The 7 Habits of Highly Effective College Football Handicappers
by Jerald of Predictem.com
It is said that only 2% of all gamblers make money and that the other 98% lose money. Whether you bet on college football for a living or just for recreation, here are 7 habits that if you employ will help your bottom line.
1. Get the best number possible – You must shop around for the best price. You should have a minimum of 4 books to choose from so that you can get the best number available. Diligent line shopping can turn several losers into winners. Example - If you play 10 games a week and for 12 weeks of the regular season that would be 120 games. If you are a 54% that means you would win approximately 65 games. If you could turn just 6 of those games from losers to winners you would change your win % from 54% to 59%. Of course you may not always change a loser to winner but you can turn a loser into a push or a push into a win which will still greatly affect your win %. Compare sportsbooks at our reviews page.
2. Stick with straight bets – Many recreational players play a high volume of parlays. These bets are considered sucker bets and require a large house edge to play. Stick to straight bets and see your bottom line increase.
3. Analyze your wager after the game is completed – This is important for future reference. There are many times when a game is handicapped correctly but still loses. If you realize this then at least you know that the basis for the wager was sound and in similar circumstances in the future you can play with confidence.
4. Know where the value lies – The linemaker knows which side the people will lean to and they make the line accordingly. If a team has a great showing for a National TV appearance you can be sure that the linemaker will bump the line up by a point or 2 for next’s week game. This is also true of the teams that are always hyped up by ESPN, the general public likes to bet these teams no matter what the price is so the linemaker will inflate the line.
5. Watch the line moves – If a line moves try to determine why it is moving. Is there some information that you aren’t aware of like and injury? Is the line moving because of public perception? One thing that I like to look for is if the public is on the favorite but the line is actually decreasing. In these cases it usually means that the sharp players are on the underdog and can present a good wagering opportunity. Related: College Football Line Movement.
6. Money management – This is almost as crucial as actually picking winners. You must employ a sound money management approach and stick to it. I recommend only playing straight bets for a defined percentage of your bankroll (I suggest 2%). There are a number of people that recommend unit betting but I find that the flat bets work best for me.
7. Bankroll - You must have a defined bankroll that is money used only for your gambling. This MUST be money that is above and beyond your normal living expense. If you are playing with the rent money or your grocery money you are setting yourself up for trouble down the road.
Editor's Picks - Each weekend our very own in-house All-American Editor makes his NCAA point spread predictions in an attempt to force fumbles, sack and intercept your bookie!
Expert Picks - Free premium college foots plays against the spread from expert handicappers from around the web from week 1 through the National Championship.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We sort through it all and find out which University is getting "too many points" this week. If there was a Heisman Trophy for picking underdogs, we'd be a frontrunner. Expect a 57%+ winning percentage with these picks as we've got a keen ear for loud barking dogs.
Favorite of the Week Pick - Giving points means we start the game down. We're not a real big fan of betting college football favorites as it's similar to trading field goals for touchdowns but stick with us as we buck the odds each week, selecting the favored team with the best chance of covering the spread.
Over/Under of the Week - Expect great value from this pick each week as we've cashed in big on betting over/unders over the years.
Line Movement - NCAA football lines open early in the week and often times move up or down based on wagering activity, injuries to key players and weather. We decipher whether it's square or wiseguy action and predict the point spread winner based on value.
College Football Consensus Picks - We assess the public perception each week and let them pick the winners for us as we fade their selections which provides us with many trips into our bookies endzone.
Computer Picks - We enter them into the computer and the machine makes it's picks. This is a great guide especially when betting totals! These are available after the first few weeks of the season.
Trends - Despite what you have been told or read on tout sites, the trend ain't your friend. We however turn the tables and fade the almighty trend for what should be some great profits over time.
2011 College Football Predictions - Badger breaks down the top teams and lists their odds to win the 2012 BCS Championship as well. At the end he gives his pick on who thinks will win the 2012 BCS National Championship game.
2011 Heisman Trophy Predictions - The trophy is up for grabs with Cam Newton leaving for the NFL. This year's list of "Heisman Hopefuls" is a pretty balanced list and the award is truly up for grabs. Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck is the favorite at +450 with Oklahoma Sooners QB Landry Jones not far behind at +650. Check out Jay's predictions (with analysis) to win the coveted trophy this season.
2012 BCS Championship Predictions - College football handicapper Jay Horne gives his picks on who he thinks will win the 2012 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship.
Intertops - Boasts the highest credit card acceptance rate on the internet! You also get a free $20 bet on your first deposit and their loyalty program is AWESOME as it gives you continuous bonuses as your betting handle reaches certain levels!
5Dimes - 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Reduced juice betting odds! Buy up to 15 points! Most props on the web!
SBG Global - Best parlay odds in the industry! Get paid 12-1 on 4-team parlays!
Heisman Trophy Betting Odds - Andrew Luck, Landry Jones, LaMichael James or ? You make the call!
Odds to Win the 2012 BCS Championship - The Oklahoma Sooners are favored to win at 4.5 to 1 but will get a run from Bama (+550), LSU (+1200) and Oregon (+1400). Check out your school's odds here!
Heisman Trophy Winners - A full list of college football quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers who have made history on the field and won the prestigious award.
The Spread - Offers scores, odds, free game predictions, current news and more!
