Rather than attempt something too challenging for the new year, let's stick to making some simple resolutions - improving our sports betting habits.
Football Betting Resolution #1
I will not bet a game just because it is on television.
Football Betting Resolution #2
When it comes to NFL betting, I will never lay 3 1/2 points or take 2 1/2 points unless I feel I am getting much the best of the point spread. There are just too many NFL games (statistically, about one out of every seven) that are decided by a field goal.
Football Betting Resolution #3
While it's more fun to bet the "over" in NFL games because you're never out of it until the final gun, I also will consider betting the "under" in certain situations.
Football Betting Resolution #4
I will make an early (Tuesday) bet of under the total in December and January NFL games in poor weather cities such as Green Bay, Seattle, Foxboro, etc. I understand that if I wait for an updated weather report, the total could be adjusted downward. If Mother Nature does produce snow, rain and/or high winds, I have an advantage. If not, I simply have the "under" at a fair number.
Football Betting Resolution #5
Knowing that parlays and parlay cards have much more vigorish than straight bets, I will resist the temptation of a greater payoff and keep that play to a minimum.
Football Betting Resolution #6
When it comes to college football bowl games, I will be very wary of teams where the players feel slighted that they did not get a bigger bowl or where the head coach or offensive and/or defensive coordinator is either headed for another team or has been mentioned as a possible replacement for a recently dismissed or retired coach at another school.
Football Betting Resolution #7
I will not double or triple-up to try to "get even" by betting on the last football game of the week if I am losing.
Sports Betting Resolution #1
I will bet a consistent amount on each game, reasoning that I like all my bets (as opposed to one more than another) or I wouldn't have made them.
Sports Betting Resolution #2
I will bet on rumors. If the rumor is true, such as a key player being injured and unable to perform, I have "stolen" a couple of points. If the rumor is untrue, I merely have a team at a fair price.
Sports Betting Resolution #3
I will ignore ridiculous statistical wagering trends ("Team A has beaten Team B six straight years when the game has been played on a Thursday following a double-digit win by Team A and a non-cover by Team B in a division game.") C'mon, this stuff is nonsense.
Sports Betting Resolution #4
I will make a future book bet or two because it gives me leverage and options to go the other way in individual games in the playoffs.
Basketball Betting Resolution #1
I will bet on college basketball because with more than 200 teams on the board, hurried oddsmakers are more likely to make a mistake in that sport than in any other.
Basketball Betting Resolution #2
I will take into account a team's travel schedule when betting the NBA. Team's playing their third road game in four nights or fourth in six, are at a distinct disadvantage.
Basketball Betting Resolution #3
I will factor in the home court in college basketball betting because chanting, sign-waving students really can rattle a visiting team.
Basketball Betting Resolution #4
I will give greater weight to the element of revenge in college basketball, where emotion plays a more significant role in the final outcome of a game.
Basketball Betting Resolution #5
I will understand that pressure plays a large part in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in March and prefer betting on teams with experienced guard play.
Tennis Betting Resolution #1
I will consider the surface before engaging in any tennis betting.
Boxing Betting Resolution #1
If I'm going to bet a heavyweight fight, I make sure my selection isn't significantly heavier than he was in previous bouts.
Horse Betting Resolution #1
I will consider the odds of a horse against the likelihood of him winning before placing a bet at the racetrack.
Horse Betting Resolution #2
I will analyze the key elements of speed, track bias and value before doing any horse betting.
Baseball Betting Resolution #1
I will check the weather conditions in various ball parks before making a baseball bet.
And Finally...
I will regard betting as a hobby or source of entertainment and never bet more than I can afford to lose.
This article was written by Luken Karel for
http://www.thegreek.com. The Greek Sportsbook & Casino is host to one of the top online sportsbooks offering
sports betting on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and all other major sports. The Greek is a must have sports betting and entertainment portal with one of the largest wagering menus available online. Article reproductions must include a link pointing to
http://www.thegreek.com.
