Sports Betting Strategies – How to Make Smarter Bets

Sports betting is a fun and exciting way to get involved with the game you love. It is also a great way to make some extra cash, especially when you use the right betting strategy. However, it is important to remember that you can only win in the long run if you place bets based on sound analysis and knowledge of the sport. Here are some tips to help you make smarter wagers.

Understand Betting Terms

The jargon used in sports betting can be overwhelming for a newcomer. The terminology can include: Money line – A bet on a team to win a game. Point spread – A bet that gives the bettor more points than the underdog, but less than the favorite. Teaser – A variation on the point spread that allows the bettor to combine two teams and receive a higher payout. Over/Under – A bet on the combined score of two teams, including overtime/extra innings.

Understand Value Bets

A valuable bet is one that provides a positive return on investment. This is achieved by calculating the true odds of an event happening and then comparing that number to the odds set by the sportsbook. This approach requires a certain level of mathematical proficiency, but it can be very rewarding in the long run.

Fade the Public

One of the best ways to make money in sports betting is to bet against the public. Sportsbooks know what teams will be heavily bet from week to week, and they will adjust their lines accordingly. This can lead to inflated lines, and sharp bettors can take advantage of these prices by making bets against the grain.

Follow Odds Trends

Another key aspect of successful sports betting is knowing the history of a team or individual player. This can be used to identify trends that may be overlooked by the general public, such as a team having a better record ATS when playing at home. You can even find free software that will provide you with the historical data you need to make educated bets.

Stay on Top of College and Pro Teams

It is nearly impossible to bet on all the games in major sports, so you need to focus on your niche and develop a thorough understanding of that sport. You can then bet with confidence in your picks and not worry about losing a lot of money on a game you don’t really know.

It is also important to remember that you can lose as much as you win, so you should always keep track of your wins and losses in a spreadsheet. A good record of your bets will allow you to see whether or not you are turning a profit over time. If you can keep these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful sports bettor. Good luck! VSiN programming is brought to you by DraftKings.