Sports betting is an exciting and lucrative industry but it's not without its risks. Vinny Guarino, a sports bettor, learned this the hard way when he placed a $50 bet on BetMGM Sportsbook that the exact final score of the game between the Nashville Predators and the Boston Bruins would be 2-0. With 1:19 left in the game, the Predators scored, giving Guarino seemingly a win. However, Bruins forward David Pastrnak scored a goal with.3 seconds left, making the final score 2-1 and breaking Guarino's heart. Guarino had hoped to win $4,000, as the bet was +8000 but instead he learned a lesson to not celebrate too early.
The MLB has recently implemented several rule changes for the season of 2023, including changes to extra-innings, stolen base attempts, and balls that hit through the middle. These changes are expected to lead to more runs with bettors likely to bet on the over. Bookmakers are aware of this, however and are preparing to adjust the totals accordingly. Christian Cipollini, the sports trader at BetMGM, stated that the bookies will monitor the changes closely and may adjust the totals to protect themselves. Despite the rule changes, Action Network MLB expert Sean Zerillo noted that there is nothing to suggest that the run scoring environment should increase significantly.
Many people believe that buying picks from Touts is a great way to make a quick buck, but this is almost always a poor investment. Five Star Sports Picks is a company that provides wagering recommendations to paid subscribers, claiming their handicappers got more than 70 percent of their picks directly on the NFL and college football this season. However, it is difficult to verify a gambler’s claimed winnings. Edward Golden's company, Right Angle Sports, is one of the few services whose picks consistently win according to industry insiders. However, to outsmart betting markets year after year and come ahead after paying for picks, a bettor wagering at even odds must win at least 52.38 percent of the time. *
Touts are found on social media platforms with no oversight to protect customers. Many Touts don't publicly chart their picks, while others scrub losses from their record keeping or smudgle the odds against which they were betting. Peter Jennings, a board member of the gambling advice site Unabated, recommends keeping an eye out for Touts who don't specify what lines and odds are worth betting, or who release picks at odd hours. Steve Maltepes, who calls himself “The Philly Godfather,” works with a group of Touts who charge for picks, with a “VIP plan” costing $800 per month. According to Edward Golden, however, the amount of deception in the field is "worse than ever".
Sports betting can be a risky endeavor and it is important to remember that the house always wins in the end. While the MLB's rules changes may make it easier to hit the over, there is no guarantee that bettors will come out ahead. Additionally, buying picks from Touts is a risky endeavor, as it is difficult to verify a gambler’s claimed winnings. It is important to do your research and to make sure you are betting with reputable bookmakers and handicappers.