Investing behavior is a popular topic among financial experts and economists trying to learn how and why investors and markets behave the way they do. Many of their discoveries and conclusions will be only as applicable to punters wagering on betting exchanges because they are to brokers and traders dealing on the financial markets. The real difference is the fact that many brokers and traders are operating with other folks money, meaning that they will exercise strict discipline because they are liable to their clients. On the contrary, the independent punter can be only using his own money and has few restrictions on the he can do with it.
System discipline refers to fighting the temptation chase every seemingly good bet in favor of sticking to a system which has been tested and shown to become successful. Most successful systems advise the bettor to have a fixed amount of cash with which to bet (typically referred to as a “betting bank”); require that some manner of analysis or review accompany each bet; and dictate specific amounts, percentages, or odds. These types of systems only work if the punter follows them perfectly, as adding variation changes the equations upon which the system is based. Even so, since most beneficial systems only provide small but steady profits, many punters become overconfident, impatient, or greedy and begin discarding elements of their system. The result tends to be betting without having a proven system and usually means the exact same hit and miss ratio as any random gambler.
The entire concept of system discipline is fundamentally counter intuitive to an average punter. Of course, he wagering on the outcome of an event that has not been determined yet. Even so, sport betting isn’t like casino gambling where the outcome is totally random; instead, research and experimentation can – and does – cause the creation of systems that may radically enhance the chance of winning. With that being said, these systems are just as good as the punter will be at employing them. Failing to be consistent, chasing after non-system bets that seem reasonable, and betting beyond one’s means all cause removing any advantage that a well thought out system may offer.
Once a betting system has been developed and proven, maintaining system discipline is the primary factor necessary to maintain steady winnings. Any and all variation from that system changes the exact amount of money won or lost, rendering the outcome derived exclusively from the system moot. Random betting on sports is a fool’s game because with a little time and energy the punter can do much better.
The professional online gambling agency punter knows and understands that system discipline will be the key to success. Using his system consistently, patiently analyzing each bet prior to making, refusing to get too greedy and accepting many small payouts over a number of large ones are generally signs of a serious bettor that intends to make money. While anybody can get caught up in the excitement of wagering and clever bookmakers constantly make offers that appear great, the professional with a proven system knows better.