5 per wager. This will prevent you from losing your entire bankroll on a single bad bet, which can cause you to lose all of your capital before you’ve even had a chance to make a profit.
Once you’ve established your bankroll, you’re ready to start placing bets on different sporting events. This is the only way to guarantee you’ll have enough money to place winning wagers and still maintain your bankroll at a level you can afford to live on.
You can also use a site like LegalSportsReports to find out if sports betting is legal in your state. This is a very helpful resource, as it will show you the specific laws of each individual state in which you can legally bet on sports.