Australian Rules Football is one of the most intense, high-impact sports on the planet. AFL betting can be every bit as intense, but with a proper game plan, match day can be far more painless for bettors than it is for the players on the field.
To bet on sports successfully, preparation is always the key. Here, our experts have 7 best practices for punters at any level to follow to succeed in AFL betting. Even better, these tips will make AFL betting more fun, and nobody has to get tackled.
Thorough Research is Fundamental
The work involved in placing a winning bet comes on the front end. Just like the action among the footballers, all of that preparation behind the scenes puts punters in the best position to win.
Good bettors seek as much knowledge as they can find about the events they are betting on. This means knowing not only about the sport and the league but about the teams and players in a particular game. Recent match results, injuries, strengths and weaknesses are just a few things to scratch the surface.
Take the time to research and reap the results.
Familiarize Yourself with Odds Formats.
AFL odds are commonly presented as Decimal Odds, a popular format in Australia. These odds tell the bettor what payout they will receive per unit wagered, including the original stake. Odds at 2.50 means a $1 bet will pay $2.50.
Fractional Odds similarly represent a bettor’s profit relative to their wager. Odds of 2/1 will pay $2 for every $1 wagered.
Internationally and particularly in the U.S., Moneyline Odds are more common. These express the odds as a positive or negative value based on the potential profit for a wager. A team with -150 odds is a favourite compared to a team with +100 odds. A bet on the -150 team will pay out less than a bet on the +100 team.
Explore Different Bet Types
There are various bets to place on a single AFL game beyond picking a winner in the Match Result. These different bets can increase the action or offer some level of hedging.
Line Betting takes a point spread into account that will even the odds between the underdog and favourite. Bettors backing the favourite will find a more favourable payday by giving up a few points. If the team wins by that many points or more, the bet wins.
Over/Under bets place a line on the number of points to be scored among both clubs. If the line is 130.5 points, punters will be challenged to predict whether the total score will surpass that point total or fall below it to win the bet.
There are even more options with various prop bets, including the first goal scorer, total player points, halftime score and more.
Stay Informed on Odds Fluctuations
AFL betting odds are fluid all the way up to the ball bouncing into play. As such, it is wise to monitor the odds and be prepared to lock in bets at the right time.
Odds fluctuations can occur due to injuries as well as betting action. Oddsmakers may even come across some insider information that sways the way they feel about a match. Learning how to decipher changes in the market and understand what they mean can give a punter a leg up on the prognosticators.
Set a Realistic Budget
Deciding what a realistic budget is will look different from one person to the next. This is all about what a bettor can afford to wager and their stomach for risk. No wager should exceed the limits of a bettor regardless of how confident they are.
For conservative bettors, a unit wagered equals 1-2% of their overall bankroll. That means no bet will exceed that much. More experienced bettors may have unit values a percentage point or two higher, but that is it.
Sticking to a strict and well-thought-out budget keeps AFL betting safe and fun.
Follow AFL News
We have discussed doing your research. Do not limit this to history. Stay up-to-date with AFL news, including any announcements from the clubs like injury reports, transactions and fixture changes.
Social media channels and official team and league websites are great sources of information. There are also a number of great reporters and reputable sports news sites that deliver expert analysis.
Balance Enjoyment and Responsibility
Betting on sports can be fun and exciting. While a bettor’s overall goal may be to make a profit, it is also important to maintain some perspective. Keep the focus on enjoying it by setting realistic expectations, celebrating wins, never chasing losses and adhering to responsible betting limits. Bet wisely and have fun doing it.
Conclusion
As your venture into AFL betting progresses, a world of enthralling sports action is sure to unfold before you. If you are willing to put some time into research and keep realistic goals, it will be a fun and painless journey. The first step toward that has already been taken by following our advice. Now study up and get ready for your first, or next, AFL bet.