Five Most Common Sports Betting Mistakes

There are five common sports betting mistakes that can lead to huge loses for the bettor. Be very wary of making these miscues; they can make what is supposed to be an enjoyable and exciting experience a terrible and torturous trial.

Desperation Betting

This is one of the worst types of sports betting behaviors in which you can engage. Don’t bet to try to make the rent, pay the kid’s college tuition or make up for prior loses. Don’t get in over your head. Learn when you’ve lost enough and when to walk away.

The Long Shot that Will Payout Big

If you make a habit of playing long shots in order to make a big score, then you’re in the wrong business. Long shots are long shots for a reason and yes they can payoff big but basing your bankroll on such wagers is a bad idea. Play long shots every once in a while but don’t expect them to come through.

Doubling Up

You won and you’re going to double up or you lost and you’re going to double up. Neither is a good idea. If you want to double up after winning, you should only do so after expanding your bankroll by 20% to 25%. Doubling up after losing can only make things worse and it won’t quite make up for your loses. Do not habitually double up.

Playing Props and Other Exotics

Propositions are to sportsbooks as side bets are to casinos. Both are bad ideas. The occasional prop or two may be fine but props tend to be based on guessing right rather than any type of analysis of the game. And other exotics, such as parlays and futures, are extremely hard to hit and big money makers for the sportsbooks.

Betting on Last Week’s Successes

Last week you won 80% of your bets. This week you decide to double up on everything because you think you’ve figured out the secret of sports betting. Unfortunately, after doubling up this week, you win only 20% of your wagers and now you’re in the hole. In sports betting there is no momentum from game to game, day to day or week to week. Don’t get overconfident. Play every game on its own merits.

Avoid these five common sports betting mistakes. Each one of them can quickly deplete your bankroll and get you in big trouble quickly.