There is one single word in the English language that can explain a whole lot about what is necessary to be successful in betting on baseball: discipline. In all forms of sports betting this is important, but in baseball betting it is even more vital. Any experienced bettor will tell you; there is no “easy money” to be made. The oddsmakers are smart people, and the sportsbooks typically make money hand over fist because most bettors can’t stay disciplined. The baseball season, as well as betting on baseball, is a marathon that must be won over the long run.

Realize that baseball goes on for about seven full months, and for the majority of those days there are 15 games from which to choose. Most of the best sportsbooks, including those recommended sportsbooks along the left sidebar on the Doc’s Sports home page, have numerous betting options for each game. If you really wanted to, there is no doubt that you could make 25 wagers or more in one night. Some may think this is wise, but in reality, there is just no way this is a winning strategy. The thought should always be to make sure you are only betting on those games that you feel the most comfortable about; all of the rest should be left alone. Minimize the number of wagers you make on a daily basis, and you’ll be off to a good start.

Bankroll management is a huge key to being successful in betting on baseball. Everyone is going to have winning and losing streaks, but those who manage their money well have the best chance of coming out ahead. Many amateur baseball bettors like to “chase” after they have been losing for quite some time. The thought behind this is that they are due for a win, so they should up the ante and make it a big play. This is a terrible idea that will get you into trouble quickly. An important point to remember is the percentage of your bankroll you should put onto one wager. A solid measure to go by is to make sure you always keep your amount per bet at no more than two percent of your overall bankroll. This means if you have a bankroll of $2,000, you should limit your amount per wager to no more than $40. That may sound silly to some of you who think you are baseball geniuses, but if you are serious about winning, you need to make this a long-term proposition.

Since the baseball season is so long and drawn out, you’d be wise to avoid laying big cash on money line favorites. Time has proven that to be a losing strategy. It’s easy to think you’ll be the next millionaire by betting on Tim Lincecum or Roy Halladay every time they take the mound, but there are so many factors involved. The oddsmakers consistently set MLB lines at a point where those terrific pitchers are often no longer a value play. Some underdog systems have been successful over the years, although in the end, it will always come down to finding your spots and finding a solid price.

Setting some basic ground rules and goals for betting on baseball, is pivotal to making it work. Baseball is a very different sport than football and many other major sports, so the rules you follow must be different. Keep in mind that in a marathon those who are steady and persistent will do well. It’s possible to win betting on baseball, but you’ll have to have a long-term perspective and a whole lot of discipline.