Definition
To press means to place a larger amount of money on a wager than usual. Usually, to press also means to press one’s luck (by doubling down).
Streaks
Similar to the sports world, there are streaks in this volatile hobby of sports betting. One can go on a streak where one may feel that he, or she, cannot win a bet, stringing losses together. And, on the flip side, one can go on a streak where one may feel that he, or she, cannot lose a bet, winning every bet. Such is the situation to ‘press’. If one feels that the conditions are right, one may elect to increase one’s wager on a particular game. Keeping in mind proper money management, one may simply double up on a wager (using double units). This ‘pressing’ must have justification, such as favorable conditions for the team that the bettor is backing. There must be multiple angles to consider for a bet to qualify as a ‘press’ bet.
Money management
As stated in an earlier article, never bet more than one can afford to lose. A bankroll (the total amount of money one has to gamble with) must be respected. One must wager no more than 5% of one’s bankroll. A typical unit should be approximately 2-3% of one’s bankroll. In terms of ‘pressing’, the author recommends that the sports bettor bet no more than 5% of one’s bankroll. As stated earlier, sports gambling has streaks. If one is able to ride the ups and downs of such streaks, one will be able to show profits in the long term. Another advantage of using money management when sports betting is the ability to increase one’s unit when one wins and decrease one’s unit when one loses.
Some helpful advice
In sports betting, it can be very easy to bet more than what one can afford. After decades of gambling, the author wishes to impart some pearls of wisdom to the beginning sports gambler: follow your instincts and exercise good money management skills. If your gut tells you to not bet on a game, do not bet. If you feel you are losing, stop betting and take a break. On the flip side, if you are hot and are on a torrid winning streak, do not cut yourself short—press your bets. The most important thing to remember is to, “cut your losses and maximize your profits”.
Summary
In closing, ‘to press’ means to bet more than what one usually bets on a game.