Why Specializing Needs to Be Part of Your Sports Handicapping Strategy

If you want to get started betting on sports then the first thing I’d tell you to do is pick a sport and become a specialist.  It’s easier to focus all of your time and energy on a single market than it is to spread yourself thin making bets on every sport under the sun.… Read More »

Why the Compound Interest of Sports Betting Beats Other Investments

I have talked about edges in sports betting in the past and how professional bettors like myself typically achieve about a 2% ROI over the course of a year. Some people think that’s great, but other people think that’s too small to make it worth it. While I agree 2% ROI sounds less than a… Read More »

How to Get Started with Winning at Sports Betting

The first step in getting started with winning at sports betting is to figure out what approach you are going to use.   We covered each one briefly in our guide to sports handicapping and then more in-depth with the following articles. Deciding your approach is the first step.  You really need to match a… Read More »

How Accurate Does a Model Need to Be in Sports Betting?

When it comes to learning how to bet sports the only real metric that matters is how much you win.  It doesn’t matter what sports handicapping method that you use to accomplish your goal. I do think you are better off building a sports betting model to give you an accurate idea of how a… Read More »

What is a Sports Betting Prediction Model?

A sports betting model is used to predict the probability of an outcome in a certain event.  The goal is take be able to take certain data about the teams or players and have a complex formula or algorithm produce an accurate picture of what is likely to happen in the contest. Prediction models are… Read More »

Top Down Sports Handicapping Strategy

There are a number of different sports handicapping strategies that people use to beat the sportsbooks and make a profit.  But what is top down handicapping versus bottom up? If you are going to learn how to bet on sports, then knowing as many different ways as possible to win is only going to help… Read More »

Sports Betting Octopus: What Is It & How Do You Win?

There are a lot of terms and jargon that you have to pick up when you are learning sports betting. One term that has gained traction in recent years is the octopus.  I have to admit this one even had me scratching my head the first time I heard it. But what exactly does it… Read More »

How a Push Happens in Sports Betting & How to Avoid It

I have covered a lot of terms and jargon that gamblers have to familiarize themselves with if they want to learn how to bet on sports.  One term that leaves beginners scratching their heads is a “push.”  But what exactly does it mean and how does it impact your betting strategy? Understanding the Meaning of… Read More »

How to Bet on UFC MMA Fights

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has grown in popularity over the past couple of decades and with that increase in popularity, there has been a lot of interest in betting on the fights. The best part about Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events is that they are fast-paced and unpredictable in nature which makes betting on… Read More »

What Does Fade Mean in Sports Betting

If you are going to learn how to bet on sports you need to know all of the terminology used by novice and experienced bettors. One term that often pops up is the fade.  What does it mean and how can it be strategically used to win as a sports handicapping method? Understanding the Concept… Read More »

What Is a Mush in Sports Betting?

There is a lot of unique jargon when it comes to sports betting, but one of my favorites is the term “mush.”  But what exactly is a mush and why is it significant in gambling?  Let’s take a look. History of the Meaning of Mush in Gambling A “mush,” was first depicted in the 1993… Read More »

Why Sportsbooks Limit Winning Bettors

If you are going to learn how to bet on sports then you are likely going to try to win.  The problem is that the sportsbooks aren’t in the business of paying out money to their clients, they want to make a profit.  One of the tools sportsbooks have to prevent losing is to limit,… Read More »

How to Sell Sports Picks Online as a Business

If you understand how to bet on sports and are good at predicting winners you might be interested in becoming a professional tipster.  It can be a nice career where you make a living betting on games, and get a steady, supplemental income by offering your picks to fellow bettors. In this guide I’ll walk… Read More »

How to Read the Betting Odds: How to Bet Sports Explained

Learn About Online Betting Vegas Sports Betting Reading Lines Points Spreads Moneylines Totals The Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the federal ban on sports betting has led to a surge in the popularity of wagering in the United States.  This landmark ruling paved the way for individual states to legalize betting on sports which… Read More »

Asian Handicap Explained: A Comprehensive Guide to Soccer Betting

Are you tired of losing bets on soccer games that end in a draw? Do you find traditional betting options too limiting? Asian handicap betting might be just the solution you need! This exciting form of betting, popular in Asia and gaining traction in Europe, levels the playing field between two teams by giving a… Read More »

