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Introduction to Sports Tips
Many sports bettors dream of making it big. With a little luck and the right system, they’re sure they can hit the jackpot and join the ranks of punters such as Tony Bloom and Matthew Benham. What it really is all about is finding a way to cheat the bookies and be the one that wins at all times. And here come sports bet predictions and tips. Unfortunately, many of these punters will have to deal with disappointment.
Many bettors think that there’s some miracle system that will help them to predict the perfect sports bets. There are just too many variables to predict every single possibility, and then picking the right one with 100% accuracy.
That said, there are many different predictive models and statistical analyses that can help punters to make ‘informed guesses’, so to speak. With the right data, a lot of time and research and tools, punters and so-called experts might be able to make a guess that pays off.
We say guess because there’s just no way to guarantee an accurate prediction or a sure win. That won’t stop dedicated punters from trying to find a way to do it anyway; it won’t stop novice bettors from trusting sports bet predictions either. So, how accurate are these predictions? Are they useful, what are the risks, and should you trust them? Answers await!
When are Sports Bet Predictions Accurate, and When aren’t They?
Are sports predictions accurate? Yes and no. It depends on what you mean by ‘accurate’. If you’re counting on a 100% accurate, sure-win sports bet prediction, then we’re going to disappoint you. Sports betting is gambling, and there are no sure things when it comes to facing off against Lady Luck.
Several things can make a sports bet prediction more accurate, but several factors can render the prediction completely useless.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at when you can trust sports bet predictions, and when you might need to try a different betting strategy.
The Expert’s Advice
Let’s get the most obvious question out of the way first. Are sports bet predictions made by ‘experts’ accurate? The most truthful answer would be to say, yes, sometimes they are. There’s no way to know what kind of system such an expert might use, or what data they base their results on.
That said, many of these so-called experts have managed to, occasionally, predict an outcome of an event correctly. If they didn’t, then there wouldn’t be those bettors out there who’ve made a living from using and selling their predictive models.
Keep in mind, though, that an expert is still human. While some experts may give a prediction based on statistical analysis, others simply present their opinions as fact. However, team preference or prejudice might colour their view.
When it comes to getting a sports bet prediction from an expert, we highly recommend taking it with a grain of salt.
Statistical Models and System Failure
For more accurate results, however, you’ll probably want to turn to a more scientific approach. Something a bit more quantifiable, if you will. For that, you have statistical forecast models.
These systems were, and are, specifically created to try and create accurate predictions for sports bettors. While some of these systems have had some success, not all of them work. We’re not saying that you shouldn’t use them at all, only that you should exercise caution. Not all tools and models are created equal, hence the existence of the sniff test.
You might also want to skip going to others for advice and forecasts and decide to use one of these models yourself. You’d better prepare for all of the work and research involved. It’s not as easy as punching in a few numbers and hoping for the best.
Various other factors also come into play when you use a system to predict sports bets. For example, if you don’t give the system the right information to evaluate, you won’t get any usable results. With the correct statistics and data, however, these systems can make remarkably accurate predictions. They won’t always be on the mark, but that’s rarely the model’s fault.
Human Errors, Fails and Underdog Tales
Other factors can completely invalidate a prediction: whether it was accurate or not. The biggest of these is human error. For example, you might make a mistake with your calculations, and end up with an incorrect prediction without realising it.
You’re not the only one who might make a mistake, though. The players are quite guilty of horrible fails right before or in the middle of a season.
Let’s say that you’ve made a prediction with data that accounts for a team in top form. However, the night before the game, one of the key players does something incredibly silly and leaves the team with a man down.
Sound unlikely? Darius Vassell took a power tool to a blood blister on his toe to remove it. Rio Ferdinand strained a knee tendon while playing Pro Evo. Paulo Diogo tore his finger off while celebrating a goal. You never know when a player might drop an aftershave bottle on his toe and miss his opportunity to make the Premier League as a result.
Then there are those rare occasions when the underdog suddenly makes a comeback. Take the Boston Red Sox, for example. After an 86-year losing streak, the Red Sox finally won the World Series in 2004.
The point is this: it doesn’t matter how accurate a system or an expert’s sports bet predictions might be. You just can’t account for everything – especially not human error.
The Pros, Cons, and Risks of Sports Predictions
You start using sport bet predictions made by other punters or use statistics to make your own. Before you do, it’s essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of using predictions at the bookmakers, and the risks involved. Often, these predictions are based on hours of research and copious amounts of data. This information gets run through several statistical models before spitting out results. As we mentioned previously, it might be accurate or it might miss the mark completely.
Here are the pros, cons and risks of using these forecasting models to predict your sports bets.
