Betting on sports is a great way to add excitement to your viewing experience. However, it can also be a dangerous venture if you don’t know what you’re doing. There are many things you should consider before putting your hard-earned money on the line, such as betting value and bankroll management.

Bet on Value

Whether you’re an experienced bettor or you’re just starting out, learning to recognize betting value is one of the most important skills to master. Understanding value can make the difference between winning and losing, and it’s a key component of any long-term betting strategy.

Specialize

If you’re new to betting, it’s best to choose a specific sport or league. This will help you narrow your focus and give you an edge over other bettors.

Do Your Research

It’s vital to do your homework on the teams you bet on. Learn their history, current standing and their performance in the past.

Take Advantage of Point Spreads

If a game is expected to be uneven, oddsmakers may set point spreads. These are calculated based on the difference in expected scores between the two teams. For example, the favorite may have to win by a certain number of points in order to cover the spread.

Don’t Bet on Everyone’s Favorite Team

The public loves their favorite teams, and that can lead to outsized lines in some markets. These outsized handles force books to shade the line toward their opponents, which can be an excellent +EV opportunity for fading high-profile teams.