Help For Spouse of Gambler Getting Down
By Kris Lazaro (9/26/2006)
Definition
‘Getting down’ means to place a sports bet.
Types of sports bets
There are many types of sports bets available to the avid gambler. Below are the many types of bets available:
Straight bets
a. against the spread (ATS) bets
b. moneyline bets
c. over / under bets
d. action / listed pitchers (baseball only)
Parlays
e. round robins
f. regular parlays
Teasers
g. Sweetheart teasers
h. 2+ team teasers
Futures bets
Proposition bets
If bets
i. win only
j. action
Reverse bets
Some tips
Below are general tips for betting on sports.
Have a bankroll
a. bet only a percentage of the bankroll (usually no more than 5% of the bankroll)
b. follow money management skills
Ride streaks
c. increase amount of each bet when one wins
d. decrease amount of each bet when one loses
Go against the general public
Bet primarily underdogs
e. NFL underdogs on the spread are best
Never play parlays
Never bet on a game solely because it is on television
Take a break if one is losing (sometimes all it takes is a break to cool one’s head)
Summary
The term “getting down” simply means to place a bet. Sports gamblers have a plethora of choices to make when it comes to placing bets. One can place straight wagers, parlays, teasers, etc. With the advent of the internet, sports gambling has exploded in a multi-million dollar industry. Although illegal in the United States, most online sportsbooks are based offshore and are licensed in the countries where they exist.
As stated earlier, there are several tips to stay afloat in this volatile hobby. Perhaps the best advice the author wishes to give to new sports gambler is money management. If followed properly, one may withstand the ups and downs of gambling. In general, one must wager no more than 5% of one’s bankroll on any one side or total. The average bet should be around 3% of one’s bankroll. When one is on a winning streak, one may increase the amount of each bet, while when one is on a losing streak, one should decrease the amount of each bet. Another angle that is consistent and to play contrarian—meaning to play against the public and public line moves. Sportsbooks and casinos were not built on players’ winnings. Therefore, if a sports gambler were to fade general public opinion, one may end up winning (along with the sportsbooks) in the end.
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