Sports Betting 101 – Tips and Strategies

Q: Is it possible to make money?

Yes, it is possible to make money through gambling, although it’s not that easy. Many professional bettors make a living out of it, but it requires discipline, hard work, and a lot of experience. With the rise of sports betting apps and online betting sites, more and more casual bettors are also making some profits. We always advise our readers to start by educating themselves about the sports they want to bet on. After that, it’s all about managing your bankroll smartly, shopping for the best lines, and developing your strategy. The key here is to remain disciplined and never stop learning and adapting as you progress in your journey as a bettor.

Q: What types of bets can I place?

There’s no shortage of bets you can place! You can go with the classic moneyline, where you simply pick a winner. Or try out the point spread, which evens out the odds by giving the underdog a handicap. Then there are parlays, which combine multiple bets into one, offering a higher payout if you win them all. Over/unders let you bet on the total score, while futures allow you to predict long-term outcomes, like who will win the championship. And there’s also prop options, like betting on who will win a particular award or who will score first!

Q: Do I need to like sports?

No, you don’t need to like sports to place bets. Although having some knowledge about the sport you’re betting on can be advantageous, casual betting on major sports events can still lead to good profits. It’s all about understanding the odds and making smart bets. That being said, many people do find it more fun and enjoyable to bet on sports they have an interest in or follow closely.

Q: What does vigorish mean?

Vigorish, also known as vig or juice, is the commission that sportsbooks charge for taking your bet. It’s the difference between the odds they offer and the true probability of the outcome. Basically, when you place a bet, the bookie adds vigorish to the bet, which means they make money no matter the outcome. It’s how they ensure they always come out on top in the long run. The vigorish can vary depending on the sportsbook and the type of bet, but it’s always something to keep in mind when placing a wager.

Q: What’s a small bet?

What is considered a “small” bet varies from person to person. For most people, a small bet usually ranges between $5-10. Of course, this can depend on one’s personal financial situation and betting strategy. For some high rollers, a small bet could be $100, while for others, a small bet might be as little as $1. So, in short, it depends on the amount of money you have available for betting.

Q: What are the types of odds?

There are 3 main types of odds: American, Decimal and Fractional. American odds are used in the US and are denoted by a plus or minus sign in front of a number, such as +200 or -150. Decimal odds are most commonly used in Europe, Australia and Canada, and are displayed as a decimal number like 2.50 or 1.75. Fractional odds are typically used in the UK and Ireland and are displayed as a fraction, such as 3/1 or 1/2. It’s important to understand each type of odds as their value will determine your potential payout!

Q: Can I bet casually?

Of course you can bet casually! Most bettors are casual players who simply enjoy adding a little excitement to their favorite sports events. With the convenience of betting apps, it’s easier than ever for newbies to place wagers on a variety of markets. You can always bet as much or as little as you want, as often as you like! What matters is having fun, enjoying the matches, and staying within your budget. Put simply: you don’t need to be a pro to place a few casual bets!

MyTopSportsbooks Betting Tips Guide

There is no general consensus on how to bet on sports. Everyone has their own opinion on the best sports betting strategy to use, and this largely comes down to individual preference.

Regardless of the betting strategies, bettors should always research the sport they’re betting on and stay conscious of their bankroll to ensure they’re playing within their means at all times.

Well-informed players are always more likely to place more successful bets. Taking calculated risks is the name of the game, and sticking to an intelligent betting strategy will pay off more often than not.

This MyTopSportsbooks Betting Tips guide will highlight some of the most popular strategies being used in 2025.

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Why Do People Use Betting Strategies?

From the poker tables to the racebook, bettors need to be backed by sports betting stats and gambling strategies. While no betting strategy is perfect, players must tailor one to suit their preferences. Essentially, it all comes down to finding a strategy and sticking to it.

All bettors look to turn a profit, and consistency in all aspects of betting will help achieve this. Giving yourself the best opportunity to win is always the key, so finding an extra edge is the name of the game. Some of the most popular (and successful) betting strategies include: incremental betting, managing bankroll, and having the knowledge to back your estimations.

Sporadically betting on your gut instinct is unlikely to bring big payouts, although it’s not to be dismissed – there is a time and place for this kind of betting. True sports fans and bettors alike will recognize that sports can turn in a second, so be wise.

