Many a youth today, especially those from low-income backgrounds, have committed themselves to sports betting to a worrying extent. While the government has introduced higher tax to discourage the practice, proliferation of betting companies in Kenya points to the fact that betting is not waning any time soon. This begs the question, is it as evil as critics point it to be? Can one turn it into a lucrative pastime? The answer to both questions is yes and no. Let’s explore why;

The Promise of Quick Riches

Nothing drives a man to desperate actions as the promise to quick riches. Anything that promises sudden riches is sure to attract the attention of even the most sceptical. Betting companies know this and have exploited it to achieve astounding success. The ability of betting companies such as Sportpesa to sponsor European big hitters like Everton Football club is testament to this.

Addiction

Addiction emanates from the desire (and hope) to win and win again. Irrespective of whether one is a perennial loser or not, the desire doesn’t wane as long the aspiration exists. Betting companies fuel this desire by parading winners in flashy motorcades and mega parties. Readily available pictures and videos of ordinary folk bagging millions has proven to be a sure way of roping in prodigal sons and daughters of betting who may have given up on the practice.

Successful Betting

Betting is a game of chance. A team with the least probability of winning can emerge victorious, while a team with a high probability of emerging victorious can very well lose. Nonetheless, having a deep knowledge of the game and rivals’ performance can better one’s chances of winning. All that matters is patience. What regular winners will not tell you is that you need to refrain from betting on leagues you have little or no experience in. It is like shooting in the dark and expecting to hit a target.

Successful investment in soccer betting goes beyond the looking at picking favourable odds and placing your stake. You need to have an extensive background knowledge of competing teams. This includes things such as availability of star players, squad depth, fatigue, ijuries, home ground advantage, and player/manager ins or outs. While this may not necessarily guarantee hitting the jackpot, it ensures you make a pick with higher chances of success.

What Losers Do

As aforementioned, patience is key. Only pick matches where the highest probability of success is guaranteed. Should the outcomes be unfavourable, don’t go on a betting frenzy to recover your lost stake; you’ll end up losing more because the only thing driving you is rage, not sound judgement. The same applies to when you have bagged a windfall; excitement might mislead you to think you’re the next Abisai and you may end up losing the entire winnings due to poor choices.

Lastly, don’t bet using money you can’t afford to lose, unless you want to send yourself to an early grave. Refrain from using money meant for rent, school fees or even bank loans with the tired promise of paying back upon winning. Remember there’s always a chance of losing irrespective of how ‘sure’ the bet looks. You don’t have to bet every day. If matches you can easily predict are not available, log out of the betting site, roll up your sleeves and get down to work.

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