+EV opportunities in sportsbetting?

[Sandwich]

I'm very new to Sportsbetting, having just opened up an online account.

Sorry for the total newbie question, but I'm wondering if there are truly +EV betting opportunities in Sportbetting?

(+EV in the same sense that poker can be a +EV game under the right table conditions)...

If so, how does one find them? and what strategies or methods can one employ to take advantage of these +EV opportunities?

Thanks.

[Daliman]

OK, before eveyone jumps on you, I'll be succint in an answer.

Of course, and read alot here. The second part of your Q has alot more going for it.

[Sandwich]

"read alot here"

ummm.... thanks.... I have been reading, and quite frankly haven't found much aside from discussion of particular sports picks. I'm SURE it's because I'm reading the wrong threads or looking in the wrong place, so if you (or anyone for that matter) could be so kind as to provide me some specific links to posts or suggestions for searches, that would be greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately, "read alot here" -- while probably great advice over the long haul -- doesn't seem to be pointing me in the right direction as to how to go about finding an answer to my specific questions.

Thanks!

[whipsaw]

[ QUOTE ]
discussion of particular sports picks

[/ QUOTE ]

Is there some other way to go +EV in sports that I don't know about? You research games, and find lines that appear off where you might have an edge. It's just good old fashioned research and hard work. The discussions on here are at times a shortcut for some of that research, because sometimes people are nice enough to share their knowledge with the rest of us. I think Daliman answered your questions precisely. He was also a hell of a lot nicer about it than most would have been. No need to take a tone.

Not sure what kind of answers you are expecting with your generic, "hey I'm too lazy to do the work myself, so I just want someone who has put a lot of time into this stuff to summarize everything in a few sentences" post. You are basically saying to everyone "hey don't reply to my post."
But since I am feeling generous, here's a reply. Yes there are +EV situations in sports betting, but as with anything in life, someone can't just tell you how to identify them. It comes with experience, discussion, research, watching the games, and getting a general feel for the games. As a poker player, you of all people should know that. If you want advice, I would say the best way to learn is to just start making wagers on games. Start out small and increase your betting unit as you get more comfortable.

[sublime]

ummm.... thanks.... I have been reading, and quite frankly haven't found much aside from discussion of particular sports picks.

For reading this one sentance I will say you have a better shot than the majority of people on here of making money.

[Sandwich]

Well, thanks guys for the answers you gave me.... If I'm understanding correctly, it's pretty much 'learn by doing'... do the research, watch the games, make the wagers.

Disappointing, really. I was (naively?) hoping that there were specific strategies or situations that were +EV (in the mathematical sense).... i.e., ways to beat the vig on a consistent basis.

Knowing very little about how parimutuel and sportsbooks operate, off the top of my head, I'm thinking of things like situations where a 'fan favorite' or a 'big bettor' will push a line one direction... identifying those situations and betting in the other direction.... wondering if there are systems or strategies for such techniques....
or other techniques and strategies... bets to avoid, bascially, bets to maximize +EV.

Or is it really all just WATCH SPORTS and RESEARCH?
(and if so... watch WHAT and research WHAT?)


((again, sorry if my question or my "tone" offends...))

[Sandwich]

Or even another idea... line shopping.... Is there a way to make that a +EV strategy?

[ QUOTE ]
Or even another idea... line shopping.... Is there a way to make that a +EV strategy?

[/ QUOTE ]

Huh? Line shopping is where +ev comes from.

[Sandwich]

Ok.... How so?

Thanks!