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Betting Guide: Essential Strategies to Maximize Your Winnings in 2024

Sports betting is a fun and potentially lucrative pastime if you do everything by the book. There is no substitute for luck, but our betting guides give you a better chance to be successful. We helps beginners learn the basic concepts and craft effective strategies.

Experienced punters can find advanced betting strategies and tips to offset the house edge. Regardless of bankroll and expertise, this sports betting guide will help you maximize the return on investment when betting on sports.

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What is Sports Betting?

Sports betting is the activity of predicting various outcomes in sports. There are dozens of sports and betting markets, so numerous opportunities exist. With so many options, punters must start by understanding the betting terms. This guide has a dedicated glossary for beginners and veterans who want to expand their sports betting vocabulary.

Bookmakers set the odds and add the house edge, which makes it difficult to make money with sports betting. Once you understand how bookies set odds, you can find value in the available markets. Football, basketball, tennis, and ice hockey are the most popular sports. Non-sporting events are also available for betting and offer unique betting markets.

How to open a betting account and choose the best bookmaker?

The first and most important step for prospective bettors is to open a betting account. There are countless alternatives, but the goal is to find the best sportsbook possible. You can open a betting account and place your first bet within minutes by following the six steps.

Step 1

Choose a licensed bookmaker

Find a trustworthy sportsbook that accepts players from your country and covers the sports and market you are interested in
Step 2

Visit the site or download the app

You can complete the registration process on your computer or mobile device.
Step 3

Register an account

Click the "Sign Up" or "Join Now" buttons and enter the required personal details. These usually include full name, email address, date of birth, and physical address.
Step 4

Choose a username and password

Pick an available username and a strong password with many characters, including special ones
Step 5

Claim the welcome bonus

If the bookmaker has an introductory offer, claim the bonus package that meets your expectations.
Step 6

Deposit money

Choose a payment method that qualifies for the bonus and load your account with cash.

The incredible variety of bookmakers makes it difficult to find the best options. Confronted with the paradox of choice, many players make their first sports betting mistakes by choosing a weak bookie. These are the top six things to consider when signing up for an account:

  1. License and reputation: Filter out unlicensed bookmakers and choose companies regulated by prestigious authorities, such as the UK GC and the MGA.
  2. Sports betting options – the sports and betting markets portfolio should be comprehensive for a satisfying ante post and future betting experience.
  3. Pregame and live odds: High odds with a low house edge are essential to being profitable in the long run.
  4. Bonuses and promotions – betting promotions and bonuses are critical to offset the house edge, but they must have reasonable wagering requirements.
  5. Deposit and withdrawal methods – betting websites should offer instant deposits and fast withdrawals with no fees.
  6. Support and user experience — The best online sportsbooks and sports betting exchanges offer 24/7 customer support across several communication channels and have a user-friendly interface.

Popular Sports Betting Markets

Our beginner’s betting guide highlights every sport’s best sports betting opportunities. To know how to win at sports betting, you must understand the features and strategies applicable. Football, horse racing, tennis, ice hockey, basketball, and esports are fine starting points for online betting.

Football

Football is the most popular sport for betting worldwide and enjoys the best coverage at bookmakers and betting exchanges. The most popular bet types include outright betting on winners, Asian and European handicaps, and goal totals. These betting markets are available pregame and in-play, which allows for the use of live betting strategies.

Key characteristics and strategies for football:

  • Pregame and live betting – football is one of the best sports to bet on you, with competitive odds available pregame and live.
  • Form and head-to-head results – recent results and historical performances impact major leagues and lower league betting.
  • Home and away performances – football is one of the sports where the home pitch advantage weighs heavily in the balance.

Horse Racing

Horse racing betting offers bigger than-average betting odds. Volatility is higher, so the importance of proper sports betting money management is enhanced. The popular betting markets include winner, each way, forecast, and tricast.

