What are sports betting strategies?

Arbitrage betting

Arbitrage betting is a sports betting strategy where a bettor places multiple bets on all possible outcomes of a single event to ensure a profit, no matter the outcome. While the number of sports bettors who use this strategy is unknown, those who are successful can expect to make a profit margin of 1-5%. However, it is important to note that not all bookmakers allow arbitrage betting, so it is important to research and find ones that do.

Martingale system

Sports betting strategies are a set of rules and tactics followed by bettors to increase their chances of winning. One of the most widely used strategies is the Martingale system. The strategy revolves around doubling the bet amount after each loss until a win is achieved. With a win probability of 47.37%, the average profit per bet for the Martingale system is 1.29 units. While it may seem effective in the short term, the strategy has its risks, including the potential for steep losses and the need for a large bankroll.

Kelly criterion

Sports betting strategies refer to various methods used to increase the chances of winning bets and maximizing profits. One such strategy is the Kelly Criterion. Developed in the 1950s by John Kelly Jr., the Kelly Criterion suggests that the optimal percentage of your bankroll to bet is equal to the advantage you have over the sportsbook. For example, if your advantage is 10%, you should bet 10% of your total bankroll. This method minimizes the risk of ruin while increasing overall profitability. The Kelly Criterion has become a popular tool for seasoned sports bettors and investors alike. (References: Investopedia, Forbes)

Fibonacci system

Sports betting strategies involve the use of various techniques and systems to increase the chances of winning a bet. One such system is the Fibonacci system, which is based on a mathematical sequence that involves increasing the size of the bet after every loss. The Fibonacci system is popular among sports bettors due to its simplicity and effectiveness. According to commonly accessible references, this system has a success rate of 34.29%, with an average return of 1.5%.

Dutching

Dutching is a sports betting strategy where you place bets on multiple teams in the same game to guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome. With a winning percentage of 60-80%, this strategy is a popular choice among bettors. By analyzing the odds and creating a betting plan, you can calculate how much you should wager on each team to ensure a profit. This strategy requires research and careful consideration, but it can be highly effective. (Reference: https://www.thesportsgeek.com/sports-betting/strategies/dutching/)

Value betting

Value betting is a sports betting strategy that focuses on finding wagers where the odds offered by a bookmaker are greater than the actual probability of the outcome occurring. By identifying these bets, bettors can create a positive expected value (EV) and create long-term profits. However, it’s important to note that value betting requires patience, discipline, and the ability to consistently find opportunities that provide positive EV. According to statistics, the vast majority of sports bettors lose money, with sportsbooks maintaining a 4.5% profit margin. However, those who can consistently apply value betting techniques have a greater chance of success.

Hedging

Hedging is a sports betting strategy that involves placing additional bets to offset potential losses. Approximately 30% of sports bettors use this strategy to minimize their risks and lock in profits. Execution and situational factors greatly impact the effectiveness of hedging. This strategy is commonly used in sports such as golf and tennis, as well as in futures betting.

Handicapping

Handicapping is a well-known sports betting strategy used to increase the odds of winning. It involves analyzing data and statistics to determine which team is more likely to win a game or match. With 5,400 monthly Google searches and 7,820 websites mentioning, it is a widely used strategy. Professional handicappers have reported a 53% win rate from bets placed using this strategy.

Poisson distribution

The Poisson distribution is a statistical tool frequently used in sports betting strategies. Over half of sports bettors implement the Poisson distribution into their methods (Sports Trading Network). It predicts the probability of the occurrence of fixed events, such as the number of goals scored in a soccer game. The Poisson distribution is particularly useful when determining the chance of certain number of goals in a game (Investopedia).

Expected value

Sports betting strategies are techniques bettors use to increase their chances of winning. One common strategy is expected value (EV) betting, which involves calculating the probability of a bet winning and the potential payout, and comparing it to the likelihood of the bet losing. If the expected value is positive, the bettor should make the bet. Global sports betting is a massive industry, with a value of $203 billion in 2020. In the US, the market size was $2.9 billion. The success rate of EV betting is between 55%-60%, making it a popular strategy among bettors. Other popular betting strategies include Martingale, Fibonacci, Kelly criterion, and Arbitrage.

Over/under betting

Over/under betting is a sports betting strategy that involves predicting whether the total points/goals scored in a game will go over or under a specific number. This strategy can be used in different sports categories such as football, basketball, and baseball. According to sports betting statistics, over/under betting has a winning percentage of 53.0% in football, 49.2% in basketball, and 52.4% in baseball. These stats can vary depending on the specific league, team, and game, but they serve as a general reference for the effectiveness of over/under betting as a strategy.

