Biggest Betting Blunders - Part 1

WINNING AT SPORTS BETTING, like most forms of gambling, requires a certain amount of luck. And just like casino games, be it video poker, roulette, slots, craps, blackjack, or baccarat etc., there are fundamental rules you should follow if you wish not to repeat the same costly yet easily avoidable errors most sports bettors make. Below are just some of the more common ‘faux pas' you ought to look out for. Simply read'em and reap:

Betting More Cash Than a Player Can Afford to Lose
One of ‘the' biggest goofs any gambler can make is to wager more money than he or she is prepared to lose. We cannot stress how financially fatal a risk of this magnitude can be, not only for the person placing the bet(s), but for his/her family as well. The truth of the matter is, bookies would rather you not go bust either. Indeed the wiser ones want nothing more than players to win from time to time so that they continue to place more bets. A penniless gambler is worthless to a sportsbook.

All of the supposedly proven methods for sustaining one's bankroll over the long run rely on one universal rule, and that is, properly adhering to a tried and true strategy. For instance, one well-known strategy is to consistently wager a certain fraction of your bankroll each time you bet, say 5% or 7%. If you win, your next wager should again be 5% or 7% of your new bankroll. This same rule applies when you lose as well, that is, your subsequent bet should also be 5-7% of your new and unfortunately, smaller bankroll.

Banking Too Heavily on Psychology
True, a highly motivated team stands a better chance of beating a lackadaisical opponent. But motivation on its own will not ensure a team a winning outcome. Effort alone rarely triumphs raw talent. Sure, a team that won its last five games, for instance, will indeed be very motivated going into the next match. However, it should be noted that the opposing club will be as fired up, or more, than the team on a roll. Also, a highly inspired team runs the risk of becoming overly confident, causing its players to take unnecessary chances resulting in penalties, fouls and ultimately, losses.


Having the ability to recognise the right side in a sports bet is vital indeed. However, so is knowing how to capitalise on certain betting theories and methods. The real reason why so many people lose their bets is because they simply do not know how to wager properly.

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