Avoiding Trap Games in Sports Betting: A Roadmap to Success for Bettors

Getting into sports betting can be an exciting endeavor, but there's nothing wrong with admitting you can't lose. The business of making winning sports bets requires following a smart betting roadmap if you want to come out on top against the sportsbooks. Trap games are one of the most common pitfalls for bettors, but you can help avoid them with these key strategies.

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What Exactly is a Trap Game in Sports Betting?

A "trap game" refers to when a sportsbook's betting numbers tempt bettors to make bets that seem good on the surface, but end up being poor value. Sportsbooks love trap games because they trick otherwise smart sports fans into making bad decisions.

Trap games usually involve big favorites in spots where they may overlook weaker opponents. Teams can fall into this category when:

They have a marquee matchup on deck and could look ahead

Coming off an exceptionally strong performance or blowout win

Facing a chronic underdog with a poor record

The betting public often struggles to spot value in these situations and overestimates the favorite's chances to win the game. This leads to bad bets.

Why Do Bettors Often Lose Money on Trap Games?

There are a few key reasons why trap games bamboozle bettors:

Betting with the heart: Many sports fans bet on their favorite teams without looking at games objectively. But betting on your team, especially as big favorites, is a recipe for losing money.

Getting sucked in by the spread: Point spreads are set to attract action on both sides. If the spread looks too good to pass up, it's likely a trap.

Overvaluing public teams: Teams like the Cowboys, Lakers and Yankees always draw a lot of public money. But they aren't always the smart bet, especially as big chalk.

Making parlays: Trying to string together multiple favorites in parlays seems tempting. But the more teams you bet, the more likely you fall victim to a trap.

5 Ways to Avoid Trap Games When Betting on Sports

The key to avoiding traps is having a sharp betting process and X-ray vision to spot value. Here are 5 tips:

1. Have a Bankroll Strategy

Proper bankroll management is essential. Don't bet any single game with more than 1-4% of your total bankroll. This prevents overextending on traps.

2. Focus on Spotting Value

Don't concern yourself with trying to pick winners. Your goal should be finding bets with the best value. This often means betting underdogs.

3. Handicap Games Objectively

Take the names off the front of the jerseys. Analyze matchups and data points without bias.

4. Study Situational Factors

Look for red flags like scheduling quirks, injuries, bad travel spots and emotional letdowns.

5. Trust Your Process

Have a roadmap for your process and stick to it. Don't sway because of public bias.

The Key is Avoiding Emotionally-Driven Bets

At the end of the day, avoiding trap games comes down to betting with your head, not your heart. The public tends to bet favorites based on emotion and brand bias rather than math and matchups. Taking a clinical approach based on value beats betting impulsively every time.

If a line looks too good to pass up, it probably is. The best sports bettors think in terms of risk vs. reward. There's no such thing as "can't lose games." Stay disciplined in your process and you'll avoid the traps sportsbooks set.

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!