With some great tournaments on the horizon, you may be thinking about ramping up the action and placing a few bets. And why not? With plenty of online bookies and markets, good betting experiences are there to be had. That said, if you’re new to sports betting, there are a few things you need to know so you don’t get wiped out in your first session, such as which sign-up offers for betting to leverage and which ones to avoid. So, let’s take a deep dive into what these are.
Make Sure the Site is Legit
Some websites are household names, and providing the URL checks out; you know it is legit. That said, get into the habit of checking out the licensing of the site to make sure it is regulated. You don’t want to hand over your cash to scammers, which is more common than you think.
Once you’re happy a site is good to go, check reviews to make sure they won’t mess you around. Just remember that reviews that are too good or too bad are probably fake.
Budget and Staking Plan
Money management is a vital part of successful sports betting. Set a session budget and a staking plan which is to say, a percentage of your budget for each bet. Pros work to 1-5% of their session budget with a happy average of 3%. This way, you’ll make steady wins and won’t lose all your money on a few bets.
Never chase losses, as that leads to ruin.
Realistic Expectations are Key
If you think you’re going to have that one amazing night and be in a position to retire, well, sadly, the result is the opposite. If you consider that to break even, you need to win 53% of the time, so if you aim for a win rate of around 55%, then this will give you a far better experience.
Don’t Drink and Bet
Betting with a clear mind is key to success. Alcohol and other substances dull your senses, making you overconfident, and this often leads to a depleted bank balance. Only bet when you are sober and straight, as you’ll need that clear mind to make important decisions.
Bet on Sports You Know
There is little point in betting on a golfing tournament when you know nothing about the sport, key players, results, etc. Instead, bet on sports you know well, and this can be taken further into leagues and teams you know well.
You should have a good knowledge of the state of play generally with a league or tournament and know who are the in-form teams and players, the manager, and that is just getting started.
Stick with the sports you know for better success.
Keep Records
It is a good idea to keep records of your plays and review them. You may spot trends to avoid or exploit, and this is good for your bankroll.
Sports betting is exciting and fun, and it is even more exciting and fun when you win. Follow these tips to get started on successful sports betting career.