- Pros
- With the right information and statistics, using predictive models can improve betting strategies
- Experienced punters can use forecasting and predictive analytical models to evaluate odds and find value bets
- Cons
- Using and integrating the models into betting strategies is usually difficult
- Some predictive and statistical models are complex and have steep learning curves
- Forecasting models’ predictions are only as good as the data provided. Bad data will result in bad predictions
- Last-minute events can completely throw off any predictive results
Risks
There are certainly some risks that come with using sports bet predictions. Whether you’ve made these predictions yourself, or you’re relying on an expert’s advice, there are always factors outside of our control.
You might say that using sports bet predictions is a waste of time. In fact, the models they’re based on is simply another betting strategy according to many punters. You wouldn’t be wrong, either. Using sports bet predictions are a strategy, in a way, but there will always be factors that make it unreliable.
One of the most significant risks is the human element, and we’ve mentioned some of this previously in the article. You can’t predict injuries or changes to a team. There’s no predicting a skill improvement or new-found motivation. There’s also no predicting whether you’re going to make a mistake or not.
The point is this: always exercise caution. Use logic and don’t make emotional wagers, or put all of your faith in the opinion of a ‘sports bet prediction expert’. Even if you want to use their advice, do your research first and do a sniff test.
Finally, you’re still betting on sports, whether you use predictions or not. That’s gambling, and gambling is a game of chance. In other words, there’s always the risk of losing, and as a punter, that’s something you need to make peace with. Even some of the best bettors in the gambling world still make incorrect predictions from time to time. Don’t chase your losses, and always try to find out the reason for your mistakes. That will help you improve your strategies in the long run.
Using Sports Bet Predictions to Your Advantage
We’ve covered accuracy, pros, cons and risks. The question now is whether you can use these predictions to your advantage or not. The answer, of course, is yes – depending on a myriad of different factors.
However, for the sake of this article, let’s say that you’ve gotten your hands on excellent data, and a fantastically accurate forecast model. As a result, you now have an extremely accurate sports bet prediction. How do you use it to your advantage?
Depending on the kind of forecast you have, you might want to combine it with a betting strategy. The type of bet also plays a role. Your prediction might be for the outright winner of a match. In that case, your best chance would be to bet on the winning team. However, you can also use a series of accurate predictions to try your luck on pool betting, place an acca bet, or you might prefer hedging your bets with a back and lay betting strategy.
On the other hand, you might have a good idea of how many goals a team might score. In that case, you could try your hand at placing a point spread wager.
It comes down to the kind of information you have, what betting strategy you use and how you can effectively combine the two.
How Predictive Models Are Used in Sports Betting Strategies
Many betting strategies use sports bet prediction models as a basis. Take value betting, for example. The whole point of this strategy is to be able to predict the odds of a particular outcome of a sports event and to do so as accurately as possible.
Once you’ve made your calculations and have determined the odds, you need to start browsing through bookies and compare the featured odds to your own. If there’s a noticeable discrepancy between your odds and that offered by the bookie (significantly longer), then you’ve found a value bet.
The inherent risk here is that, if you used poor data to make your calculations, then your odds are going to be useless. This is an issue you’ll encounter with any sports bet prediction and strategy.
The same is true for punters who enjoy placing point spread wagers, for example. One of the statistical models you might use here is Poisson Distribution. By determining the odds of a certain amount of goals being scored by either team, you could place an effective spread bet.
Again, you can’t account for everything. For example, had you used Poisson Distribution to determine a possible outcome between the Liverpool and Norwich’s 2020 match, then it would have been heavily weighted in Liverpool’s favour. In the end, the team won by a single point.
Don’t put all your faith in a system or a strategy – always use your own best judgment as well.
To Conclude
So, are sports bet predictions and forecast models accurate? In the end, it really comes down to a few critical factors. Some sports bet predictions might be accurate, and some might not be. Was the prediction made with the right kind of data? Did it pass a sniff test?
Never accept a sports prediction based on hearsay. If you want to use predictive models, then make sure that you do your homework – research, research, research. Or, if you’re going to use sports bet predictions made by others, don’t accept them at face value. Double-check the facts. Compare it to your research or conclusions.
Some forecasting models are pretty accurate, but human error will always be a factor. The best thing that you can do is to compare multiple sources and go from there. Finally, always keep in mind that there’s no such thing as 100% accurate in sports betting. Gamble responsibly, and always remember to have fun!
Javia Alex is an expert-level Copywriter/Editor with a wealth of experience in the iGaming scene. A self-described player advocate, Javia’s player-first mindset, “tell it like it is”, has earned her an oft-cited voice across gambling circles. She frequently works late nights and long hours, fact-checking reviews and pages for accuracy.