Sports Betting
Research Websites
When it comes to sports betting research websites, their certainly isn't a lack of them out on the internet today. Just
type "sports betting research" into Google and about 10 million sites (probably more) will show up.
Some are good, some are great, and some just plain, for lack of a better word, suck. Google tries to decipher what it thinks
are the best and lists those at the top of the results page, but trust me, there's many great sites that don't make it.
So what exactly am I looking for in a sports betting research website? For me, I want accurate data, ease of use,
honesty, and ethical (in other words, a site that's not run by a bunch of touts trying to sell me there picks) amongst other
things. I'm more than happy to even pay a small amount if the research is something I feel will add value to my sports betting arsenal.
Before we dive into some of my favorites, I'd like to quickly address what I'm looking for when it comes to sports betting
research. Basically, it comes down to me looking for any type of edge or advantage that I feel I can exploit over the books
i.e. a discrepancy in a line (at least according to my research).
Sports Betting Research Websites - Key Numbers
There are a number of factors I like to look for when researching a game or match (whatever sport it might be). An example of this is when I look at football (United States) lines. As you probably know when it comes to football ATS odds, the main key numbers include 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 13.5, 14, 14.5. Obviously there are a few others, but these are particularly important.
As you also may know, sportsbooks set the lines to get an equal amount of action of each side/team. They simply want a 50/50
split so they can sit back and collect the juice. They're not trying to predict a difference in what the final score will be (although that's what most people believe).
Getting back to the key numbers I listed above, when the oddsmakers set initial lines at say 2.5, they're really enticing the public to bet the favorite. Heck, all the the favorite has to do is when by a field goal and they cover. Well, the
oddsmakers realize this to get more action on the favorite when the smart play might be to take the underdog getting 2.5 and then buying the half a point.
The exact same can be said for betting an underdog at 3.5. Again, most of the public will be on the underdog since they can
lose by a field goal and still cover. But as usual, the oddsmakers are much smarter than that and the better play is
perhaps taking the favorite and buying the half point down to 3 (these key numbers certainly aren't the end all be all to
picking a game and a lot more research must be taken into account before placing a bet).
These key numbers only pertain to American Football. When it comes to other major sports like baseball, basketball, hockey,
and soccer, their really aren't any key numbers that can be applied (at least that I'm aware of). Below, I'll go over
another example (obviously many others) of why quality and reputable sports betting research websites are so important, but
before I do that, I'll list my favorite ones relating to line movement and odds.
Game Analysis and Match-ups - Not that we're biased, but we offer a great section dedicated to updated spreads/lines, game match-ups and analysis, and much more. Definitely check it out.
Sports Insights - Probably the best live odds website out there
today. Along with live odds, Sports Insights offers a lot of valuable sports betting information that you won't find anywhere else.
Show Me The Odds - By far the best, but more importantly free,
live odds website on the internet today. Just a fantastic software that easily downloads to your computer and updates on a real time basis.
Sports Betting Research Websites - Injuries
Without a doubt, the number one reason of how a line is set or why a line moves is because of injuries. Getting up to date,
but more importantly accurate injury information is worth it's weight in gold when it comes to sports betting (and believe me
it's tough to come by...especially the accurate part).
There's probably thousands of websites out there today reporting on injuries in the sports world. Anywhere from your
conglomerate sports sites, to fantasy sites, to actual sports betting related sites, they all have injury information. But
really what it comes down to is the speed at which you can get the information (before the lines change) and if it's correct.
To be honest (again my opinion), the only truly accurate way to get it is to have some kind of insider with that team. But
since that's going to be extremely rare, all of the minions (me included) have to get our information the same way as
everybody else...the internet. So this makes it extremely difficult to be able to exploit any kind of advantage.
As strange it sounds, when it comes to injuries, you almost have to go off gut instinct. Knowing the key positions on the
field, court, or ice and who are the backups is extremely important knowledge to have or at least have access too. So with that being said, here are my favorite sports betting research websites when it comes to injury information.
Game Analysis and Match-ups - see above.
Sports Insights - see above.
Show Me The Odds - see above.
Rotowire - A fantastic source for sports information. It's geared towards
the fantasy player but is amazing at breaking injury news plus letting you know how it'll effect the team.
Google News - Whatever information your looking for, Google news
will search over 25,000 news sources in a matter of seconds. By far the best search for finding local news and information on any team.
General Sports Betting Research Websites
Now that I've given some examples of what I'm looking for when it comes to key numbers and injuries, I'll list the rest of my favorite sports betting research websites below.
Game Analysis and Match-ups - see above.
Covers - A great website and even better forum for sports betting
information and research. Although with any forum, you always have to filter through what's fact and fiction.
Sportsbook Review - Another well known website that offers a wealth of information (including one of the best forums I've ever seen) covering how to choose a sportsbook, sports investing strategy, and just about anything else that has to do with sports gambling.
Scores and Odds - When you're looking for up to date (not quite
real time) scores and odds (as the names says), this is a great site. They provide good information and odds on just about anything you're looking for.
Sportinglife - This is a fantastic site when you're looking for soccer, tennis, and golf information. They have a lot of good articles and betting information that are always up to date.
Vegasinsider - One of the biggest and most comprehensive sports betting sites around, Vegasinsider still does a good job. They cover a lot of data and provide some interesting sports betting articles.
Although the list could go on and on and on and on (you get the point), I find myself using these the most frequently. If
there's any sports betting research websites that you recommend, just shoot me an email and I'll take a look. Once again, best of luck with all of your sports betting endeavors.
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