Key characteristics and strategies for horse racing:

  • Different race types — You can bet on flat or jump races, each with unique considerations, which makes it the hardest sport to bet on.
  • Big odds fluctuations — Significant differences can exist between opening and closing odds, so bookmakers with the best odds guaranteed have an advantage.
  • Jockey and trainer form – not only the horse matters, but also the jockey, so his form must be factored into the sports betting math.
  • Track conditions – weather and ground conditions impact performance, which explains frequent odds shortening on horses.

Tennis

Due to its unique nature, tennis deserves a special chapter in any sports betting guide. Perfect for mobile betting, it is most profitable when bettors watch the games as they unfold. The popular betting markets include match winner, set betting, total games, and handicap betting.

Key characteristics and strategies for horse racing:

  • Individual performance—no team can carry a struggling player, so the individual form and fitness of tennis players are critical.
  • Surface type—If you want to learn how to beat the bookies in tennis, you must understand how players compete on each surface.
  • Head-to-head results – direct results are important, especially when left-handers compete. Some players struggle against specific opponents and you can use the information for betting against the public.

Ice Hockey

The NHL in North America is the most popular hockey betting option. Alternative betting options come from European leaders in Finland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. The common markets include money line, wincast bet, over/under goals, and period-specific betting.

Key characteristics and strategies for horse racing:

  • Dynamic games—Speed is the defining characteristic of ice hockey matches, with frequent leader changes leading to dropping odds.
  • More goals scored—Compared to football, more goals are scored, with the over 6.5 and under 5.5 markets being popular.
  • Goalkeeper form and fitness – this is the most important player in ice hockey and the one you should be watching closely when you learn how to place a bet in hockey.

Basketball

Basketball online betting is available at every bookmaker, with an emphasis on NBA games. The most popular markets include money line betting, point spreads, over/under points, and player props.

Key characteristics and strategies for horse racing:

  • High-scoring games – hundreds of points are scored per match, so spread betting is popular for game winners and totals.
  • High game frequency – matches are scheduled daily, so you can wager often and create system bets every night.
  • Fatigue and form— When you back the favorite, consider the recent schedule and fatigue. Injuries are frequent in basketball and essential when affecting key players.
  • Individual player stats – Some players are essential for their teams, and their absence or poor form is critical.

Esports

Esports betting focuses on video games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike. The most popular betting markets include match winner, map winner, and over/under on kills or rounds. Special in-game bet types are available for straight betting or accumulators.

Key characteristics and strategies for horse racing:

  • Team synergy — Individual performance is important, but team synergy is usually the difference between winning and losing settled bets.
  • Individual map impacts — esports online betting depends heavily on the maps, which can favor one team or another.
  • In-game objectives – The best value is found in the fixed odds offered on teams completing specific objectives in the game.

Types of Bets Explained for Beginners

The various types of bets available are the cornerstone of any sports betting guide. Many apply to several sports, while others are specific to one or a few. Once you sign up for a betting account at online bookmakers, you can explore hundreds of such opportunities. These are the most popular types that you can use to create high-paying sports betting strategies.

Football Betting

Once you learn how to bet on football, there are dozens of betting markets to consider. Some are suitable for beginners, while others are useful for advanced betting strategies. The items listed below work for pregame and live betting and are found at all important bookmakers.

  1. Match Result (1X2): – the first bet to consider when you learn how to read soccer odds is on the match winner in regulation time.
  2. Both Teams to Score — BTTS is a bet in which you predict whether both teams will score at least once in a match.
  3. Over/Under Goals – you predict whether the total number of goals will be under or above a set number, such as over 0.5, over 1.5, or over 2.5.
  4. Correct Score – the correct score betting market is one of the best-paying ones if you can predict the precise score.
  5. First Goalscorer – You bet on the player to score the first goal, which is a profitable football betting market due to the high odds.
  6. Half-Time/Full-Time — This double bet requires a correct prediction of the results recorded at half-time and full-time.

