Since all good betting systems rely on a set of mathematical probabilities intended specifically to improve the bettor’s chances of winning, betting systems can be applied also to betting on sports, in which case they are typically referred to as sports betting systems.
Some sports bettors even believe that typical gambling systems such as the Martingale system can be applied to sports bets – given a specific set of circumstances. An example of this would be to apply the Martingale to every MMA fight fought between the same two players. Some consider this to be a lazy form of betting, while others swear by the success of the method.
Whatever your personal take on the matter, there are several betting systems proven exceptionally efficient when applied to sports betting. These are our top picks.
Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting – also referred to as arbing – is based on the premise that all bookmakers operating in a specific market – for our purpose, the sports betting market – get to set their own odds. The deduction then made is that there is bound to be a natural variation as far as bets go.
An example of arbitrage betting would be Liverpool being about to play against rivals Manchester United. Given that two bookmakers are bound to establish differing bet lines, betting an equal sum of money on both should result in a situation of either winning big or limiting one’s losses.
The problem with this is that bookies tend to frown on this particular system. And what will probably end up seeing you called out will be the fac that in order to really show a decent profit by arbing, the bettor will typically have to wager a larger-than-usual bet. Not only is this risky business, but it’s also a sure-fire way of attracting unwanted attention.
Handicap Betting
Typically applied to horse racing events, handicapping is considered as effective a sports betting system as any.
In order to explain how and why handicapping is considered a plausible betting system, we need to first look at the meaning of the term. Handicapping – for the purpose of our specific example – would be to impose upon each horse about to compete in a race a certain amount of weight so as to ensure each participant has an equal chance of coming out the winner at the finish line.
The succuss of handicapping as a betting system basically depends on the bettor’s ability to accurately predict which horse is most likely to out-perform the imposed handicap in a specific race or over a particular distance.
Proportional Betting
Proportional betting may be applied either on its own or in conjunction with any other sports betting system.
How it works, and certainly also why its considered effective, is that it dictates betting a set percentage of the bettor’s bankroll on any given bet. This is typically in the range of 1% – 5%.
The reasoning behind the system is that as the bettor’s bankroll changes – so too will the size of the bet. When stuck to religiously, proportional betting should theoretically ensure that bettor never accidentally overspends while placing wagers.