When it comes to betting on games, getting the best odds is crucial for maximizing your potential winnings. Here are five simple tips to help you find those winning odds.

What are the Ways to Choose the Best Betting Odds for Games?

1. Gain more knowledge about your sport

Considering a team’s last six matches, it’s important to consider their overall track record. Do they excel at keeping the ball, or has fortune been on their side? And when it comes to tennis, are there any tensions brewing between players and their coaches? With golfers potentially clinching two major titles this year, it’s worth asking how skilled they are on links-style courses. Essentially, your success and expertise should guide you when you’re weighing up the betting odds in your favour.

We’re confident that having these insights will give you an edge and help you make smarter bets.

2. The favourite doesn’t always win

It might seem like a no-brainer, but bettors should always pay attention to the odds set by bookmakers. Take, for example, the Barcelona Open in April. Rafael Nadal was the clear favourite over Fabio Fognini, with odds at some places suggesting there was a 90% chance that Nadal would come out on top.

At first look, these odds make sense. After all, Rafael Nadal has earned the title of ‘King of Clay’ by clinching the tournament a record eight times. His dominance on this surface is hard to question.

3. Shop around to find the best bookmaker

Betting companies really value customer loyalty – it’s a big deal to them. Given how competitive the betting world is, these companies will pull out all the stops to ensure you’re placing your bets with them, not the competition.

Whether it’s through a rewards program or some exclusive in-store deals, their goal is always the same: keep you coming back for more. But remember, just because you’re part of a loyalty program doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look around for better deals.

Your own research is key when deciding which deal suits you best for any given match. Just be prepared for the legwork involved – it might be more than you expect! Why not start your search with the new sports betting odds at Lottoland. They are a regulated sportsbook with interesting offers.

4. Bigger is not always better

It’s quite surprising how often bettors forget what they actually know deep down. To boost your winning chances, try to keep it simple – stick to no more than two picks per wager.

When you’re aiming for a win, think small and manageable, not grand and risky. If your budget allows, sometimes just one selection is all you need. Three or four choices should really be your limit.

5. Resist the tempting odds-on prices

A lazy Saturday afternoon might seem like the ideal time to go for that high-risk bet, but remember that piling on odds-on selections isn’t the best strategy. You’re actually lessening your chances of winning for a minimal increase in potential payout. A good way to approach this is by looking at sports with strong favourites, like tennis. Watching world-class players take on lesser-known competitors in the early rounds of a Grand Slam is quite a thrill.

You might think bundling these surefire winners into a multi-bet could be a quick win, but it’s not as smart as it sounds. The odds on tennis matches can be really low, meaning you could add ten top players and still not get more than 3/1 returns.

So, do your homework and find a player whose price might be undervalued rather than paying top dollar for someone who’s expected to breeze through their matches.

Conclusion

Betting exchanges differ from traditional sportsbooks because they allow peer-to-peer betting. This means you can often find better value as you’re betting against other punters rather than the bookmaker’s margins. It’s worth exploring these platforms to see if you can secure better odds. Remember to be responsible when gambling.

FAQs about betting odds

Is it better to bet on higher or lower odds?

This depends on your risk tolerance and betting strategy. Higher odds mean a lower probability of winning but offer greater returns. Lower odds suggest a higher chance of success but with smaller prizes. Balance your approach to suit your betting preferences and bankroll management.

Can odds predict the outcome of an event?

While odds reflect what the market thinks the probability of an event occurring is, they are not a guarantee. Upsets and unexpected results can and do happen, so it’s important to use odds as a guide rather than a definitive prediction.

Why do odds vary between different betting companies?

Odds can vary because different bookmakers offer different prices based on their analysis, customer betting patterns, and other factors such as team news or weather conditions. Shopping around for the best odds before placing a bet is always best.

What does it mean when the odds are shortening or drifting?

Odds ‘shorten’ when a lot of people are betting on a particular outcome, indicating it’s more likely to happen. This means the potential winnings decrease. Conversely, odds ‘drift’ when fewer bets are placed on an outcome, suggesting it’s less likely to occur, and potential winnings increase.