Top online sports betting tips for beginners

Watching sports is one thing, betting on them is another. And if you’re someone who already enjoys sport as a spectator, participating in it as a gambler could add even more excitement to every event! 

Before you rush into placing your first bets though, take it from us – a little preparation goes a long way. So let’s get you started with a quick introduction to smart sports betting with a few top tips for beginners. Just what you need to get your sports betting journey up and running! 

1. Do your research

It’s the first rule of sports betting (after having fun, that is) – the more informed you are, the better. It’s no use going into your betting blind, as you’ll run the risk of making costly mistakes. Rather take the time to do a little research first. Make sure you understand the teams and the players you’ll be betting on, their recent performance, and any other statistics that might be relevant.

The more you know about the event you’re betting on, the more informed your decisions will be, which is a smart move – especially where your bankroll is concerned. Many online sportsbooks offer helpful resources, such as statistics, player details, and team history, so make use of this info and see how you can turn it to your advantage.

2. Stick to what you know

As a beginner, betting on sports you’re already familiar with is by far the best move to make. You’ll already be acquainted with the rules, players and strategies involved, at least to some extent, so the process won’t be wholly overwhelming right from the start. You’re also more likely to be able to make informed, educated bets, and you may even understand the various betting options and terms right off the bat. Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, then you can start branching out into different sports, but when you’re just starting out, sticking to what you know is the safest bet.

3. Keep it simple

We’re talking about bets here. Online sports bets can be as simple or sophisticated as you make them, so as a beginner, it’s best to start slow. Try a moneyline bet to start out with – a bet where you’ll be wagering on which team you think will win. Or even try a point spread bet – one where you’ll be betting on a team to win by a certain margin. Both of these bets are simple and straightforward, and should give you an easy introduction into the world of sports betting, and help you find your footing. The more bets you place, the more you can start exploring alternatives like parlays and prop bets, and add some extra thrills to your sports betting experience.

4. Manage your bankroll wisely

It’s the foundation of any type of gambling, whether you’re a fan of land-based casino play, online casino gaming, or online sports betting. Your bankroll is your life in the game, so the more you take care of it, the longer you’ll stay playing.

Successful sports betting is all about effective bankroll management, so the sooner you learn responsible financial habits, the better. First, decide how much of your budget you can afford to dedicate to sports betting each month, and commit to sticking to that amount. Never bet more than a small percentage of your budget on any single game, and spread your bets to minimise the risk of losing a large amount. The more control you have over your finances and your wagering, the more valuable your sports betting experience will be.

5. Leave emotions out of it

We know, as a sports fan your emotions are always right on the edge. Whether your team wins or loses, you’re always passionate about the result, and fully invested in every second of the game. That’s fine when you’re watching as a spectator, but when you’re participating as a gambler, it’s crucial you remain clear-headed and in control at all times.

Why? Because if you choose to bet with your heart rather than your head, you could end up making risky, impulsive decisions that have a negative effect on your bankroll. Instead, stick to making bets that are logical and well-informed, and don’t let your personal feelings cloud your judgement. Remember, you’re in the game to have fun, and the best way to keep things light is by making bets based on solid research, rather than gut feelings. Your team needs to keep their head in the game, and so do you.

6. Explore different betting markets

Once you’ve started your online sports betting journey and you’re comfortable finding your way round basic bet types, it’s time for you to start exploring different betting markets. Moneyline and point spread bets are ideal for beginners, but you can also look at other options like over/under (betting on the total score), prop bets (bets on specific events during the game), and futures (bets on outcomes that will happen later in the season). The more betting markets you try out, the more excitement you can add to your overall sports betting. Just remember to budget carefully and protect your bankroll – that’s how you stay in the game!

7. Avoid high-risk bets

While exploring different betting markets can give you the valuable experience you’re looking for, don’t be tempted by high-risk bets. Although there are equally high rewards associated with them, the losses can be significant as well. As a beginner, rather stick to single bets with lower risk, and make a slower, smarter start. Once you gain more experience and start understanding the ins and outs of betting a little more, that’s when you can venture into more complex bets, and more sophisticated gambling techniques.