Are you a sports bettor?
Everyone has called themselves a sports bettor at some point in time. However, the reality is a lot of people just bet on sports, they’re not actually sports bettors and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. I know what you’re thinking, what the hell is the difference between the two? Sports bettors are those that consistently turn a profit by whatever means necessary whereas those who bet on sports treat the hobby more as recreation (like most of us do golf). This isn’t a cut and dry distinction but to help alleviate your concerns I’ve created a quiz; depending on what you score, the answers will be crystal clear.
If you answer yes to any of these questions, give yourself 1 point unless otherwise noted.
Do you place more than 75% of your bets before the scheduled day of the game (yes, this includes baseball)?
Can you quantify your edge before making a bet?
Is keeping records to the penny something you see as essential to long term success?
Do you recall your single biggest win and the teams it involved?
Do the list of bad beats outnumber the herculean comebacks (at least as far as you’re concerned)?
Do you constantly seek new books (outs) to give yourself more shopping opportunities?
Do you own multiple cell phones or batteries to make sure you always have a line of communication?
Do the release of college football annuals and the Blue Ribbon Yearbook college basketball annual qualify as unofficial holidays for you?
Do you let gambling dictate your social calendar?
Do you deem betting on football more important than seeing your girlfriend (or boyfriend) from September to February?
Have you denounced your favorite team because they’re historically bad against the spread?
Do you call those that bet snooker, darts, WNBA, Challenger Tennis, or Mexican baseball degenerates? If yes, subtract 1 point
Do you use anything but a wallet for your cash? (money Clip, rubber band, gangster roll, etc)
Do you believe the only socially acceptable spot to place bets is Las Vegas? If yes, subtract 1 point
Have you picked up an envelope of cash in a back alley, via FedEx, deli parking lot, or strip club? Add 1 pt for each yes
0-4: You haven’t made betting sports a priority. It’s quite alright, there’s more to life than covering the number.
5-9: You enjoy a good bet on the weekends, most likely NFL. Gambling gets your attention but you want to bet what’s convenient, not what gives you the best opportunity for profit
10-13: The potential is there for you to turn the corner into a more serious sports investor because you’re willing to make sacrifices.
14+: When it comes to relying on betting as a source of income, there’s a price to be paid and you’re doing it. Hopefully you’ve found an edge that works because if you’re giving up your life to chase bad money with good, there are phone numbers you can call.
There you have it, a quick and easy test to determine if you really are a sports bettor. Becoming a consistent winner takes hard work and let it be said the grind isn’t for everyone.
