Just deposited... now how to not lose it?

[IN_shambles]

Hi guys

Just joined the forum. I'm new!

I love watching sports and decided I would try to bet on some games. Problem is, when I look at the lines I'm like damn all of these are like 50-50!

How the Heck does anyone make money doing this that isnt just a good guesser?!?!

[IN_shambles]

Oh, I also put on $200 - what should a standard bet unit be for me to not go busto. I want to make it to baseball season!

[Zak]

I would start small, perhaps $5 - $10, to get a feel for what lines you are successfull with. You can always up it later.....but not if you have bust out!

[roon]

Never ever, under any circumstances, parlay 3 or more. Teasers and 2 team parlays are OK occasionally, but just dont make a habit of them.

[IN_shambles]

Where do you get your insight for games?

Parlays and prop bets look fun but I am guessing I should probably stay away from those =X

[Illusion]

Lots of good info in the SBR sub-forums (i.e. NFL Handicapping). Plenty of cappers to either fade or follow.

[mattmc419]

Hey man,

Welcome to the forum! (haha not sure I've been here long enough to say that, but whatever!)

There's a ton of information throughout the forum, and lots of people, including myself, maintain threads of our daily bets. Between those and threads that pop up daily regarding popular bets, you can usually get a feel for what a good pick may be.

A few rules that I have found successful:

1. Don't overextend yourself. This means keep your bet sizes reasonable. For your bankroll size, I'd recommend you set $5/units. Most plays make a 1 unit bet, and make plays you are very confident on 2 units. Don't go above that.

Also, try to limit the number of games you bet on each day. Instead of making 10 bets, put time into researching 2-3 games a day. You'll see better results.

2. Don't chase losses. Nobody wins every bet. If you lose, don't double or triple your bet size to try to get back to a high point. Unfortunately a losing streak doesn't mean a win is any closer.

3. Keep track of your bets as well as profit/losses. SBR has a great spreadsheet system that you can use to do this.

Bankroll management and responsible betting/money control is a huge part of succeeding in this. Just play smart and don't get greedy.

[Keith Richard]

Don't make a lot of bets. Just take your best bet or 2 and be conservative until you build your bankroll.

[Gonad]

You'll lose it, bookie love you long time! Welcome to the club...

[dlweaver]

When starting with such a low bankroll of $200 you got to keep your bets to a 5% maximum which would be $10. This will allow you to stay in the game a while as long as you don't make 10-15 bets a day. Keep it at just a few to keep you in the action and enjoy looking at all the lines.

[callysz]

Make small bets to start until you get a feel for what works for you....

[Metanoia]

Research, 1-2 bets per day, start with small amounts of money and very important if start to win a lot of bets in a row don't start making big bets, keep disciplined

[Diddlez]

Thanks guys, this helped me too.

[IN_shambles]

I agree, great responses thank you

[jgilmartin]

Buy "Conquering Risk" from the SBR Store. Read that, then read through threads in the Handicapping Think Tank.

[yurnero]

most of these guys have offered you great tips... i would also suggest following the forum and other sports forums closely and tailing some accomplished betters once you are able to get a feel for everyone

[OnlyMayo]

Dont listen to me...

[BigLouie66]

research, research, or withdrawl and spend it on alchohol

[ok now what]

mattmc is quite right. Start slow and try to use a spreadsheet. If you don't know how to use excel, now would be a good time to learn - autosum is your friend.

[JMobile]

When you see that 50/50 guess, try flipping a coin and let the faith of the coin decide.

[kokky]

Bet smallest amount your bookie offers, make 100-200 bets, then you will see are you ready to increase your bets.