WNBA Twitter Insiders: Best Team Beat Writers & News Accounts for Betting Edges

When it comes to betting on the W, information moves faster than ever – and nothing beats having an edge by following the right people on Twitter. Until very recently the WNBA’s news cycle was almost locked to official team posts. Now reporters and insiders are breaking roster moves, lineups and injury news on Twitter… Read More »

How to Handicap UFC Fights: A Betting Guide to Predicting Winners

UFC fights are thrilling and unpredictable – one punch or slick submission can end a bout in seconds. For sports bettors, this chaos is both exciting and challenging. How do you consistently pick winners amid the mayhem? The key is learning how to handicap UFC fights like a pro. In this guide, we’ll break down… Read More »

How to Profitably Handicap WNBA Player Props: Points, Rebounds, Assists & More

Handicapping WNBA player props can be extremely profitable if you know what to look for. The markets for women’s basketball props are less efficient and attract lower betting volume than the NBA, meaning sharp bettors can find plenty of soft lines to exploit. From points, rebounds, and assists to steals, blocks, 3-pointers, turnovers, and PRA… Read More »

How to Handicap WNBA Totals Profitably: Sharp Betting Strategies Explained

Betting WNBA totals (over/under on combined points) is a goldmine for savvy bettors who do their homework. Unlike the NBA, WNBA games are 40 minutes (not 48), so typical totals are lower – often in the 150s or 160s. That shorter game and the league’s smaller market create opportunity. Many sharp bettors actually prefer WNBA… Read More »

How to Handicap PGA Tour Golf Matchups for Profitable Betting

Handicapping PGA Tour matchups – whether for a full tournament or a single round – is both an art and a science. The goal is simple: predict which golfer will post the better score. But profiting consistently requires digging deeper than the basics, examining everything from ball-striking stats to weather forecasts. In this guide, we’ll… Read More »

What Is a Unit in Sports Betting?

Imagine sitting at a sportsbook and hearing a bettor exclaim, “I’m up 5 units this week!” If you’re new to sports betting, you might wonder what on earth a “unit” means. Don’t worry – you’re not alone. In sports betting, “unit” is one of the most important terms to understand, and it has nothing to… Read More »

WNBA Handicapping: Strategies & Systems Used by Experts

Imagine a midsummer WNBA matchup: the defending champs are playing their third road game in five days, their star guard is questionable with a sprained ankle, and they’re coming off an emotional overtime win the night before. The betting public still loves the champs as favorites, but you spot an opportunity. The home underdog has… Read More »

What Is In-Play or Live Betting in Sports Betting?

Have you ever watched a game and wished you could place a bet after it started? That’s exactly what in-play or live betting lets you do. Live betting is a fast-paced, interactive way to wager on sports in real time. Instead of locking in all your bets before kickoff or tip-off, you can jump into… Read More »

What Does Off the Board Mean in Sports Betting?

Have you ever opened your sportsbook app, ready to place a wager, only to find a game missing or “locked” with no odds listed? This scenario can be confusing, especially for newer bettors. In sports betting lingo, that game is “off the board.” In simple terms, “off the board” means the sportsbook has taken a… Read More »

What Are Extra and Added Games in Sports Betting?

Have you ever been looking over the betting board and noticed some odd matchups listed way at the bottom, or with funny rotation numbers you didn’t recognize? These are the “extra” and “added” games in sports betting. In college football and college basketball, extra/added games refer to matchups that aren’t part of the regular rotation… Read More »

How to Handicap Preseason Pro Football (NFLX)

The NFL preseason is a different animal from the regular season – and that’s exactly why savvy bettors love it. In August, information is king and edges abound for those willing to do the homework. While casual fans shrug off exhibition games, sharp bettors know there’s real money to be made. In this guide, we’ll… Read More »

Professional Sports Bettor Lifestyle: What It’s Really Like Betting for a Living

Ever wonder what it’s like to bet on sports for a living? From the outside, it might sound like a dream job – watching games all day and cashing big tickets. In reality, life as a professional sports bettor is challenging, disciplined, and yes, even stressful. In fact, only a tiny percentage of bettors (roughly… Read More »

What Is Line Shopping in Sports Betting? How to Find the Best Odds

Line shopping in sports betting means comparing the odds and lines at different sportsbooks to find the most favorable ones before placing your bet. Think of it like shopping for a new TV or car – you wouldn’t buy the first one you see without checking prices elsewhere. Similarly, you shouldn’t settle for the first… Read More »

What Is a Total or Over/Under in Sports Betting? (Examples & Strategy Guide)

