Sports betting is big business, especially since the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) last May, allowing states to legalize sports wagering. However, for some people getting into the sport, it can seem a bit overwhelming with the number of different strategies out there. This article will give an overview of some basic sports betting strategy tips and techniques that anyone can use to increase their chances of winning more bets than they lose.
The most basic type of bet is a straight bet, where you put money behind an outcome that you believe will happen. If you’re betting on a team to win, that’s a moneyline bet. If you’re betting that a team will win by a specific margin of victory, you’re placing a spread bet. If you’re betting on multiple outcomes in one bet, it’s a parlay bet.
Understanding the odds is a key part of any sports betting strategy. The odds are set by bookmakers and represent the implied probability of a particular bet winning. Odds are based on a variety of factors, including past performance, current situation, and head-to-head matchups. The best bettors spend hours every day dissecting data and analyzing matchups to find the best value bets.
In addition to studying data and head-to-head matchups, good bettors also pay attention to intangibles like schedule, injuries, travel, home-court advantage, and more. They also keep tabs on player and coach trends. This information can give them a huge edge over the general public, who often don’t take these factors into account.
Another thing to look for are betting trends. These are small patterns that can help you predict future results and make better bets. For example, if a team is losing on the road and at home against teams with similar records, they are likely to lose more bets than they should. Keeping an eye on these types of betting trends can help you avoid making costly mistakes.
In addition to straight and spread bets, there are also props, which are wagers on non-standard outcomes. These are typically harder to win than standard bets, but can pay off if you’re right. For instance, a total on how many strikeouts Max Scherzer will have against the Reds is a prop. Depending on how much action a prop gets, it can move the line a lot, which can be good or bad for your bankroll. But if you know what you’re doing, a little research can go a long way toward increasing your profits. Just remember to always bet what you can afford to lose, and never risk more than 5% of your bankroll per play. That will ensure you don’t get wiped out by a bad streak. Good luck!