The weekend’s European soccer action served up tons of Premier League goals, loads of crazy Bundesliga scorelines and plenty of drama in La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1.  With the major European soccer leagues back in full swing, it’s time to analyze the stats and search for emerging betting trends. After all, the more information we have, the more likely we are to land our soccer bets.  Let’s start by exploring why we’ve seen so many Premier League goals this season and work our way through the other major European leagues.  Premier League Goals Continue to Fly In  Just like Matchday 1, Premier League goals flew in last weekend. The first round of the 2023-24 EPL season dished up 28 goals (2.8 goals per game), while the second round produced 27 goals (3 goals per game). https://twitter.com/centredevils/status/1695387541581754512?s=20 Premier League Goals Galore PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS (MATCHDAY 2)  Nottingham Forest 2-1 Sheffield United  Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth  Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-4 Brighton & Hove Albion  Fulham 0-3 Brentford  Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Manchester United  Manchester City 1-0 Newcastle United  Aston Villa 4-0 Everton  West Ham United 3-1 Chelsea  Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal  Liverpool defeated Bournemouth 3-1 at Anfield, while Brighton & Hove Albion thrashed Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1. There were also high-scoring victories for Brentford, Aston Villa and West Ham United, with Arsenal edging Crystal Palace in the final fixture of Matchday 2.  Premier League Betting Trends  - Premier League Goals Brighton, Manchester City and Arsenal are the only teams with a 100% record in the EPL. By contrast, Everton, Wolves, Burnley, Luton Town and Sheffield United have all failed to pick up a point ahead of Matchday 3.  It is also worth noting that Brighton has scored eight Premier League goals in two outings, meaning the Seagulls average four goals per game this season. Solly March bagged a brace in the thrashing of Wolves, while Kaoru Mitoma and Pervis Estupinan have both notched one goal and two assists so far.  In terms of defensive betting trends, Man City is the only team to have conceded zero Premier League goals this season. Having achieved back-to-back clean sheets, Pep Guardiola’s men look set for another successful campaign.  Real Madrid Takes Control of La Liga  While there were lots of Premier League goals over in England last weekend, Spain’s La Liga was noticeably tamer. In fact, only three of the 10 La Liga matches during Matchday 2 produced over 2.5 goals.  LA LIGA RESULTS (MATCHDAY 2)  Mallorca 0-1 Villarreal  Valencia 1-0 Los Palmas  Real Sociedad 1-1 Celta Vigo  Almeria 1-3 Real Madrid  Osasuna 0-2 Athletic Bilbao  Girona 3-0 Getafe  Barcelona 2-0 Cadiz  Real Betis 0-0 Atletico Madrid  Deportivo Alaves 4-3 Sevilla  Granada 0-2 Rayo Vallecano  Villarreal, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Girona, Barcelona, Real Betis, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano all kept clean sheets last weekend. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Deportivo Alaves came out on the right side of a seven-goal thriller against Sevilla.  La Liga Betting Trends  Jude Bellingham has helped Real Madrid maintain a 100% record this season. The Englishman was still a teenager until a couple of months ago, but he has already notched three goals and one assist in two La Liga matches for Los Blancos.  Bellingham following Premier League goals in Liga Rayo Vallecano and Valencia are the only other teams with two wins in the bank, while Granada, Almeria and Sevilla have all failed to open their accounts in 2023-24.  It is also worth pointing out that Getafe has not scored a single goal this season. Following a goalless draw with Barcelona on the opening weekend, Getafe suffered a 3-0 defeat against Girona last time out.  Harry Kane Stars for Bayern Munich on Bundesliga Debut  Not only did we see loads of Premier League goals last weekend, but we also saw tons of action in the Bundesliga. European soccer action is heating up early. As the Matchday 1 results suggest, the German top flight looks set to serve up plenty of drama this season.  BUNDESLIGA RESULTS (MATCHDAY 1)  Werder Bremen 0-4 Bayern Munich  Wolfsburg 2-0 Heidenheim  Hoffenheim 1-2 Freiburg  Augsburg 4-4 Borussia Monchengladbach  Stuttgart 5-0 Bochum  Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 RB Leipzig  Borussia Dortmund 1-0 FC Koln  Union Berlin 4-1 Mainz  Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 Darmstadt  Bayern Munich kicked off the new campaign with a customary 4-0 thrashing of Werder Bremen, with new striker Harry Kane scoring and assisting on debut. Borussia Dortmund left it very last to eventually overcome FC Koln, while Bayer Leverkusen edged RB Leipzig in a five-goal thriller.  Bundesliga Betting Trends  The 4-4 draw between Augsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach suggests that both teams will be exciting to watch this year. Although they look strong offensively, they are both likely to struggle defensively in 2023-24.  After scoring 45 goals in 34 Bundesliga outings last season (1.4 goals per game), Stuttgart put five past Bochum on the opening weekend. Union Berlin also enjoyed plenty of success on Matchday 1, scoring four goals against Mainz, with Kevin Behrens netting a hat-trick.  Napoli, Juventus, Milan and Inter Triumph in Serie A  While the Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga produced plenty of shock results and upsets, Italy’s Serie A didn’t spring many surprises during Matchday 1. In fact, all the top teams claimed three points on the opening weekend.  SERIE A RESULTS (MATCHDAY 1)  Frosinone 1-3 Napoli  Empoli 0-1 Hellas Verona  Genoa 1-4 Fiorentina  Inter Milan 2-0 Monza  Sassuolo 0-2 Atalanta  Roma 2-2 Salernitana  Lecce 2-1 Lazio  Udinese 0-3 Juventus  Torino 0-0 Cagliari  Bologna 0-2 AC Milan  Napoli kick-started their title defense with an easy 3-1 victory over newly-promoted Frosinone. Elsewhere, Fiorentina crushed Genoa 4-1. There are also routine wins for Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atalanta.  Serie A Betting Trends  Of course, it is difficult to pick up on betting trends after just one round of Serie A action, but there are still lots of interesting stats and numbers to take from Matchday 1 over in Italy.  Fiorentina racked up 69% possession and nine shots en route to thrashing Genoa, with four different players scoring for La Viola. Funnily enough, Juventus also had three different goalscorers in their shutout win over Udinese.  Victor Osimhen netted 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances last season (0.8 goals per game) before scoring twice on the opening weekend. With that in mind, the lethal striker looks set to enjoy another prolific campaign.  Paris Saint-Germain Drops Points Again in Ligue 1  Okay, Ligue 1 is not going to plan this season. With two games in the books, Paris Saint-Germain find themselves languishing in the bottom half of the standings, despite winning nine of the previous 11 top-flight titles in France.  LIGUE 1 RESULTS (MATCHDAY 2)  Metz 2-2 Marseille  Lyon 1-4 Montpellier  Toulouse 1-1 Paris Saint-Germain  Lille 2-0 Nantes  Reims 2-0 Clermont Foot  Lorient 1-1 Nice  Le Havre 1-2 Brest  Monaco 3-0 Strasbourg  Lens 1-1 Rennes  Following a goalless draw with Lorient on the opening weekend, PSG was held to a 1-1 draw by Toulouse last time out. Montpellier secured a shock 4-1 victory over Lyon, and Monaco extended their winning start to the season with a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Strasbourg.  