If you’ve ever looked at a betting line and seen something like “Total 47.5 (O/U)”, you’ve encountered a total bet. Also known as an over/under, a total is a wager on the combined score of both teams in a game. Instead of picking a winner or covering a point spread, you’re betting on whether the… Read More »

What Are Teaser Bets in Sports Betting? (How They Work + Payout Chart)

Learn About What is a Teaser Popular Sports Different Options Payouts Tips Best Places to Bet In the world of sports betting, savvy bettors are always looking for ways to tilt the odds in their favor. One popular option that blends the thrill of parlays with a bit more control is the teaser bet. If… Read More »

What Is a Sucker Bet in Sports Betting? (Definition & Examples)

Sportsbooks are full of flashy wagers promising big payouts – parlays, long-shot props, huge futures odds, and more. As a bettor, it’s easy to get tempted by those “lottery ticket” bets or wagers that seem like sure things. However, many of these enticing bets are what experienced gamblers dub “sucker bets.” In simple terms, a… Read More »

What Is a High Roller or Whale in Sports Betting?

Imagine walking into a Las Vegas sportsbook and seeing one bettor casually place more money on a single game than most people wager in a year. That big spender is what insiders call a high roller, or in gambling slang, a “whale.” In simple terms, a whale is a sports bettor who wagers extremely large… Read More »

What Is the Gambler’s Fallacy in Sports Betting?

Imagine your favorite NFL team has lost five games in a row. You tell yourself, “They’re due for a win next week.” After all, they can’t keep losing forever, right? Or maybe you’ve flipped a coin and gotten tails five times straight – it feels like the next flip has to come up heads. This… Read More »

What Is the Point Spread in Sports Betting?

If you’re new to sports betting, you’ve probably heard people talk about “the spread” or “covering the spread.” The point spread is one of the most popular bet types in football and basketball, especially in the NFL, college football, and NBA. In simple terms, the point spread is a number set by sportsbooks that represents… Read More »

What Is a Middle in Sports Betting? Examples & Strategy

Sports betting has plenty of tricky strategies, and one that seasoned bettors love to talk about is “middling.” Hitting a middle means threading the needle with your bets – it’s hard to do, but when it works, it can lead to huge payouts. In fact, some of the biggest betting wins ever have come from… Read More »

Sportsbook Arbitrage Betting Guide: How to Find Guaranteed Profits

Imagine being able to place bets on a game and win no matter the outcome. It sounds almost too good to be true, like finding free money in sports betting. This “can’t-lose” strategy is called arbitrage betting, also known as sure betting or arbing. Arbitrage betting takes advantage of differences in odds between sportsbooks to… Read More »

What Are Cash Outs in Sports Betting & When to Do It

Ever had a bet look like a sure winner, only to get nervous as the game isn’t over yet? Or maybe your team is falling behind and you’re wishing you could salvage something instead of losing it all. Cash out is the feature that makes this possible. In simple terms, a cash out lets you… Read More »

How Much Sportsbooks Make

How Much Do Sportsbooks Make? U.S. Betting Revenue Breakdown (2005–2024) The sports betting industry in the United States has exploded in recent years, driven by the legalization of sportsbooks across dozens of states. While exact profits are often difficult to estimate, especially from offshore or illegal bookmakers, the best available data comes from state-regulated sportsbooks,… Read More »

What Are Proposition Bets? Prop Bets Explained & How They Work

Learn About Types of Props Examples How Lines Are Set Tips to Win If you’ve been around sports betting, you’ve probably heard the term “prop bet” thrown around. Proposition bets (prop bets) are wagers on specific events or statistics within a game that aren’t directly tied to the final outcome or score. In other words,… Read More »

What Are Exotic Bets in Sports Betting? Examples & Types Explained

Learn About Exotic Examples Differences v Traditional Tips to Win Ever thought about betting on something as crazy as the length of the national anthem at the Super Bowl? Or maybe you’ve strung together a five-leg parlay hoping to hit the jackpot. If so, you’ve already dabbled in the world of exotic bets without even… Read More »

What is 3-Ball Golf Betting? How These Bets Works with Tips to Win

Ever heard about “3-ball” betting in golf and wondered what it means? In golf betting, a 3-ball bet lets you wager on which one of three golfers will score the lowest in a specific round of a tournament. It’s a head-to-head-to-head matchup contained within the round – like a mini-contest among a trio of players.… Read More »

What Is a Reverse Bet in Sports Betting?

Imagine this: It’s NFL Sunday and you’ve got two games you know are winners. You consider a parlay, but you hesitate – one loss and that parlay is toast. You recall that time your early game flopped, yet the late game covered easily, leaving money on the table. If only there were a way to… Read More »

Who Started the First Offshore Online Sportsbooks?

