Betting without a strategy and solid foundation is extremely risky. It’s even that much more difficult when you don’t know about the hidden factors the sportsbooks don’t want to be general knowledge. Consistently making a profit by betting on sports isn’t easy. However, there are some tricks to the trade that can help you gain an edge. Here is a look at some important tips to remember. These will help you beat the sportsbooks and make some serious money betting on sports.
Know What You're Betting On
The most important factor off the top is to know the sport that you are betting on inside out. It’s incredible how many times the majority of the public is on one side of a head-to-head matchup and the other team wins. That is because people are more concerned about being right and not looking stupid rather than having a strong knowledge in the sport and how likely a contrarian play is.
It is important to know everything there is to know about the sport that you are betting on. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain and bet against the public. There are key elements to every sport that can have a major outcome in games that are often overlooked. Make sure you don’t make that mistake.
Shop Around For Best Lines
Every sportsbook wants to convince you they are the best option out there when it comes to being the source for your sports betting entertainment. What they don’t want you to know is that the lines are different at every book. That means it actually makes sense to shop around and consult multiple sportsbooks in order to find the best available lines. There is absolutely nothing wrong with making one bet with one sportsbook and another bet with another company. That's how you get the best possible value. Don’t stick to one sportsbook when you can shop around and find the best options for each individual wager.
Bet With Your Head, Not Your Heart
Another important factor to consider is avoiding the allure of getting stuck in a moment and betting with your heart. One of the biggest mistakes that sports bettors make is jumping on a wager blindly based on a recommendation . Or getting sucked into some live betting because the game is on TV.
The reality is that even the best handicappers in the world only hit on around 55 to 60-percent of their wagers. You don't want to hurt your numbers betting on something random. Be poised and be calculated. And make your own decisions rather than blindly relying on advice of others.
Make sure you do your own due diligence and pick with your head, not your heart when risking your hard earned money.
Find Value With Non-Mainstream Events
The final thing you should consider is the potential to make some serious money betting on sports with lesser followings. The sportsbooks do an excellent job working with one another in order to establish the best possible lines for NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB games. However, they might not be as on point when it comes to lines for UFC fights. Maybe it's tennis matches that feature unranked opponents where you get an edge. Many sharps actually love college football and basketball for that reason. They can beat the oddsmakers on some of the smaller matchups.
Gaining a niche in a sport with a lesser following and using it to your advantage is an excellent way to beat the books and make some serious money.