What are Sharp and Square Bettors?

Not all bettors are created equal. There are two types of bettors in this world: sharp bettors and square bettors. In this article, we’ll define what a sharp bettor is, provide examples of the types of bets they may place, and explain the difference between a sharp and a square bettor.

What is a Sharp Bettor?

A sharp bettor is a professional or experienced sports bettor who uses various strategies to find value in the betting markets. They are often referred to as "sharps" or "wise guys" in the sports betting world. These bettors invest a lot of time and effort into analyzing data, statistics, and trends to make informed decisions when placing bets.

Sharp bettors are known for their ability to find discrepancies in the betting lines offered by sportsbooks. They use their knowledge of the sports they are betting on, as well as their understanding of betting odds and probabilities, to identify when a line is off. Sometimes, when a sharp bettor spots a mistake in a line, they will place a bet that they believe offers value.

Think of a sharp bettor as someone who's experienced, understands how a bookmaker will think when setting lines, exercise restraint in their bets, use a unit system to regulate their bets, tracks all of their bets and understands that sports betting isn't about your favorite teams, it's a business much like sotck market.

Examples of Bets Placed by Sharp Bettors

Sharp bettors place a wide variety of bets, including straight bets, parlays, teasers, and futures bets. Let's take a closer look at each of these bet types.

Straight Bets

A straight bet is a wager on a single outcome of a game or event. For example, a sharp bettor may place a straight bet on the point spread of an NBA game, picking the team they believe will cover the spread.

Parlays

A parlay bet is a wager on two or more outcomes in which all of the bets must be correct to win. Sharp bettors often use parlays to increase their potential payout while still maintaining a high level of accuracy. For example, a sharp bettor may place a parlay bet on the moneyline of three NFL games, picking the teams they believe will win outright.

Teasers

A teaser bet is a type of parlay that allows the bettor to adjust the point spread or totals line in their favor. For example, a sharp bettor may place a two-team teaser on the point spread of two NBA games, adjusting the point spread in their favor by six points.

Futures Bets: A futures bet is a wager on a future event, such as the winner of a championship or the total number of wins a team will have during a season. Sharp bettors often use their knowledge of a particular sport to identify teams or players that may be undervalued by the sportsbooks. For example, a sharp bettor may place a futures bet on a team to win the World Series at the beginning of the baseball season, picking a team that they believe has a good chance of winning but may be undervalued by the sportsbooks.

Difference Between a Sharp Bettor and a Square Bettor

While sharp bettors are known for their analytical approach and ability to find value in the betting markets, square bettors are often characterized as inexperienced or recreational bettors who place bets based on emotion or hunches. Square bettors may not have the same level of knowledge or understanding of the sports they are betting on as sharp bettors, and may be more likely to place bets on popular teams or players without considering the odds or probabilities.

Square bettors often place bets on the favorites or the teams that are expected to win, which can result in them overpaying for their bets. For example, if a popular NFL team is favored by 10 points, square bettors may be more likely to place a bet on that team even if the point spread is too high or too low.

On the other hand, sharp bettors are more focused on finding value in the betting markets. They use a variety of strategies and tools to identify when the odds are in their favor and when the sportsbooks have made a mistake in setting the lines. Sharp bettors may also take advantage of public perception and bet against popular teams that are overvalued by the sportsbooks.

Sharp bettors also tend to have a long-term approach to sports betting. They understand that winning at sports betting is not about getting lucky on a single bet, but about making consistent, informed decisions over time. Sharp bettors often have a well-defined strategy, set clear goals and limits, and manage their bankroll carefully to ensure that they can withstand any short-term losses and maximize their long-term profits.

Another key difference between sharp and square bettors is the amount of money they bet. Square bettors may place small bets on a variety of games or events, often risking no more than a few dollars per bet. Sharp bettors, on the other hand, are often more confident in their picks and may place larger bets on fewer games or events. They may also use betting syndicates or groups to pool their resources and make larger bets.

While square bettors may be more focused on the excitement and entertainment of sports betting, sharp bettors are driven by the desire to make a profit by finding value in the betting markets. They use their knowledge, experience, and analytical skills to identify opportunities and make informed decisions, and are often more successful over the long-term as a result.

Sports betting can be a fun and exciting activity, but it's important to understand the differences between sharp bettors and square bettors.

While square bettors may be more focused on the thrill of the bet and may be more likely to make decisions based on emotion, sharp bettors take a more analytical approach and focus on finding value in the betting markets. By understanding these differences and learning from the strategies and techniques used by sharp bettors, new sports bettors can improve their chances of success and make more informed decisions when placing their bets.

How Do I Win a Bet Every Time?

In sports betting, it is impossible to win every bet every time. This is because sports betting is inherently unpredictable and influenced by a wide range of factors that are beyond the control of the bettor. Even the most experienced and knowledgeable bettors can experience losing streaks or make mistakes when placing bets. In addition, sportsbooks set odds and lines to ensure that they make a profit over the long-term, meaning that even if a bettor makes all the right decisions, they may still lose some bets due to the vig or commission charged by the sportsbook. It's important for bettors to focus on making informed decisions, managing their bankroll effectively, and taking a long-term approach to sports betting.

1. For this, you need to realize that the favorite is not always supposed to win. 

2. One should not stick to one bookmaker and shop around in the market. 

3. It will be better for you if you keep your selections to a minimum. 

4. Don't get lured by the temptation of odds on prices. 

5. Do not only focus on the major markets and consider the minor ones also. 

6. Grasp the complete know-how of the betting markets. 

7. Bet with a clear and open mind, not with your heart.

8. Be choosy concerning your movement.

Can Recreational Players Follow Pro Bettors? 

Due to the undetectable nature of the plays, following sharp bettors is not an easy task. But the recreational bettors find it easy to follow sharp sports betting as the line moves at sportsbooks accepting pro players. Recreational players need to follow a solid research path and practice proper bankroll management to rise above the average square crowd. Both things are imperative to attain long-term success in betting. 

Final Say 

You are in good company if you feel like you’ll never reach sharp status. But the reality is that most people who bet on sports will remain a square throughout their gambling squares career. 

Lastly, there is no point in thinking that it is not possible to make money without a complex betting system or devoting hours to research every aspect of an upcoming game.