Long before online sportsbooks existed, betting on sports was a mostly underground affair. Many bettors placed wagers with local bookies operating illegally, often under the influence of organized crime. These backroom bookmakers had questionable reliability – winning big didn’t always guarantee you’d get paid in full. For legal bets, the only option was to head… Read More »

The Computer Group: How a 1980s Betting Syndicate Beat Vegas with Data

The Computer Group was a legendary sports betting syndicate active in the early 1980s that pioneered the use of computer analytics to beat the bookies. Co-founded around 1980 by Dr. Ivan Mindlin (an orthopedic surgeon-turned-gambler) and Michael Kent (a mathematician and computer expert), the group grew into the first national network of sports bettors –… Read More »

What is Hedging in Sports Betting

Imagine you’re one game away from winning a huge parlay, or your long-shot futures bet just made the championship game. You’re thrilled – but also a bit nervous. What if things go wrong and you walk away with nothing? This is where hedging comes into play. Hedging in sports betting lets you secure some winnings… Read More »

What Is a Sharp or Wiseguy in Sports Betting?

A “sharp” (aka wiseguy) is a highly skilled, seasoned sports bettor who bets professionally with a long-term winning record. Unlike the typical casual bettor (often called a “square”), a sharp treats sports betting like an investment rather than entertainment. These bettors are often respected – even feared – by bookmakers because they consistently find an… Read More »

What Is Expected Value in Sports Betting?

Expected Value (EV) in sports betting is a way to measure the average outcome of a wager if you could replay it many times. In plain English, EV tells you whether a bet is likely to win or lose money in the long run. Every betting line carries an implied probability (the sportsbook’s view of… Read More »

Dime Lines in Baseball Betting: The Power of Reduced Juice

Whether you’re new to sports betting or a seasoned bettor, understanding dime lines is crucial – especially for baseball. A dime line (also known as a 10-cent line) refers to a moneyline where the difference between the favorite’s odds and the underdog’s odds is just 10 cents. In practical terms, if a baseball team is… Read More »

Opening Line vs. Closing Line: When Is It Easier to Beat the Sportsbooks?

Sports bettors constantly debate whether it’s easier to beat the opening lines or the closing lines on a game. In other words, should you place your bet early when odds first drop, or wait until just before kickoff/tip-off? The truth is, both strategies have pros and cons. In this article, we’ll break down the differences… Read More »

What Is a Sports Betting Syndicate? How Betting Groups Work

Sports betting syndicates, also known simply as betting groups, are essentially teams of bettors pooling their money, information, and strategies to beat the bookmakers. Instead of betting solo, syndicate members join forces to gain advantages that individual gamblers often can’t achieve on their own. The concept might sound like something out of a heist movie,… Read More »

What Is an If Bet in Sports Betting?

Sports betting has plenty of quirky wager types, and one you might encounter is the “if bet.” Don’t let the name confuse you – it’s not you being wishy-washy with your bet (“I’ll bet if I feel like it”). In betting terms, an if bet is a special multi-part wager that only continues if your… Read More »

What Does Chalk Mean in Betting Terms?

In sports betting lingo, “chalk” refers to the favorite – usually the team or athlete expected to win. In many cases, chalk implies a heavy favorite, not just a slight edge. If you hear someone say “I’m taking the chalk,” it means they’re betting on the favored side. By extension, a “chalk player” is a… Read More »

Preakness Stakes Results: Exacta, Trifecta, & Superfecta Payouts

The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes is now in the books.  Journalism defeated Gosger by 1/2 a length to secure the victory. Journalism finished second in the Kentucky Derby while derby winner Sovereignty did not run with his connections believing that resting for the Belmont would be in the best interest of the horse… Read More »

What is a “Square” in Sports Betting? (Definition & How Not to Be One)

Imagine a typical NFL Sunday at a crowded sportsbook. One bettor – let’s call him John Q. Public – strolls in wearing his favorite team’s jersey. He plunks down $50 on the heavily favored home team and the over, because “the better team should win big, and who wants to root for a low score?”… Read More »

What is the Martingale System in Sports Betting?

The Martingale betting system is a classic gambling strategy where you double your bet after each loss until you eventually win. The idea is simple: by continuously doubling a losing wager, the first win would recover all previous losses plus earn a profit equal to the original stake. For example, you might bet $10 and… Read More »

What Are Futures Bets in Sports Betting?

Ever find yourself eyeing the odds for next year’s champion months in advance? That’s the thrill of futures bets. In sports betting, a futures bet is simply a wager on a long-term outcome that won’t be decided until down the road – usually at season’s end. Unlike a regular game bet that’s settled in a… Read More »

What are Alternate Lines in Sports Betting?

