Sports betting, whether on websites, apps, or in retail locations, is a billion-dollar industry. But the truth is, more people lose than win, and most bettors aren’t profitable on a consistent basis. That’s okay – gambling isn’t meant to be easy, and it certainly doesn’t guarantee a lifetime of riches. But there are some tips and tricks that can help bettors get ahead.
One important factor is doing adequate research before making a bet. This can include everything from researching weather forecasts to staying current with team injuries and player trends. It can also mean taking the time to shop lines – for example, if one book posts the Cavs at -8 and another offers them at -7.5, that extra half point can make a difference.
Another important factor is being clear-headed (so don’t start drinking until after placing your bets). You need to separate yourself from your fandom and only bet on games that you know something about. That means analyzing team records and statistics, but it also involves studying things like coaching matchups and batter vs. pitcher numbers.
Props, or proposition bets, are wagers that don’t fit into the traditional point spread, moneyline, and total categories. These bets have a higher vig than standard bets, but they can provide an advantage if you understand the math behind them. For example, if Scherzer’s strikeout total against the Reds is set at 7.5, the over is a better bet because it costs more to back the under than it does the over.