Horse Racing Betting

Horse racing is one of the more challenging types of sports betting due to its high variance. You can bet on races from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. Popular events include the Grand National or the Melbourne Cup, with dozens of markets available at the top betting platforms.

  1. Win – you bet on the race winner and only win if your horse finishes in the top spot.
  2. Place – you win the bet if your chosen horse finishes in the top positions (e.g., top 2 or 3), depending on the sports betting rules and the bookmaker
  3. Each way – you bet on a horse to win the race or finish in one of the top places to get a payout.
  4. Forecast/Tricast—A forecast requires predicting the top two finishers in exact order, while a tricast involves predicting the top three.
  5. Accumulator – is a type of parlay betting where you pick several winners from multiple races.
  6. Match Bets – This exciting type of matched betting requires punters to predict whether a horse finishes ahead of another.

Tennis Betting

Tennis offers numerous betting opportunities, with tournaments scheduled throughout the year. You can bet on many popular markets if you have a betting account at an online bookmaker. You can also request a bet at some sportsbooks to maximize the investment return.

  1. Match Winner — Available for pregame and live betting strategies, bets on match winners are the most straightforward in tennis.
  2. Set Betting – is a popular scorecast where you predict the exact score in a tennis match.
  3. Over/Under Games – you bet on the total number of games per match or individual player performance, such as under 2.5, under 3.5, or under 4.5.
  4. Handicap Betting – it means that the player covers a number of games or sets disadvantage.
  5. First Set Winner – you bet on the player to win the first set as a standalone wager or part of a betting accumulator.
  6. Total Aces – you bet on the total number of aces scored by a player; alternatively, you can bet on the total number of double faults.

Ice Hockey Betting

Online vs offline betting options can differ greatly for ice hockey, but dozens of alternatives remain. European leagues, the NHL, and the occasional Winter Olympics provide some of the best opportunities. With expert betting tips, you can extract maximum value from these markets.

  1. Moneyline – you bet on the winner, including overtime, so you don’t even need how to bet on draws.
  2. Puck Line (Handicap) – this betting terminology refers to spread betting, where you bet on a team to cover a handicap.
  3. Total Goals (Over/Under) – you bet on the total number of goals per match but can also tinker with under 1.5 goals per period.
  4. Period Betting – you bet on the outcome of each period, including the winners, the total number of goals, and draw no bet markets.
  5. First Team to Score – you get low odds compared to the outright winner, but you only need to predict the team to score 1st.
  6. Exact Score – a high-paying market in which you can predict the same score in the match. Using a cash-in feature in the game’s final minutes helps mitigate the risks.

Basketball Betting

Basketball, especially the NBA, is a favorite among sports bettors due to the high number of points scored. Teams frequently exchange leads, which makes EVS betting profitable with the right information. Any comprehensive betting guide will include information that basketball fans can use.

  1. Moneyline – bet on the winner of the match, including overtime, and you can lay the draw.
  2. Point Spread – bet on their favorites to cover the spread or use the handicap for underdog betting when you expect a tight match.
  3. Over/Under Points – you bet on the number of points in a game for each team or the total. First and second half betting on the total number of points is also possible.
  4. Player Props – bet on the individual player’s performance, such as total points, rebounds, assists, or three-pointers made during a game.
  5. Total Team Points – bet on the number of points scored by a team in a match. A popular variation includes the bet on a team to win either half.

Esports Betting

Esports has exploded in popularity, with betting markets on League of Legends (LoL), Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS), and other video games. Unlike virtual betting, esports involves teams competing in land-based arenas. Each game has its special betting markets, so different betting strategies must be used.

