EXTRAS
Tips for Becoming a Better MLB Bettor
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a land of opportunity if you're new to wagering on sporting events. Baseball is one of the biggest sports in America, and over a dozen regular-season baseball games are played daily.
MLB picks today offer a wealth of opportunities for the well-attuned sports bettor. All you need to do is pick a winner. Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done, so this is where we come in.
Read on for tips to become a better MLB bettor and watch your sportsbook improve.
Back the Division Underdogs
Betting the underdog in the divisional rounds of the playoffs can pay off tremendously. The chances double when the Underdogs are at home.
An underdog playing in their ballpark is always a good thing. This is primarily true in peculiar places like Boston's Fenway Park or the mile-high altitude at Colorado's Coors Field. During the 2019 season, 13 teams played better as a home underdog.
The best part of betting underdogs is that you don't need to win as often to turn a profit since you are getting favorable odds from the money line with each wager.
Avoid the Heavy Favorites
For many reasons, it's best to steer clear of the heavy favorites. There is little monetary value when you get the money line. It's difficult to predict the outcome of a chosen game regardless of the favorites. You'll never be able to make a substantial profit by sticking with them.
Look for value in tight lines, or go with the underdogs. You don't need to be right nearly as often to become profitable betting underdogs on the money line.
Take Sports Betting as a Business
The margins between making a profit and going bankrupt are skinny. If you don't run your sports betting like a business, you're all but guaranteed to fail.
You could start with the basics of bankroll management. When you make each wager a small fraction of your bankroll and have a budget on how much to bet per week, you'll be in a better spot to stay in the game.
Spot the Trend Early
Due to the statistical nature of baseball, trends are everywhere. The moment a team wins on a hot streak, there is a high chance for them to continue that trend. Once the train gets rolling in baseball, it's hard to stop. Hitters often go on long games, hitting streaks that can boost an entire team's performance.
Learning the difference between the trends that convert to wins is also crucial. Besides, some of them could come down to luck.
Stand out from the Crowd
The average sports bettor picks games based on little more than emotions. Most of them use the same tactics; they find huge favorites, the hometown team, or the most star power and bet heavily on them, rarely accounting for the competition or trends. That's why it can be profitable to bet against the public.
They don't account for all information and are usually biased with their selections. You're giving yourself a better chance at maximizing profit when you do the opposite. Although, it's still down to you to find suitable games to ensure that.
Consider the Weather
The average MLB bettor often overlooks the weather. They believe that the players will still play the same way under any condition.
However, that's not the case. The weather may not similarly affect every player on the field, but it could impact the position. Some of them can't stand throwing in the cold; others get exhausted quicker when it's scorching.
That could be a factor for you to key in on, as most bettors miss these opportunities. Besides, no one will publicly complain about playing poorly because of the weather.
The difference between a profitable sports bettor and a casual sports bettor is usually who puts in the most work. The main tips are always the same:
- Look out for key opportunities
- Manage your bankroll
Sometimes, it all comes down to luck, but it's best to rely on logic.