Ligue 1 Betting Trends - Not Similar to Premier League Goals Only four of the nine Ligue 1 clashes during Matchday 2 produced over 2.5 goals. However, both teams scored on six occasions. It is also worth noting that seven teams scored over 1.5 goals in the second round of fixtures.  Monaco and Brest are the only sides to have won each of their first two games, while Clermont Foot, Lyon and Nantes find themselves in the relegation zone after failing to take a single point from the opening two rounds.  Monaco leads the scoring charts with seven goals, while Rennes and Montpellier have both found the back of the net six times this season. Since every team has scored at least one goal in Ligue 1, there are no perfect defensive records remaining.  Here\'s to More Premier League Goals!  I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see more Premier League goals this weekend. The English top flight has already dished up loads of goals this season, making the over/under and handicap markets look very attractive from a betting perspective.  Chelsea takes on newly-promoted Luton Town on Friday, with Man City traveling to Sheffield United. In the final EPL match of the weekend, Newcastle United hosts Liverpool in what promises to be an exciting attacking battle.  Elsewhere, Real Madrid and Celta Vigo face off in La Liga, while Barcelona visits Villarreal. The Bundesliga sees Bayern Munich take on Augsburg, and PSG will aim to stop the rot against Lens in Ligue 1.  Fans of North American soccer will also be pleased to learn that MLS is back after the Leagues Cup break. Stick with Sports Hub for more soccer betting opportunities, as we cover everything from the major European leagues to MLS and beyond. 

We have all your betting news as the sports betting industry in the United States continues to grow and evolve. However, there are other states that can’t quite get a bill passed. This industry also tends to be in the news at all times, and there are usually some big stories every single week.  The last few days have proven to be disappointing for a pair of states, but two major sports betting companies made a major announcement. Here is a look at four of the biggest sports betting stories that have come out over the last few days.  Sports Betting Bill Dead in Texas The state of Texas could become a giant in the U.S. sports betting industry, but there is still a major problem. The Texas Senate is not willing to give sports betting a serious look, and that was the case yet again this year.  House Bill 1942 was approved by the House of Representatives in Texas, and that sent the bill to the Texas Senate. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick wasted little time in shooting down the bill as he announced that it wouldn’t even come up for an official vote.  Patrick has long been an opponent of legal sports betting, and a majority of his fellow senators feel the same way. This bill from the House would have legalized online sports betting, and it would have created an impressive market. This betting news didn’t sit well with those we know living in Texas. Professional sports teams in Texas have been pushing to get the industry passed, and a coalition of major operators have tried to do the same. With this most recent bill failing, sports betting isn’t going to become a legal option in Texas until 2025 at the earliest.  Texas is also a state that doesn’t currently have any legal casinos. Approving a casino gambling bill might be needed before sports betting is discussed. MUST READ > THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN SPORTS BETTING Missouri Senator Shoots Down Sports - Betting News Missouri is another state that has been trying to legalize sports betting for the last few years. But the effort once again fell short. There seemed to be more optimism this time around. However, one Senator was able to shut down the attempt again this year.  Senator Denny Hoskins is in favor of legalizing sports betting. But only if a bill is tied to legalizing video lottery terminal machines. Hoskins seems to be the only Senator that has that belief. He has been able to convince other senators to vote right along with him.  The professional sports teams in Missouri are getting frustrated with another failed attempt. They could be looking for a new route towards legalization. There is a chance for these teams to collect signatures from state residents to get a referendum placed on the ballot.  This couldn’t happen until 2024 though. Lawmakers in the state are expected to try again next year as well. Hoskins will continue to push for the legalization of the VLTs. There will be a large portion of lawmakers that are in favor of sports betting. It seems crazy we’re still talking about those pushing single game wagering away. Betting news continues to ride these stories. Missouri is now completely surrounded by states with sports betting, and that puts even more pressure on lawmakers in the state to get something done. Residents that want to place bets are leaving Missouri to head across the border, and other states are cashing in.  Fanatics Set to Purchase PointsBet Fanatics Betting and Gaming is set to take a huge step in the sports betting industry as it has finally come to an agreement with PointsBet. The deal is worth $150 million. Fanatics will be taking over the U.S. assets of PointsBet, which was once a thriving company.  PointsBet had been looking for a bidder to take over its assets. Rumors of this deal had been swirling for weeks. No one knew the company that was set to make the acquisition. But it was Fanatics that made a big move.  Fanatics is looking to break into more states with legal sports betting throughout the country. This looks like the deal will give them that opportunity. PointsBet is going to continue to operate in both Canada and Australia. However, it was willing to give up some control in the United States. https://twitter.com/MorningBrew/status/1674119931221213184?s=20 Fanatics heading sports betting news This deal should allow Fanatics to enter into the state of New York. It\'s known that market is easily the biggest in the United States. Fanatics is looking to launch in both Massachusetts and Maryland over the next few months. This deal will provide plenty of momentum.  Fanatics paid much less than expected with the $150 million price tag, and it’s the first major deal of its kind since April 2021. Caesars Entertainment acquired William Hill in a similar deal over two years ago, and that shook up the U.S. sports betting industry.  More Betting News - BallyBet Partners With Kambi Bally’s made a major announcement last week as the company is now working with Kambi and White Hat. The BallyBet sports betting app will soon be powered by Kambi. The player account management system will be operated by White Hat.  Kambi is a popular technology provider in the online gambling industry. It’s one that has been used by several other big names. This was a surprise announcement from Bally’s though as the company has always been strict about using it’s own technology.  There were several reasons for agreeing to deal with these third parties. While saving money was at the forefront of that decision. Bally’s could also be looking to break into the international online gambling market. It seems Kambi will give them a chance to get that done.  BallyBet is currently only available in six states, but that should grow to seven states by the end of 2023. Kambi will immediately start to provide the technology to the BallyBet online sports betting app.  Most of the money that Bally’s makes is coming from the online casino gambling industry. That’s a trend that many other companies see at well. Customers that use the BallyBet online sports betting app will soon recognize some minor changes that should provide a much better overall experience.

