Losing is an inherent part of betting. Therefore, understanding how to handle losses is essential to become a successful punter.
This article covers everything you need to know about losing bets, focusing on the following main points:
Losing a well-analyzed wager can be disheartening. However, this is bound to happen because of the unpredictable nature of sports betting.
Many bettors make the mistake of letting emotions drive them to make irrational decisions after losing a bet. Unfortunately, such actions lead to more losses.
Therefore, it is essential to understand how to deal with losses. Knowing how to deal with losing helps you keep a rational mindset. It enables you to carefully analyze and learn from mistakes, refine your strategies, and manage risk.
When you place a wager, you’re essentially predicting one outcome among many possibilities for an event. The likelihood of whether you will win or lose a bet depends on various factors, especially the type of bet you choose. Different markets carry different levels of risk, and bookmakers reflect this through the odds they set for each bet option.
Let’s explore some popular bet types and discuss their associated risk levels.
A moneyline bet involves betting on who will win a game. It’s the most basic and popular bet type. There are only a few possible outcomes: a win, a loss, and sometimes a tie. So, the probability of winning or losing money on a winning bet is one in three. This simplicity makes it less risky when compared to other options.
With this option, you’re betting on the margin of victory. It adds a layer of complexity and risk to your prediction, as it requires a higher degree of accuracy when compared to a traditional win/lose bet.
In a point spread, the bookmaker handicaps the favorite team by deducting points or adding points to the underdog.
The over/under bet is another popular option among punters. It involves predicting the total number of goals both teams will score in a game.
For example, If a sportsbook sets the Over/Under line at 2.5 goals, a bet on the over means you anticipate a final score of 3 goals or more. Conversely, “under” indicates a final combined score of 2 goals or less.
Punters often strategically explore the total bet market, particularly in games that usually yield high-scoring results. For example, even though there is no such thing as a guarantee never to lose a football bet, betting on overs in a match between Burnley and Manchester City seems less risky than some other options. The two sides have accumulated eighteen goals in their last five encounters.
Also known as a proposition bet, a prop bet is a wager on a specific event within a game. These bets often involve events that don’t directly affect the final score, like predicting the first team or player to score, the possibility of extra time, or even the outcome of a coin toss at the start of a game.
A bettor combines multiple individual bets into a single wager in a parlay. It could include moneylines, spreads, props, and totals on different games. However, if any prediction is wrong, the entire parlay is lost.
The parlay is popular in sports betting because it can help bettors get higher returns with little stakes. However, the risk is also higher. However, the risk of losing increases as you add more bets due to the compounding nature of probabilities—for example, the chances of losing a 50/50 bet 10x or more as you add more wagers.
Teasers also involve combining multiple bets into one wager. However, they have an extra option that allows you to adjust point spreads and totals.
For example, in a hypothetical American football game like the New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys, a 6-point teaser can change original spreads of -6.5 and +6.5 to -0.5 and +12.5 and totals of over/under 48.5 to over 42.5 and under 54.5.
For this teaser to pay out on a winning bet, the Patriots must win by at least one point, the Cowboys must lose by no more than 12 points, and the total points scored should fall between 42.5 and 54.5. Nothing is paid out on a losing bet if any of these conditions are not met.
There is no guaranteed method to avoid losses in sports betting completely. However, a thoughtful strategy enables you to make wise, well-analyzed bets, which limits losses. So, even if it is impossible to bet and not lose, using the right approach continually gives you a good shot at winning.
Below are some tips to stop losing and win in the long term.
Don’t just take odds at whatever bookmaker. Always research various bookmakers and select the one with favorable odds for your bets. It helps you maximize the potential returns for each wager you make.
Bonuses and promotions give you an extra advantage as a bettor. It can be sign-up bonuses, free bets, or promotions where bookmakers refund losing bets under certain conditions. Therefore, you should explore the offers of different bookmakers and take advantage of valuable ones. It boosts your initial bankroll, providing more opportunities for successful bets.
A value bet is a betting opportunity where you believe the bookmaker’s odds for an outcome are higher than the actual probability. As a bettor, you can spot these bets by analyzing bets based on actual probability rather than solely on odds. If a bettor consistently identifies positive discrepancies and places bets with positive expected value, they have the potential to make a profit over time.
Always set aside a specific amount for betting and determine how much to stake per bet. It ensures responsible betting and helps prevent significant losses and the risks of addiction.
Ensure you conduct thorough research before making your bets, study team performance, player statistics, head-to-head records, recent form, etc. It enables you to make more informed betting decisions and show the ways to place bets and not to lose.
Losses are part of betting, so you should expect them. There is no assurance for placing no-lose football bets or any other sport. So, maintain realistic expectations and learn from unsuccessful bets.
Asian handicaps are used to eliminate the possibility of a draw. For example, If a team has a handicap of -1.0, they need to win by at least two goals for the bet to be successful. You can incorporate Asian handicaps into your betting strategy to add flexibility to your wagers and mitigate risks.
Don’t allow your personal preferences to influence betting decisions. Your bets should be based on analysis rather than emotional attachment.
Manage your bankroll wisely and avoid reckless bets to ensure long-term sustainability. For example, if you lose a baseball game bet, do not place another out of frustration or anger. Stick to your budget and do proper research before placing another wager.
Consider a team’s recent results, injuries, and other relevant factors. It helps you properly assess the team’s capabilities, enabling you to make wise bets.
Maintain discipline and bet only when there’s a well-thought-out reason. It prevents unnecessary losses from casual and unplanned bets.
Always bet with a clear mind. Betting under the influence causes you to make irrational decisions, which brings regret.
You will not always win, so planning for losses is essential. Set a limit for losses and have strategies to cope. It will help safeguard your bankroll during less successful periods.
Although there are no surefire ways to place bets and not lose, some bettors consistently succeed, usually due to their experience and expertise. Study these successful punters and their strategies to increase your chances of winning.
Don’t get stuck to one betting site: access competitive odds, bonus offers, and services using multiple sportsbooks.
Always maintain good physical well-being. Get adequate rest and manage stress properly. It helps you have a clear and focused mindset during betting.
It’s hard to gamble when you lose every bet, so taking precautions is essential. While betting can be a means of making money and having fun, it can also potentially drain you financially and emotionally. So here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
Losses are inherent in betting, and you need a strategic approach to handle them effectively. A significant part of this approach is understanding the dynamics of the type of bet you’re playing and the risks attached.
It is almost impossible for bookies paid out on losing bets, but you can minimize losses and manage them appropriately when they occur. To ensure long-term success in your betting journey, research thoroughly, practice responsible gaming, avoid impulsive decisions, and find value bets, among other strategies discussed in this guide.
