Football is Just Weeks Away: This is Your Checklist for Betting on Football

by Wayne Root

Monday, Aug 04, 2025
No one needs to slog through a lengthy, dull book to grasp what I'm about to share. This isn’t medical school or law prep; it's about making your betting experience smarter and more profitable. If you don’t bet wisely, you might just find yourself back in grad school, racking up debt to "pay the man."

Here’s a MUST-READ CHECKLIST for you. It’s concise and straightforward. No secrets here—just a few paragraphs to help you evaluate your betting habits. Are you a PRO or a JOE?

1) Sports Betting vs. Sports Investing

There's a vast difference between simply betting on sports and treating it as an investment. Many players throw a $100 bill into a game, hoping for the best. Few take a step back to see that successful betting is a week-to-week process. Like a one-hit wonder, many customers hit a lucky streak and then disappear, never to hit again.

2) Money Management

When you place that $100 bet, remember, it will lose approximately 50% of the time. This isn’t the moment to chase losses blindly; that’s how many players end up in trouble. Do you find yourself guessing to get back on track? If so, you’re not alone. It’s an ego thing for many.
 
As Confucius might have put it (if he were a sports bettor):

“To guess is cheap.
To guess wrong is very expensive.”

3) The Pros vs. Joes

The average bettor, or "Joe," is often unsophisticated, relying on hunches, favorite teams, and media manipulation. They might feel like pros after a few drinks, but they’re just playing the odds.

In contrast, the "Pro" relies on data and analysis. They study point spreads, line changes, and team statistics. They follow the money and eliminate guesswork from their equation. If they’re on a losing streak, they’re not afraid to consult a Vegas handicapper for guidance.

4) Insights from the Oddsmakers

Oddsmakers are well aware of what you’ve seen on TV and adjust their point spreads accordingly. They know the narratives pushed by sports media and leverage this information to set their lines. They recognize that the public tends to undervalue favorites and overvalue underdogs, adjusting their strategies to exploit this.

5) The Professional Sports Handicapper

This isn’t a game of luck; it’s a serious business. A professional understands that math is crucial for analyzing betting numbers. They focus on money management and will encourage you to find the best odds available, avoiding progressive betting systems that lead to chasing losses.

6) What a Great Sports Service Will Not Do

A reputable service will NOT:

Claim that a game is a "lock."

Suggest doubling up to recover losses.

Promote parlays.

Guarantee a 75% winning rate; while you might experience a winning run, that’s not sustainable.

7) Professional Handicappers vs. TV Pregame Panels

TV Hosts:

They can name players and coaches and discuss strategies but lack understanding of sports gambling and its nuances. Their insights can mislead viewers, as they rarely track the critical factors that influence betting.

Professional Handicappers: 

They understand the Vegas line and know that the average bettor does not win long-term. They track trends, poll gamblers, and assess how injuries might impact betting lines. The pro is invested in their craft; unlike TV personalities, they don’t just sport sharp suits and bling—they live and breathe sports betting.

MY COMMITMENT TO YOU AND ALL MY CUSTOMERS

HONESTY—INTEGRITY
DEDICATED and DEVOTED

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

© 2025 Al McMordie's BigAl.com. All Rights Reserved.