Figure 1 You need to put the work in to win money by betting on sports
There have never been more chances to bet on sports. Thanks to the changes in the laws in many states and regions, millions more people now can bet legally in the US and Canada. That doesn’t mean that it has suddenly become easier to make any money betting though.
You can take the pick of the best sportsbooks, but unless you prepare yourself correctly you will not have a chance of bringing in some impressive returns. There are – of course – no guarantees when it comes to betting on sports. But take our advice below and you will be giving yourself a much better chance of winning some extra cash.
Choose a Good Sportsbook – or Two
Your first important decision is to pick the right sportsbook. With restrictions easing there has been a surge in the number of online betting firms looking for business. That means that there are some very attractive sign up bonuses around too. But make sure that you read the small print on those offers.
You should also look past the flashy promotions and see if the sportsbook offers what you want from it. You will need there to be the betting markets you require – as well as competitive odds. Take a look at some customer review sites to get a good idea. It also pays to sign up with more than one sportsbook, as you can then compare odds to get the best value.
Win Little and Often
Every gambler has a story of how they were so close to winning a big bet. But that story means nothing in the way of bringing in money. Rather than trade on stories about bets that you have lost, you should be more interested in actually picking out winners.
Don’t be attracted by the long odds. They are long odds for a reason – they are far more likely to lose. It is a much better idea to look for the best value odds and even to make selections that bring in smaller wins. They all mount up after a while and come to a better total than one big win.
Bet With Your Head Not Your Heart
This kind of follows on from the last tip. Most sports bettors will have their own favorite teams and leagues. It is a good idea to use that knowledge and insight to inform your betting habits. But don’t lose sight of the goal of making money. You might want the New York Giants to win the Super Bowl – but it isn’t happening any time soon.
Unless you are finding some really good value odds for the teams you like, it is a good idea to keep clear altogether. You need to separate your emotions from your betting – and if that means not betting on your favorite team, then that is how it has to be.
Figure 2 Follow this advice and you will have more chance of winning
Avoid Complex Bets
Once you have signed up for an online sportsbook you may find that it sends you lots of notifications and marketing, excitedly telling you about how much you could win betting in a particular way. These bet prompts are usually far too complex to actually win and it is better off avoiding them.
Parlay bets – or multiple bets – do offer very enticing odds. But the risk is far higher in correctly predicting four or five games than just one. Once again, the odds are long for a reason. Keep your bets simple and you will have more chance of actually winning.
Do Your Research
This last tip should run through everything you do as a sports bettor. Never bet without first doing your homework. That way you won’t be swayed by bonuses or long odds.
Make sure that you research the sports, teams and leagues you are betting on and you will be able to find the good value. That is ultimately how you will have more of a chance of winning more money.