4 minute read

SPORTS WAGERS & BASEBALL IN 2023 Three Tips For The Upcoming Baseball Season

Sports wagering is a popular and profitable attraction found in Arizona casinos. Whether it’s profitable for you depends on your ability to weigh the game lines and your mental stability accurately.

All gamblers have thoughts and ideas that are sketchy; that’s a given, but betting on sports puts your emotions right on the line.

We love to win. So, at blackjack, we usually play the same way–hit till we get a hard 17 against a dealer seven through ace, right? At sports wagering, we get emotionally invested in the teams we love, creating a tightrope between our feelings and our financial stability.

Is there a solution? Of course. Follow a few simple tips to avoid landmines. Let’s look at what will save you early money and help get you ready for the playoffs.

TIP #1 – WAIT

Although baseball season is upon us, and we have all waited patiently to get into action, my number one tip is to wait on any wagers until the end of April. No, I’m not crazy, but the first few weeks of every baseball season are!

Great teams struggle, poorly equipped and managed teams win despite themselves, and the money lines are tough to justify because so many handicappers are setting them based on history or, worse, Spring Training.

Good teams will prevail in season wins, but teams haven’t jelled yet in April. There are 162 games before the playoffs. Wait until May. You will still have 140 games left to bet.

TIP #2 – WATCH

Looking at the box scores and reading about a game isn’t the same as watching. If you want to be great this baseball season (or any sports season), you’ve got to see how a team is playing before wagering on them to win or lose. Are the outfielders hitting the cutoff man? Are baserunners watching the coaches or running through signals? Are batters able to hit behind the runners and win one-run games? Can your team bunt, hit and run, or play defense?

Don’t worry if you aren’t sure about those things. Most baseball bettors aren’t. But you'll win more if you learn basic strategy to play better blackjack. And if you learn the basics of great baseball, you’ll make more intelligent wagers.

Tip #3 – WITHDRAW

Can you ever bet on your favorite team? Sure. But listen to your heart first, and pass if you can’t justify the money line or point spread. And if you are strong, bet against them when they are likely to take a beating. If you can’t decide then you can’t be impartial. Again, you should pass.

At blackjack, you can hate the dealer, the cards, or the casino itself for causing your losses, just like you can hate the clouds and the rain for ruining your hike or golf date, but sports are different. Bet with your heart and you’ll lose your mind.

Betting the local team, your college alma mater, or your favorite players comes with a responsibility to your bankroll. Be financially stable and take emotion out of your sports decisions, and you’ll find that bet selections are more clear-cut. When they aren’t, withdraw from the urge to place a bet and wait for better odds. You’ll be glad you did! $

Writer Al Moe has worked in the casino industry for many years. He has lived and worked in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe. He also attended the University of Nevada, Reno. He is an avid writer and blogger. His book, “Vegas and the Mob," is available online at Amazon.com. He is also the proud father of four beautiful girls.