Alternate lines are simply different point spreads or totals offered by a sportsbook that deviate from the standard line. In other words, you’re not stuck with the one spread or over/under the book initially set – you can choose a “softer” or “harder” line, and the odds will adjust accordingly. It’s a way to control… Read More »

What Is a Backdoor Cover in Sports Betting?

Picture this: You bet on a heavy favorite, and they’ve been cruising with a comfortable lead all game. Your wager looks like an easy win – until the final moments. The underdog scores a meaningless last-second touchdown, and suddenly your “sure thing” bet doesn’t cover the spread. That gut-punch moment is what bettors call the… Read More »

What Is a Bad Beat in Sports Betting? (Definition & Examples)

If you’ve bet on sports for a while, you probably have a bad beat story (or a dozen). Imagine this: your team is comfortably ahead, your bet looks all but guaranteed, and you’re already thinking about how to spend the winnings. Then, in the final seconds, something ridiculous happens – a meaningless touchdown, a miracle… Read More »

What Is a Beard in Sports Betting?

In sports betting, a “beard” isn’t facial hair – it’s a slang term for a secret stand-in. A beard is a person who places bets for someone else to conceal the identity of the true bettor. In other words, the beard is a frontman (or frontwoman) making wagers so the real high-roller stays in the… Read More »

What Is Closing Line Value (CLV) in Sports Betting?

If you’ve been around sports betting circles for a bit, you’ve probably heard someone mention closing line value, or CLV. It might sound like jargon, but it’s actually a simple concept that can tell you a lot about the quality of your bets. In a nutshell, closing line value is a way to measure whether… Read More »

What Are “Volume” and “Handle” in Sports Betting?

In sports betting lingo, volume and handle are two sides of the action – the number of bets vs. the amount of money. Betting volume refers to the number of individual bets placed on a game or outcome, while handle refers to the total sum of money wagered. You can think of volume as the… Read More »

Action v. No Action in Sports Betting Explained

In sports betting, to “have action” on a game means you’ve placed a bet on it. It’s a casual way bettors say they have money on the line or a monetary interest in a game’s outcome. For example, if your friend asks “Do you have any action on tonight’s game?”, they’re asking if you’ve bet… Read More »

How to Track Your Sports Bets and Keep Accurate Records

Ever wondered if you’re really up or down on your sports bets? In sports betting, success isn’t just about making the right picks — it’s about maintaining detailed records of every wager. Keeping an accurate betting log might sound tedious, but it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about improving their betting performance. By tracking your… Read More »

What is Variance in Sports Betting and How to Handle the Swings

If you’ve ever felt like sports betting is a rollercoaster, you’re not alone. One week you’re on fire, the next week you can’t hit a single bet.  This wild inconsistency is variance – the natural ups and downs inherent in sports betting results. In simple terms, variance is what causes those hot streaks when everything… Read More »

What Percentage of Sports Bettors Are Profitable?

Learn About Why Do Most Lose Sharps Who Wins How to Improve Sports betting draws in millions with the dream of beating the odds, but the reality can be harsh. So, what percentage of sports bettors actually turn a profit long-term? In short, only a very small minority – often cited around 3-5% – are… Read More »

What Is a Dead Heat in Sports Betting?

In sports betting, most of us expect clear winners and losers. But what happens if there’s a tie for first or a tie for a key finishing position? This is where dead heat rules come into play. A dead heat in betting refers to a scenario where two or more competitors are tied for a… Read More »

What Is “The Field” Mean in Sports Betting Markets?

If you’ve ever scanned betting odds and seen an option for “The Field,” you might wonder what the heck that means. Don’t worry – it’s not referring to an actual playing field. In sports betting, “the field” refers to a wager on all the competitors in an event that are not listed by name. In… Read More »

Favorite-Longshot Bias: How to Value Underdogs Better

Ever find yourself lured by the huge payout on a longshot bet? You’re not alone. Many recreational bettors can’t resist the “big score” potential of a heavy underdog. Throw a few bucks on a 50-to-1 outsider and imagine the payday – it’s a thrilling dream. But here’s the kicker: sportsbooks love when we chase those… Read More »

What are Common Sports Betting Terms You Should Know?

New to the sports betting scene or just need a refresher on the lingo? We’ve got you covered. Below is a comprehensive A-to-Z glossary of sports betting terms – from the basics every newbie should know to the advanced jargon used by seasoned sharps. If you’re scratching your head at any point spread or prop… Read More »

Responsible Sports Betting & the Proper Gambling Mindset

Sports betting is a blast – the thrill of a winning pick and the excitement of the game can be addicting. But without a responsible approach, a fun hobby can quickly turn sour. It’s easy to get carried away betting every game in sight or staking more than you should. A lack of discipline is… Read More »

What is the Grand Salami in Sports Betting?

