Think Like a Sports Bettor and Learn How to Analyze Races
Racing is a rush like no other. For the talented few who get to do it professionally, there’s almost no better feeling. For those who watch from the stands, it can be just as enthralling. A close race where two riders are jostling for position. A masterful performance by a dominant rider. An unexpected turn of events. Any race can be exciting, and, in almost every instance, it doesn’t matter what the vehicle is. It could be an F1 car, a superbike, a rally car or, of course, a dirt bike. Basically, you can get almost as much enjoyment from racing as riders do, even if you’re a spectator. In fact, you can get an even greater connection with a race by investing in it and having a stake on the outcome.
This combination of sport and prize money has turned betting into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Statista data shows that the global sports betting market was worth more than $218 billion in 2021. Supercross and other racing sports are tied up in this industry, which means you’ve got options galore if you want to add something extra to your viewing experience. Of course, betting on a race isn’t necessary. However, the process of weighing up a bet can help you get a better perspective on the action. In other words, bettors are like analysts. They assess a variety of variables so they can make what they believe are accurate predictions. Therefore, even if you don’t actually make a bet, you can still get something out of thinking like a bettor.
Investing in a Race
Indeed, the more insight you have into a race, the more you’ll appreciate its subtle nuances. For example, if you know Rider A is particularly adept at winning on a certain course, you’ll understand that a victory for Rider B (not so skilled on the same course) is all the more impressive. By noticing the small details, you’ll have a better connection with the race and, in turn, become more involved in it. Essentially, you’re turning yourself into an active fan. With intimate knowledge of the race and those involved, you don’t have to be a passive spectator. You can anticipate what’s going to happen, spot small maneuvers and much more.
If that’s the case, how do sports bettors assess a race? What variables do they look at before wagering money on the outcome? Moreover, what can you do to get a better insight into the supercross races? The first variable is riders. Who is competing in the race and what’s their recent form been like? For example, we know that Steward Baylor of AmPro Yamaha and Josh Strang of Kawasaki Team Green are top riders. The two are often sparring with each other in big races, so we know they’d be good people to bet on.
That’s the easy part. From there, you need to start comparing results. This process of comparing like-for-like is common in the sports betting world. SBO features over 275 independent bookmaker reviews. As well as looking at popular brands such as 888sport and LVBet in isolation, the reviewers make comparisons. This could be bonus vs. bonus, odds comparisons, or the software each site uses. Whatever the focus, SBO’s platform makes comparisons so you can find what works for you.
Context and Comparisons Are Crucial
The same is true when you’re comparing riders. How does Baylor compare to Strang on tight corners? Is Strang better in wet conditions? Does Baylor handle jumps better? These types of questions are crucial because they take you beyond the standard “X is better than Y”. Looking at recent results is important. However, without context, they’re almost meaningless. Let’s say Baylor has won 5/5 races. What were the conditions? Was Strang in the race? Was the weather in his favor? Did everyone else crash? Establishing the context and making comparisons is a core skill that all sports bettors learn early on and it is one you can use to assess a race.
The same is true for bikes, the venue and the day’s racing conditions. For example, top-tier Supercross racing team AmPro Yamaha may have won five races in a row but run into mechanical issues. This is where research comes in. You have to be tuned into what’s happening in the sport. AmPro Yamaha could be the best overall team but a spate of technical issues could render them useless. You need to know this if you’re going to bet on a race.
The same is true when you look at the venue and racing conditions. Rain may have damaged part of the track. Something like this could dramatically alter the outcome. That’s why you need to engage with the sport at all times. Don’t just tune in on the day and watch. Immerse yourself in everything supercross has to offer. Doing that will not only make you a better sports bettor but make the sport more entertaining on every level.