Sports betting is a wager on the outcome of local and international sporting events, from time-honored classics like football and basketball to emerging sensations such as eSports. It’s a thrilling fusion of strategy and intuition, a sphere where emotional discipline is as critical as analytical rigor.
The legalization of sports gambling in 2018 has transformed the way millions of Americans watch their favorite team, from who’ll win the coin toss at Super Bowl to what color Gatorade will be dumped on winning coaches. But amidst all this hype, it’s important to remember that sports betting isn’t just another form of gambling, it’s a dangerous habit that can lead to addiction.
According to the NCAA, more than 27% of autonomy schools have dealt with a student-athlete gambling problem in the past year. The growing popularity of sports betting threatens the health and safety of students-athletes, as well as the integrity of college athletics.
While the vast majority of sports-related gambling occurs on casinos, racetracks and televised events, the internet has opened up a new world of betting options for fans. Sportsbooks are popping up everywhere, and it’s now possible to place a bet from the comfort of your own home while watching your favorite game on your laptop or mobile device.
But navigating the world of online sports betting isn’t as simple as finding a site that offers your favorite games and signing up for an account. There are many factors to consider and strategies to execute, but if you’re prepared to commit the time and effort necessary to master this new art, here are some tips to get you started.
Before you start placing your bets, familiarize yourself with the odds system. Odds are a reflection of probability, and they also reflect the amount of money you could make if your bet is successful. Odds are displayed with a plus sign (+) preceding the underdog and a minus sign (-) preceding the favorite. A higher number indicates that something is less likely to happen but carries the promise of a larger payout if it does occur.
Correlated parlays are a powerful sports betting strategy that involve making two bets that are closely connected. For example, if you believe that one team will dominate defensively, you can make a bet on them to win and also place a bet on the ‘Over’ for total points scored. If both bets succeed, you’ll walk away with a significant profit.
The sports betting industry is big business. In fact, it’s estimated that there are hundreds of billions of dollars in bets made each year. But despite the enormous amounts of cash floating around, sports betting is still an incredibly risky endeavor. The randomized nature of sports means that even the most educated bettors can sometimes lose. And losing can be expensive, not just in terms of your bankroll but also your sleep, relationships and personal life. To protect yourself, follow these simple sports betting tips to avoid losing your hard-earned money.