Round Robin Bets Explained: Are They Worth It

In the world of sports betting, there are a number of strategies gamblers have come up with in search of ways to increase their winnings over the sportsbooks. One strategy that has gained in popularity has been round robin betting. Let’s take a deep dive into understanding what a round robin bet is, including its… Read More »

What a Run Line is in Baseball Betting: MLB Spreads Meaning

Jump to Example Different Options Strategy If you are going to bet on baseball then it’s vital that you know all of the different options.  Run line betting is a popular alternative to straight money lines and an important option to have in your MLB wagering toolbox.  This article will cover the means and basics… Read More »

What Does the Puck Line Mean in Hockey Betting?

Jump to Example Different Options Strategy If you want to get the most out of your hockey betting then it’s important to understand the nuances of different betting options.  One of the most popular options for the NHL is the puck line bet.  This article delves into the meanings and basics of puck line betting… Read More »

Money Line to Win Percentage Calculator & Conversion Table

Have you ever wondered what the chances of a team winning were based on the money line for the game?  How to convert the odds to probabilities is a key part of understanding money line bets. First, we have a simple calculator that you can use to plug in any moneyline (American-style odds) and quickly… Read More »

Why Selling Sports Picks is Profitable for Pro Bettors

Professional sports bettors lead a stressful life. They depend on their wins and losses to earn enough profit to make a decent living for themselves, and often times, for their families as well. Some of these cappers make the decision to sell their picks, but a lot of people look down on the tout industry.… Read More »

What are Key Numbers in Sports Betting?

When it comes to betting on sports, knowing about key numbers is absolutely essential to having success.  First and foremost, what exactly is a “key number”?  For the uninitiated, key numbers are those numbers that show up most often as the final margin of victory or as the final point total in a given game… Read More »

Comprehensive Guide on How to Handicap Sports with Strategy & Methods

My goal at Boyd’s Bets has always been to help clients make money by following my picks.  But, I also want every one of my visitors and clients to gain knowledge about beating the books. Sports handicapping is the art and science of predicting the outcome of sports events. It involves in-depth research, analysis, and the… Read More »

Unlocking the Secrets of Weather Handicapping for NFL Betting

If you’re aiming for a winning streak in your bets this football season, it’s crucial to leverage every possible advantage. One such factor that can significantly sway the outcome of a game is the weather. This article serves as your comprehensive guide on how to incorporate weather conditions into your NFL handicapping strategy. Decoding the… Read More »

Ultimate Guide to Golf Betting Explained – Bet Types & How to Win

Follow @boydsbets Learn About Why Bet It Beginners Guide How to Handicap My Process My job as a handicapper is to take advantage of any edge we can find, not just bet on primetime games on my favorite sports.  Which is why I love golf, it is a sport that is easy for bettors to… Read More »

Your Ultimate Guide to Using an Odds Calculator for Sports Betting

How to Use the Odds Calculator Enter the odds in your preferred format and instantly view how they are converted into other popular types.  You may also manually adjust the bet amount in USD to calculate what your payout would be based on the odds provided.  Just hit the reset button if you’d like to… Read More »

The Ultimate College Football Handicapping Guidebook

Welcome to the most comprehensive NCAA football betting guide on the planet! We’ve compiled an exhaustive list of resources with one goal in mind: to help you win more of your wagers! There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Quality Information To be sure, you need to find quality information, however, we belive that the… Read More »

Guide to Betting Sports Teasers & Winning

In the world of sports betting, bettors are always on the lookout for strategies and bet types that can increase their chances of winning. One such intriguing option that has gained popularity over the years is the “teaser bet.” At its core, a teaser bet offers a blend of the excitement found in parlays with… Read More »

Major League Baseball Home Field Advantage For All 30 Teams

Every team gets an edge playing in front of the home crowd.  But, do you know exactly how much home field is worth for each MLB team?  If you simply look at the league average over the years, you’ll find playing in the friendly confines is worth about 0.15 runs.  That’s almost nothing. This is a little surprising. … Read More »

