Sports betting can be a tricky game and I’m sure, like me, you’ve experienced times where what you thought to be a sure thing turned into a disaster and your wagers didn’t pay out. This happens! And indeed, the world of sports is unpredictable, which means sports betting results often don’t go the way we expect.
With that in mind, is there anything you can do to sway the odds in your favour? From a technical perspective, no. Sportsbooks set the odds and you can’t change them! There are, however, things you can do to bet sensibly and give yourself the best chance of winning, and this is what I discuss below. I have outlined some top advice and betting strategy to give you a boost in the key areas of sports betting.
1. Choose the right sportsbook
The first thing you should do is get your sportsbook in order. Australian sports fans have a wealth of sportsbooks available, and some are better than others. Read reviews of the sportsbooks, look at social proof and check for different features such as:
● Welcome bonuses.
● Betting markets.
● Individual bet variety.
● Customer support.
● Mobile accessibility.
Don’t just sign up to any old sportsbook. Instead, spend a little time researching the different platforms to find the right one that gives you the best value for money, including better odds, greater bet variety and lucrative welcome bonuses.
2. Keep track of injury reports
Injury reports are especially vital for sports betting. For example, you may want to place a wager on a top A-League team as they are playing a mid-table opponent. However, on closer inspection, you find that their star striker is out for the game. Could this injury potentially hamper the team and mean their mid-table opponent suddenly becomes more formidable?
3. Consider expert betting tips
There is never any harm in considering the opinions of others when it comes to betting, especially those who are experts in their field and take serious time to consider the predictions they make. Seeing how your own thoughts on a particular bet compare with the finest online betting tips can help guide your final wagers.
4. Use stats sites to track player performance
If you really want to place smart bets, then you have to be diligent and willing to delve into the world of stats and player performance! Today, we can gain access to so much statistical analysis, and many sportsbooks offer historical data.
By understanding things like player performance, previous results and historical matchup data, you can be more informed about the matches and thus make more informed decisions on actual facts and figures, instead of acting on whims and emotions.
5. Understand the different bet types
I’ve seen many people making blind wagers and simply placing bets without fully understanding what they are betting on, or how the bet works. This is madness! One of the first things you should do is take time to understand the different bet types for the sports you want to place bets on.
Sure, simple money line bets are easy – you are simply picking the winner of a match. However, there are other bets too, such as points spreads and more in-depth bets that can potentially be more lucrative. Know your bets!
6. Compare odds across different sportsbooks
In today’s world of sportsbooks, most platforms offer similar odds. This is because they have entire teams and automated systems dedicated to statistical analysis and the setting of odds. However, you will still find odds varying from platform to platform, and there are always sportsbooks that are less diligent in setting odds and can thus offer better value.
Simply put, don’t always stick with your preferred sportsbook when placing wagers. Instead, do a little shopping and compare odds across different platforms – you may be able to find a better offer.
7. Go with head over heart
I completely understand that most sports fans have favourite teams and players – I do too! I also understand that it’s difficult not to place wagers on your favourites. However, this doesn’t always work, nor is it always a logical choice! For example, let’s say that you support Western United, and they have an A-League match against Wellington coming up.
Your heart might urge you to place a wager on your home team, but is this really logical when Wellington sit at the top of the A-League while Western United are at rock bottom? Of course not! Sometimes you have to dismiss your heart’s desires and go with cold, hard logic instead.
8. Consider the value of accas
Accas are multi-wager bets in which you make multiple selections. To win, all your selections have to be correct. I know many people who love accas and they certainly can yield amazing payouts. However, the likelihood of accas paying out is incredibly small because of the multiple results involved and the unpredictability of sports.
If you want to take a punt on accas, I advise only wagering a small amount, such as AUD$5-10. Or, split your bankroll in percentages between accas and regular money line bets. For example, you might use 10% on accas and 90% on standard bets.
9. Don’t underestimate futures bets
For many sports, you can place futures bets, and these can be incredibly lucrative. For example, a sportsbook might allow you to place a futures bet on the predicted winner of the A-League for the 2023/24 season – before it even starts.
Or you may be able to place futures bets on the outcome of international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup or Olympic events. I don’t advise investing a huge amount in these futures bets, but if you do your research and find clear favourites to win specific events or leagues, placing a few futures bets could be beneficial.
10. Only wager with your initial funds
I get that when you hit a big win it’s tempting to then re-wager your winnings on the next match. Indeed, this can be a viable strategy, but I prefer to stay away from the all or nothing approach, as more often than not, you are left with nothing in the end.
Instead, wager sensibly. For example, if you place an AUD$10 bet and win AUD$50 back, keep $40 to one side and only re-wager with your initial $10. By doing this, you are actually making gains instead of always potentially losing your entire money pot. I know this sounds a little boring, but it’s a viable strategy that will always protect at least some of your funds!
Use these sports betting advice to boost your wagering game
Ultimately, your fate and that of your wagers lies in the hands of the players and teams you are betting on, and there is no sure-fire way to guarantee success at sports betting. Sometimes, the results simply don’t go your way and when this happens, you have to live with it!
However, using the above advice, you can bet sensibly, manage your money and place logical wagers that are based on current stats and reports, giving you the best chance of winning. Always remember to have fun above all else, and know when to walk away!