Most of us are not professional gamblers. We don’t have the necessary knowledge or tools to make sound judgements about odds and sports. However, thanks to the internet, the odds of getting winning tips from the pros have never been more accessible.
Why Sports?
Sports are popular for good reason. They allow us to engage with our passions while still following the results we care about. It would be great if every game had the same odds of outcome, but since that’s not the case, it’s necessary to study the trends and analyze the statistics to determine which sports to bet on and which to avoid.
What is the trend? According to OddsShark, a sports betting news site, the line for tennis, golf, and horse racing has moved in favor of the home team. For example, the Tampa Bay Rays are 12.5-20 against the spread, the Edmonton Oilers are 7-2-1 against the spread, and the Arizona Diamondbacks are 5-2 against the Chicago Cubs. What does that mean? It means if you want to wager on the Rays, you’ll have to bet on them to win. Similarly, if you wager on the Oilers to win, you’ll need to bet on them to cover the spread (ie, win by at least 7 points).
It would be great to make educated guesses about which teams are most likely to win based on past performance, but that’s not the case either. The performance of certain teams and players is influenced by a variety of factors, some of which are out of their control. It’s not fair to assume that, because one team won a certain amount of games last season that they’ll win this year also.
One factor that influences the odds of any given team or player is the quality of their opponent. If you want to know the odds of a certain team winning a game, you need to multiply the team’s odds by the quality of their opponent. Take a look at these two teams in the NFL. Based on their last five games’ results, the Cleveland Browns have the worst record in the league, and the Houston Texans have the second worst record. Despite having the same amount of wins as the Browns, the Texans’ odds of winning a game are much better than those of the Browns (3-1 vs 2-3). Why? Their opponents this year are all weaker teams, which gives them a better chance of winning.
Another factor that can influence the odds of any team or player is their current record. If you want to know the odds of the Cleveland Browns winning a game, you need to multiply their odds by the number of games they’ve won this year (1-2). The problem with this logic is similar to the one mentioned above. It doesn’t account for the fact that the Browns have played two more games than the Texans (3-2 vs 1-3). Despite having the same record as the Browns, the Texans have a better chance of winning because they’ve played one more game than the Browns (3-2 vs 2-2).
How Do I Place My Bet?
If you want to place a bet, the first thing you should do is to investigate your local laws regarding gambling. Many states and countries prohibit people from placing bets, and you could find yourself in legal trouble if you are caught. Check with the local library or courthouse to see if they have a Law Digest or other resources that may be helpful in determining whether or not an activity is legal in your state. In most places, you will need a license to place bets. That license will be good for the entire state, but it can be revoked if you are found to be breaking the law while using it. It also needs to be noted that taxes are usually due on winnings from wagering, so there is an extra cost that comes along with placing your bets. In some places, this cost is even incorporated into the odds, so it’s not like you’re making money without getting your hands dirty first.
Once you are confident that your activity is legal in the state where you place your bet, the next step is to research the odds and set a stake. As a beginner, it’s better to start small and learn as you go. If you want to place a $10 bet on a game, it’s better to do so on a $1 option. That way, if you lose your bet, you’ll only lose $1 rather than $10. If you win, you’ll get your $1 plus the winnings from the original $10 bet. After three losses and a win, you’ll have broken even, and your $1 stake will have multiplied by 1.33 (ie, 3 x 1.33 = $4.92). If that winning streak continues, you’ll soon be able to expand your wagers to a $20 bet and beyond.
What Games Do You Can Bet On?
There are many different types of sports that you can bet on, but not all of them are available everywhere. If you want to bet on the NFL, you’ll need to have a license for that, too. In most places, the lines for the major sports have moved in favor of the home team, so if that’s the case for you, focus on college football, the NBA, and the NHL. If you can get a license for any of these sports, it’s well worth it. In regards to which games you can bet on, check with the individual leagues or teams to see what they allow. Some sports are only available in certain parts of the country, so be sure to check the rules before betting.
What if you are outside the US? You can still bet on sporting events if you are in Canada or another official territory of the US. However, if you are in a country where sports betting is not legal, your options are quite limited. There are ways to get around it. In most places, all you need is a VPN to ensure that your activity is private and secure. You can then engage in online betting while in countries where it’s legal.
What About Bookmaker Betting?
Bookmaker betting is when you place a bet with an online sportsbook (ie, the official sportsbook of an NHL team or the like) rather than with a person. They usually have great odds, and that makes them much more appealing to bettors who want to stay legal. You have to be careful though. Some bookmakers have very high limits, and that can get you in a lot of trouble if you bet and lose beyond your means. It’s always a good idea to ensure that your bank account is not connected to the bookmaker in any way before you begin betting. That way, if they detect any suspicious activity, they can block it and you’ll be in trouble with the law for using an unlicensed service rather than the other way around.
Sports are a great way to engage with your passions for competition and adventure, and with the help of tools like OddsShark and research, it’s possible to develop an educated guess as to which games you should bet on and which ones you should avoid. Furthermore, when done legally, bookmaker betting is a great way to make extra money. However, make sure you’re aware of your legal obligations before you begin betting.