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If you are starting out in sports betting, you have probably already been flooded with advice from friends about how best to approach it. The internet is full of stories about clever strategies that will lead you to glory and financial success, but in real life, it’s not always that simple. So, what do you need to consider when deciding on a strategy? And what skills do you need?

Get a hang of the basics

Before you even start thinking about a betting strategy, you need to learn the basics of betting – especially the odds. Simply put, the odds show you how likely or unlikely a specific result is in a sports match, and how much you can win. If the odds are 2/1, then you win 2 pounds for every 1 pound you bet. Most betting sites will offer comprehensive guides to the different types of bets you can place, including betting calculators to help you get started. 

Understand the differences between sports

Another important fact you must consider when coming up with a strategy is the sport itself. Most guides online will be about football, which is one of the most popular sports to bet on in the UK, but if you are planning on wagering horse racing events, volleyball, or something else entirely, then advice on football betting is no good. You, therefore, need to decide what you are going to specialize in first. 

 

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Use free betting tips to get a head start

To get yourself started, free betting tips can be a smart move. These are bets that are suggested by experts, who are believed to have more knowledge on the subject than the average bookmakers setting the odds. In time, of course, you’d want to have that knowledge yourself without needing to rely on free tips. However, until you get there, you can check out how you get free betting tips here. 

Be selective and do your research

Many first-timers in sports betting throw themselves headfirst and bet on all the sportsbooks and sports they can find. While it’s great to take advantage of the promotions and offers, such a strategy is not sustainable in the long run. You need to find the sportsbook that works for you, the type of bets you are good at, and a sport you love. In other words, you need to conduct a lot of research and be highly selective. 

Don’t take shortcuts

All in all, there is no better strategy than skill and hard work. When we start a new activity, it’s tempting to look for shortcuts, but the truth is that sports betting takes time to learn – but it’s a fun process. Start small and work your way up by testing different strategies and exploring what kind of bets you are most successful with. And finally, brushing up on your math skills isn’t such a bad idea as it pays to be able to calculate and predict statistically. 

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