Online betting grows more popular every year. However, many newcomers dive in without learning the fundamentals first. As a result, these beginners tend to make certain common mistakes that more experienced Πάμε Στοίχημα bettors manage to avoid. By learning about these blunders and how to steer clear of them, new bettors can set themselves up for more betting success.
Failing to Shop Lines from Multiple Sportsbooks
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is placing wagers without first shopping lines around at different sportsbooks. Odds and lines differ from one book to the next. While the differences may seem small, they add up over time. By failing to line shop, a bettor might leave lots of value on the table.
For example, Sportsbook A lists the moneyline on Team X at -120. Meanwhile, Sportsbook B posts Team X at -115. By placing $100 bets on Team X at Sportsbook B rather than A, the bettor increases expected value by $4.60. Now imagine making 20 bets without line shopping during a season. The lost value from missing out on the best odds quickly adds up.
Chasing Losses by Increasing Bet Size
Another common mistake is trying to immediately chase losses by ramping up wager amounts. A good rule of thumb is to keep bets to around 1-5% of your bankroll. However, after some losses, some bettors may start doubling down while tilting and betting 10%, 20%, or more of their roll on a single wager. This reckless betting behavior rarely ends well.
Moreover, increasing wager size cannot actually “get back” previous losses. Whether you lose $10 on one bet or lose $10 spread out over 10 bets, the net loss is the same. There is no need to try to make it back all at once. Stick to a consistent betting amount aligned with your bankroll management strategy.
Failing to Shop for the Best Bonuses and Rewards
Nearly every sportsbook today offers generous signup bonuses and continued rewards. However, these offers differ in value from site to site. Failing to shop around for the best bonuses causes bettors to miss out on what is essentially free money left on the table.
For instance, Sportsbook C offers a 100% signup bonus up to $300. But Sportsbook D provides new players with a $500 risk-free bet. If you bet $500 and lose, you get refunded in site credit. Make sure to read the fine print on rollover requirements. But shopping for the best bonuses can seriously stretch your bankroll.
Neglecting to Fully Understand Bet Types
All bet types work differently regarding how they pay out, when wagers push or lose, etc. However, some new bettors treat all bets like simple moneyline wagers without realizing key differences. For example, a beginner may put $100 on a big favorite to win on the moneyline without realizing the payout will only be $50 in profit. Or they may bet spreads without knowing what a push is and how it works.
Be sure to fully understand how each wager type pays before placing real-money bets. Learn the critical distinctions between moneylines, totals, parlays, teasers, props, futures, and more. Take the time to study up on betting fundamentals – it will pay off in the long run.
Lacking a Proper Bankroll Strategy
Bankroll management remains one of the most critical betting strategies. Yet new players often neglect to implement a bankroll strategy and instead bet randomly with no clear plan. The result is wasted money from making wagers either too large or too frequent for their available capital.
Work out a proper staking plan aligned with your risk tolerance and overall finances. Decide what percentage of your bankroll you feel comfortable betting per wager. Be sure to set aside winnings and resist the urge to bet everything you have in your account. You should expect to lose some bets even when making sharp wagers. With no bankroll plan, a few losses can knock you out of action.
Table: Common Betting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
| Failing to line shop | Compare odds at 3+ sportsbooks before placing bets |
| Chasing losses | Stick to betting 1-5% of bankroll per wager |
| Missing out on best bonuses | Thoroughly research welcome offers and continued rewards |
| Not understanding bet types | Study guides and resources explaining all wager types |
| Lacking bankroll strategy | Set clear guidelines on bet sizing relative to bankroll |
Overlooking Important Factors When Handicapping
Sharp bettors put significant work into handicapping. This research of matchups, injuries, trends, stats, and more helps inform smarter wagers. However, many newer bettors put little effort into handicapping. Instead, they make random bets on gut feelings without digging deeper into critical factors.
Be sure to do your handicapping homework before placing wagers. Check important items like:
- Recent performances and form
- Head-to-head matchup history
- Key injuries and roster changes
- Situational spots like letdowns or lookaheads
- Advanced stats and metrics
Putting in the handicapping work will better prepare you to estimate match outcomes and potential betting value.
Lacking Patience and Discipline
Finally, many beginners simply lack patience and discipline. They may fall in love with a bet but get impatient waiting for it to play out. Or they hastily jump on whatever wager looks enticing without doing any extra vetting. Some also lack the discipline to pass up bets altogether when the value is not there.
Exercise patience to allow your bets time to play out. Have discipline to pass on bets when the numbers do not add up. And avoid impulsive betting by taking the time to analyze matchups and run the numbers. Cultivating patience and discipline separates recreational bettors from the pros.
Conclusion
Avoiding common betting mistakes separates profitable sports bettors from those who struggle. Now that you know what pitfalls trap beginners, you can take steps to sidestep these issues. Put in the handicapping work, shop for the best lines, secure valuable bonuses, build a bankroll strategy, understand bet types, and bet with patience and discipline. Following these tips will help you maximize your betting success.