Think Like a Pro: How Betting Sports Builds Strategy

Sports Betting Is a Booming Industry That Offers Opportunities for Big Wagers

Sports Betting Tips

Gambling on anything is, by definition, risky. It’s also tortuous and often leaves one talking to him/herself. There are times, however, when it’s rewarding. Betting sports is obviously no different, and not necessarily the domain of the squeamish. Those “bad beats” are shared by gamblers far and wide, whether it’s a back-door cover in a football game, a garbage-time pro or college basket, an empty-net hockey goal, or some other form of masochistic delight, gamblers need a strong constitution (usually with a strong bankroll as well) to persevere.

Beating the spread is not easy, as the lines in any sport tend to be quite accurate.   

However, there are some strategies that may help to limit those aforementioned painful experiences. It isn’t guaranteed, and nothing prevents the inevitable muttering and potty-mouth vocabulary when things don’t go your way. 

First and foremost, when it comes to betting on sports, do some homework. It’s not a flip-a-coin proposition, so before investing some money, invest some time. 

Here’s a primer on the subject…  

How to Make a Bet on BetUS? 

Before you bet on sports online, it is imperative to take some time and find a site that’s both licensed and reputable, one that meets all of your needs and requirements. Beginning its fourth decade as a leader in this area, BetUS is the go-to site when it comes to online sports wagering. With more than three decades of excellence, quick and secure transactions, and friendly 24/7 customer service, bet online BetUS is the best choice for online wagering.

Start by visiting www.betus.com.pa to open an account and take advantage of the best lines, spreads, and promotions in the business.   

How Do I Make a Sports Bet?

Betting sports may seem overwhelming to the novice, but not really. A short course here begins with American football (NFL and college), which dwarfs every other sport in popularity.

Each of the games has what’s known as a “line” or “spread,” which is established to (theoretically) level the playing field between the two teams.

Our example is a game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders. These two longtime former American Football League rivals now meet twice each season as part of the Western Division in the National Football League’s American Football Conference.

Imagine the oddsmakers established the Chargers as seven points better than the Raiders.

Hence, the Chargers are the “favorites,” while the Raiders are the “underdogs.” 

If the bettor wants the Chargers, he/she then gives (or “lays”) those seven points in the wager, meaning the Chargers have to win the game by more than seven.

If the bettor wants the Raiders, he/she then takes those seven points in the wager, meaning the Raiders have to win the game outright or lose by fewer than seven.

The final score may well land on seven, resulting in a “push” where all bets are refunded.

It is important to note that point spreads are fluid, and subject to movement depending on the betting in a given game. The last thing the house or the bookie wants is one-sided action, so the lines get adjusted accordingly.

In the above Charger-Raider example, if the betting is substantially heavier on the Chargers, that line of seven points may move to 7½. However, the bettor is “locked in” with the spread at the time of the wager.         

What Happens if You Bet $100 on a Money Line?

Wagering on all sports also includes what’s known as a “money line” option. This is an alternative wager that replaces the aforementioned point spreads or lines with dollar values on each team. These numbers are all relative to $100, and here’s another example…

At the time of this writing, the Army and Navy are set to have their 125th meeting on the gridiron. Army was a 6½-point favorite to win the game, with the money line of Army -260, Navy +210. This means to win $100 by betting on the favored Black Knights, the bettor has to risk $260. Conversely, if you prefer the Midshipmen, then the risk is $100 to win $210. There aren’t any points involved at all. Your team just has to win.    

As with spreads, money lines are also fluid.

Also note that the “minus” number associated with the favorite is always greater than the “plus” number of the underdog, preventing a guaranteed profit by betting on both sides.   

Any Final Thoughts?

Doing some homework is never a bad thing when it comes to any wagering on sports. Keep yourself informed of the latest news (injuries included), stats, and trends before making any bets.

As was mentioned, this isn’t a flip-a-coin proposition, so the more tidbits of knowledge the bettor has acquired, then the smarter the choice. Check the odds and start betting.

Remember the name of the game is finding some winners.