How to Become a Smarter Sports Bettor

Key Points

– Follow the habits of a smarter sports bettor to win more bets.

– The smarter sports bettor follows a few simple rules.

How to Become a Smarter Sports Bettor

Do you love betting on sports? If you do, then you know that it can be a lot of fun. It can also be extremely frustrating when you don't win often enough.

If you want to become a smarter bettor, then you have to do something about it. It’s not enough thinking you know how to bet point spreads.

That is the purpose of this post. In it, we will discuss how to make better bets and increase your chances of winning.

We'll cover everything from understanding the odds to studying the game stats and more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced bettor, read on for some valuable advice that can lead to more wins.

ICYMI > HOW TO HANDICAP NHL HOCKEY GAMES

Understanding the Odds

Becoming a smarter sports bettor begins with a strong understanding of betting odds. Odds are set by sportsbooks and used to calculate how much money you will win if you make a successful bet. They also reflect how likely a team (or individual) is to win a certain event.

American odds are expressed as whole numbers and as factors of 100. Odds can be negative and indicate the favorite or they can be positive to indicate an underdog.

For example, the Kansas City Chiefs are a -125 favorite over the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are given +120 odds to win. The odds tell us how much we need to bet and how much we can win. The odds also give us an idea of how likely each team is to win.

In the case of the Chiefs, a $125 wager would be required to win $100 if Kansas City wins. A $100 bet on the underdog Broncos will pay out $120. The higher odds on Denver means more risk, but also means a higher reward.

At odds of -125, Kansas City has an implied probability of winning of 55.56 percent. Denver’s +120 odds yield an implied probability of 45.45 percent. Notice that odds don’t necessarily add up to 100. The Chiefs are more likely to win, though the Broncos do have more favorable odds for an underdog.

It’s also important to know that different sportsbooks have different odds for the same bets. That means you can shop for the best odds.

Study Game Stats to Be a Smarter Sports Bettor

As any experienced sports fan knows, studying game stats is essential if you want to be a smarter sports bettor. By understanding which players are hot and which are not, you can make better decisions about which team to bet on.

However, simply looking at the raw numbers is not enough. You also need to understand how different statistics interact with each other. You can find these stats at a top online sports gambling portal like jarsens.com.

For example, a player's shooting percentage in basketball may not tell you much on its own. When you compare it to their three-point percentage, you can get a better sense of their overall shooting efficiency.

Studying game stats is great. Analyzing those game stats takes it to the next level and makes you a smarter sports bettor. Those bettors win more bets and have bigger bankrolls.

Bet Games & Teams You Know

If you're looking to be a smarter sports bettor, it's important to only bet on games and teams that you know something about. There's no point in placing a bet blindly. It's far more likely that you'll lose your money that way.

By betting on games that you're already familiar with, you increase your chances of making a profit. You know the teams, the players, and the history of their competition. With more information, you are more likely to be able to place a winning bet.

There's always an element of luck involved in any bet, but being a knowledgeable bettor will give you a definite advantage. Understanding things like how the weather impacts betting on sports is what separates the best from the rest.

Next time you're looking to place a bet, make sure you know what you're doing. It could be the difference between winning and losing.

Avoid Games & Teams You Don’t Know

There's no shame in admitting that you don't know everything. In fact, being able to admit when you don't know something is a sign of intelligence. This is especially true when it comes to betting on sports.

Before you put down money on a game, you should make sure that you understand the ins and outs of the sport. Otherwise, you're just gambling blindly.

Do your research and familiarize yourself with the teams, the players, and the statistics. That’s what the smarter sports bettor does. Only then will you be able to place smarter bets. Next time you're tempted to bet on a game you know nothing about, resist the urge and walk away. Your bank account will thank you for it.

The Smarter Sports Bettor Manages Money

Anyone who has ever placed a bet knows that there is always a risk of losing money. However, what many people don't realize is that there is a right way and a wrong way to approach gambling on sports.

While it may be tempting to bet large sums of money in the hopes of winning a big jackpot, it is important to remember that the odds are always against the bettor.

The smart sports bettor knows how to limit his losses by only betting an amount that he can afford to lose. This is smart money management. By following this simple rule, bettors can ensure that they will never find themselves in financial trouble.

Next time you place a bet, remember to keep your losses to a minimum. You may also want to learn how to keep track of your bets. That’s what the smart sports bettor does.

Have Fun!

Anyone who's ever placed a bet knows that the outcome is never guaranteed. There's always a chance that your horse will come in last or your favorite team will lose the big game.

That's the fun part of sports betting - the suspense, the thrill of victory, and the camaraderie that comes from rooting for a common cause.

While gambling can be a fun pastime, it's important not to take it too seriously. After all, losing is just part of the game. The smarter sports bettor is the one who knows when to walk away. He doesn't let a few losses discourage him from enjoying the experience. Keep things in perspective and don't take your losses too seriously.