Sports betting is one of the toughest things to do, if you try to make it too complicated. It’s a lot of statistics and research, but it also comes down to making a gutsy call that may or may not work. Here are some tips to keep you afloat.

1) Homefield Rules

In any sport, the home team is going to be favored the majority of the time, simply because of homecourt advatange. It comes from the thousands of fans cheering on a team. It comes from the players knowing which rim is gentler when it gets down to shooting. It’s about knowing the funny bounces off the board on the ice rink. Being home can make a world of difference, which is why they get the benefit of the doubt, more times than not. Look at the Cavaliers’ 39-2 record at home last year for more proof. 

2) Look At The Past

Go back and check out how these teams have played each other in the past. For example, Houston had a lead on Indianapolis in the NFL, so Texans bettors should be happy right? Wrong. The Colts had won nine of their last 10 against the Texans, and sometimes, a certain team just has it over another team. The Colts came back to win that game, to the surprise of no one, really.

3) How Are They Playing Right Now?

Some teams just get on a hot streak and can’t be beaten, for example, New Orleans in the NFL. You have to factor in the opposition, of course, but any team on an 11-game winning streak will be in a number of NFL picks. On the other side, New Jersey has lost 17 in a row in the NBA. Do you trust them in your sports betting picks?

 4) Pay attention, pay attention, pay attention

We can’t stress this enough. Pay attention to the news. Are you really going to bet on the Cavaliers if you knew that LeBron James would be out? Would you take the Suns on the over if you knew Steve Nash would miss the game? One injury can ruin a sports betting ticket, so don’t make the mistake of being out of the loop.