Managing your emotions in sports betting is one of the key elements to master. I wouldn’t suggest that punters be entirely unemotional about wagering. Some of us enjoy the excitement. Still, having a cool and calculated approach to bet selection is a big advantage. This holds whether you’re betting casually or using a platform like 22Bet.
Here are basic rules to observe: never chase losses, do not bet on anything when you are angry, and never play under the influence. Immediately take a break after hitting it big or when you get a payout. Being calm and rational trumps over-emotional any day.
We’re all individuals, and it’s hard to share a one-size-fits-all theory to suit the majority. I still hate losing. I’m curious about what went wrong, why it occurred, and where it collapsed. I spent hours planning, so it hurts much more. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get over my annoyance, impatience, and exasperation. I’m still a bitter loser.
Yet, with experience, I’ve learned to take that step back. I always analyze my bets the next morning. I ask myself: would I make the same wager again? If the answer is ‘yes’ more often than not, there’s little more we can do than shrug our shoulders and move on.
I went through my roughest and longest lean period in ten years earlier in 2020. Although it was a terrible experience, all gamblers will go through it at some point. My advice? Trust your process. Analyze your output. Understand where things went wrong. Learn from your mistakes. Revise your approach. Also, remember that sometimes variance is against you.
Expert Insight from a Professional Sports Trader
It certainly does. This is likely a key reason many people find it hard to make money over time with sports betting. In live betting, emotions can surge, and adrenaline often pumps. It is often why bookmakers advertise poor-value live bets at half-time. Recreational punters often make bets on a whim, skipping research and deep thought.
How to overcome it. Educate yourself! You can find plenty of useful information online. It helps you understand your risk profile and variance. Pete Ling and the Smart Betting Club share a wealth of great insights on betting psychology. For a better grasp of variance, explore Joseph Buchdahl’s articles on Pinnacle’s blog. You’ll find many other excellent articles there as well.
Trademate offers great articles and videos that dive into the psychology of betting. People often get emotional with betting because they don’t understand how something happened. “How can I lose 8 even-money bets in a row? That’s impossible!!!”
Exploring sports betting gives us a clearer view of how professional bettors operate. Helps you understand the concepts of long-term value and variance. It doesn’t mean you will become a numb, emotionless sports betting robot. Losing streaks can be frustrating. Yet, they won’t make you overspend on the next game.