Sports Betting in a Nutshell: Get into the Game

Sports betting is a diverse and exciting world. It creates an additional element to sports games - with unit after unit on the line like clockwork. Sportsbooks have been operating on the ´Net for years now, taking wagers from everyone from the neophyte bettor to the seasoned veteran. During top-flight events like the annual Super Bowl, betting is at an all-time high with emotions running rampant, tears shed and hugs exchanged during the games most critical moments. Let´s take a crash course into sports betting - here is a brief comprehensive guide on the important facets of the game.

The first step is registering at a reputable sportsbook. Prior to joining, realize there are many scams out there. The preferred sportsbooks on the Web are pinnaclesports, bet365, and Olympic Sports - although there are many B rated sportsbooks like Bodog.com (my personal favorite) that are reliable as well. Using a debit or credit account, deposit money into your sportsbook account. Sometimes, a sportsbook offers a fleet of promotions (i.e. 10% of your initial deposit free at Bodog.com, a free bet, etc.). Don´t fall for these promotions - they only serve to gain new customers. Remember, sportsbook earn much more than they lose! Your safest bet for finding a solid sportsbook is to conduct research, join the covers.com message boards and asking around, and visiting casino review sites. Also, check out sportsbookreview.com, an unbiased sportsbook review site. It doesn´t have any advertisement banners or casino promotion gimmicks - boosting its reputable image.

After selecting a sportsbook, deposit your money and exercise some smart money management. Never ever bet more than you can afford to lose. An excellent rule of thumb is to bet no more than 5% of your bankroll on any given bet. Many bettors fall into the trap of upping (or ¨doubling up¨) their bets after a loss, wrecking havoc to their bank accounts. Bet responsibly and wisely - never rush into making bets. A solid regimen of research should be conducted prior to each game, maximizing the likelihood of success. Look for strong plays and weak lines - don´t solely rely on statistical data to determine the likely winner. Weather conditions, fights in the clubhouse, coaching changes, a 10 game winning streak -- all of these factors can come into play, so wager accordingly.

Everyone from the beginner bettor to everyday bettors should employ strategy into their betting habits. Betting on your hometown team, betting on the team with the best record regardless of past performance, and other ¨dumb¨ reasons to bet should be strictly avoided. For starters, professional handicappers always shop for the best lines. Never are they restricted to one sportsbook - they recognize the value of the half point, knowing that lots of exhibition games are decided by a point. For this reason, many sharp bettors have multiple accounts at different sportsbooks. The goal is to establish a steady income throughout time - this strategy can add to your win column. Another piece of sharp betting advice is to avoid parlays. Known as ¨sucker¨ bets to betting enthusiasts, they are usually harder to win. Straight bets are your best bet towards earning a profit, and most professional bettors stick to this route. Although returns on parlays can be gratifying (i.e. $5 to win $30 on a three game set), in the long run, sharp bettors will earn more returns with straight bets than parlay bets. For this reason, the enemy sportsbooks have a tendency to promote the parlay and other gimmick bets. Another rule of thumb is to avoid public habits. The public has a tendency to root for ¨America´s teams¨ and often, they place wagers for them. For starters, lines are inflated for teams that have public support. The vast majority of amateur bettors are uninformed and ignorant when it comes to proper game analysis. Besides, a winning $40 bet choosing the Utah Utes at -3 against Backwater Community College will net you the same earnings as Top 25 Purdue at -4 against the Iowa Hawkeyes will! Think like a linesmaker and not like the public. Never overindulge - if you´re on a 6 game consecute losing streak, take control of your finances before proceeding. Money management is still the name of the game - it is like breathing. In order to ride a bicycle, you must breathe. In order to win at sports betting, you must have money management skill.