One of the best ways to win when betting on fighting is to find value in MMA underdogs. Favorites, by definition, win the majority of the time. However,  the payouts on their moneylines often overstate the likelihood that they will actually win. In this post, we identify how bettors can find the ideal underdog in mixed martial arts betting. Key Points – Never bet on random MMA underdogs.  – Use the metrics available to determine any tendencies before betting on a fighter. Finding Value in MMA Underdogs According to estimates, underdogs in MMA fights win about 35% of the time. That means placing a wager on only underdogs is likely not a winning strategy.  However, finding dogs that can actually pull upsets can be very rewarding. Plus, bettors don’t need to win even 50 percent of the time to come out ahead in order to build their bankroll.  The analytics are the key to determining when to bet on an underdog and specifically which dog to back. Examining a Fighter’s Career Too often, novice bettors simply look at a fighter\'s overall record without considering how they won and lost their individual matches or their career progression. Bettors should ask and answer the following questions before haphazardly placing a bet on a fighter. How many of their victories were consecutive? How long did it take them to win a match on average? How many times has a fighter competed in a calendar year? Was a recent loss for a fighter on the scorecards, or was it a close loss? You can find the answers you’re looking for at Sherdog, an MMA resource. Bettors can then determine a fighter’s overall skill level compared to his/her opponent.  ICYMI: MASTERING THE MLB NRFI BET In-Fight Data With all of the fight metrics available today, bettors should look over a fighter\'s stats to learn more about tendencies. Similar to other sports, MMA now has a wealth of statistics that can be used to find tendencies. Metrics like significant strikes landed and absorbed per minute, is one of the advanced stats bettors can use. There are websites that break down each fighter\'s individual fights and give the bettor an overview of their most recent performances. This helps identify tendencies and can give a bettor an advantage. When analyzing an underdog, key metrics like takedown attempts and success rates are crucial. What you are looking for is a matchup that favors an underdog’s fighting style. MMA Underdogs Age A lot of information has been gathered about how a fighter\'s age can affect a fight. Studies have shown that a fighter typically reaches his/her peak in their late twenties to early thirties. As fighters get older, their ability to take a punch also starts to decline. So does their speed, power, and agility.  The analytics show that fighters between the ages of 36 and 38 are knocked out nearly twice as frequently as those between the ages of 22 and 23.  This is why placing a wager on an experienced fighter with name value isn\'t always the best course of action. In the latter stages of their careers, fighters like Anderson Silva and Chuck Liddell became much more vulnerable to knockouts. Fighting Stance Is Important Many professional gamblers think that a fighter\'s stance—orthodox (right-handed) or southpaw (left-handed)—has a big impact on how the fight will turn out. It should come as no surprise that the majority of UFC competitors are right-handed. However, a fighter may gain an advantage by fighting a southpaw. Southpaws are more successful, winning 53 percent of their fights. Being fluid, however, has a greater benefit. Those who can switch from a southpaw to an orthodox stance successfully prevail at a 57 percent rate. This tactic is becoming much more common in MMA, so you should definitely think about it before placing a wager. https://youtu.be/smbEuNafy7M MMA Odds Are Fairly Accurate Keep in mind that oddsmakers do their research and come up with pretty accurate odds on most fights. They monitor everything. When odds are long, it’s because there is a reason.  Bettors are drawn in by the potential payout. Remember that the house is trying to entice you to place wagers on a fighter with no chance of actually winning.  Don’t bet foolishly on an underdog. Sportsbooks aren\'t perfect, but they are typically pretty accurate when it comes to establishing opening MMA odds. Choose wisely when it comes to MMA underdogs. Mental Combat & MMA Underdogs Press conferences and interviews are frequently used by fighters to gain insight into their opponents\' minds. Although not every fighter does this, it has become common practice for fighters to make a WWE-styled promo in an effort to distract his opponent. As a bettor, be aware of this because some fights are decided long before the competitors step inside the ring. A fighter must maintain composure at all times if they want to compete at the top of their game. Fighters who lose their composure or fight out of emotion often stray from their game plan. That can be costly.  Trash talking before a fight has its place. Be sure to understand the whole mental battle that goes on between two fighters. 

