Sports betting is a popular leisure activity for many people, but there are some common beliefs about it that are simply not true. From the idea that you can always win to the notion that luck is all you need, these misconceptions can lead to costly mistakes and losses.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common sports betting beliefs that are not true and explain why they should be avoided.
The Reality of Sports Betting
First, let’s talk about the “reality” of sports betting. It doesn’t mean a particular person’s opinion. What it means is what we can expect to happen based on all the information available to us at a given time. The more information uncovered over time, the clearer this reality becomes.
Here is what we do know:
The more people are exposed to sports betting, the higher the volume of bets. That’s what we mean by “reality.” It doesn’t mean that every single person who has a sports account will place a bet on sport X or sport Y.
It just means that more bets are placed for every new account created. And for each person who does place a bet, it’s not necessarily on one game (although it typically is). The reality is the number of continuous games being wagered on in any given period.
The Misconceptions
Since sports betting involves money, losing can be stressful, especially for newbies. Not everyone can enjoy betting on sports, which is why some may succeed, while others cannot.
Those that find success have no qualms with the common beliefs of the unlucky ones. But if a newbie stumbles upon these false accusations, they can be easily influenced by them.
Games are Always Fixed – FALSE
Fixing games is prohibited, primarily if the bookmakers like OKBET have operating licenses. Even if a tipster claims that the game will be “rigged,” it guarantees that the claims are not true. Reason is that fixing games merits revocation of license to operate, and those caught will no longer have the privilege to run a sports betting business.
The best way to avoid false information is to trust credible sources with extensive sports knowledge.
More Bets Means More Wins – FALSE
Thinking that by betting on more options guarantees more wins is the reason why bookmakers continue to thrive. Remember that in sports betting, there are odds that must be considered.
For example, the favorite is Real Madrid, and you backed them up throughout the season. Yes, you are guaranteed to win almost every time, but your prizes are not that great because of the odds.
Your thinking should be: pick the best odds and get paid more.
Betting Will Always Rely on Luck – FALSE
Games of chance do not always require luck, contrary to the belief of many. Yes, the biggest gambling winners won with Lady Luck’s help, but they also had to make preparations.
Casino games like poker do not need luck, but skills. In sports betting, checking the playing teams’ stats can help with the choice a bettor will make. Techniques like matched betting and arbitrage betting can help increase the profits of gamblers.
Betting Can Only Lead to Financial Ruin – FALSE
People have ruined their lives because of gambling—a typical misconception. It is not the operator’s fault why people lose with their bets. The problem lies in the choices made.
For instance, in basketball betting, the favorite is the Golden State Warriors, who go up against Sacramento Kings on the road. Yes, the Warriors, indeed have the greatest shooter of all time. However, the team is very terrible in away games. But instead of picking the Kings, you chose the Warriors, placing a hefty sum as a bet.
The game ended with the Kings winning by a wide margin. Hence you lost. Was it the fault of the bookmaker?
No. It is the punter’s fault for not researching and analyzing the overall performance of the Warriors whenever they are on the road.
Other causes of financial hardships involve impulsive betting and illegal casinos. Whichever is which, the problem lies with the person itself. First, not being a responsible gambler, and second, playing at rogue betting platforms because of “incredible promotions.”
Conclusion
Sports betting is not entirely harmful, if done responsibly. Play at government-regulated gambling sites to make these beliefs just ideas and practice responsible gambling.