Lessons from a new sports bettor after 6 months

Beyond the basics and free sports handicappers 

You start out naive looking for free sports handicappers and advice. You then scour the internet for free picks like these. If you are a newbie sports better like I am who views sports betting as a fun pass time, rather than a long-term income plan, there are a few lessons I’ve learned the hard way.  You start learning the basics like how to calculate odds and understanding the difference between money line and spread. Since then, I have picked up a few rules that have helped me win more money.  

Number 1: Do not bet on your team.  

It may seem tempting to go with pure emotion but there is no quicker way than to turn the joy of sports betting into ashes in your mouth because you’ve doubled down with money on the outcome of your favourite sports team.  It’s easy to get caught up in the hype when surrounded by like-minded people.  Go with your gut feeling but don’t allow your emotions to control you.  There is a lot of superstition in sports but you won’t find good or even free sports handicappers being swayed by their team.

Number 2: Understand how the action changes.  

Most lines are set by a few math nerds in Vegas but the odds will change as the action flows into each outcome.  More money going towards one outcome will alter the payout and this will change right up to and during a match.  This is helpful to understand while live betting because you can find better odds that might not have been available before the start of the game.

Number 3: Any Given Sunday and free sports handicappers advise. 

 So you’ve listened to the free sports handicappers who have all stated their opinions.  The action is all flowing in the same direction.  The odds are -210 so it seems like a safe bet.  You bet your bankroll because you want to make some money.  It’s an obvious safe bet and then you lose.  Well on Any Given Sunday the experts and the money can be wrong.  Look to exploit this for big returns but always keep an open mind.  Sometimes it pays to be a contrarian. 

Number 4:  Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose. 

Of course, this is a cliche but never forget it.  That line may have seemed like a sure thing but you don’t want to be eating ramen for a week because of a missed field goal.  And we all have that regret after winning a parley or +300 money line “if only I bet more.” However, hindsight is a 20/20 vision.  Bet with your head, not over it.  There’s always another match and if you don’t see a line you like, then don’t bet. Even experienced and free sports handicappers use basic unit measures to control their sports betting.

Number 5:  Have Fun. 

It kind of defeats the purpose if you aren’t enjoying yourself.  Betting enhances the experience of watching sports but if you find yourself watching Chinese table tennis at 2 in the morning ask yourself if you are having fun.  If there is a sport you enjoy watching, the odds of winning are much higher because you understand the game.  Why force yourself to watch a match you have no interest in just because you put money down? 

Back to Articles