  1. Match Winner – predict which team or player will win the match in a single match or accumulators using a parlay calculator.
  2. Map Winner – you bet on the team to win a single map. Sharp betting strategies depend on knowing each team’s advantages on a particular map.
  3. Total Maps Over/Under – you bet on how many maps are played, not the winner. Most games are best-of-three, so a win to nil implies a 2-0 scoreline.
  4. First Blood – in games like League of Legends or Dota 2, this bet allows you to wager on which team will get the first kill in the game.
  5. Total Kills – you predict the total number of kills scored in a match.  This market is available in round robin, group stage and elimination rounds.

Understanding Betting Odds

Whether you bet on football, read an NFL betting guide, or have other preferences, having betting odds explained is the top priority. They indicate favorites and underdogs, but in the long run, they influence your profit margin. The ultimate goal is to search for better value at online bookies or sharbing in land-based locations. Odds are expressed in fractional decimal and moneyline formats.

Implied Probability

Implied probability is the bookmaker’s estimation of the likelihood of an event occurring. To properly manage risk in betting, you must understand how this value is calculated. The formula for calculating implied probability from decimal odds is:

Example:

  • Implied Probability=1/Decimal Odds ×100
  • For instance, if the odds are 2.00, the implied probability is 1/2 ×100=50%

To learn how to win big on football bets, you need to find odds where the implied probability is constantly above the odds. To do so, you need experience or access to quality betting tips.

Low Odds

Low odds indicate a higher probability of an event happening, so the team or athlete is the favorite. This information can teach you how do negative odds work, as they are the amount you must bet to win $100. Risk-averse punters prefer low odds, and some use them in systems such as Fibonacci betting:

Example 1:

  • Event: Football match – Liverpool versus Crystal Palace
  • Liverpool to win: 1.30 odds (Implied Probability: 76.9%)
  • A $10 bet returns $13 ($3 profit) if Liverpool wins.

Example 2:

  • Event: Tennis match – Alcaraz vs Medvedev
  • Alcaraz to win: 1.50 odds (Implied Probability: 66.7%)
  • A $10 bet returns $15 ($5 profit) if Alcaraz wins.

High Odds

High odds signify a lower probability of an event happening, so you are betting on the underdog. This is important betting terminology, as it helps maximize winnings. At betting exchanges, you can use high odds for lay betting and expect the underdogs not to cause an upset.

Example 1:

  • Event: Football match – Juventus versus Sampdoria
  • Sampdoria to win: 4.50 odds (Implied Probability: 22.2%)
  • A $10 bet returns $45 ($35 profit) if Team Sampdoria wins.

Example 2:

  • Event: Basketball match – Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets
  • Brooklyn Nets to win: 5.00 odds (Implied Probability: 20%)
  • A $10 bet returns $50 ($40 profit) if the Brooklyn Nets win.

The goal shouldn’t always be to hunt the highest odds available. Instead, it would help if you focused on overlay betting, namely situations where the odds are higher than they should be. Remember to follow responsible gambling practices and bet sensible amounts according to proper bankroll management.

Fixed Odds

Fixed odds mean the odds a bookmaker offers you are locked in place. You will be paid at these values regardless of how the odds fluctuate before kickoff. If you wonder why was my bet canceled, it probably has to do with the event being postponed or canceled, not the odds of drifting.

Example:

  • If you bet on a horse at 3.00 odds, which later drops to 2.50 due to market adjustments, you still receive the payout based on the original 3.00 odds.

You will learn about the situation more often in a horse racing betting guide. Many bookmakers offer the best odds guaranteed, so you are not affected by odds shortening. An unmatched bet doesn’t fall into this category, as the bets must be accepted first.

Dropping Odds

Dropping odds happen when the bookmakers decide to lower them because new information is available. You will find it in tennis games and also described in the UFC betting guide. It is more common in games where individuals compete, and it benefits those who use dutching strategies.

Example:

  • A tennis match starts with Zverev at 2.50 odds, but after news of Sinner’s injury, the odds drop to 1.80, reflecting a higher probability of Zverev winning.

Basic Betting Strategies for Beginners

There’s a lot of information to take in as a beginner, but a sports betting guide can help. You can go to the next level once you learn the terminology and get familiar with the sports and markets. Our betting advice is to begin with basic betting strategies for beginners, like these five popular ones.