Bankroll Management Strategies

Hrre are the most common bankroll management strategies!

Fixed Wager Betting

Fixed wager betting is prevalent and commonly used among players of all levels, even those learning the basics. A straightforward approach requires bettors to wager the same amount regardless of whether they win or lose. Using this method minimizes the chance of blowing a bettor’s bankroll. It also means bettors won’t win big on single bets, as usually, this method uses smaller stakes (but not always). Fixed wagers are restrictive, but they offer another level of security when betting. For casuals, this equates to laying down small bets, $5-10; they place the bets they want.

Low Percentage Bankroll

Bankroll management is a form of low-percentage bankroll management. It involves a bettor wagering a low percentage of their bankroll in relation to the odds. Often considered a poor betting strategy among sports bet experts, it can be pretty effective. Bettors may place 1-2% of their bankroll, yielding a low amount of winnings on the betting strategy. However, the conservative nature of the betting allows bettors to play without being conscious of depleting their bankroll. Sports betting 101 knowledge says that betting is about peaks and valleys. Bankroll management for highs and lows with a solid sports betting strategy will prevent disaster for players.

All In Betting

Many readers will recognize this term “all in,” simply meaning betting one’s entire betting bankroll in one bet. This betting rate is far too high, and any sharps giving betting advice will tell you this is best avoided. Sometimes when there is an excellent multiple bet, and it feels like an opportunity to bet big, this can work. But, not an all-in bet. Running out of funds all in one moment never feels good and leaves you with nothing else to play with that day.

The Best Betting Strategy Sports Tips

Making a solid amount of money through sports betting doesn’t come easy. Methodically working with a strategy is the best way to keep your bankroll up. When it comes to betting, staying focused is critical. Emotions must be set aside.

It’s integral for bettors not to be inspired by outside interference and work with the data. While there’s always an element of luck involved, betting smart and remaining consistent will keep players in the green.

The Importance Of Avoiding ‘Tilting’

As we just mentioned, betting with a level head is the best way to be. Avoiding any form of intoxication is our sports betting advice free of charge! Controlling your temperament is essential.

Streaks can swing either way; you can be on cloud nine or at the bottom of the ocean. Regardless, avoiding the “tilt” is a fundamental skill. Being tilted is when you lose control of strategy and start making rash decisions.

Intoxication only complicates this process. Making rash decisions is expected under the influence, so try to cool off and regroup. Classically, any bettor on a losing streak is highly likely to tilt.

Shopping Various Sportsbooks

This is standard practice for many sports bettors. But for readers that aren’t looking at what’s on offer at more than one sportsbook, it’s time to make that change. A website user interface attracts many bettors; like the odds on one market, it’s always worth shopping around.

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Taking note of the best odds you see and where is a good way of building a company profile. Does it fit your needs? Look for value in the odds and try to find the best lines at each oddsmaker.

While it’s pretty time-consuming, this technique will pay off throughout a bettor’s career. There are always other betting options available and ways to make money betting on new markets – for both sharps and beginners!

Learning the Market

Not only should bettors play the markets they enjoy, but they should also try to put some knowledge behind their betting by choosing a market they know. If you’re keen to start playing the single bet betting strategy market, learn it and understand the various elements of the bet. This can be achieved by following some simple steps:

Start watching a sporting event, and betting markets
Try to follow one or a couple of teams
Explore the various betting lines available at sportsbooks

FAQs on Sports Betting Tips & Strategies

Find answers to common questions bettors like you have when researching which sportsbook to join.

Is it possible to make money?

Yes, it is possible to make money through gambling, although it’s not that easy. Many professional bettors make a living out of it, but it requires discipline, hard work, and a lot of experience. With the rise of sports betting apps and online betting sites, more and more casual bettors are also making some profits. We always advise our readers to start by educating themselves about the sports they want to bet on. After that, it’s all about managing your bankroll smartly, shopping for the best lines, and developing your strategy. The key here is to remain disciplined and never stop learning and adapting as you progress in your journey as a bettor.

Which sportsbook is the best?

