Betting can be both a harmless pastime just as much as a serious hobby. However, when looking to improve, you need to look beyond the simple tips and tricks you often hear on the internet, and instead apply some of your own learning.
After all, a bet that is backed by confidence and understand is more fun than just blindly throwing money around. So, with that in mind, here are five unique betting tips for beginners.
1. Exploit Local Knowledge to Gain an Edge
Many bettors overlook local sports and competitions, focusing instead on high-profile leagues and events. Yet, smaller leagues often have local talent, and you'll find less information available to the general public. This creates an opportunity for you to gain an edge by capitalising on local expertise.
Because there are fewer bets, there is less crowd aggregated sentiment that the broker can use. This means that odds may be off a little, creating good value.
Whether it's attending the matches in person, interviewing local athletes, or following community news, gaining insider information can give you the advantage you need to make smarter bets.
2. Utilise Weather Data for Outdoor Sports
Most bettors are aware of player statistics, but few consider the influence of weather conditions on a game's outcome. In outdoor sports like football, rugby, or cricket, weather can significantly impact performance, and it’s easier enough to check the forecast.
For example, windy or rainy conditions can make it difficult for football teams to execute a strong passing game, thus benefiting the more physical underdogs. If you invest time in studying weather forecasts and their historical impact on specific sports, you can add an extra dimension to your betting strategy.
3. Leverage the “Contrarian” Approach
The contrarian approach involves going against public opinion when placing bets. Bookmakers often adjust the odds based on where the majority of the money is being placed, not necessarily on the most likely outcome. When most bettors are leaning in one direction which can be perpetuated by social media.
In such instances of finding the undervalued underdog, playing the contrarian can yield above-average returns.
4. Study Managerial and Coaching Decisions
It's easy to focus on players since they are the ones who produce the visible outcomes on the field. However, managerial decisions can significantly impact the outcome of a game. Understanding a manager’s tactical preferences, rotation policies, and their record against certain types of opposition can offer you a unique betting angle in a variety of sports.
To apply this, watch press conferences, read interviews, and analyse previous game strategies.
5. Take Advantage of Live Betting for Quick Adaptation
Many bettors place their wagers pre-match and leave it at that. However, the dynamics of a game can change rapidly due to various factors like injuries, red cards, or a sudden change in tactics. Live betting allows you to adapt your strategy in real-time, based on what you’re seeing on the pitch.
As you can see, many of the tips revolve around getting an edge over your peers, not necessarily the broker – a bit like poker. This is because the betting markets reflect demand from bettors, making it close to (but not perfectly) a zero-sum game.