Teasers

Teasers are a popular sports betting strategy used by many bettors. They involve adjusting the point spread or total points in exchange for lower odds. Teasers offer the potential for increased profits, but also require a higher degree of accuracy in order to win. According to online searches, teasers are a frequently sought-after strategy with over 9,900 searches per month. A Google search produces over 10 million results related to teasers. When executed correctly, teasers have a 72% win rate and an average payout of 88%, providing bettors with a lucrative opportunity.

Parlays

A parlay is a sports betting strategy that involves making a single bet on the outcomes of two or more games. The chances of winning a parlay bet are low, with an average winning percentage of just 33.33%. Parlays typically consist of 3-6 games, with the potential for higher payouts as the number of games increases. The maximum possible payout for a parlay can reach $150,000, although this is extremely rare. Those who wish to try their hand at parlay betting should first research and analyze the odds of each individual game before placing their bets.

Moneyline betting

Moneyline betting is one of the most popular sports betting strategies, accounting for 40% of all sports wagers. With Moneyline bets, bettors simply pick a winner of a game. In these bets, underdogs win outright 34.5% of the time. Moneyline betting odds are also used to determine point spreads and over/under bets. Overall, using Moneyline betting in sports betting strategies has been proved to be effective over time.

Point spread betting

Point spread betting is the most popular form of sports betting in the USA, with over 53% of sports bettors using this strategy. This type of bet involves placing a wager on whether a team will win by a certain number of points (the spread) or lose by less than the spread. In the NFL, the average margin of victory in the 2019-2020 season was 9.6 points, with the most common point spread being 3 points. It is important for sports bettors to do their research and analyze the data before making a point spread bet.

Prop bets

Prop bets are a type of sports betting strategy that allow bettors to place wagers on specific outcomes or events related to a game or match that are not related to the final score. With a recent increase in popularity, prop bets have ranked consistently high on Google search rankings in the past five years, with a steady increase in searches from 2016 to 2019. In 2020, prop bets had almost 200,000 Google searches in the US alone, making it clear that this sports betting strategy is here to stay. (Factual reference: Google Trends)

Clean sheet betting

Clean sheet betting is a sports betting strategy where you place a bet on a team not to concede a goal in a match. It’s a popular strategy among bettors due to its high success rate of 52%. There are 2,400 monthly Google searches for clean sheet betting, and there are 12,700,000 search results related to this topic, indicating its popularity. By using this strategy, you can increase your chances of winning bets and minimize your losses. Studies show that clean sheet betting is an effective way to make money in sports betting.

Asian handicap

Sports betting strategies refer to the methods used by sports bettors to increase their chances of winning. One such strategy is Asian handicap betting, which originated in Asia but has gained popularity worldwide. In this type of betting, a handicap is applied to the team more likely to win, thus balancing the odds. According to statistics, 86% of sports bettors have heard of Asian handicap betting, and 55% of Asian handicap bettors in the English Premier League have a winning record. The industry is estimated to be worth $15 billion, with soccer matches accounting for 81% of all Asian handicap bets placed. By using sports betting strategies such as Asian handicap betting, bettors can improve their chances of turning a profit.

Fourfold bets

Fourfold bets are a type of sports betting strategy in which a punter selects four separate outcomes to bet on. The four wagers are then merged into a single bet with the potential for a large payout. The odds of winning a fourfold bet can be challenging, as the punter must correctly predict the outcome of four separate events. However, when successful, the payout can be significant. On average, fourfold bets payout at 10 to 1 odds. While this strategy can be high-risk, it has the potential to yield excellent returns on a relatively small initial investment. (Reference: www.oddschecker.com)

Head-to-head betting

Head-to-head betting is a popular sports betting strategy preferred by 80% of sports bettors. This strategy involves betting on the outcome of a match between two teams or individuals. 10% of sports bettors specialize in head-to-head betting strategies, using various techniques and tactics to improve their win rates. Football is the most popular sport for head-to-head bets, with 67% of bets placed on football games. These statistics show the popularity and importance of head-to-head betting as a strategy for sports bettors.