Expert MLB Handicapping Guide: How to Bet & Profit on Pro Baseball

Welcome to the biggest and best baseball handicapping guide on the planet. Trying to handicap the MLB is no easy task. That’s why we’ve assembled a comprehensive list of tools and resources to help you beat the sportsbooks! Handicapping Major League Baseball: Finding What Works & What Doesn’t Baseball is a sport of statistics, perhaps… Read More »

Understanding Correlated Parlays: How to Find & Profit in Each Sport

Many novice bettors are told to stick only to straight bets. That’s because they don’t do the work or research to make wise investments with teasers and parlays.  You too may have been told that parlay wagers are considered sucker bets. That’s not accurate at all. One time where they are a profitable proposition is… Read More »

Cognitive Biases in Sports Betting

Every single human suffers from cognitive biases.  The book Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman takes a look at how humans make errors in decision-making due to biases and heuristics.  No one is immune, but you can improve your decision-making (and sports betting) by becoming aware of your biases and taking them into account.… Read More »

Strategy to Gambling on NFL Football Teaser Cards & Winning Payouts

Jump to Basics Payouts Best Numbers 6-Points 6.5-Points 7-Points 10-Points Totals I have been making profits betting NFL teasers for years and my teaser of the week has become one of the most visited pages on the site due to its consistent success.  Simply put, they are beatable and you should add this bet type to your gambling arsenal… Read More »

MLB Systems & Strategies for Betting on Baseball Underdogs

Most square bettors tend to ride the favorites more often than they bet on an underdog in baseball.  The average Joe sees the team that should win and looks at the other team as the one who should lose. Losing is no fun.  That makes it tough for a lot of amateur bettors.  They can’t… Read More »

Gambling on NCAA Football Teaser Cards & Best Strategies for Profiting

Jump to Basics Payouts Key Numbers 6-Points 7-Points 10-Points It’s amazing how easy it is to profit betting college football teasers. That is of course as long as you bet them properly. If you are looking to expand your NCAA football handicapping, you came to the right spot. This article has everything you need at… Read More »

Compare NCAA Basketball & NBA Teaser Payouts at Top Online Books

Most people have bet on, or at least heard of, teasers for football. Yet, in basketball, these are one of the most overlooked types of wagers available. And if you are going to win betting the NBA or CBB then you need to leave no stone unturned. Informed and disciplined bettors can make a lot of… Read More »

Top Money Management Tips & Systems for Sports Gambling

New to the industry? An understanding of how to bet or how to handicap games are critical to getting started. However, none of that matters if you don’t manage your bankroll properly. That’s why I created this article on the keys to money management when betting on sports. Before we get into it, there are… Read More »

Standard Deviations of Over/Under Margins by Total

How accurate are oddsmakers at setting totals as the size of the total rises? Our theory coming in was that as totals get bigger, oddsmaker accuracy would get worse. After all, you would expect a greater margin for error with more points scored. We went back through hundreds of totals and ran the standard deviation… Read More »

Standard Deviations of ATS Margins by Totals – NBA, NFL, NCAAB & NCAAF

In a game that has less scoring, it would make sense that oddsmakers would be more accurate on the lines. The less total points scored by either team should make it much easier to determine the final score. The more accurate the line is at certain totals could be a great resource in several different… Read More »

Understanding Betting Odds & Payouts on Multi-Team Parlay Tickets

This article is meant to help further your sports betting knowledge when it comes to parlays. The first thing we will cover is understanding what this bet is and how it works. We’ll also look at how the odds are calculated, payouts, house advantage, and benefits for making these wagers. Definition: Also known as combos,… Read More »

What’s the Right Move: Should You be Hedging Parlays in Sports Betting

A question I am often asked is, “Should I hedge my parlay?” Well, first things first, I am not a fan of parlays unless they are correlated. Generally speaking, it is not a good way to consistently turn a profit. With that said, like so many things in life, parlays can be fun in moderation. I’d be… Read More »

Why You Shouldn’t Listen to Your Gut When Placing a Sports Bet

When it comes to wagering money on sports, everyone seems to have “gut” feelings or predispositions to certain situations that they believe gives them an advantage. The problem with these feelings is that while they may appear rational at first blush, most do not hold up, either mathematically or when tested against historical results. These… Read More »