Baseball bettors need to master the MLB NRFI bet. If you are tired of betting on run lines and full game moneylines but still want to find ways to get an edge against the bookmakers, here it is.  If so, then you have come to the right place. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to one of the most profitable baseball bets: the No Run First Inning (NRFI) wager. Using the tips presented here, you can reap the rewards of this unique wager. Key Points – The NRFI bet is simple to understand as is its opposite, the YRFI wager. – All bets should include proper money management skills. Introducing the NRFI Bet  Picture this scenario: you\'re settling in for a night of baseball betting. You eagerly place your wagers and see how the games pan out. However, you are tired of the same old bets. You want something that gives you a real chance to win big.  That\'s where the No Run First Inning (NRFI) bet comes in. While it may not be as well-known as some of the more popular betting options, the NRFI bet offers plenty of potential for success, especially if you\'re an experienced bettor.  The bet itself is simple. You are betting on zero runs being scored in the first inning. The visiting team scores zero and the home team doesn’t score in the bottom of the inning. If neither team scores, you win! By wagering on the proposition that there will be no runs scored in the first inning of a given game, you\'re able to take advantage of a particular situation that often leads to a high likelihood of a scoreless inning.  With careful analysis and strategic betting, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capitalize on the potential for profit. MUST READ: WHAT SHARP BETTORS DO TO PREPARE FOR THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON Understand the Betting Odds  Placing any bet on a baseball game adds an exciting twist to the already thrilling sport. Betting that a run will not be scored in the first inning is a unique way to wager on a game. Before placing that wager, it\'s important to understand the betting odds associated with the NRFI bet. The odds are often listed as a moneyline, which can be positive or negative. Let’s look at an example. The Mets and Yankees are playing in the Subway Series. NYY/NYM Score 1st Inning - Yes +100 NYY/NYM Score 1st Inning - No -130 Many sportsbooks will list this wager as a Yes/No bet. In this case, the “No” bet is the favorite at -130. That means we must wager $130 to win $100 (or $1.30 to win $1.00).  If we like at least one of the teams to score a run in the opening inning, we can bet $100 to win $100. This is often called “even money.” If either team scores in the first inning, we win the bet. Learn to Identify Favorable Matchups  You can’t simply place blind bets on a baseball game. The NRFI bet is the same. It\'s about learning to identify the favorable matchups that make these bets a better option.  Bettors can improve their chances of winning this bet by understanding a variety of variables that affect scoring. First and foremost is the pitching matchup. Pitchers with high ERAs (or even xERAs) give up more runs. Check out how deep they go in games too. Guys that don’t last long - 4 to 5 innings or less - tend to give up a lot of early runs. Make sure you look at other factors like the weather, field conditions, hitting lineups, and recent performances. It may take some time to find your groove, but you can master the No Run First Inning bet pretty quickly. Analyze Pitching Strategies Before Placing a NRFI Bet Pitching a scoreless inning is the ultimate goal for any pitcher in a baseball game. It\'s what separates the average pitchers from the elite ones. To achieve this, pitchers often rely on various strategies to outwit and outmaneuver their opponents.  By analyzing these pitching strategies, fans and bettors can better predict which pitchers are more likely to keep the inning scoreless. This allows you to place the NRFI bet with confidence.  A pitcher\'s strategy can vary depending on the matchup and situation. He may throw high fastballs to surprise a batter. Against another, he might be more patient and rely on off-speed pitches to try to get a groundout.  Ultimately, it\'s all about reading the game and using the right strategy to outsmart the other team\'s offense. https://www.youtube.com/live/47cqR3nX5LY?feature=share Check the Weather Regardless of the type of MLB wager, bettors should always check the weather. One of the biggest factors that can influence scoring in a baseball game is wind. Winds that blow out from home plate can turn a routine fly ball into a home run.  But have you ever considered using weather conditions to help you gauge the probability of an NRFI bet? With a little research, you might be surprised to find that the weather plays a major role in determining how a game will play out. Wind direction, temperature, and humidity all have an impact on how far a ball will travel, and therefore, on the likelihood of a scoreless first inning. So next time you\'re considering placing an NRFI bet, take a look at the forecast and see if Mother Nature might give you a little extra edge. Manage Your NRFI Bet Bankroll No matter what you bet on, it’s important to understand proper bankroll management. Betting on no runs in the first inning is an enticing bet, but it takes some careful consideration.  It\'s crucial to assess the risk and determine if it aligns with your overall betting strategy and bankroll. Pay attention to trends and data that can help you make a good decision. This is the key to long-term success. Just because a first inning bet looks like a sure thing, do not vary from your betting unit size. Also, never use these bets to chase your losses. If you can maintain financial discipline, you can see success with this unique and fun bet.

