10 Tips for Novice Bettors

1. Know Why You're Betting

Be truthful with yourself first: why are you doing it? Are you betting in an effort to earn a regular income, or purely for fun—supporting your own team at the weekend and adding some interest?

If the former, treat it like a business. That is, maintain a distinct bankroll (the funds you're willing to lose), determine a clear-cut strategy (with both average and maximum bet amounts, how often you'll bet, etc.), follow sports carefully, study betting strategies, and associate with other winning bettors. It also works in your favor to take advantage of sign up betting offers, which can give you a useful early push when you're getting underway.

If it's just for a weekend entertainment only, you may stop here. A suggestion for recreational bettors: never bet more than what you can afford to lose.

2. Stick with Major, Reputable Bookmakers

Think of betting companies as banks. Bigger they are, generally, the more solid they are. Reputable sportsbooks have a reputation and a reputation to maintain. Fly-by-night operations? They can be gone tomorrow with your money.

Don't try to reinvent the wheel, then. Stick with reputable bookmakers with a history. Avoid shady sites with too-good-to-be-true odds. The betting industry in the post-Soviet sphere has been susceptible to scams and bankruptcies—be careful.

3. Remove the Words "Sure Thing"

New bettors often say, "This one's a lock!"—usually for a supposed surefire winner or a big favorite. But come on: there is no such thing.

In wagering, just as in life, nothing is 100% guaranteed. Wagering solely based on odds is a rookie mistake. Remember, odds only reflect the overall opinion of a contest—not your personal strategy, risk appetite, or skill level.

Question yourself: is this bet really worth it? Do the odds actually reflect the true probability of the outcome?

4. Avoid Chasing Favorites with Tiny Odds

Betting on favorites to win outright is the safest step—especially at low odds like 1.20. Favorites do win often, but not always. A draw or a shock defeat does happen.

If you bet $100 on Barcelona at 1.20 and they tie, then you lose your bet. To recoup that cash, you must now win five of the same bets in a row—without losing again. And if you lose once more during your comeback? You're deep in the red.

That doesn't mean you should never back favourites—but make sure the price is worth it. Experiment with other bets like handicap spreads, totals, or a win to nil.

5. Don't Fall Victim to "Accumulator Fever"

Even beginners know about accumulators (also known as parlays)—multiple bets combined into one wager. The catch? If even one leg loses, the whole bet is gone.

Accumulators aren't inherently evil. A two-leg parlay with both odds around 1.80 is not the worst idea—if well chosen. But that requires skill and experience.

Most beginners head to the other side of the spectrum—making enormous "train" bets with odds of 50, 100, or 200. The potential for a big payoff blinds them to the actual probability. And when the bet inevitably loses because one or two games don't go their way, it's disillusionment—and a busted bankroll.

6. Stick to Your Strategy

Decide on a bankroll and what proportion of it each bet will be. 3% of your bankroll or less per bet is a good guideline.

Come up with a plan: how many straight bets versus small parlays? How many bets per week? Don't attempt to do too much—each bet needs to be a carefully considered, researched bet.

The second you deviate from your plan of action without a solid reason is the second that things start going awry. Do not suddenly bet 20% of your bankroll on one game. That kind of "all-in" move is reserved for Hollywood movies—not the real world.

7. Understand Tilt and Ride the Hot Streaks Wisely

Every gambler embarks on a "hot streak" where you can't seem to lose. Keep riding the wave—but still stick to your plan. The moment you've faced two losses in succession, stop.

Take a break for two days. Do something else. Don't attempt to force it or chase losses—you'll just tilt.

Tilt (poker slang) is a mental state where you bet emotionally, not logically. In sports betting, tilt will typically cause you to lose your entire bankroll quickly. Do not let it happen.

8. Bet Only on What You Know

Do not be a compulsive gambler who bets on everything. Develop a niche—specific sports or leagues—and stick to it.

If you are bored and wager on Singapore's football league without knowing the teams or standings, you are giving away money. Bet just when you are aware of the statistics, recent form, and context.

Be patient. Wait for the right matches—the ones you have studied and are sure of. Watch matches, read news, and be informed.

9. Do Not Let Emotions Influence Your Bets

Don't bet on your favorite team. Don't bet against teams you hate. Betting should be about reason and analysis—not emotion.

Fans all too often bet with their heart. "My team can't lose!" they say. But they can—and often do. And those emotional bets often end in regret.

Keep loyalty out of your betting. You're here to make money, not prove your team's worth.

10. Remember: Life Goes On Without Betting

Indeed, from time to time, gambling may be exciting. But it is just gambling. Win or lose, your life does not end here. You have friends, family, and responsibilities—do not neglect them.

Be balanced. Do not gamble with your real life for some more stakes. A healthy attitude in the long run is more valuable than any win.