10 Sports Betting Mistakes

24th July 2023

Sports betting can be fun and lucrative at streakforthecash.com if you know what you’re doing. However, it’s easy for beginners to make mistakes that can cost them money. Here are 10 of the biggest sports betting mistakes to avoid:

  1. Betting with your heart, not your head – It’s tempting to bet on your favorite team or player out of loyalty. However, smart bettors look objectively at the odds and matchups. Betting with your heart instead of your head is a quick way to lose money.
  2. Chasing losses – After a losing bet, some bettors will place larger wagers trying to win their money back quickly. This reckless betting leads to bigger losses. It’s better to accept a loss and wait for the right opportunity than desperately chase winnings.
  3. Jumping on bandwagons – When a team is hot and getting a lot of hype, public money will often pour in on them. It’s generally wise to fade the public in spots like this by betting the unpopular underdog. Don’t just blindly jump on bandwagons.
  4. Betting more than you can afford – The number one rule of responsible gambling is to only bet what you’re comfortable losing. Betting over your head puts unnecessary financial pressure on each wager. Have a set gambling budget and stick to it.
  5. Parlays are sucker bets – Big payouts from parlays are tantalizing, but winning is extremely difficult. Tying several wagers together in a parlay results in lower overall odds. You’re better off betting singles.
  6. Underestimating the bookmaker – Sportsbooks earn billions annually because they don’t give anything away. The odds are crafted to be squarely in their favor. Don’t assume you can consistently outsmart them.
  7. Betting obscure leagues – It’s tough enough winning bets in major sports you follow closely like the NFL and NBA. Don’t make things harder by betting obscure leagues you don’t know well. Stick to major mainstream sports.
  8. Assuming betting systems work – Units, dime lines, betting against the public, and other supposed systems may seem logical but have no real long-term edge. Avoid buying into betting systems that promise quick riches.
  9. Neglecting to shop for the best lines – There can be discrepancies in betting lines at different sportsbooks. Make sure you have accounts at multiple books so you can shop for the most favorable lines.
  10. Lack of discipline – Successful sports bettors stick to strict rules on bet sizing, bankroll management, and adjusting strategy. Have the discipline to correct mistakes rather than repeating them endlessly.

Avoiding these common errors will put you ahead of recreational bettors. Remember that sports betting is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, bet smart, and you’ll increase your chances of coming out ahead. Making the right bets is a skill that takes time to develop.