Blog
Common mistakes made by sports picking beginners
Sports picking can be exciting and rewarding, but it’s also easy to make mistakes, especially for beginners. Many novice wagerers fall into traps that can cost them not only money but also enjoyment of the game. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve put together a list of common mistakes made by sports picking beginners and how to avoid them. Read on to improve your picking skills and increase your chances of success!
1. Wagering without a strategy
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is placing wagers without any clear strategy. They may wager based on gut feelings or pick teams they like, rather than analyzing data or trends. While sports are unpredictable, having a strategy in place helps to improve long-term success.
Solution:
Before placing any wagers, establish a strategy. This could involve researching team statistics, studying past performances, analyzing current trends, and assessing external factors that could influence match outcomes. You can also adopt a specific picking system like flat betting or unit betting to manage your bankroll.
2. Failing to manage the bankroll
Another common mistake is poor bankroll management. Beginners often wager too much on a single game, hoping for a big payout. This approach is risky and can quickly deplete your funds. Successful sports pickers understand that bankroll management is key to staying in the game long term.
Solution:
Set aside a specific amount of money for picking—your bankroll—and never wager more than a small percentage of it on any one game. Many experienced pickers recommend wagering no more than 1-3% of your total bankroll per wager. This way, even if you hit a losing streak, you’ll still have money left to keep playing.
3. Wagering on too many sports
It’s tempting for beginners to place wagers on multiple sports and games, especially with so many options available. However, spreading yourself too thin can lead to poor decision-making and uninformed wagers.
Solution:
Focus on one or two sports you know well. Specializing allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the sport, teams, and trends, which will help you make more informed decisions. Over time, you can expand your knowledge to other sports, but mastering one sport first is crucial.
4. Chasing losses
One of the most dangerous habits for beginners is chasing losses. This happens when you lose a wager and immediately place another, often larger, wager to try and recover your losses. It’s an emotional reaction, not a strategic decision, and it usually leads to more losses.
Solution:
After a loss, take a step back. Review your picking strategy and wait for the next good opportunity to wager. Don’t let frustration drive your decisions. Accept that losing is part of sports picking and focus on the long-term game.
5. Ignoring the odds
Beginners often overlook the importance of understanding picking odds. They might focus only on which team they think will win, without considering the odds offered by bookmakers. The odds are crucial because they indicate the implied probability of an outcome and determine your potential payout.
Solution:
Take time to understand how picking odds work. Whether you’re dealing with decimal odds, fractional odds, or moneyline odds, it’s important to know how much you stand to win and whether a wager offers good value. Look for value wagers where the odds suggest the team is less likely to win than you believe.
6. Relying on tips and predictions
It’s easy for beginners to get caught up in following picking tips or predictions from “experts” without doing their own research. While these tips can be helpful, they should never be the sole basis for your wagers.
Solution:
Use tips and predictions as part of your research, but always do your own analysis. Check team form, player conditions, and other factors before making a decision. Over-relying on someone else’s picks is a shortcut to losses in the long run. For additional guidance and insights, consider joining the BETfunded Discord community, where you can learn from experienced pickers and be part of a knowledgeable and supportive group.
7. Wagering while emotionally invested
Placing wagers on teams or players you love can cloud your judgment. Beginners often make the mistake of wagering with their heart instead of their head, choosing favorites rather than making objective, data-driven decisions.
Solution:
Stay objective. If you’re too emotionally invested in a game, consider sitting that one out or wagering on a different sport where your emotions aren’t involved. Objectivity is key to long-term success in sports picking.
8. Lack of patience
Many beginners expect quick wins and immediate results, leading to impulsive wagers and disappointment when things don’t go as planned. Sports picking is not about instant gratification; it’s a long-term game that requires patience and discipline.
Solution:
Understand that success in sports picking comes over time. Be patient and avoid placing wagers out of boredom or frustration. Stick to your strategy, and remember that long-term profitability is more important than short-term wins. Picking every game or rushing decisions is a surefire way to drain your bankroll. Instead, wait for high-value opportunities and make well-researched wagers.
9. Overconfidence after a winning streak
Winning a few wagers in a row can make beginners overconfident. They might start increasing their wager sizes or taking unnecessary risks, assuming their winning streak will continue forever.
Solution:
Keep your wagers consistent, even during a winning streak. Streaks end, and you don’t want to risk losing all your winnings by becoming reckless. Stick to your bankroll management strategy and stay disciplined.
10. Lack of record keeping
Many beginners fail to track their wagers, which means they don’t know whether they’re profitable over the long term. Without records, it’s impossible to analyze your performance or adjust your strategy.
Solution:
Keep a detailed record of every wager you place, including the amount wagered, the odds, the outcome, and the reason for your wager. Reviewing your records will help you identify patterns in your picking behavior and improve your strategy over time.
Ready to make less mistakes?
Sports picking can be fun and profitable, but beginners must avoid these common mistakes to improve their chances of success. By implementing strategies like bankroll management, focusing on specific sports, and staying disciplined, you’ll be better positioned to turn a profit and enjoy the thrill of the game. Start small, stay informed, and remember—sports picking is a marathon, not a sprint.
