This can make things quite difficult, and throw a lot of doubt into your mind.

Before you place your next bet try to take the following tips into consideration.  If you follow these guidelines you are not guaranteed to win, but you will definitely increase your chances.

1. Look into which team has the momentum heading into the game. To figure this out, the only thing that you need to do is check out the past ten games that each team has played. If one team has won six games in a row, and the other has been on and off, you will want to go with the team with the most momentum.

2. Check into the history of both teams against each other.  By doing this you may find out that one team in particular has dominated the other the entire season. If it is the playoffs, you will be able to evaluate the past games in the series to figure out which team has been faring better.

3. Determine which coach is more experienced and has better credentials. If you are going to place a bet on a game in this years NBA playoffs, look at which coach has a better chance of leading their team to victory. For example, Miami Heat Head Coach Pat Riley has many years of experience in the NBA. He has won hundreds of games, and numerous titles.  You will be hard pressed to find another coach in the league with the experience and skills of Riley. This is something that should be factored into your overall decision.

4. Even though home court or home field advantage does not necessarily mean anything, it is always something that you should take into consideration. Remember, the home team will have their fans behind them, as well as the comfort of playing in their own environment.  In addition, the home team will be more well rested because they did not have to travel and stay in hotels.

5. Picking the team that has the most star power will also allow you to make a good decision. You can find this information out by simply checking out statistics, or looking over the roster for a name that stands out. There are not too many people that would have ever bet against Michael Jordan. The same thing holds true for a baseball team with a dominant pitcher or a football team with the better quarterback.

6. Look at which team has the most experience and depth. In other words, if you are going to place a bet on an NBA playoff game consider the team that has the most experience. This is important because these players know what to expect, and how to handle any situation that may arise. If they are playoff tested, there is a better chance that they will respond to adversity in a positive manner.

Depth is also important in every sport because there are always unforeseen incidents that can arise. What if a dominant pitcher gets hurt?  Will the team have enough depth to make up for this? If somebody fouls out of a basketball game in the third quarter, will the bench players be able to pick up the slack? This is one area that a lot of people overlook, but it can go a long way in increasing your odds for success.

Overall, betting on sports is a gamble. There are times when you think that you have a sure bet, and then lose; but on the other side, there are times when you will win when you have no right to. By following the tips above, you will give yourself the best chance of winning the next bet that you place on a sporting event.

© Copyright 2005 John Patrick's material. It may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.