College football season might be a few months away, but sharp bettors are already in preparation mode. With the sports schedule not as full during the summer, the pros take the time to get ready for the upcoming season. Most recreational bettors do not. If you want to bet like expert college football handicappers, read on. Key Points – To bet like the sharps, it helps to take some time to prepare for the college football season. – Sharp bettors look for a number of different factors in teams they like to back. Dive into the Newcomers The latest trend in college football is the transfer portal. Coaches around the country can bring in players that are older and have actual game experience through the transfer portal. Players do not have to sit out a year before they are eligible anymore.  The portal can take a mediocre team and make it a contender for league and national championships. Sharps take a good look at which teams added the best players from the portal.  The other area where teams add players is from their incoming recruiting classes. It’s important to know which freshmen might have an impact on the upcoming season.  With teams that see a lot of roster churn, sharp bettors know that the previous year’s statistics are virtually meaningless. Sharps will attempt to get an idea of new players’ roles and how they may impact the new season.  There will also be some teams that will receive a ton of hype because of their work in the transfer portal and with their incoming recruiting class. This can affect public betting, something the sharps are well aware of. ICYMI: HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF BETTING THE NBA FINALS Sharp Bettors Analyze Returning Players College teams don’t redshirt as many players as they used to, but the majority of college football handicappers frequently ignore this. A player who doesn\'t play in more than four games can redshirt and still have four years of eligibility remaining.  Oftentimes, a redshirt learns a lot in his first season and is ready to step in and start in his second season.  There are also the returning starters. Teams that have a lot of starters back tend to do well. Nothing beats game experience and sharp bettors know this. Take Time to Learn About Coaching Changes Learn about the coaching changes. In college football, the coaching ranks are like a revolving door. When a major program changes head coaches, it can create coaching changes at other schools as well. It pays to look into these new coaches. The first season under a new coach is often a challenge, especially in a program that hasn’t experienced winning. Some first-year coaches do extremely well. Sometimes, that is the result of the recruiting done by the previous coaching staff.  It is also a good idea to look into the offensive and defensive coordinators. The entire offense might change and it may take time for a team to get really good at running it. Teams that are built to run the ball may take a while to adjust to the pass-happy Air Raid offense.  Whatever the situation, smart bettors strategies entail taking the time to learn more about coaching changes at the major college football programs.  Sharp Bettors Look for Veteran Offensive Lines Most coaches will tell you that their teams will be as good as the five guys that start on the offensive line. Sharp bettors look for veteran offensive lines. The fastest way to locate college football teams that will be competitive is to look for teams with lots of returning starters on their offensive line.  The offensive lines pave the way for the running game. When the running game works, it is easier for quarterbacks in the passing game. With a strong offense, a defense will not be on the field as much. Defenses that are rested tend to play better throughout the course of a season.  Teams with veteran offensive lines tend to do well, especially at the beginning of a college football season. https://youtu.be/SyuknmxHuTo The Third-Year Starting QB Teams with returning starting quarterbacks are always worth a look when it comes time to bet on college football. If you can find a third-year starter, that’s even better.  A quarterback with a lot of experience under his belt can boost his team early on and is worth betting on. It’s just like an offensive line with experience. When a player reaches his third season as a starter at quarterback, the game has slowed down for him. He is familiar with the system and the expectations placed on him, and he frequently raises his level of play.  In high-profile cases, the public will be well-aware of established quarterbacks, but frequently, experience won\'t receive the respect that it should. Sharp Bettors Are Wary of Early Schedules There are plenty of teams that load their early seasons schedules with cupcakes. Big Ten teams may play teams from the MAC, for example. SEC teams like to play FCS teams to fill their schedules.  The pros are always aware of schedule strength. Don’t let an early 5-0 record fool you. There’s a big difference between a team with five really good Power 5 wins and a team that has three wins over Group 5 schools, another over an FCS team, and a fifth over a Power 5 school that is winless. While the public buys into these records, sharp bettors do not. When handicapping college football, look for schedules that are likely to skew the public’s perception. These are situations where you can gain an advantage. To learn more about finding sharp money action in sports betting, go HERE.

Are you looking to get the most out of betting on this year\'s NBA Finals? Whether you\'re an experienced sports bettor or a relative rookie, taking part in betting the NBA’s championship series can be both fun and lucrative. With some knowledge and preparation, it\'s possible to maximize your chances of success when betting on this historic series. In this post, we will look at how to make the most of it.  Key Points – It all comes down to understanding the basics when betting on the NBA Finals.  – Smart bettors will take advantage of special promotions and incentives at this time of year. Understand the Basics of Betting on the NBA Finals The NBA Finals will receive plenty of media attention. All bets that were available during the regular season and even a few more will be offered for this final series.  From moneyline bets to point spreads, there are a variety of betting options available for those looking to get in on the action. Studying the teams, players, and historical statistics can help you make informed bets and increase your chances of winning.  Just make sure you understand the basics of betting before diving in and placing a bet. Do Your Research for the NBA Finals During the playoffs, many bettors will take the time to research the performance of each team vying for the championship title. History and recent performance data are critical factors that play a significant role in predicting the outcomes of games.  With so much on the line, it\'s crucial to stay informed about the teams and their accomplishments. Research the teams and their individual players to gain a better understandingBy diving deep into the available information, fans can gain valuable insights that can enhance their viewing experience, and perhaps even help them make an informed prediction. EDITOR’S CHOICE: BUILD YOUR BANKROLL IN THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Read the Lines Bettors must be able to read and interpret lines, point spreads, and odds. Understanding how to interpret odds is key to making informed betting decisions and potentially winning big.  By analyzing the different lines and spreads, bettors can gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each team, as well as the overall competitiveness of the game. Keep in mind that lines often shift as a result of betting action. With a little bit of research and practice, anyone can learn how to handicap spreads and bet on the NBA Finals.  Utilize Successful Betting Systems and Strategies If betting is new to you, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are a few successful betting systems and strategies that can boost your chances of a win.  Bettors should spend some time researching the variety of strategies. There are systems like the Zig Zag theory, which work well in playoff best-of-seven series.  Other strategies may focus on a particular type of bet, NBA totals for example. Professional handicappers will analyze pace and scoring data to help them wager on basketball totals.  The Four Factors method is another popular strategy used in betting both pro and college basketball. The point is that there are successful betting systems and strategies out there. Do some research and find what works for you. https://youtu.be/gEV9_vaJQEM Use Proper Money Management Tactics  Just because it’s the finals doesn’t mean you forget about managing your money properly. Sound money management tactics are crucial at this time of the season. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. If you stick to your betting unit size model, that should never happen. You should have a specific budget for wagering on the NBA Finals. Stick to it and be disciplined with your betting strategy. Because there is only one game on the schedule, there may be a night when you do not place a bet. That’s okay. That will increase your chances of walking away from the finals with a profit. Take Advantage of Promotional Offers  Since you are going to be betting on the NBA Finals, you might as well take advantage of the tons of sportsbook promotional offers out there. These offers can add valuable incentives to your betting experience. With free bets or deposit matches, bettors can use this “free money” to maximize winnings as they bet this final NBA series.  Some sportsbooks will have NBA playoff-specific incentives. Pay attention and take advantage of these promotions as they can significantly increase your winnings. Betting on the NBA Finals is an exciting way to earn some serious profits. It takes preparation, research, and skill to make bets that pay off. Those that understand sports and how to read and interpret lines and odds will find this event is one that can increase their bankrolls.  Don’t forget the basics - money management in particular - and use the mounds of data available to develop high quality picks that have a chance of success. With hard work and dedication, you too can become successful when betting on the NBA Finals.

