Contrarian Sports Betting

So what exactly is contrarian sports betting? Well, simply put, contrarian sports betting is a strategy that wages against the general public when placing bets on sports. It is actually a pretty popular sports betting system. Wait. What? Betting against the public’s opinion yet popular? It may sound a little crazy (unexpected maybe) but it is actually a decent way to wager on sporting events.

Why? Well, the general public can be swayed in a majority of ways. Media hype. A very active fan base betting with a homer-like influence. Is the match-up being nationally televised? When swayed, a great number of casual and novice bettors tend to overreact and wager on the teams being overly pumped up. When this happens, when the public is heavily loaded on one side of the betting equation, sportsbooks will often move the spread or moneyline to try to even out the books, and that is when the contrarian bettor can wager on the opposite side of public opinion. This is also referred to as betting against the public or fading the public.

Example of a Contrarian Bet

Let’s say the Pond City Bluegills with all their hype are playing against the River Bank Gators. We find that 85% of the bets are going to the Bluegills. This is an indication that sports betting marketplace is overvaluing the Bluegills and undervaluing the Gators. This may also cause the sportsbooks to move the lines in an attempt to get more action for the Gators. A contrarian sports bettor will then consider wagering on the Gators, against the public, and with better odds or a better valued moneyline.

In Summary

Just like with the Pythagorean Theorem and arbitrage wagering, contrarian sports betting is a way professional sports handicappers have made money betting on sporting events. Obviously, there are risks involved with any sports betting strategy. After all, the goal is to make money and not lose it. Good money management skills and back testing are both necessary. But a contrarian wagering strategy is worth checking out.

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