Blog
Sports betting guides
Clear answers to common sports betting questions, with the math worked out in every guide. Written by the Match Tail team.
How to read American betting odds
Plus odds show the profit on a hundred-dollar stake; minus odds show what you stake to win a hundred. Here is how to work out payouts and implied probability.
By the Match Tail team ·
Moneyline vs spread vs total: which bet to make
A moneyline bets on who wins, a spread bets on the winning margin, and a total bets on combined points. Here is how each one pays and when each one fits.
By the Match Tail team ·
Bankroll management and betting units explained
Bankroll management means setting aside betting money and staking a small, fixed share of it on each bet. Here is how units, flat and percentage staking work.
By the Match Tail team ·
Expected value (EV) in sports betting explained
A bet has positive expected value when its real chance of winning beats the chance its odds imply. Here is how to calculate EV and strip out the vig.
By the Match Tail team ·
Parlay odds math: why parlays usually lose
Parlays usually lose because every leg has to win and the sportsbook margin multiplies with each leg you add. Here is the parlay math, with worked examples.
By the Match Tail team ·
Copy betting: what it is and how to tail picks
Copy betting means placing the same bets as another bettor, at close to the same odds, with stakes sized to your own bankroll. Here is how to tail picks well.
By the Match Tail team ·