You can still build your bankroll by betting in the summer. At some point, the NBA Finals end and the Stanley Cup is won. Too many sports bettors just shrug their shoulders and say, “Now what?” No longer since the summer offers great betting opportunities. Here’s a look. Key Points – Smart bettors continue to build their bankroll in the “offseason.” – There are tons of betting opportunities in the summer months. America\'s Pastime Helps Build Your Bankroll There are often 10 to 15 MLB games accessible on the betting board on a given summer day. There are several different MLB betting strategies. Bettors have many different ways to wager on baseball when you take into account all the player and team props that are available. There is money to be made even if betting on baseball is a little different from betting on the NFL or NBA. Find your area of expertise. Maybe, it’s on the First 5 Innings or in the player props market.  Whatever it is, you have over 2,400 opportunities to wager on baseball during the summer.  Enjoy the Links You are missing out if you have never wagered on golf. Every weekend a tournament is held, and, like most sports, there are a number of betting markets. You can wager on the tournament winner if you like. It’s a great market because golf tournament favorites can often be given odds of +800, +900, or even above +1000. The payouts can be quite large. There are other markets like head-to-head bets, Round competition, and even golf props. The big thing to remember is that while sportsbooks and oddsmakers are spending time on baseball, they aren’t spending it on golf. That leaves some betting value for the smarter bettors. ICYMI: HANDICAPPING NHL PLAYOFF TEAMS AFTER AN OT LOSS Tennis Anyone? If you haven\'t bet on tennis, you should. Just like golf, there are tournaments every weekend where you can discover large plus-money favorites to win. Bettors can find heavy tournament favorites between +500 and +1000 every weekend of the summer. Numerous other wagers are also available, including head-to-head wagering and betting on the spread for games and sets.  Additionally, Grand Slam competitions like Wimbledon and the French Open provide a wide variety of betting opportunities for a full two weeks at a time. Spend some time acquainting yourself with the various tennis bets and then reap the benefits. Yes, There Is Summer Football You can still place a football wager even if it\'s not football season. Every year at the end of April, right as the NBA and NHL playoffs are starting, the NFL Draft is held. There are a number of bets like which player will go No. 1, which QB will be taken first, and many more. The Canadian Football League, or CFL, also begins play in early June. The CFL season consists of 18 games and lasts from the beginning of the summer to Thanksgiving. You won’t find the variety of bets like the NFL, but Canadian football gives football bettors a chance to wager in the summer.  The USFL ends in June and also gives football bettors an opportunity to bet on football in the early summer. Build Your Bankroll with NASCAR Every year, the NASCAR Cup season starts in February and lasts until November. There is a race somewhere every weekend in the summer.  Similar to golf, you may bet on both the overall race winner and the drivers competing head-to-head when you wager on NASCAR. There are top-5 bets, top-10 bets, and many more are available.  Like golf, bettors have a slight advantage when betting NASCAR. Sportsbooks and oddsmakers are busy preparing for the next football and basketball seasons. Those are the sports where they make their money. That leaves some opportunity for racing bettors. Triple Crown & More in Horse Racing The annual Run for the Roses, the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday in May, serves as the opening leg of the Triple Crown of horse racing. It draws the interest of numerous gamblers. Both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, which are contested in the early summer, have a lot of betting interest. When a horse has a chance to win the Triple Crown, these races are immensely popular.  Throughout the summer, there are a ton of races at tracks in the United States and other countries. Smart horse racing bettors have a quality racebook where they can find the best odds on races from around the world. Other Summer Sports to Build Your Bankroll Similar to the NFL, the NBA holds its well-known draft at the end of June, right after the NBA Finals are over. The first player picked, second player picked, and many other possibilities are available to bettors. Nathan\'s Hot Dogs sponsors their annual Hot Dog Eating Competition on July 4. If you have never seen it, tune into ESPN. They cover the event every year. The competition has been dominated by Joey Chestnut for a while. Bettors can place wagers on the overall winner, the winner\'s consumption of hot dogs, and more. The Other Football  While Americans have their version of football, soccer is the game played around the world. There are leagues playing during the summer in several different countries. Major League Soccer in the United States begins play in early March and runs through the summer. The MLS Cup is played in October and November, and the winner is announced after the playoffs. Teams compete in 34 regular season contests. Bettors have plenty of opportunities to discover value bets throughout the regular season and playoffs.  The new seasons of several of the most well-known soccer leagues in the world, including the Bundesliga and the English Premier League, start in early August. Soccer bettors will have plenty to do for the rest of the summer when you include these games in the mix.

