Baseball Betting Advice

Here are some sound MLB betting tips every gambler, especially those new to the game, should be aware of.

As we’ve seen so far this year (and most years), the beginning of the season can bring some unexpected surprises, especially when it comes to pitchers and their ERAs. If a quality matchup presents itself (and they do exist) or a line you simply can’t stay away from, take a stab at the game. Otherwise, sit tight for a few weeks, maybe even wait until May starts, before laying down any serious money. By then, most of the teams and pitchers will have shown you what to expect from them on a day-to-day basis.

Another piece of advice is, much like playing a PokerRockets.com fantasy league, learn, live and love the injury updates. You might not think it matters whether the middle reliever is day-to-day, but when his replacement comes in and blows a 2-run lead in the seventh, costing you the game, you’ll think twice about that next time. Check these at least once a day. Find your favorite site and bookmark it.

Understand the difference between a “dime line” and a “20-cent line.” A dime line pairs a -160 favorite with a +150 underdog. The difference is that a 20-cent line would pair that same favorite with a +140 underdog. It’s only a difference of 10 cents on the dollar, but 10% of a $1,000 bet is a $100 each time. So stick to the dime lines if you have the opportunity.

Avoid emotions, yours and the teams. That might mean swearing off betting on your hometown heroes. Face it, your bias and that can affect your decision making when it comes to placing wagers. As far as the teams’ emotions, that means stay away from big rivalries. I predict the lines on them for those who enjoy the thrill of having a larger stake in a great matchup, but the players’ emotions and the heat of the moment could very well upset what the experts tell you is going to happen on paper. That can be said for any game, but all stats, scouting and predictions seem to go out the window when inter-division teams that hate each other face off.

And lastly, don’t be afraid of the over/under. The line isn’t the only way to bet on baseball. If you know what you’re doing, you can use the two together to work to your benefit.

Keep your options open and study up routinely. Take your emotions out of it and bet smart. Check out our next article on Belmont Stakes Betting.