When it comes to betting on sports, there’s no shortage of information out there. But if you’re new to the scene, it can be daunting to know where to start. This article covers 12 things every sports bettor should know, including how to read odds, different ways to bet and popular terms like “over/under.”
Sports betting has been around for centuries, with gambling on horses, baseball games and more becoming mainstream in the United States starting in the 19th century. While anti-gambling sentiment would dampen the industry for decades, legalization in 2018 allowed sports betting to reenter the mainstream and set off a multibillion-dollar boom in the U.S.
The main reason people bet on sports is to have fun, but making money at it requires a lot of hard work and research. Understanding betting strategy, learning how to read odds and respecting the market are just some of the keys to consistent success.
It’s also important to bet with your head and not your heart, which means taking emotions out of the equation. You should always look at the numbers and unique circumstances that play a role in the game and refrain from betting on teams just because you’ve been rooting for them since you were a kid.
Finally, never bet with money that you can’t afford to lose and remember that there’s no such thing as a guaranteed winning bet tip. If you find yourself getting frustrated with a losing bet, take a step back and learn from your mistakes.