Betting Strategies

Simple Betting Strategies

Straight Bets

• Even Money Bets: These are the simplest forms of bets, where the bettor wagers one unit to win one unit. Common types include:
  • Point Spread: Betting on the margin of victory.
  • Totals (Over/Under): Wagering on the total combined score of both teams in a game.
  • Player Props: Specific outcomes related to individual players, like over/under on points scored.
  Since these are even money bets, both sides typically attract equal betting action, balancing the sportsbook’s risk.
• Moneyline Bets: In moneyline betting, the wager is on which team will win the game outright, regardless of the point spread. However, these bets are often not even money.
  • Example: If a team is favored by 5 points, their moneyline might be -200, meaning you need to bet 2 units to win 1 unit. Conversely, the underdog might have a moneyline of +180, meaning a 1-unit bet returns 1.8 units if they win.

Mid-Level Betting Strategies

Parlays

• A parlay combines multiple bets into a single wager with higher potential payouts. Every leg of the parlay must win for the overall bet to be successful. While the risks are higher, so are the rewards.

Parlay Strategies

• Alt Down Parlays: This strategy involves selecting player or team props with adjusted lines that increase the likelihood of each leg winning, albeit with reduced individual payouts. For example:
  • If LeBron James’ point total over/under is set at 19.5 with odds of -110, you might include a safer over/under of 15 points at -400 in your parlay. While this lowers the individual payout, it boosts the parlay’s chances of winning.
  • Similarly, for team bets, instead of taking a -6.5 point spread, you might opt for a -3.5 spread with reduced odds, but higher winning probability.
• Inverse Parlay Strategy: You can also bet on underperforming trends. If a player like LeBron hasn’t scored more than 25 points recently, betting on the under at 25 points with odds of -500 can be safer. Combining three such bets at similar odds might result in an overall parlay close to even money, enhancing your chances without massive risks.
• Same Game Parlay: A Same Game Parlay (SGP) is a type of sports bet where you combine multiple outcomes from a single game into one wager. For example, in a basketball game, you might bet on:
  A specific player to score over 20 points.
  The total game points to be over 200.
  One team to win.
  Each individual bet in the parlay is called a “leg,” and all the legs must win for the parlay to payout. The odds of each leg are combined, typically resulting in a higher potential payout compared to placing the bets individually. However, because all outcomes must occur as predicted, it’s also riskier.
  SGPs are popular because they allow bettors to create personalized, high-stakes bets within a single game, adding excitement to watching the event.

Advanced Betting Strategies

Futures Bets

• Futures involve wagering on long-term outcomes, such as the winner of a league, tournament, or award. These bets often offer long odds, making them appealing for bettors looking to leverage their deep sports knowledge.
  • Examples include betting on the Super Bowl winner, MVP awards, or the Masters champion.
  • Futures bets can be exciting, as evidenced by unexpected outcomes like Leicester City winning the Premier League, offering massive payouts for those who correctly predicted the unlikely.

Additional Tips

• Bankroll Management: Regardless of the strategy, managing your bankroll effectively is crucial. Never wager more than you can afford to lose, and consider using a unit system to standardize your bets.
• Research: Knowledge is power in betting. Thorough research and understanding of the sport, teams, and players involved can give you an edge.
• Avoid Chasing Losses: It’s tempting to increase your bets after losses to recover quickly, but this can lead to further losses. Stick to your strategy and betting limits.

By combining these strategies with disciplined betting practices, you can enhance your chances of success and enjoy a more rewarding betting experience.