There are many different betting strategies that punters can use to make the best bets and increase their winning potential. Some are simple while others can be very complex. Betting strategy requires patience and research, but putting in the time can be worth it in the long run. While it is tempting to bet on hunches or flyers moments before a game, doing your homework will always pay off. Look at the stats, injuries, and other information that could affect a team. There are plenty of databases out there that can help you get a head start on the competition and give you an edge when it comes to placing bets.

Another common betting strategy is called fading the public, which basically means betting opposite to the majority of bettors. The reason why this works is because sportsbooks set odds and lines based on a variety of factors, including the amount of money wagered on each side. If one side receives more action than the other, the line will move in that direction. This gives sharp bettors an opportunity to take advantage of inflated lines.

Other betting strategies include dutching, which involves placing multiple bets on the same event to create a profit or loss that is the same across all results. This is a great way to spread your risk in the betting marketplace and can be particularly effective if you’re looking to claim or trigger free bets or bonuses.