In the dynamic world of online sports betting, finding the best odds is akin to finding the best deals on a product you want to buy. Even a small difference in odds can significantly impact your potential returns over time. While bookmakers generally offer similar odds for major events, variations do exist, and savvy bettors know how to exploit these discrepancies to their advantage. This guide will walk you through the strategies and tools to consistently find the best odds on Betting Sites not On Gamstop.
1. Understand How Betting Odds Work
Before you can compare odds, you need to understand what they represent. Odds are essentially the bookmaker’s implied probability of an event occurring, combined with their profit margin (known as the “overround” or “vig”). The three most common formats are:
- Decimal Odds (e.g., 2.50): This is perhaps the easiest to understand. Multiply your stake by the decimal odd to get your total return (including your stake). So, £10 at 2.50 returns £25 (£15 profit).
- Fractional Odds (e.g., 5/2): This format shows your profit relative to your stake. For every £2 you bet, you win £5 profit. So, £10 at 5/2 returns £25 (£15 profit + £10 stake).
- Moneyline Odds (e.g., +150, -200): Predominantly used in North America.
- Positive Odds (+150): Shows how much profit you’d make on a £100 bet. So, +150 means a £100 bet yields £150 profit.
- Negative Odds (-200): Shows how much you need to bet to win £100 profit. So, -200 means you need to bet £200 to win £100 profit.
Most betting sites allow you to switch between these formats in your account settings. Choose the one you’re most comfortable with.
2. Register with Multiple Betting Sites
This is the most fundamental step to finding the best odds. No single bookmaker consistently offers the top odds across all events and markets. By having accounts with several reputable betting sites, you can:
- Compare Odds Directly: For any given event, you can quickly check which site offers the most favorable odds for your chosen outcome.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Different sites offer varying welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, which can further enhance your value.
- Access Diverse Markets: While core markets are common, some sites specialize in certain sports or offer unique niche market.
Aim for at least 3-5 accounts with well-regarded bookmakers to give yourself a good range of options.
3. Utilize Odds Comparison Websites and Tools
This is where technology becomes your best friend. Instead of manually checking each bookmaker’s site, odds comparison websites do the heavy lifting for you.
- How they work: These platforms aggregate odds from dozens of betting sites in real-time, presenting them in an easy-to-read format. You can quickly see which bookmaker offers the highest price for your desired bet.
- Benefits:
- Time-Saving: No need to open multiple tabs.
- Maximise Returns: Ensures you’re always getting the best possible price.
- Identify Arbitrage Opportunities (Caution Advised): Occasionally, discrepancies are so large that you can bet on all outcomes across different bookmakers and guarantee a profit, regardless of the result. This is known as “arbitrage betting” or “arbing.” While profitable, bookmakers frown upon it and may limit or close accounts engaging in it.
- Popular Tools: A quick search for “odds comparison” will reveal many options. Look for sites that cover the sports and markets you’re interested in and update their odds frequently.
4. Understand “Value Betting”
Finding the “best odds” isn’t just about the highest number; it’s about finding “value.” Value betting is a strategy where you identify bets on outcomes you believe have a higher probability of occurring than what the odds provided by the bookmaker suggest.
- Bookmaker’s Margin: Remember that bookmakers build a profit margin into their odds. This means their implied probabilities for all outcomes in an event will sum to more than 100%.
- Your Assessment vs. Bookmaker’s: If your own research and analysis suggest a team has a 60% chance of winning, but a bookmaker is offering odds that imply only a 50% chance, that’s a “value bet.” Even if the odds aren’t the absolute highest, you’re betting when the market is underestimating the true probability.
- Long-Term Strategy: Value betting is a long-term strategy. You won’t win every value bet, but over many bets, a positive expected value (EV) will lead to profit.
5. Consider Less Obvious Markets and Timing
- Niche Markets: Mainstream markets (e.g., Premier League match winner) are heavily scrutinized by bookmakers. Less popular sports, lower leagues, or niche markets (e.g., specific player props, obscure handicaps) might have less accurate odds, offering more opportunities for value.
- Early vs. Late Odds:
- Early Odds: Sometimes, bookmakers release odds early, and their initial assessment might not fully account for all factors (e.g., recent injuries, team news). Savvy bettors can exploit these “soft” early lines.
- Late Odds/Live Betting: Conversely, odds can shift dramatically just before or during a live event due to new information, significant public money, or game flow. Reacting quickly to live odds can sometimes yield better value.
6. Stay Informed and Do Your Research
The foundation of finding good odds and value bets lies in thorough research.
- Deepen Your Sport Knowledge: The more you know about a sport, a league, or specific teams/players, the better equipped you’ll be to identify mispriced odds.
- Follow News and Stats: Keep up with team news, injury reports, coaching changes, historical head-to-head records, and recent form. This information can influence odds significantly.
- Understand Public Sentiment: Bookmakers adjust odds based on the volume of money coming in. If a large amount of money comes in on one side, the odds for that side will shorten, and the odds for the other side will lengthen. This can sometimes create value on the “less popular” side if you believe the public’s perception is skewed.
Conclusion
Finding the best odds on betting sites is an ongoing process that combines strategic account management, the smart use of comparison tools, and a solid understanding of how odds and probabilities work. By committing to these practices, you can significantly improve your chances of maximizing your returns and making your online betting experience more profitable and engaging. Remember, discipline and continuous learning are key to success in the world of sports betting.