Handicapping NHL playoff teams is difficult enough. Doing so after an overtime loss can be an even bigger challenge. Playoff overtime rules are different than in the postseason. That has an effect on how bettors should look at the next game in a playoff series. Key Points – When handicapping NHL playoff teams after an OT loss, there are a number of things for bettors to consider. – Don’t forget to gauge the public’s reaction to the overtime loss. Understand the Rules Veteran NHL bettors are aware of the importance of overtime in the NHL playoffs. The sudden death period has a five-minute time limit during the regular season. That changes come playoff time. The playoff overtime period is a full 20 minutes and ends when one team scores. If the score is tied after one overtime period, the teams continue playing a second OT and so on until the game is decided. The drama is intense, and it\'s not unusual to see a battle that has gone into overtime become quite epic. The hockey team that loses in overtime will undoubtedly take it hard because the stakes are so high.  Because of the lingering irritation and disappointment, handicappers are aware that losing teams occasionally play poorly in subsequent contests.  Winning teams typically maintain their confidence and momentum.  Here are some items that should be taken into account when handicapping NHL playoff teams after they lose in overtime. MOST RECENT: MAKING SENSE OF VARIOUS SPORTSBOOK BONUSES When Do They Play Again When do they play again? The impact of a loss is likely to diminish the longer it is between games. When a team loses, it will hurt and be difficult. As time passes and teams begin to pay more attention to the broader picture, the impact of a loss subsides.  In the NHL playoffs, teams usually play every other day. There may be times, due to TV commitments or other conflicts, where there are two days between games. The longer rest period can help a team that has lost the previous game in overtime. Handicapping NHL Playoff Teams - Tied Up Losses hurt, but if the hockey team believes they actually missed their chance, it may hurt more. Take the following example. A team leads for most of the game. Late in the third period, the opponent ties the score. Then, the opponent scores late in the overtime period to win it. That type of loss stings. A team had what looked to be a win only to end up on the short end of an overtime loss. That situation is different than the team that was behind all game and then got lucky and tied it in the third period. They end up losing, but they were planning on losing anyway after they had fallen behind early on.  Those two situations produce different mindsets in the losing team. One is really down because it gave up a game it felt like the team should have won. The other shakes it off quickly because they lost a game they thought they were going to lose anyway. A Significant Win? When handicapping NHL playoff teams after an overtime loss, bettors should take a look at how significant the loss was. In the NHL playoffs, every victory counts, but some losses hurt more than others.  Imagine a team being up 3-0 in its Stanley Cup series. They lose a game in overtime. That loss is nowhere near as significant as losing when the series is tied 2-2. When you factor in when a team plays again and how it lost, there is great significance in which game of a series the overtime loss happened.  Handicapping NHL Playoff Teams & Adversity The NHL regular season is long and grueling. Even the top teams have inevitably had difficult defeats throughout the course of the season. How do they respond in these types of situations? Maybe they blew a considerable lead in a game and eventually lost in overtime. Perhaps a weaker team destroyed them, or they tried to come back from a deficit but failed. All of these situations give NHL handicappers valuable insight. Teams that deal with adversity better than others are ones you might be able to back after an overtime loss. If they have dealt with difficult situations through the season, they are more likely to get through them in the postseason.  The opposite is true also. Teams that don’t handle adversity well in the regular season are not likely to deal well with it in the playoffs. The Betting Public’s Reaction When a team wins an NHL playoff game, the general public will bet a certain way. Remember, the betting public likes to bet on favorites, teams with star players, and teams that have won recently. In the case of an overtime loss, it’s worth checking the public’s reaction. They are likely to bet on the team that won the last game in overtime. The public believes this team will have significant momentum after having won.  Keep in mind that the public’s reaction is something bettors should always pay attention to. Betting against the public has its advantages, but doing so blindly can lead to losses. Smart NHL bettors may frequently identify scenarios when their opinion and the public\'s reaction are not in harmony. These types of situations can lead bettors to find some serious value when handicapping NHL playoff teams after an overtime loss. 

Bettors can find seemingly endless sportsbook bonuses online. They are designed to keep existing customers and entice new ones to join a certain sportsbook. Bettors can examine these various incentives and learn how to take advantage of them. Here’s how to make sense of them all. Key Points – Bettors can take advantage of sportsbook bonuses at nearly every online sportsbook. – Sportsbook bonuses come in many different forms and sizes. Welcome/Sign-up Bonuses Almost all sportsbook websites offer welcome or signup bonuses when you create an account and make your first deposit. The bonus is typically a certain percentage of the money that was initially deposited.  It will be a small bonus sum if it is not a percentage bonus. The signup bonus\'s goal is to get you as a new customer as well as to give you a bigger starting bankroll.  Typically, 50% or 100% of the deposit is offered as a welcome bonus. If a bettor deposited $100 in a new online sportsbook, the sports betting site would add another $50 or $100 to that initial $100 deposit. Cash Payments Contrary to percentage bonuses, cash bonuses are not as popular at online  sportsbooks. These incentives are also provided at the time of registration, but the amount is fixed and less.  For example, you might make your first deposit at a sportsbook. As a result of the deposit, the book provides you with $20. Most often, a cash bonus is credited to a bettor’s account and must be used to wager on a sporting event before it can be withdrawn. RELATED: HOW SPORTS BETTING ODDS ARE SET Deposit-Free Sportsbook Bonuses As part of the signup bonus, many online sportsbooks will give you no-deposit bonuses. The bonus money is deposited into your account when you sign up. This allows a bettor to place a few bets without having to use his or her own money. Like cash bonuses, deposit-free incentives are typically small. Sportsbooks are in the business of making money, not giving it away for free.  These types of bonuses are popular during particular sporting events or promotions. A sportsbook might run something like this a few weeks before the Super Bowl or March Madness. The distinctive feature of no-deposit bonuses is that they have a high number of wagering requirements and rollover rates. These bonuses are perfect for first-time gamblers who don\'t want to risk their own money and want to get a feel for the sportsbook before making the first deposit.  Reload Bonuses Smarter bettors take advantage of the fact that most sportsbooks also offer reload bonuses on subsequent deposits. When you want to add more money to a betting account, many sportsbooks will offer you a bonus for doing so.  Now, the reload bonus is usually not as great as the initial deposit bonus, but it is still an incentive to deposit more into your betting account. The percentages are usually lower on reload bonuses.  A sportsbook that offers a 100 percent match on your first deposit might offer a 50 percent or even 25 percent match on your reloads. There might also be reload bonuses offered during specific promotions as opposed to offering them at all times.  Free-Bet incentives Free bet incentives are extremely popular now. Bettors can make wagers without having to worry about losing their own money. You might receive bonuses in the form of free bets. Oftentimes, sportsbooks will offer a free bet bonus if you wager on something specific. For example, a bookie might offer a free bet if you place a $50 or more wager on the Super Bowl. Once the Super Bowl bet is done and graded, you receive a free bet to use on any event. Match Play Sportsbook Bonuses Unlike cash bonuses, match play bonuses are given to you based on how the event is conducted. It is comparable to a coupon in that it is used only  once.  Match play bonuses are only available to bettors who have completed the minimum rollover requirements. The bonus is deposited into your account once you fulfill these requirements. Each online sportsbook has a different set of rollover rules and bonus amounts. Gambler’s Insurance Sportsbooks stay in business because bettors often lose a large number of their wagers. Some sportsbooks take precautions to prevent their customers from quitting permanently as a result of such losses.  There are a number of betting sites that will give you a bonus on losses that you have suffered. The bonus is usually a percentage of the overall losses. For example, some sportsbooks offer 10 percent cash back on a month’s losses. The sportsbook knows that if it offers a bettor something in return for losing, the bettor is more likely to come back and keep playing. Loyalty Rewards These are exclusive sportsbook bonuses from online betting sites provided to devoted customers. These bonuses are used by sportsbooks to keep their existing customers.  These types of loyalty programs are similar to those run by your local grocery store. Bettors  accumulate loyalty points that are earned each time a bettor places a wager. When the bettor reaches a certain threshold of points, they can be exchanged for money, free bets, or any other bonus that the sportsbook has come up with. High-Roller Sportsbook Bonuses A sportsbook may offer you a high roller bonus if you have a sizable bankroll or the ability to place large bets. This is typically a percentage of the deposit amount and can be a sizable sum, enabling you to almost double your bankroll.  For instance, a lot of sportsbook websites give high rollers a 50% bonus on deposits of $1,000 or more. These are the most frequent bonuses offered by online sportsbooks that you can use to your advantage when placing a wager on your preferred sporting event, game, race, or match.

