Betting is all about making smart bets based on odds. Sometimes the favored team is picked simply because of popularity rather than skill, and betting on them may not be the best way to go. In this case, you may want to make a bet on the underdog instead. This doesn’t mean picking a long shot, but it means placing a bet on the team that has a higher probability of winning than the sportsbook.

One of the most common betting strategies is to use a unit system where you place a certain percentage of your bankroll on every bet. This allows you to control your risk and avoid going bust. One common unit is 1% or 2% of your total bankroll.

Another strategy is to track your bets using an Excel spreadsheet or one of the many betting apps available. This allows you to see which types of bets are most profitable and can also help you learn more about the game you’re betting on. For example, by tracking the “closing line value” of a number you can learn more about how much to bet on it.

Another great tip for those interested in sports betting is to focus on a single team. This will allow you to become an expert on that team and give you a better understanding of the odds for their next match. This is especially helpful in smaller leagues that are less popular with bookmakers.