Most sports books will tell you that you can’t lose by backing the favorite. However, this couldn’t be more wrong. Sometimes, the bookmaker’s own bias gets in the way of what should be obvious. For example, let’s say the Jets are 7 point favorites over the Dolphins in an NFL matchup. All you need to do to bet on the Jets is place a $100 bet at your average sports book. This amounts to a $70 profit, even though the Dolphins are clearly the superior team and you’re picking against the spread.
The general betting rule in sports is called “taking the money line”, which means you’re supposed to bet on the team you favor. This is not advisable as the bookmaker assumes you have no idea how to bet. As a result, the bookie’s own bias may affect the odds, so you’re never going to profit in large sums as a beginner. Still, you can become a decent football wagering enthusiast by following the basic guidelines below.
Study The Spreadsheet
The key to betting well is understanding the numbers. After all, you can’t measure what you don’t understand. This is exactly why you should study the spreadsheets that your bookie provides. These spreadsheets usually contain information about the game such as time, weather, and TV stations. They may also break down the lines for popular contests like the College Football Playoff and the Super Bowl.
These spreadsheets can also contain historical data about the teams and matchups. For example, you may find that the Jets are always a sizable favorite over the Dolphins. Or that the spread tends to move more in one direction than the other. These and other similar details can help you determine which teams to back and which ones to avoid. If you’re ever going to bet on sports, it’s important to know what to look out for.
Consider All Factors
When you’re placing a wager, it’s important to take all factors into account. You can’t simply go by the numbers because there’s always a hidden variable that you haven’t considered. In the example above, the 7 point spread probably isn’t an accurate reflection of how the game actually went. The Jets may have played dirty and the referee may have been biased towards the Dolphins. These are all facts that you need to consider before placing (or even responding to) a wager.
In short, there’s always more than one way to play a game. If you’re going to place a wager on football, you should learn how to do so blindly. Otherwise, you may end up losing a lot of money. This is why it’s important to back up every wager with a bit of research. Even then, you may still lose, but at least you’ll know what you’re losing about.
Watch Out For Bonuses & Promotions
Another important thing to watch out for when placing a wager is bonuses and promotions. Most bookies will give you a signup bonus when you make your initial deposit. These are generally matched with special offers and exclusive deals that you can take advantage of. Still, these bonuses come with strings attached. For example, let’s say you open up a sportsbook account with $100 to use as a reference. You’ll likely be offered a $100 bonus that you can deposit within 24 hours of making the deposit. However, you must place a $100 wager (on any game) before the end of the month to qualify.
Another important thing to watch out for when placing a wager is bonuses and promotions. Most bookies will give you a signup bonus when you make your initial deposit. These are generally matched with special offers and exclusive deals that you can take advantage of. Still, these bonuses come with strings attached. For example, let’s say you open up a sportsbook account with $100 to use as a reference. You’ll likely be offered a $100 bonus that you can deposit within 24 hours of making the deposit. However, you must place a $100 wager (on any game) before the end of the month to qualify.
If you’re ever going to bet on sports, it’s important to keep in mind that there’s always a catch. However, this shouldn’t deter you from pursuing your hobby. Just make sure you’re aware of all the rules and regulations beforehand.
Hopefully, this was an accurate overview of how to bet on sports. If it wasn’t, feel free to leave a comment below. My name is Dan and I’m a professional sports gambler. If you’d like to get advice or win some money, my contact details are given at the bottom of this article.