Don’t let the tasty name fool you – the Grand Salami in sports betting isn’t something you eat! It’s actually a fun prop bet where you wager on the total number of runs or goals scored in all games on a given day for a particular sport. In other words, instead of betting the over/under… Read More »

Contrarian Betting Explained – How to Fade the Public in Sports Betting

Contrarian betting means betting against the popular, majority opinion – essentially doing the opposite of what most other bettors are doing. It’s often called “fading the public.” In plain terms, if the public is overwhelmingly betting on one team or outcome, a contrarian bettor will wager on the other side. The idea is to side… Read More »

February College Basketball Betting System

February in college basketball is all about seeding for the NCAA Tournament.  Each team’s performance in the last 10 games of the season plays an important role in how they fare come Selection Sunday.  So, what a team does during this time is all about building their tournament resume. What also occurs in this month… Read More »

What Is the Vig in Sports Betting? How the Juice Impacts Your Profits

Imagine you place 100 bets at $100 each with standard -110 odds. You win 50 and lose 50 – an even split.  You might expect to break even, but instead, you’re down about $500. (Find out what percentage of bets you need to win to break even here.) What gives? The culprit is the “vig”… Read More »

What is the Hook in Sports Betting? Half-Point Spread Meaning Explained

Sports betting has its own lingo, and one term that every bettor eventually encounters is “the hook.” It’s not a fishing reference or a catchy song chorus – in betting circles, “the hook” simply means a half-point added to a point spread or total. That tiny 0.5 can be the difference between your bet winning,… Read More »

Are NFL Games Fixed or Rigged?

Every NFL season, especially after a heartbreaking loss or a controversial call, some fans start asking, “Are NFL games fixed?” The short answer is no – NFL games are not rigged. Yet the conspiracy theory that the league scripts outcomes or that referees favor certain teams just won’t die. Why do so many believe the… Read More »

NFL International Games History By Team

The NFL has truly gone global. What began as a novelty – a lone regular-season game in Mexico City back in 2005 – has evolved into a steady stream of games in London, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and now even Brazil. Every NFL team has packed its bags at least once to play outside the United… Read More »

Bet105.ag Sportsbook Review for US Bettors: Expert Analysis on Odds, Payouts & Limits

Bet105.ag Sportsbook Review (Expert Handicapper Take) As professional sports bettors, we’re always on the lookout for books that give us an edge. That might mean better pricing, faster withdrawals, or fewer limitations on winners. Bet105.ag checks a lot of boxes for US-based bettors who know what they’re doing. Here’s our review of what makes Bet105… Read More »

How Much Money is Wagered on Horse Racing at Churchill Downs for Derby

The Kentucky Derby is a special event that happens each year at Churchill Downs. Even those who aren’t horse racing fanatics feel inclined to not only watch but also wager on this big event. I found myself wondering just how much money was actually being wagered. What I found was staggering, especially considering we’re talking… Read More »

Derby Payouts & Historical Look at How Much You Would Win on $2 Bet

The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is in the books. This year’s winner of “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” was Sovereignty, ridden by Junior Alvarado.  Sovereignty went off at 5-to-1 and won by 1 1/2 lengths. On the morning of the race, Journalism was the odds-on favorite at 3-to-1. Journalism couldn’t quite… Read More »

Live Derby Odds: Betting Favorites, Contenders & Rest of the Field

The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. We are just a few days away from the big race. Coverage will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC, with post time scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET. For everything you need to know about betting… Read More »

Projected Winner & Betting Odds: Run For the Roses at Churchill Downs

We are less than a two away from the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. The 2025 “Run for the Roses” is set to take place on Saturday, May 3rd, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. With the field officially set and post positions drawn, I’m ready to release my early win/place/show predictions. The official… Read More »

Kentucky Derby Jockeys: Current Assignments & Historical Winning List

Each Kentucky Derby brings a fresh crop of 3-year-olds looking to make their mark on the biggest stage in horse racing. While the horses change every year, the jockeys often look familiar. Top riders trusted with the chance to make history. These elite athletes are as much a part of the story as the horses… Read More »

Horse Racing 101: Where & How to Bet on the Derby for Beginners

Betting the 2025 Kentucky Derby The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is coming up fast, and whether you’re in it for the action, the tradition, or just the chance to cash a ticket, this is the one horse race nobody wants to miss. It’s a two-minute sprint that draws millions of dollars in bets… Read More »

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