How to Become a Sharp Sports Bettor

Have you been wagering for a long time but still have not found out how to be a successful sports bettor? Do you want to be more than just an amateur? If this is the case, there is a way to surpass the beginners stage and succeed. Keep in mind that sharp players do not only increase their winnings on a regular basis but also influence the way the industry works.

We will explain everything you need to know about betting on a high level, from how to choose the right bet type to how you can use betting systems to your advantage. You will also find the primary attributes a smart player should have. Of course, the first step of learning how to become a sharp sports bettor is picking the right bookmakers.

Which are the Traits of a Sharp Bettor?

Being a skilled and successful player is not such a simple case. Before you start considering how to step up your game, you should see whether you have the proper attributes or not. You should note, though, that you can improve some of these through experience. These traits can be distinguished as such:

🔝 Financial control: High-level players have the ability to manage their bankroll properly and avoid spending more money than they can afford. The long-term goal is to work towards a positive balance and not to go for broke in every bet.

🔝 Strong math and analytical skills: Reading the odds value and using mathematical betting systems require being conversant with numbers and analytic tools. Non-recreational players use these to interpret valuable data and make educated decisions. Our VIG calculator can be a really helpful tool for this.

🔝 Ability to read the game: Prominent bettors are noted for their vast knowledge of sports. This is crucial because they are capable of making spot-on predictions, hence, they can understand markets better and see where there is some value. Despite being capable of reading sports at ease, they opt to focus on one or two sports at most to maximise their winning chances.

🔝 High discipline & emotional control: Bettors of this calibre are also mentally ready for any challenge that might occur when they progress towards their goal. They do not let emotions get the best of them and stick to their plan resiliently.

🔝 Flexibility & patience: Successful players always seem to have a plan, but if it turns out to be inefficient, they can create a new one from scratch. The key is being patient yet adaptable even in the most complex situations. Also, being able to keep track of the best bookmakers can really give an edge.

How to Be a Sharp Bettor

As mentioned above, certain traits make sharp sports bettors stand out from the rest. If you possess some of them, all you need to do is to figure out how to transmute them into constant earnings. Below you can find some constructive advice to help you thrive.

Set up an Affordable Betting Unit

First of all, you have to set the amount of stake you will call a unit. For instance, if you choose $100 as your betting unit, then every time you wager $500, you will have wagered 5 units. Setting an affordable unit will enable you to manage your bankroll better and obstruct you from placing high bets you may regret later.

It is optimal that you bet 2-3% of your bankroll every time. For example, if your bankroll is $1000, you should bet no more than $20-30. Do not forget to keep a betting archive that will allow you to track down your ROI and Yield record and the sum of units you have used. If you don't know what is yield in betting, follow our detailed guide. 

Take Advantage of Bookmakers' Diversity

Before you start betting, you must select a suitable bookmaker among the hundreds out there. There is a wide range of sportsbooks, each of which has to offer something different. Various features, markets and offers are at your disposal to assist you in making a profit.

Thus, we suggest you bet on more than one site and shop around for the highest odds on the sport you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for the highest payout in general, then sites like 22bet and 1xbet are the ones for you. Then again, if you want to follow horse or greyhound racing, you should check UK-based bookies like Betfair or MrPlay.

Incorporate Systems in your Strategy

Smart sports betting entails a lot of hard work and research. To enhance your game and diminish the chances of losing, you can encompass some betting systems based on maths. Some of the most popular and applicable are the Fibonacci, Martingale and the Labouchere system.

Be careful, though; applying these systems does not guarantee 100% success, and they also require a lot of discipline. On the other hand, there are strategies such as matched betting and hedging that will always bring profits but are frowned upon by bookmakers. 

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Also Read: How to hedge a bet?

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Stick to Singles

How to be a successful sports bettor can be judged from the percentage of won bets. It is a shared secret that the more selections you incorporate into your betslip, the higher the possibility of losing. Single bet slips are one the main ways for answering the question of how to beat the bookies.

So, we suggest you focus mainly on single bets, with some rare exceptions where you can back multiple teams in systems like Trixies, Patents or Yankees. Now, if you restrict yourself to single bets, you can make substantial gains from markets like Totals or Asian Handicaps, where you have only two selections to choose from.

Stay Disciplined

We have already pointed out how essential it is to be disciplined in order to engage in sharp sports betting. You should always be cautious about your selections, always do thorough research and focus on specific sports you understand better. You should avoid wagering just for the sake of it.

If you think you have become unproductive, there is always the option to take a short break that will help you clear up your mind and avoid getting into a losing streak. Lastly, do not get attached to any sportsbooks. Bookmakers' rating always changes due to the evolution of their product, for better or worse, so you need to stay up to date.

Is Sharp Sports Betting Really Possible?

Turning into a sharp sports bettor may be challenging yet feasible. The process demands a high level of discipline and following the right principles. If you bet within your financial abilities, exploit betting systems and choose the most advantageous bet types, there is a high chance of attaining your goal. For more information on how to become a sharp sports bettor, do not hesitate to check our online betting guides.