Sportsbook 201: When Betting on Underdogs is Good

Risk takers and smart sports bettors love to bet on the underdog. A bet on the underdog goes against the grain; in a way, it’s an act of rebellion. If you want to separate yourself from the majority of recreational bettors, take a page from the ‘sharps’ who believe that betting on underdogs can be a great thing — especially if there is value to be found on more than one game scheduled to be played that day or week.

Where did the betting term ‘underdog’ originate?

According to Wikipedia, the first uses of the term occurred in the latter half of the 19th century, its first meaning was “the beaten dog in a fight.” Now, “underdog” is a person or group in a competition, usually in sports who is popularly expected to lose.

With respect to football, Sunday and Monday night games are the two highest-volume games for sportsbooks like Top Bet. And to add to the betting excitement, for those games that are nationally televised with an even greater number of sports bettors getting in on the action, the thinking is that oddsmakers will usually add points to the favorite and the Over, since those are the sides that the public tends to wager on. (Note to Self: This is another great reason when betting on underdogs is good.)

“You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Wayne Gretzky)

Betting on the underdog is not a popular betting philosophy because of its counterintuitive nature. But there’s more to this strategy than meets the eye. For example, let’s say Week 3 is in the books and the underdogs have torn the NFL betting lines to shreds, going 11-5 against the spread (ATS) including an incredible 8-1 ATS by road dogs. Hindsight is 20/20, but if you had the gumption to bet on the underdogs that week, you would be giving yourself a big pat on the back on the back right about now.

“I’ve always been seen as the underdog in everything I’ve ever done in my life, and it doesn’t bother me in the slightest. The lessons have just made me stronger.” (Victor Ortiz)

You have to keep on your toes when you’re betting on sports. Things will change from week to week, like the underdogs improving their ATS record midseason after getting off to a brutal start. Things can even change from day to day, which forces you to stay on top of your favorite news feeds and Twitter accounts. Top Bet Sportsbook has an NFL betting tool that you may also find useful; loaded with game-day information such as matchup and injury reports, betting trends and more — if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll reap the rewards.

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