Do you know how sports betting odds are set? Whether you are a fantasy football fan, a professional bookie, or a sports bettor, understanding how odds are created is a key for success.  Here, we dive into how and why bookmakers create their own lines and what factors influence these numbers.  Key Points – Understanding how sports odds are set can help bettors be more successful. – Sportsbooks set odds for every sporting event on their betting board. An Overview of Sports Betting Odds Sports betting odds are a crucial aspect of gambling. They provide insight into the likelihood of an event occurring and the potential payout.  Essentially, odds show the probability of a particular outcome of any sporting event from a horse race to a football game. Odds are calculated by taking into account numerous factors, such as previous performance, form, injuries, and weather conditions.  Bookmakers use these factors to set odds that enable them to make a profit while remaining competitive. Understanding how odds are calculated is essential for bettors, as it allows them to make informed decisions when placing wagers.  MUST READ >>> WONG TEASERS AND TEASER STRATEGY Factors That Influence Sports Betting Odds Sports betting is not just about placing a bet and hoping for a win. There are several components that affect the odds of a particular sporting event.  The sport itself, the players or teams involved, and the current form and statistics of each team or player are all considerations.  Additionally, factors such as weather, injuries, and team morale can also have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. If it affects a game’s outcome, then it affects the odds.  Professional bookmakers carefully analyze these factors in order to set accurate odds and ensure their own profitability. By understanding the various factors that influence sports betting odds, bettors can make better decisions when placing their bets. One such factor is home field advantage. Teams play on their own field or court and in familiar surroundings. This can boost a player’s and team’s morale and confidence. The home crowd can also motivate the home team.  Home team advantage isn’t always a guarantee, but it can serve as a boost to a team that plays well at home. Weather Can Affect Odds Weather is another factor that can play a role in setting odds. Wind is a huge factor in outdoor football and baseball games. Take the Patriots-Bills wind game a few years ago. The game total continued to drop as reports of 30- and 40-mile-per-hour gusts came true.  Wind blowing out from home plate will carry more fly balls out of a stadium. That can affect how oddsmakers set an MLB game total.  Bettors looking to win more often must pay attention to the weather as it applies to outdoor sports. Different Types of Bets There are numerous bets within every sports market. Every bet comes with associated odds. Whether it is a moneyline bet, a point spread bet, a totals bet, or some other exotic wager, there are odds.  American odds are expressed as a positive or negative number based on 100, since there are 100 cents in $1.00. The easiest type of bet to understand for new bettors is a moneyline bet. Bettors wager on a team to win. If their team wins, they win the bet.  The amount a bettor wins is dependent upon the odds. Favorites are expressed as a negative number and implies that an outcome is more likely. For example, the New England Patriots are a -200 favorite against the New York Jets. If you wager $200 on the Patriots and they win, you are paid out $100. On the other side, the Jets could be a +300 underdog. Since the Jets are not as likely to win, a sportsbook will offer a higher payout. In this case, a $100 wager would pay out $300 if the Jets pull the upset. Point Spread & Totals Bets Point spread and totals bets also have odds associated with them. The standard odds at a sportsbook are -110. That means a bettor must wager $1.10 to win $1.00.  If we use the same two teams from above, the Patriots are a -3 favorite over the Jets. That means the Patriots must win by four or more points in order to cover the spread. Normally, the bet would look like this at a sportsbook. New England Patriots -3 (-110) New York Jets +3 (-110) Notice that the odds are identical on either side of the bet. Sportsbooks can change those odds, but -110 is standard. If you like the Pats, you would place a $1.10 bet to win $1.00 and New England would have to win by four or more in order for the bet to win. For a bet on the Jets to win, New York would either have to lose by two, one, or win the game outright.  Totals bets are popular as well. Bettors wager on whether or not the final combined score will go Over or Under a certain number. Again, oddsmakers set odds on both sides. For the Patriots-Jets game, maybe the total was 46.5. New England Patriots O 46.5 (-110) New York Jets U 46.5 (-110) Oddsmakers often set lines in increments of 0.5 to avoid a “push” or, in this case, to avoid the total landing directly on 46 or 47. If the final score is 24-23, the total (47) has gone Over. A $110 bet on the Over would pay out $100. How to Maximize Your Betting Profits  If you\'re looking to maximize your profits in sports betting, it\'s crucial that you have a thorough understanding of sports betting odds. These odds determine the probability of an event occurring and the potential payout you can receive.  The key is to find value bets where the odds are in your favor. One important concept to understand is implied probability, which is the likelihood of an event occurring based on the odds provided.  By calculating the implied probability, you can determine whether the potential payout is worth the risk. Another important tip is to shop around for different odds, as they can vary between sportsbooks.  With a solid understanding of sports betting odds and a strategic approach, you can increase your chances of making profitable bets.