Despite what sportsbook ads might lead you to believe, sports betting is not a surefire way to make money. It’s a risky venture that requires plenty of research and discipline. It’s also important to keep in mind that even the most expert punters are not profitable on a regular basis. That’s why it’s crucial to follow these tips to help increase your chances of winning more often than not.
Ignore the noise.
One of the most critical things you can do to avoid talking yourself into a bad bet is to ignore the media noise machine. This goes for national TV shows, talk radio and even social media. The main reason these outlets pump the tires of certain teams is to generate discussion and buzz, which translates into ratings and eyeballs. That means that their coverage is largely opinion-driven and heavily biased toward the popular side.
Always use math and statistics to guide your bets. You can also try to eliminate bias by covering up team names on your betting sheets. That forces you to see a game from a more objective, not subjective, point of view and reduces your likelihood of talking yourself into or away from a good bet.
Never bet on a team that you don’t have an in-depth knowledge of. In addition, make sure that you are fully aware of the rules of your sportsbook and all the types of bets they offer. This includes examining the betting menu, investigating user reviews and finding out what types of bets each site accepts.