Searching for value bets
In simple terms, a value bet is a wager where the probability of the outcome is greater than the odds being offered by the bookmakers.
- For example, let’s say that a bookie rates Manchester City as 6/4 shots to win at Chelsea. This implies a 40% probability of City winning the game.
- However, using statistics and analysis you have calculated that City’s chances of winning at Stamford Bridge are actually 50% and their price should be Evens.
- In this instance you have identified a value bet and should look to take full advantage of this situation by backing City to win.
Live betting value
The concept of a value bet can also be transferred to live betting, with some sports offering fantastic opportunities to secure winning returns.
- For instance, many successful teams go off at short prices to win their home matches making it tough to back them in singles.
- However, there will be opportunities during the course of the season where high winning percentage teams fall behind in a game and their odds lengthen.
- This is the ideal spot to place a wager of and is a situation that many pro punters manipulate to their advantage.
Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting is a strategy that guarantees a profit by covering all possible outcomes in advance of the result being known.
- It requires you to place a bet with a bookie, before laying off the same wager at lower odds on a betting exchange.
- The difference between the two prices locks in a guaranteed return and allows you to watch the event without worrying about the outcome.
- Many bookies frown on the practice of ‘arbing’, but it is a great strategy to use if you want to profit from sports betting.
Backing strong home teams in the NHL
Many punters in the UK overlook the NHL for sports betting, although it is a competition that offers great opportunities to make a profit.
- Some teams are historically strong on their home ice, but the competitive nature of the league means that are usually priced up generously.
- Using Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2018/19 season as an example, they won 32 out of 41 matches at home last season but were rarely priced any shorter than 4/6.
- Backing them to a £10 level stake would have cost £410, but your returns would have been at least £533.33 based on odds of 4/6 for each game.
Bet ‘off market’ odds
Odds comparison sites make it really easy to discover if there are any anomalies within a particular betting market.
- For example, let’s say that you fancy Ronnie O’Sullivan to beat Mark Williams in an upcoming snooker match.
- Most bookies rate O’Sullivan as a 1/2 shot to win the game, but one site has him priced up at odds of 4/6 to come out on top.
- A £100 bet at the lower odds pays £150, but returns £166.67 at the higher price. With the majority of sites taking the view that O’Sullivan is a big favourite, the 4/6 on offer represents value.
Bankroll management
One of the most popular betting strategies used by professional punters is implementing bankroll rules that they adhere to stringently.
- This requires you to set aside an amount that will be used for sports betting and then wagering a set percentage for each bet you make.
- It is recommended to keep this to just two percent of your bankroll, so if you had £1,000 set aside for betting each wager would be £20.
- When this strategy is applied properly, it ensures you bet within your means and can safely ride out any losing streaks.
Keep betting records
This is a strategy that many punters overlook, but is one that is vital if you are going to be successful at sports betting.
- Most online sites allow you to download your betting history, giving you the opportunity to analyse your activity.
- By monitoring this you can see where you are making a profit and identify any areas that are denting your bankroll.
- Avoiding the sports that are costing you money is a great way to increase your chances of making a profit in the long run.
The Martingale system
This betting strategy is one of the most famous in the world and is guaranteed to give you a profit if you stick faithfully to it.
- It requires you to place single wagers at odds of Evens or better and keep doubling your stake after losing bets until you back a winner.
- For instance, you could bet £10 on Liverpool to draw a game at odds of 2/1. If the bet is unsuccessful you must wager £20 on a draw at similar odds in their next outing.
- Assuming that game is a draw you would have a return of £60 for a £30 total outlay. You then revert to the original £10 stake and start the process again.
Over 1.5 goals betting
A high percentage of football games in the UK finish with two goals or more, making the over 1.5 goals market particularly appealing.
- Approximately 70-80% of games end with over 1.5 goals, although the odds offered are generally pretty stingy.
- However, by analysing which teams are involved in the most games two goals or more, you can narrow down the field and improve your chances of winning.
- Playing trebles and four-folds in the over 1.5 goals market is a great strategy to employ if you’re looking to profit from sports betting.
Lay the draw
Another solid sports betting strategy worth considering is using betting exchanges to lay the draw in football matches.
- It requires you to select a game where one of the teams is a long odds-on favourite to win and immediately laying the draw.
- The short-priced favourite will most likely go ahead at some point during the game, sparking a huge spike in the draw odds.
- You then back it at that higher price compared to the bet you laid, thus guaranteeing a profit regardless of the outcome.
Sports betting strategies – the final word
Employing a sports betting strategy can undoubtedly give you a vital edge in the ongoing battle with the bookies.
BetonSports is committed to helping you win at sports betting, so please use our advice to boost your chances of making a profit!
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