Understanding Betting Odds and Markets

There is an indissoluble link between the chances to win and the odds. Begin by determining the implied probability for your support and market of choice. If necessary, use an odds calculator to convert into your preferred odds format. These calculators are useful for complex accumulators and system bets such as 7-fold and 8-fold bets. Only bet when there is value in the odds available; otherwise, skip the market.

Start Small with a Bankroll Management Strategy

Value football betting is only meaningful if you exercise flawless bankroll management. Set a budget you are comfortable with for betting, and don’t wager more than 5%. Risk-averse players should lower the threshold to 1% even with high confidence in a specific bet. Any sports betting guide will highlight the importance of readjusting your bets based on bankroll changes.

Example: If your bankroll is $200, you should bet between $2 and $10 on each bet, depending on your confidence level and the risk involved. Don’t chase losses or increase the stakes out of greed. Always stick to the plan.;

Focus on One Sport and League

Beginners should choose a sport they know and stick to a few betting markets. If football is your preferred sport, use the football betting guide and focus on one or a few leagues. Learn new concepts, such as what is a clean sheet and experiment with special bets now and then. Keep the stakes low and gradually expand your horizons as you gain more experience.

Example: If you are a football fan, focus on a specific league like the Premier League; study team form, head-to-head results, injuries, and other things that can impact performance.

Research new markets before betting

Stick to what you know and don’t gamble with betting market you don’t understand. Some specialty markets, such as corner betting and bookings, are safe steps forward. When you bet on markets that lack knowledge, you are more likely to make poor choices and lose money. Back less than 1% of your bankroll early on until you develop confidence and expertise.

Stick to low-risk markets.

As a beginner, it is recommended to choose lower-risk markets, even if the odds are lower. The double chance bet is a shining example of a wager with a high probability of winning. The draw no bet is another worthy alternative to picking winners in derbies and high-profile matches. These wagers are also good choices when crafting betting systems and accumulators with many selections.

Choose quality bonuses

An online betting guide for beginners will highlight the importance of bonuses and promotions. Choose bookmakers that offer such offers, but pay attention to wagering requirements and banking limitations. Some special markets, such as outright winners or relegation betting, might be unavailable due to deadlines. Bonuses must be cleared within a reasonable timeframe, so the end of the season will be too far ahead. The play-through demands are of extraordinary importance.

Example: If you receive a $50 bonus with a 3x wagering requirement, you must place $150 in bets before cashing out.

Keep Records of Your Bets

Review your betting history often to see what you did right and what can be improved. Pay attention to betting trends, correlate them with your results, and always be honest. See which football strategies and systems worked in the long run and which were costly mistakes. Adjust when you realize things don’t go well and cut your losses.

Advanced Betting Strategies

A sports betting guide for experienced punters focuses on different betting techniques. Veterans can bet at higher odds and use more complex systems with fivefold and sixfold selections. Promotions and bonuses are used differently by players with larger budgets and better bankroll management.

Advanced Sports Betting Systems

Players with sufficient expertise can consider progressive sports betting systems. These systems provide the much-needed structure and offer a predictable path to bankroll enlargement. However, these strategies carry inherent risks, so solid experience and flawless self-control are needed.

Tip

  1. Martingale — This progressive system offsets losses and makes theoretically guaranteed winnings. It requires betting markets with odds about even value, such as win both halves, to work. If you start by betting $10 and lose, your next bet is $20, then $40, and so on until you win. The risk is hitting the maximum amount accepted by the bookmaker before winning.
  2. Fibonacci System – a superior version for Martingale, uses the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.). It works for lower odds and less risky betting markets, such as those with no clean sheet, as the stakes grow more slowly. If your first bet of $10 loses, your next bet is $10 again, followed by $20, $30, $50, and so on. The system resets after a win.
  3. Kelly Criterion – This more advanced strategy is only suitable for experienced punters. The formula is used to determine the optimal size of a bet based on the value and probability of a given outcome. You can use it at regular bookmakers and crypto betting sites in regular betting markets, such as teams, to win either half. The goal is to bet proportionally to the edge you have over the bookmaker.