It depends on what you’re looking for in a sportsbook. Our team at MyTopSportbooks is comprised of both seasoned pro bettors and newbie bettors, and we’ve all tested all of our recommended bookies. We can confidently say that all of them are legitimate and reliable. However, each of us has a preference depending on our individual betting needs. That’s why we strongly advise you to shop around and find the best sportsbook that suits you. Some of our favorite sportsbooks include Bovada, BetUS, and MyBookie, but again, it all depends on what you’re looking for.

What types of bets can I place?

There’s no shortage of bets you can place! You can go with the classic moneyline, where you simply pick a winner. Or try out the point spread, which evens out the odds by giving the underdog a handicap. Then there are parlays, which combine multiple bets into one, offering a higher payout if you win them all. Over/unders let you bet on the total score, while futures allow you to predict long-term outcomes, like who will win the championship. And there’s also prop options, like betting on who will win a particular award or who will score first!

Do I need to like sports?

No, you don’t need to like sports to place bets. Although having some knowledge about the sport you’re betting on can be advantageous, casual betting on major sports events can still lead to good profits. It’s all about understanding the odds and making smart bets. That being said, many people do find it more fun and enjoyable to bet on sports they have an interest in or follow closely.

What does vigorish mean?

Vigorish, also known as vig or juice, is the commission that sportsbooks charge for taking your bet. It’s the difference between the odds they offer and the true probability of the outcome. Basically, when you place a bet, the bookie adds vigorish to the bet, which means they make money no matter the outcome. It’s how they ensure they always come out on top in the long run. The vigorish can vary depending on the sportsbook and the type of bet, but it’s always something to keep in mind when placing a wager.

How much money should I bet?

When it comes to how much money you should bet, it’s important to first consider your bankroll and how much you can afford to lose. We recommend checking out our bankroll management guide to get an idea of what might work for you. Still, at the end of the day, it’s up to you to determine how much money you’re comfortable betting and can afford to lose. The best advice we can give you is to never exceed your own personal financial limits.

What’s a small bet?

What is considered a “small” bet varies from person to person. For most people, a small bet usually ranges between $5-10. Of course, this can depend on one’s personal financial situation and betting strategy. For some high rollers, a small bet could be $100, while for others, a small bet might be as little as $1. So, in short, it depends on the amount of money you have available for betting.

What’s a big bet?

Again, this is the kind of subjective question that we cannot broadly answer. In general, a big bet refers to a wager that is larger than the average bet size. The exact amount of money varies from person to person. Some say a big bet is around $50-100, while others consider a big bet to be in the thousands. For example, in 2019, someone placed a bet of $1.5 million on the underdog in the Super Bowl and won! It was one of the biggest sports bets ever placed. Ultimately, the definition of a big bet is up to each person’s individual interpretation.

What are the types of odds?

There are 3 main types of odds: American, Decimal and Fractional. American odds are used in the US and are denoted by a plus or minus sign in front of a number, such as +200 or -150. Decimal odds are most commonly used in Europe, Australia and Canada, and are displayed as a decimal number like 2.50 or 1.75. Fractional odds are typically used in the UK and Ireland and are displayed as a fraction, such as 3/1 or 1/2. It’s important to understand each type of odds as their value will determine your potential payout!

Can I bet casually?

Of course you can bet casually! Most bettors are casual players who simply enjoy adding a little excitement to their favorite sports events. With the convenience of betting apps, it’s easier than ever for newbies to place wagers on a variety of markets. You can always bet as much or as little as you want, as often as you like! What matters is having fun, enjoying the matches, and staying within your budget. Put simply: you don’t need to be a pro to place a few casual bets!

What is line shopping?

Line shopping is the practice of comparing the odds offered by different sportsbooks for an, and selecting the best odds available to maximize your potential profit. Because odds can vary widely between different sportsbooks, line shopping allows you to ensure that you are getting the most favorable odds possible for your wager. There are many online odd comparison tools available which can help you easily shop around and compare the odds before placing a bet.

How much percent of my bankroll should I bet?

We always advise our readers to limit their bets to no more than 5% of their bankroll on any given wager. Of course, this can vary depending on your individual circumstances. Some bettors feel comfortable with a higher percentage, while others prefer to play it safe and only place small bets. The key is to find a percentage that allows you to stay within your bankroll and avoid chasing losses. There will always be ups and downs in betting, so having a solid bankroll management is key!

Sports Betting Strategies – Best Betting Tips