Whether you’ve been following the UFC or watching the XGames for years, you’ve likely seen fights pitched as an ‘exacta’ (prediction) or ‘to-wager’ on (for example, a game of chance). The rise of online sportsbooks has made these kinds of betting attractive to casual and professional gamblers alike, especially since lines have become much more transparent. For instance, while you might not be able to find a betting line on Garbrandt vs. Johnson, you will likely find several on Werigin vs. Lopes. This article will explore exactly how these kinds of bets work, as well as the key factors involved in making them successful.
Understanding The Nature Of The Prop
With most sports events (including professional wrestling and boxing) there is a formalized element to each match, which lends itself to an exacta or to-wager proposition. This is usually due to the fact that there are already established rules for what constitutes a ‘win,’ so anyone who picks correctly is guaranteed to win money regardless of the sport or event. For example, in a professional wrestling match, you won’t often see competitors ‘work’ the match for the audience’s entertainment, but rather there will be a clear-cut winner and loser at the end of the match. In this case, it’s fairly easy to put a bet on the match since you know exactly what you’re betting on (wrestling).
Making The Decision To Bet Or Not
For those who decide to wager on fights based on a game of chance, the decision to put a bet on a fight is usually a matter of how much money they’re willing to risk. The key is to find a scenario where they feel they have some sort of edge and can win some money even if the fight ends up being a draw. These are usually the sorts of bets that have the most faith in the skill of the fighters involved, as opposed to a fight where one or both participants have an obvious advantage due to size or experience (i.e. boxing).
Choosing The Right Place To Bet
One of the most important things to consider when betting on a fight is where to do it. For those who are just looking to take a quick vacation bet on the fight, or a bet where they think they have some kind of hidden edge, going to a sports book or betting exchange is usually a good idea. This is because most sports books and betting exchanges operate out of countries that have some sort of legalized gambling. As a result, they must operate within strict legal limits, which makes them less likely to take large bets or place them on fights that are likely to go the distance (i.e. boxing).
Watching The Craftsmanship Of The Prop Builders
Another critical element to consider when betting on a fight is the craftsmanship of the prop makers. A lot of thought and attention to detail go into creating the perfect betting slip for each scenario, which makes a huge difference in terms of how easily you can follow the action. In the case of an exacta bet where you have two evenly matched contestants, the prop makers will have to make sure that the lines are clear and unambiguous, and that there are no mistakes on the part of the bookmaker. All of this is done with extreme precision and attention to detail, which is something you have to admire.
Considering The Odds
It’s also important to consider the odds when placing a wager on a fight. This is especially important if you’re placing a large wager since the cost of the wager will be multiplied by the amount you’re wagering. In most cases, there is more than one option for the winning party, so it is essential to consider how much you need to wager to have the best chance of winning. This is especially important if you’re playing with money you’ve just won at the casino, and you don’t want to jeopardize that money by making the wrong decision regarding the next fight to wager on. Consider taking a walk around the block a few times before making a decision, this will give you a better understanding of how likely you are to ‘hit’ (win) the next fight, regardless of the odds presented.
Using The Psychology Of The Bout
The psychology of a fight can also be used to gain an advantage when betting on it. To begin with, you will want to look for signs of who is fighting against who. If you notice that one fighter is more aggressive than the other, while the other is more passive, this could be an indication that there is some sort of hidden agenda at play. For example, if you notice that Shane Carwin is constantly pressuring the opposition, but they never seem to get enough ‘rest’ or time to recover, this could mean that he’s fighting against the odds and possibly even taking extra drugs to give them extra energy. On the flip side, if you notice that Jake Shields is only engaging in the minimal amount of wrestling that is necessary to win, this could mean that he doesn’t have the desire to win or that he’s taking a different approach because he thinks that is the way to protect himself against the odds. It is also important to identify who is going to win based on how they’re winning. If you notice that one of the contestants is getting his kicks from injuring the other, you can assume that this is the sort of psychological preparation that is going on.
Watching The Body Language Of The Contestants
In addition to all of the above, it is also important to observe the body language of the contestants before, during, and after the bout. This is important because it gives you an indication of how they are feeling, which can sometimes be hidden from plain sight. While standing toe-to-toe and engaging in a war of wills is certainly exciting and can make for some incredible television, it can also be a sign that there is something more going on behind the scenes that we don’t know about.
Taking All The Above Into Consideration
Finally, it is important to remember that all of this is only considered if you have all of the available information. A great deal of research goes into making sure that there are no mistakes on the part of the bookmaker and that the lines are drawn clearly and accurately. In most cases, this information is presented in the form of a detailed report, which means that it is available for those who are interested. This also means that there is no one ‘perfect’ answer as to whether or not you should bet on a fight, but rather it comes down to a case-by-case scenario where you can consider all of the above. With a little bit of research, skill, and a willingness to take a chance, you may be able to turn a profit even if you lose a fight.