Expert Sports Betting Techniques

Some strategies featured in sports betting guides for veterans have specific uses and are applied case-by-case. The goal is to find value in the odds available and exploit the market. These strategies are used to take advantage of odds movements and find ways to lock in guaranteed profits.

Tip

  1. Arbitrage Betting — Expert punters use arbitrage to bet on opposite results to guarantee a profit regardless of outcome. It works best for high-odds markets, such as a win reverse bet, by capitalizing on fluctuating odds. For example, you try to find two bookmakers offering odds above 2.00 for four different tennis players to win the same match.
  2. Value Betting — This technique requires identifying a bookmaker that underestimates the likelihood of an event occurring. If the odds are higher than the actual probability, you can offset the house edge and make a profit in the long run. More obscure markets, such as betting on penalties, are more likely to be exploited in this manner.
  3. Hedging — unlike arbitrage, this risk management technique aims to cover potential losses or lock in profits. Multiple bets might be required, so it’s important to have accounts at bookies that offer pleaser bet options. By using sliders, you can bet on the precise points, goals, or winning margins to hedge against the risks effectively.

Advanced Betting Promotions

Bonuses and promotions are the most effective instruments for offsetting the house edge and gaining an upper edge. Some campaigns can be exploited despite strict terms and conditions and betting rules. Bookies offering parlay insurance and other special features are prime candidates for these tactics.

Tip

  1. Matched Betting – is a concept explained in other betting guides and involves taking advantage of free bets. Assuming you get a $50 free bet for new customers, you bet the amount on a football team to cover a specific Asian corners handicap. At a different bookmaker, you use your own money on the team not to cover the spread and secure profits.
  2. Boosted Odds Offers – this is a popular concept at many bookmakers who offer enhanced odds on specific events. These are usually exotic markets, such as a grand salami in football, to attract prospective players. For example, a bookmaker may boost the odds from 1.50 to 3.00 for a limited time. This presents a valuable opportunity if you believe the favorite is highly likely to win.
  3. Cash-Out Feature – cash-out options are a common occurrence among modern bookmakers. They are available pregame and live and can be used for single wagers, parlays, and systems, such as a fourfold bet. You are offered an amount based on how the teams or athletes perform at the moment. Using this feature, you can lock in a portion of the winnings or recuperate some of your losses.

How to Choose the Right Betting Platform

Even the best things end, and this betting guide has reached this conclusion. You have all the information to place winning bets on popular sports and markets. Everything from outright winners, match results, and long-term transfer betting props are within your reach. The only thing left is choosing the best betting platform to fulfill your high expectations.

Don’t take chances with unlicensed bookmakers; choose only regulated platforms. Check out mobile compatibility, betting apps, professional customer support, and fast and reliable payment methods. Don’t settle for a few sports, mediocre betting markets, or subpar odds. You are entitled to the best promotions, bonuses, and security standards. The time is now to win!

FAQ About Learning Sports Betting

The betting guide is a comprehensive tutorial for beginners, advanced, and expert players. It helps them navigate the sports betting world and maximize their winnings.

Online betting is legal in many countries where Internet gambling is regulated. Check your national legislation to ensure you can bet on sports per the law.

Many strategies work depending on bankroll, knowledge, and expectations. You should always seek value in the odds and bet within your means while never chasing losses.

Bet a tiny percentage of your bankroll on sports and betting markets you know well. Keep track of your results and make constant changes while learning new things all the time.

Use betting strategies to maximize your winnings and tinker with exotic markets. Take advantage of bonuses and promotions while using arbitrage and hedging to boost your profits.

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