For most sports fans, seeing a big favorite win is always more exciting than a close game. After all, it usually means the game was in the bag from the very beginning. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a loss by a large favorite can be just as heartbreaking as one by a small underdog because it seems like the better odds should have tipped the balance in the bookie’s favor.
The truth is, betting heavy favorites in sports is extremely difficult. It’s all about understanding how to calculate a winning percentage when hitting the books with long odds. So let’s dive into the details to find out what makes a favorite so much more difficult to bet than an underdog, and how you can optimize your odds of making money when betting on these massive games.
Odds Are Always A Double-Edged Sword
Before you start making money off these long shots, you need to understand the fundamentals of taking a gamble. The long odds in these situations are usually a sign that the bookmaker is trying to scare you off. They may tell you that betting a big favorite is a bad idea because it’s a sure thing and they’ll never pay off. But that’s not true at all!
It’s a well-known fact that bookmakers love to play with money, so if you’re seeing long odds on a game that means there’s someone trying to trick you into thinking it’s a bad bet. Remember, bookies thrive on fear and uncertainty, so they can make more money off of us irrational sports fans. That’s all the more reason not to fall for their tricks.
The good news is, even though it’s more difficult to bet on these massive favorites, they don’t always have to be a losing proposition. As long as you adhere to the fundamentals of betting and analysis, you can still make money off them. The key is in the little nuances that prove whether a team is capable of winning or losing a game. Let’s take a closer look.
The Basics Of Calculating A Winning Percentage
First off, make sure you verify the accuracy of your winnings. Sometimes, unscrupulous bookmakers will take advantage of people who are not aware of the true score of a game. To prevent this, make sure you call their customer service department and ask for an official confirmation once the game has ended. Then, you can proceed to make another wager.
Forming A Good Habits And Routine
To be able to successfully bet on these long shots, you need to develop good betting habits. If you’re used to winning at the casino, it might be hard to believe that you can lose money gambling, but it’s all about the odds. The more you bet, the more you’ll lose, so it’s logical that you’ll eventually wind up broke. It’s a known fact that gambling is not a way to make money; it’s a way to waste it. Similarly, if you’re used to betting on games with big favorites, it might be hard to believe that you can successfully place a wager on games with small favorites because, well, the odds are always in favor of the home team. This is where developing good habits and a routine come in handy. If you’re looking to place a bet on a specific game, stick to the same establishment and avoid changing booksies if you’re winning or losing. This will help you form a good record of what happens when you place a bet and will also help you verify the accuracy of your winnings or losses. When you establish these good habits and follow them strictly, you’ll be on your way to successfully betting on the favorites, which will eventually make you some money.
Analyzing Past Performance
If you’re trying to make money off these long shots, it’s important to look at the past performance of the team in question. This way, you’ll be able to tell whether or not they’re capable of winning a game. While it’s always exciting to root for your favorite team, it’s critical to remember that they might not always be the best fit for winning a particular game. Sometimes, they’ll pull a rare upset and surprise everybody, but it’s rare. Looking at their historical performance is the only way to find out whether or not they’re capable of winning a particular game. This way, you won’t get emotionally attached to a team that you know is only capable of losing. That’s all the more reason to avoid betting on these games if you’re seeking to win money, as these are the types of games that you’ll inevitably lose.
Proper Weighting Of The Odds
To begin with, the spread should be weighted in favor of the sportsbook. For example, a 7-point spread on a football game is usually a sign that the bookie is trying to trick you. That’s because the last thing they want is for you to win, since you’ll eventually come back and place another bet, and they’ll never pay off. This is why, in the case of a 7-point spread, they’ll often give you 5 points or less as a teaser or rebate. In the case of a 10-point spread, they’ll give you 7 points as a teaser or rebate.
As a general rule of thumb, always lean towards the underdogs. Seeing a big favorite win is always more exciting because it means more to the casual bettor. But if you want to be able to make money off these long shots, it’s important to understand the odds and properly weight them in your favor. Just know that it’s never a good idea to bet against the favorite in any sport, especially not in a game with long odds.