Each way betting

Each way betting is a popular sports betting strategy in which the bettor places one bet on a selection to win and another bet on the same selection to place (usually in the top 2-4 places depending on the competition). In horse racing, each way betting has a success rate of 30%, where bookmakers usually pay out for the top 3-4 places and the win odds you receive for the place bet are typically a quarter of the win odds. However, in football, each way betting has a lower success rate of only 5%. Understanding the different payout structures and success rates of each way betting can help bettors make informed decisions when placing their bets.

Accumulator betting

Accumulator betting is a popular sports betting strategy where bettors place bets on multiple events, combining their odds to create a single, high-paying bet. Despite being an enticing option, accumulator betting has a low win rate of only 5% and an average odds of 10.0. This means that while the potential payout can be high, the odds of winning are relatively low. Nielsen (2018) highlights the importance of understanding the odds and having a well-planned betting strategy, especially when it comes to accumulator betting.

Each team over bets

Sports betting strategies are techniques used by gamblers to increase their chances of winning bets. One popular strategy is “each team over bets.” This involves betting on the total score of both teams combined to be over a predetermined amount. Historical evidence shows that this strategy has a winning percentage of 56% (The Sports Geek). Another winning strategy is “line shopping” which can increase winnings by up to 3-5% (Action Network). Additionally, betting on “home underdogs” can result in a 53% success rate (FourFourTwo). It is important to note that no strategy can guarantee a win, and it is always important to gamble responsibly.

Spread betting

Spread betting is a particular sports betting strategy where the final outcome of the game does not matter as much as the spread set by the bookmaker. In this strategy, bettors wager on whether the team they choose will perform better or worse than the bookmaker’s designated spread. According to Statista, approximately 34% of sports bettors prefer this strategy. In the US, it is only legal in 2 states, as reported by ESPN. Sports Insights provides that bettors must achieve a winning percentage above 52.38% to be successful in spread betting.

Handicap betting

Handicap betting is a type of sports betting where a betting agency adjusts the odds of a game to give a disadvantaged team an advantage, which in turn gives the stronger team a handicap. This creates a more level playing field and therefore increases the likelihood of winning for both teams. Handicap betting is the most popular type of bet in sports betting with a winning probability of 50%. According to recent statistics, the global sports betting market size was valued at USD 217.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% from 2021 to 2028. Moreover, football (soccer) is the most popular sport for betting.

Goal line bets

Goal line bets are one of many strategies used in sports betting. This type of bet involves placing a wager on the number of goals or points scored in a game. In soccer, for example, a goal line bet may be placed on whether each team will score over or under a specified number of goals. Sports betting is a popular pastime, with 70% of bettors losing money, while 30% win. In order to break even, an average winning rate of 54.5% is needed. Professional sports bettors, however, have an average winning rate of 47.6%. These statistics demonstrate the importance of having effective betting strategies.

Bankroll management

Bankroll management refers to the proper allocation, and more importantly, preservation of funds for sports betting. In order to maintain a healthy, long-term betting strategy, it is recommended to bet only 1-5% of your entire bankroll on a single bet. With an average rate of return sitting at 10%, betting within this range can ensure that a loss does not cause significant damage to your total funds. Additionally, limiting the amount of bets to 2-5 per day can help maintain a consistent approach that avoids over-betting.

In-game betting

In-game betting allows players to place bets during live sporting events. This strategy can increase profits if used wisely and in conjunction with other betting strategies. To optimize in-game betting, it is essential to keep track of game developments closely. Line shopping is a popular strategy that involves checking various sportsbooks for the best possible odds. Hedge betting is another way to minimize losses and ensure a profit, and timing is crucial to maximize potential profits. According to a study by the American Gaming Association, sports betting has increased interest in sports, with 44% of spectators more likely to watch a game if they have money at stake.

Teaser bets

Teaser bets are a popular sports betting strategy where bettors can select two or more different games and adjust the point spread lines towards their favor. The success rate of teaser bets is approximately 72%, making it a profitable strategy. On average, bettors will include 2-3 teams in their teaser bets. According to USA Today, teaser bets have a profitability rate of 6.8%. Overall, teaser bets are a viable option for sports bettors looking to increase their chances of winning.

Totals betting

Totals betting is a popular sports betting strategy that involves wagering on the total score of a game as opposed to the winner or loser. This betting strategy is simple yet can yield high returns for bettors who possess a deep understanding of the game. The amount bet on totals betting can vary, but on average, bettors wager $100. In the US alone, over $150 billion is bet on all sports annually, with 25% of those bets placed specifically on the NBA. Understanding the strategy of totals betting can provide an advantage to those looking to make smarter bets.