Betting Strategies for Beginners

Betting Explained for Newbies!

Finding the best betting strategies for beginners is not rocket science. In fact, newbies often struggle with the basics. This results in unnecessary money being lost. With this in mind, we will focus less on specific betting tips for beginners and more on tips and tricks for getting started in sports betting.

What beginners need to know about sports betting

What is a betting strategy? It is a tactical approach to winning more often or losing less often. Sports wagering can be made approachable for beginners. This does not require sophisticated systems or complicated tactics. Newcomers first need to learn the basics. To understand strategies in simple terms, see if you can answer the following questions for yourself:

1. Bookmaker selection: Where should I place my wagers?
2. Money management: How much money should I risk?
3. Choosing sports events: Which games should I focus on?
4. Making predictions: How do I decide what to back?
5. Reading & comparing odds: When is the best time to act?

Do you have suitable strategies for each of these questions? We do!

1. Selecting a betting provider

When it comes to our betting strategies for beginners, the first thing to consider is the choice of bookmaker. Many punters stick with one provider and always place their bets there. This is not a bad idea when you’re just starting out—after all, you want to use your bonus. However, in the long term, there are several reasons to register with different bookmakers. Doing so increases the chances of receiving new bonuses and can improve your average betting odds. We will come back to this later.

For beginners who want to practice managing bets or just get a feel for wagering without risking too much of their own money, online casinos like Slotozen can be helpful. Using Slotozen promo codes, you can access free credits or bonus plays, which is a safe way to learn strategies and understand risk management before moving fully into sports betting.

How many bookmakers should you have an account with?

• One bookmaker: This is fine for getting started. Once the initial bonus has been used, it may be a good strategy to move on to the next bookmaker. Those who regularly take new bonuses this way often play with only half of their own capital.
• Two to three providers: This number is ideal for ambitious beginners. Your average odds can improve by 0.10 to 0.30. It may not sound like much, but it can increase your profits by 10–30 per cent.
• Four to six bookmakers: At this point, you’re moving beyond beginner strategies, as advanced bettors often use this many accounts.
• Seven or more bookmakers: Professionals can never have enough accounts, because the goal is always to find the best odds and maximise returns.

Tip: Newbies should try bookmaker hopping. This means claiming a bonus from one provider, using it, and then moving on to the next provider and bonus. Doing this gives beginners an overview of different bookmakers, bonuses, and odds.

2. Money management: handling money

Money management is essential for enjoying sports betting in the long term. It’s not just about avoiding debt. Your betting budget should be determined as follows:

• Net income: This is the starting point for covering your monthly living expenses.
• Fixed costs: Deduct all fixed expenses, such as insurance, rent, and medication.
• Variable costs: Include food, other consumer spending, and hobbies.
• Private pension: Set aside money each month to help close your pension gap in the future.

Capital for sports betting
Let’s assume you have $200 left over. We would recommend spending no more than $50 per month on betting.

Those who stick to a strict budget and avoid living beyond their means learn an important lesson about sports betting for beginners early on. Money management should be reviewed regularly, as income and expenses can change over time.

3. Learn to choose the right sports bets

Knowledge is power—and in this case, it can even lead to profits. It starts with choosing the right sport. Beginners should only risk their money where they have sufficient knowledge, and this also applies to the competition. While it’s possible to try lesser-known leagues, most newcomers won’t be familiar with the players or clubs. Those who follow major football leagues have the best chance of success, while others might prefer smaller or local leagues. The same principle applies to basketball, ice hockey, or American football.

Experienced players already know this, but it’s a useful tip for beginners. Not all games go as expected, but live markets can improve your chances. Once you’ve observed a match and assessed the balance of power, it becomes easier to make informed decisions. It’s also important to recognise when a match is too evenly balanced—sometimes it’s better to hold back.

Note: Single selections are usually more successful than combination picks. Beginners are advised to focus on individual matches, as this reduces risk and increases the chance of winning.

4. Make a prediction: Betting strategy for beginners

Betting strategies are not only about where you place your bets—the way you place them is equally important. This brings us to making a betting prediction, which should be done independently of the sportsbook. There is no strict rule for this, but here’s an example of what such an analysis might look like.

Let’s assume Manchester United and Liverpool are playing each other in the Premier League. In their last five head-to-head games, Manchester United have won three and Liverpool two. In the league, United have won six of ten home games, while Liverpool have won five of ten away games. United’s win rate is 60% in the league, and Liverpool’s is 50%. In a direct comparison, United have a 60% chance of winning, and Liverpool 40%.

To convert a percentage into odds, use this formula: 100 ÷ probability = betting odds. For a 60% chance of a United win, the fair odds would be 1.67. If the sportsbook offers only 1.60, it’s not worth betting. For Liverpool, with a 40% chance, the fair odds would be 2.50. If a bookmaker offers 3.00, it could be a good opportunity.

5. Understanding and comparing betting odds

Betting odds can be expressed as a percentage or a probability.
Odds in percent = 1 ÷ betting odds × 100 (e.g., 1 ÷ 1.25 × 100 = 80%).

Let’s assume that, according to our prediction, there is a 50% chance of an event occurring. For beginners, odds of 2.20 would be very good. However, by comparing bookmakers, you can improve your strategy, because the best provider might offer 2.35.

At first, the difference may seem small, but it can increase your winnings by 15%!

5 beginner tips that sports betting beginners should keep in mind

• Never try to compensate for losses with higher stakes!
• Do not bet money that you cannot afford to lose!
• Take a break if you are no longer enjoying betting!
• Make a prediction before placing your bets!
• Research the best betting odds and use the appropriate bookmaker!

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Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2025/09/22/sports-betting/betting-strategies-for-beginners/