Why You Shouldn’t Buy Picks from Touts or Scamdicappers: Smart Betting Strategies for Beginners

Smart Betting Strategies for New Bettors: What You’ll learn

• Understanding Handicappers vs. Scamdicappers: Learn the difference between legitimate handicappers who provide insights based on expertise and scamdicappers who misrepresent their success to sell picks.

• The Dangers of Buying Picks: Discover the significant risks associated with purchasing betting picks from touts, including unverified performance claims and the likelihood of falling victim to manipulative practices.

• Financial Impact of Membership Costs: Understand how the cost of purchasing picks can lead to net losses, even if a handicapper claims to have a winning track record.

• Challenges of Timely Betting: Recognize the difficulties of acting quickly on picks, including the potential for missed betting lines, which can diminish winning opportunities.

• Empowering Your Betting Journey: Discover the importance of developing your own betting strategies and skills, which can lead to more informed decisions and long-term success, instead of relying on external sources.

Almost all new bettors enter the sports betting scene with lofty and unrealistic expectations. Often, these bettors start off as passionate sports fans who have spent years following games, players, and teams. This familiarity leads them to believe that their knowledge will seamlessly translate into successful betting. However, the transition from being a fan to a successful bettor is not as straightforward as it seems.

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The Illusion of Easy Wins in Sports Betting

New bettors quickly learn that knowing sports intimately doesn’t guarantee success on the betting front. You can possess extensive experience and knowledge of the game, but that alone won’t ensure a higher win rate. In fact, being a fan can lead to built-in biases, causing you to make poor betting choices based on emotion rather than data.

As they dive into betting, many newcomers realize that oddsmakers set sharp lines designed to challenge bettors, and they must also contend with the inherent risks of bad beats and random outcomes.

The realization can be disheartening, but even if they struggle, the thrill of “sweating” a game keeps them engaged. Eventually, some may consider the idea of buying picks from a so-called winning handicapper.

Handicappers vs. Scamdicappers: Understanding the Difference

In sports betting lingo, a handicapper analyzes matchups, dissects data, and makes educated predictions about outcomes. Some handicappers are honest, successful, and possess decades of experience, while most touts—often referred to as “scamdicappers”—operate under less scrupulous methods.

These scamdicappers make grand claims of guaranteed winners or “5-star locks,” appealing to inexperienced bettors. However, there is no accreditation process for becoming a handicapper; anyone can claim to be one and fabricate stories of success. Unlike licensed professionals, scamdicappers rely on flashy marketing and empty promises to attract customers.

Why Touts Cannot Be Trusted

One of the major issues with touts is their unverified performance. They can boast about winning at an impressive 75% rate or highlight their last fifteen picks as 14-1 without any proof. Their primary aim is to attract as many unsuspecting bettors as possible, making money off sold picks.

These touts often engage in “doublesiding,” where they offer opposing picks to different clients. For example, if the 49ers are a 3-point favorite against the Cardinals, a tout might sell the 49ers to half their customers while informing the other half to back the Cardinals. This approach ensures a split win rate, allowing them to keep clients regardless of the outcome.

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The Practical Challenges of Buying Picks

While a small minority of handicappers may turn a profit, buying picks often leads to losses for bettors. The first major hurdle is the cost of memberships. If picks cost 300 for the footballs season, even a winning season yielding 200 leaves the bettor short due to the initial investment.

Additionally, timely communication is crucial. If a bettor receives a pick while out at dinner or distracted elsewhere, they might miss the optimal betting line. For instance, if the handicapper sends out “Chiefs -2.5” and the bettor waits to act, the number might shift to -3 or even -3.5, leaving them with a less favorable betting situation.

Learn to Bet on Yourself

In the end, many new bettors find themselves driven to buy picks in a bid for an easy win. However, the reality is that most handicappers who sell picks are often untrustworthy. Even if you encounter a reliable handicapper, it’s likely challenging to offset the cost of the picks or secure the best line before it moves.

While this might be hard for new bettors to accept, the truth is that successful betting takes effort and skill. Instead of relying on outside sources, focus on developing your betting strategies. Learning to track the market, monitor line movements, analyze bet splits, and approach betting with discipline can lead to long-term improvements.

By adhering to these strategies and avoiding the pitfalls of touts and scamdicappers, you will put yourself on the path to transforming sports betting from a hobby into a potential investment. Embrace the learning experience, remain committed to improving your skills, and take control of your betting journey.

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