Whether you are a fan of the NBA, MLB, NFL or NHL; every sports fan looks forward to game day. The excitement of seeing your team take another step towards the playoffs is like no other. Every week millions add an extra layer of excitement by placing a bet with their favourite sportsbook. The move to push through legislation to legalize sports betting across most of the US in recent years has seen its popularity boom even more.
The legalized U.S. sports betting market doubled in 2021, with more than $52.7 billion wagered throughout the year. This incredible spike comes after 11 more states launched legal betting in 2021. The data showed that 12% of adults placed bets once a week, up from 5% in January 2021 and 14% of sports bettors said their average bet is more than $100.
If you are one of those who joined in the fun in 2021 or if you plan on getting involved in 2022 and beyond, you may be looking for a head start. Sure betting is fun, but it’s even more enjoyable when you win. To do this you will need to know your stuff. Here are 5 ways to research a winning sports bet.
Table of Contents
Know The Markets
First and foremost, it is important to know exactly what you are betting on. There are many markets that may seem similar but have subtle differences and a lapse in concentration or inattention to detail may cost you when placing your bet. You should also take time to learn about the markets that you may have neglected otherwise. By knowing exactly what bets are available to you can save yourself time when betting right up to tip-off or kick-off and also make bank where you had not previously.
Know Your Sport
This one seems obvious, but it is important you stick to what you know instead of being drawn into uncharted waters. If you are well versed in all thing’s basketball, stick to betting on the NBA. You want to know your sport inside out. What is the team’s over/under form on the total? What is their Point-Guard’s three-point completion percentage? Trends are very important in betting on basketball and the more you know the more successful you will be. This goes for team stats as well as individual player stats. It is better to become very well versed on one sport than it is to know bits and pieces on several. And if you are an expert in more than one, bonus!
Listen To The Experts
We all think we know best when it comes to our favourite sport. In many ways, we are all armchair coaches. But do not let this pride get in the way of bankrolling cash through sports betting. Every day there is hundreds of hours’ worth of content produced that is dedicated to sports betting.
Tonnes of these content producers are often incredible statisticians with an encyclopaedic knowledge of LeBron’s blocking record against the Trail Blazers. Put your pride aside and accept the help of anyone else whose main interest is beating the bookie!
Shorter Odds, Long Term Success
Every sports bettor is partial to a ridiculously long priced parlay in their time. The lure of longer odds that offer thousands in winnings from low wagers is enough to see us part with our common sense for a few minutes. And sure, it’s fine to make a fun bet every now and then, but it is important not to make a habit of it. Research the markets beforehand and evaluate the prices with stats and data.
This is not to say that you may find an outlier every now and then though, and there are often player props that may be slightly overpriced according to the data. However, you are much better off betting on shorter odds at slightly increased wagers. Don’t forget that however much you think you know your stuff, the oddsmakers know even more. Longer odds are longer odds for a reason so choose wisely come gameday.
Bet Responsibly
This may be the most important piece of research of all on a sports bet. Whilst you may be focusing on shorter odds as previously mentioned, no bet is ever a dead cert no matter the odds. The best piece of research you can do is work out how much you can wager to make a profit whilst also not making huge losses if it does not go your way.
By bankrolling your bets appropriately, you are more likely to be in profit in the long run. Even professional sports bettors lose, and they will follow this tip religiously. Make sensible bets and you will reap the rewards.
