Basketball, football, swimming, volleyball, and many other popular sports have major leagues with expert sportspeople. However, there’s a college aspect to these activities, and such divisions are focused on sporting events involving university-level students.
While these games aren’t as widespread as professional options, they’ve garnered significant betting interest among punters. The students themselves aren’t left out of the action. According to the American multinational sports media company ESPN, over 50% of college students wager on their sports.
Whether you’re a professional bettor or a student dabbling in gambling, there are a few college sports betting mistakes to avoid. This article explains the intricacies of college sports betting on Finlandia casino and how to make better-informed wagering decisions.
What are College Sports?
These are simply organized athletic competitions and activities within institutions of higher education, like colleges and universities. They consist of different sporting events, and for each category, there are high-profile divisions and teams. There’s the Syracuse Men’s team for lacrosse, the Ohio State Buckeyes for football, and the Duke Blue Devils for basketball.
College sports are organized and supervised by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), a non-profit organization founded in 2006.
Common College Sports Betting Mistakes and Tips for Avoiding Them
One thing to understand is that wagering on college sports basically follows the same process as traditional sports betting. So, the mistakes and tips we’re about to offer can apply to other sections, including betting on the NBA and NFL. That said, here are some very common mistakes among bettors and how to avoid them:
- Failing to shop for odds
- Betting with emotions
- Inadequate or no research
- Overvaluing favorites
- No bankroll management
- Chasing losses
Failing to Shop for Odds
The odds indicate the probability of an event happening. Simply put, the higher the odds, the lower the team’s or player’s winning chances and vice versa. However, these numbers also determine your potential payout, and they vary from one sportsbook to another.
For instance, let’s examine the lines for a game between the Baylor Bears and the TCU Horned Frogs on two different sites:
Sportsbook A:
| Horned Frogs | -135 |
| Bears | +115 |
Sportsbook B:
| Horned Frogs | -130 |
| Bears | +110 |
From the illustration, if you’re backing the Horned Frogs on A, you must bet at least $135 for a chance to win $100. For B, you stake lower, at $130 for a chance to win $100. This means the potential amount you can lose is lower on B, so it has better odds for the favorite.
On the other hand, backing the Bears on Sportsbook A means you have the chance to win $115 for your $100 bet. Meanwhile, on B, you could get $110 for the same $100 wager. This means that sportsbook A has better odds for the underdog.
So, similar to choosing an instant withdrawal site, the odds play a huge role in your betting experience. Always compare the lines to learn your potential profit, as this would help you select the top sites.
Betting with Emotions
Sports betting in general triggers excitement, anxiety, and other emotions that can lead to impulsive wagering habits. Unfortunately, these emotions cloud a gambler’s sense of judgment. Instead of placing wagers with a logical mindset, they bet based on their feelings at the moment.
Emotional betting isn’t always bad, especially when ardent fans believe in their team’s prowess. However, it’s best to wager with a clear sense of purpose in order to evaluate the performances and make more accurate predictions.
Inadequate or No Research
The love of a sport, a team, or a player isn’t enough to guarantee successful bets. You must have basic knowledge of the game to place wagers with higher winning chances. With research, you learn how teams perform on home and away courts, their stay players, strengths, and weaknesses. You also get insight into how well they do against other teams, all of which help you make informed decisions.
Overvaluing Favorites
Favorites are clearly those with higher winning potential, but this isn’t a stamp of success. While they do have an advantage, assuming they will always come out on top can lead to significant losses. That’s because they perform better against certain teams than others.
So, instead of outright dismissing the underdog, learn how both sides stack up against each other. With this, you can decide if the favorite is overpriced or if it will offer you value for your wagers.
No Bankroll Management
It’s easy to get carried away with the thrill of betting and overspending. Unfortunately, failing to manage your betting funds effectively can lead to financial strain and a less enjoyable experience. To avoid this, set a gambling budget based only on funds you can afford to lose. Some platforms also offer deposit and loss limits, which you can use to restrict the amount you spend per betting session.
Chasing Losses
Chasing losses often stems from a desire to regain what we’ve lost. When a bet goes sour, it’s easy to succumb to the belief that the next one will be the ticket to redemption. This emotional response can be particularly compelling after a string of losses, leading to increasingly impulsive and larger bets.
However, this approach is flawed for several reasons. Firstly, it ignores the randomness of sports outcomes. No bet is ever guaranteed to win, regardless of previous results. Secondly, chasing losses can deplete your bankroll rapidly and lead to even greater financial strain.
The best way to avoid this is to approach college sports betting and any form of gambling with an educated mindset. Understand that there’s a probability of losing. Furthermore, consider the activity as a form of entertainment, not a means to make more money.
Final Thoughts
While betting on college sports can be exciting, it shouldn’t be at the expense of your finances. Avoid wagering impulsively, learn to manage your bankroll, and stake only funds you can afford to lose. By sticking to healthy gambling habits, you can maximize your betting sessions and make more profits.
