Sports betting has become so popular in recent years that it is now seemingly impossible for amateur and inexperienced bettors to find reliable sources that are safe bets. Many of the websites claiming to be experts offering free picks, are merely attempting to increase traffic to profit from marketing promotions or affiliate links. Even some of the more the professionally designed websites’ primary focus is generating advertising revenue, not making sound bets. Aside from vapid websites, amateur bettors should also be weary of picks coming from media pundits on major networks like ESPN.
Identify motives for disseminating information
Of course, there some reputable sports betting websites that may be of help to the inexperienced an avid gamblers around the world. The easiest way to qualify or eliminate these websites from consideration is to conduct a background search on the authors or webmaster. It may also be beneficial to review articles on various topics in an attempt to delineate the underlying motive for creating the website.
Avoid media hype
Inexperienced bettors should be wary of believing media hype leading into the big game. The primary objective for sports stations like Fox Sports, ESPN and the others is to draw in viewers, opposed to providing sound gambling advice. People who watch these stations long enough will eventually notice that most of the pundits are simply recycling the same talking points.
This is due more so to a lack of creativity or resourcefulness, opposed to their advice being the clear and obvious choice. This is not to say that their opinions are completely baseless, but rather, bettors should heed their words with trepidation. Consensus picks or elaborate analysis provided by panelists should compel bettors to conduct more research, opposed to running straight to the sportsbook.
Identify your favorite handicappers, scouts and beat writers
Bettors who are looking for new insight or reputable sources may benefit from researching renowned handicappers or established experts in the sports betting industry. Twitter is one of the most efficient ways to find direct updates from reputable sources leading up to the game. This may also prove to be an effective way to follow local beat writers who may have a unique perspective or the most recent information relevant to the upcoming match.
Learn new betting systems
Researching different betting systems and techniques is also an effective way to come up with your own picks. Many amateur bettors are able to find a system that closely correlates with their own interests. Successful bettors are able to take these systems and tweak them accordingly to coincide with their own strengths, interests or principles.
The most important step is to remain consistent when employing a new betting system. If too many variables are changed too often, the system is quickly becomes unreliable. Bettors benefit from establishing a routine, and committing to it for a reasonable amount of time. It’s always advisable to maintain a comprehensive log of records in order to accurately assess the success or failure rate of the system.
Some bettors use arbitrage betting in order to hedge their exposure in any given event. These bettors are placing opposing bets with two different sportsbooks in an attempt to mitigate their losses, regardless of however the game turns out. There are other bettors out there who are simply satisfied following the consensus, and whichever the way the lines moves. These bettors routinely monitor sportsbook closely in order to find adjustments in the lines that may create advantageous opportunities. Several of the major sportsbooks will display the betting trends, or the proportion of the public that is backing each side of any given wager.
Improve your math comprehension
Bettors who are interested in formulating their own models or systems can do so by improving their math and computer skills. Through an advanced comprehension of probabilities, statistics and excel, many successful handicappers are able to craft or redesign betting systems that meet their own specific criteria. Handicappers are constantly monitoring and tweaking their own systems to improve accuracy and minimize the impact that subjectivity has on their picks. This approach to finding new picks often requires the most discipline and effort in comparison to the other available options.
Forums and message boards
Frequenting forums and message boards is also a very effective way to find new picks. There are a wide variety of forums online that cater to bettors of any level. The more technical and professional the forum is, the more reliable the information is likely to be. Members often exchange information about favorable and unfavorable sportsbooks, breaking news developments, new handicapping techniques and other related topics as well.
Forums are often the fruitful resource for gamblers seeking out advice from their peers. Queries posted in active forums typically get a myriad of responses within the hour. However bettors choose to research their picks, a diversified approach is typically most effective.