Bettor’s Code
There are rules to live by, unspoken or otherwise, for all walks of life. Sports bettors are no different
Never ask another man how much he bets, let him indicate how bullish he is on a game by saying he bet 1x, 2x, etc. Everyone’s bankroll is different but dollars wagered doesn’t indicate how talented a handicapper is when his primary goal is to stay within his means.
Always reciprocate with those who share confidential information.
Never say a game is in the bag until it’s officially over. There’s no faster way to get under a superstitious gambler’s skin than saying a game’s a winner before the clock hits triple zero
Always remain humble, no matter how hot you get regression is right around the corner.
Never say a line is a joke unless you’re willing to plow into it with your own money.
Always remain confident, no matter how cold you are the cream always rises and the breaks will come.
Never ask someone what they saw in a game once the outcome has been decided. Anyone who has been in this business for a long time sees plenty of lopsided decisions against him and subsequently learns from those mistakes. Throwing salt in a fresh wound doesn’t help the cause.
Always encourage others in the field to be more honest. Most gamblers lie so if a guy tells you when he wins or when he loses it’s a sign of being humble. The only guy who never loses is the dude at the water cooler every Monday morning bragging about his record yet he still keeps working at a job he hates.
Never trash another handicapper or take delight in their misfortune. There will always be bettors/posters/handicappers we don’t like but the karma from rooting for them to lose doesn’t create a good look on ourselves.
Always take accountability for your own bets. If you buy picks or tail someone realize no one’s forcing you to make wagers.
Never skate on a debt. If it’s 50 bucks, 500, or 5,000 always pay on time and expect whoever is taking your bets to return the exact same courtesy. Once your word on the street means nothing you’ll never repair the reputation
Always respect the market. You don’t have to follow every line move nor should you but try and figure out who or what may be behind each one because it will only help your market entry long term.
Never bet money you can’t afford to lose. Everyone likes to be a hotshot firing large sums on games but when your losses impact your happiness, family, or peace of mind it’s time to seek professional help.
Always make bets you expect to win but don’t have unrealistic expectations. If you think hitting 70% for an entire season is plausible you might want to switch hobbies now.
Never spend time reminding people of a price that’s no longer available in the market. The goal is to cash tickets and collect, not pound your chest.
Always strive for the best of the number. Yes, there are still good plays to be made after a number moves but consistently taking the worst price available will create long term problems.
Never call a game a lock. There are a few certainties in life unless we’re talking death and taxes; nothing gambling is ever a sure thing
