I’d like to think that I’m not really that bad at betting. I mean, I never lost a single penny following the rules I used to find success at the betting tables. Unfortunately, just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in. One minute I was looking at my bankroll and believing I was on my way to financial freedom, and the next thing I knew I’d lost all my money on a football match.
This is precisely what happened to me a few weeks back. I was following the FIFA World Cup as usual, confident that this time I’d finally beaten the system. I hadn’t. In fact, I’d broken it.
Before I disclose the methods I used to lose my money and how I managed to get it back, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most critical events surrounding my previous profitable betting experiences.
My Most Memorable Matches
To say that I was hooked on gambling as a result of the 2018 World Cup would be an understatement. It’s not like I had a gambling problem or anything, it’s just that this year the tournament was held in such intriguing and compelling matches that I couldn’t help but wager on them.
I remember back in 2014 when Iceland hosted the tournament and eliminated Brazil in the Quarter Finals. It was one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history and confirmed what I’d long believed – that any team has a chance to win the World Cup.
What I found so fascinating about this year’s World Cup is that there were no clear favorites in any of the seeded groups. Well, except for England obviously, but they weren’t really that favorite either. Everyone had an equal chance of making it to the next round, which is something that hadn’t been the case in years.
I was able to bet successfully using different methods in back-to-back games during the group stage, which gave me the confidence to continue wagering even when things got heated up in the Round of 16.
England Vs. Spain: Both Teams Are Into Each Other
I remember back in 2010 when I was first exposed to betting on football. Back then, the only teams that played were England and Spain. Since then, I’ve become quite attached to this particular pairing. It was the first time in a long while that I could pick a winner without feeling let down.
This year’s World Cup was no different. Even when Spain was a heavy favorite to win the tournament, I was able to find value in England’s matches. In fact, I think I had a bit of an edge on the public and was able to get a better price on the matches.
Argentina Vs. Germany: The Last Stand In The Southern Hemisphere
I can’t help but feel a little bit sorry for Argentina after they’d been robbed of their 2018 World Cup. Their chances of winning were ruined when they were hit with an unprecedented 8-match ban for a range of offenses, from pitch invasions to insulting fans and insulting officials.
Argentina took the brunt of the punishment and were unable to find a way to qualify for the Finals. Germany, on the other hand, fought their way to the top of Group C and surprised many by making it to the second round. Despite their ban, Argentina’s presence at the tournament was still felt by fans and organizers alike. The games were overshadowed by the controversy surrounding their teammates and their treatment by the Russian government.
One of the best things about 2018 was that it was the first time that both Argentina and Germany were participating in the World Cup. It was also the first World Cup where Argentina qualified as one of the top two teams in their region. So, there was a lot to look forward to for the Albicelestes. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be as they were unable to win a game and were promptly eliminated from the tournament. Nonetheless, it was still a memorable tournament for Argentina and German football fans alike.
Belgium Vs. Mexico: Everything Has Changed
Belgium had been the whipping boys of international soccer for years, boasting only one win in the last 22 matches against top tier countries. It was quite the feat, considering they’d previously defeated South Korea, England, and Italy, all of which are now ranked ahead of them in the world.
This year’s World Cup was a complete 180 from their previous performances. They took the competition by storm and were the second-best team in their group behind England. Belgium’s performances impressed even the most hardened of skeptics and earned them a spot in the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by France.
It wasn’t just the soccer that had changed for Belgium, though. It was the entire nation. After years of decline, they’d rallied behind their professional footballers and produced some pretty exciting football. It was quite the turnaround for a country that’s usually associated with beer and chocolate making.
The Present And Future Of Handicap Betting
If there’s been one trend that’s emerged from this year’s World Cup it’s that betting on sports, particularly soccer, has seen something of a revival. Bookmakers made large profits in a number of games and, considering the number of fans who were glued to their TVs throughout the tournament, it’s clear that there’s still plenty of interest in this type of wagering.
Even though there were no clear favorites in this year’s World Cup, there were still a number of teams that you might have heard of and some you probably haven’t. Brazil, for example, had been considered one of the big four – along with Argentina, Italy, and Germany, the top two teams in each respective group – for decades. But, in the end, it was not to be as the Confederation of Independent Football Associations stripped them of their #7 jersey due to violations of the rules and regulations governing sporting events.
It’s important to note that there’s a significant difference between a 3-way handicap and a true handicap. In the first instance, each team is given an equal amount of money to spend. In the latter, the weaker teams are given less money to start with. In my personal experience, handicap betting can be a bit more volatile when compared to 3-way wagering, especially when you’re playing against the public. More often than not, the line will move around more than it does in a 3-way matchup.
One of the most interesting things about the upcoming 2019 season is that there are multiple games every day of the week. Personally, I think that’s going to make it much more difficult to keep track of which games are worth wagering on and which ones to avoid. This is going to be a busy season for me, as I look to make up for the losses I suffered in the last two years. Hopefully, I’ll learn from my mistakes and will be able to put what I’ve learned into practice.
If you’re new to the world of handicap betting, I’d suggest starting out with 3-way matches. You get the chance to study the trends without risking too much of your own money. Once you’ve gotten the hang of things, move up to trying your hand at backing more expensive and higher-profile games.