Vegas Odds Makers Accuracy: Standard Deviations by Point Spread

Just how accurate are the oddsmakers as point spreads change and grow?  Most people would predict that as spreads increase in size, the accuracy of the oddsmakers at predicting the final score should fall. What we’ve done is examined the standard deviation on the ATS (against the spread) margin of thousands of games in all… Read More »

Key Numbers to Look for When Making Bets on MLB Over/Under Totals

The table below shows the most common final combined scores for nearly 32,000 MLB games. This information is useful for those making wagers on the diamond. It allows them to see how often each number hits. MLB Key Numbers For Handicapping & Making Bets on Baseball Totals “Runs” represents the final score of each game.… Read More »

How to Improve Your MLB Betting by Avoiding These Common Mistakes

Losing can be a difficult habit to break. If you don’t take the right steps to correct your previous mistakes, you are going to continue to see similar results. The same principles holds true when it comes to betting baseball. You have to be willing to learn something from each loss and use it to your advantage… Read More »

Information on How to Bet MLB Series Prices During Baseball Season

Want to add a little more flavor to your MLB betting this season? You should add baseball series betting to your repertoire. WWagering on this is not the most common bet, and it is one that many bettors aren’t even aware of. In case you aren’t exactly sure what I’m referring to, this is what I mean.… Read More »

Look at How Weather Can Affect the Betting Outcome of Baseball Games

One of the key factors that amateur bettors routinely forget to check is the weather. Knowing the temperature and the direction the wind is blowing can drastically improve your baseball betting. Those that do look at the weather, typically only use it to determine whether a game might go over or under the total, but… Read More »

How to Win More Bets With our MLB Parlay Betting System & Strategies

Understanding How to Bet & Handicap Winning Parlay Picks in Baseball How Parlays Work Most of you reading this article are likely already familiar with how parlays work.  But, I wanted to take a quick second and explain it for anyone who isn’t familiar with this type of wager. A parlay is a single bet… Read More »

Best Home Court Advantage in College Basketball by Points

What is the advantage of home court in college basketball?  Ask that question to five different people and you will get five different answers.  Almost all of them are likely to give you a number between 3 and 6 points. The truth of the matter is that there is no simple answer to your question.  The… Read More »

Sports Betting Myths

It’s time to bust some sports betting myths that I continue to hear year after year after year. These kinds of rumors are taken at face value simply because they “sound right.” But, you need to get rid of these biases when handicapping sports. Sometimes these beliefs are accepted because it serves some purpose in explaining losing wagers.… Read More »

Best Betting Guide with Tips on How to Handicap NCAA Basketball

Prepare to take your college basketball betting to the next level with the most comprehensive handicapping guide ever assembled. Using our complete list of tips and resources you will be extremely well-equipped to take on the sportsbooks from the regular season to the NCAA Tournament! Handicapping College Basketball: Information is Power You need to gather… Read More »

Situational Handicapping

One way to handicap games is to use situations.  Not surprisingly this method is called situational handicapping.  Situational handicapping is one of the best ways to beat the NBA and NFL odds. What Are Situations? There are circumstances surrounding every single game.  Some simple examples are previous game, upcoming game, weather, time of day, and… Read More »

Home Field Advantage By Sport

Home field or court advantage doesn’t always mean talking about who wins most often at home. That’s part of it.  But, what we really want to quantify when handicapping sports is how much it influences the score.  The best way to figure this out is to compare the home/road splits from comparable schedules.  This gives us an idea of how many… Read More »

Arbitrage Betting

The easiest way to guarantee to make money betting on sports is arbitrage betting, also known as miracle bets or sure bets.  These cases occur when bookmakers have different opinions on a game and a bettor can make a profit regardless of the outcome. Obviously the bookmakers do not love people who take advantage of… Read More »

Betting the 2nd Half Odds on the Money Line, Spread or Total to Win

Halftime betting has increased in popularity recently.  Basically this is just a bet that is made at halftime of a game and is graded based on how the second half and overtime shake out.  The game essentially starts over at 0-0 when the second half starts. You can take advantage of these halftime bets to… Read More »