Prior to exposing you to a whole host of great value betting opportunities and giving you the chance to build a small nest egg for your offspring, there are a few things that I feel it is important you are aware of.

I have a number of simple betting principles I have always worked from along with a number of do’s and don’ts.

Fundamental principles

It is crucial to realise that the common maxim “the bookie always wins” is, in principle, true.

Markets are, on the whole, priced efficiently and if you were to bet on a vast number of markets, especially those in which we have no detailed insight, then in the long run you are going to lose a lot of money sports betting.

However, there is thankfully a “however”.  It is my opinion that with a “tight aggressive” approach it is possible to make a reasonable amount of money from sports betting.

The underlying principle to all bets I place is that I believe the wager has a “positive expected value” (“+EV”). Thus if the same wager was to be placed an infinite number of times, at the given price, then the cumulative result would be a positive cash inflow.

As a result, I only place bets where, in my opinion, the price on offer does not reflect the probability of success and the associated risk. This generally only happens in the following circumstances:

Betting do’s and don’ts

• Do not bet with money you cannot afford to lose. EVER.

• Do bet using a bankroll rather than using funds from your bank account on an ad hoc basis. Although this may be difficult in practice due to the number of different bookmakers you may use, track all your wagers in a spreadsheet with associated P&L to create a virtual bankroll at a minimum.

• Do not bet “for the sake of betting” unless it is very small stakes in a social environment. And if you do, do so safe in the knowledge you will probably lose!

• Do ensure that all bets are researched thoroughly with all potential outcomes and associated risks considered.

• Do not get lazy during a winning streak, start increasing betting stakes or place bets without thorough research. Treat every bet as if the stake is your last piece of disposable income.

• Do “back yourself” during a losing streak and have confidence in your methodology and that the law of averages, variance and regression will eventually work in your favour once again.

• Do not bet more than 5% of your bankroll except in very special circumstances. Never bet more than 20% of your bankroll at any time.

That’s all folks… good luck and happy betting!

.