Sports

Best Sports to Bet On | A Statistical Analysis

which sports are the best to bet on

Best Sports to Bet On | A Statistical Analysis

Using a concept called score fidelity, the best sports to bet on are basketball, while the worst sports to bet on are hockey and soccer. This also depends on various factors such as your knowledge of the sport, the level of risk you’re willing to take, and the type of bet you prefer to place.

 

Popular sports for betting include football (American football and soccer), basketball, baseball, hockey, horse racing, and boxing/MMA. These sports typically have a large following and offer many opportunities for betting, both in terms of the number of events and the types of bets that can be placed.

If you have a good understanding of a particular sport, you may be better positioned to make informed betting decisions, which could increase your chances of success. On the other hand, if you’re willing to take on more risk, you may consider betting on less popular sports or events where the outcome is less predictable.

It’s important to remember that betting is a form of gambling and it carries a level of risk. Before placing a bet, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations of betting and to only bet what you can afford to lose.

What is Score Fidelity?

Fidelity means the degree of exactness with which something is copied or reproduced. When we apply this term to sports, it refers to how repeatable a given sport is based on the scoring mechanism used. This term was created at Leans.AI to determine which sports are the best to bet on, and which are the worst.

Sport Total Min Scoring Event Max Scoring Event Min Score Fidelity Max Score Fidelity Avg. Score Fidelity
NBA 225 1 3 0.4% 1.3% 0.9%
NCAAB 145 1 3 0.7% 2.1% 1.4%
NCAAF 55 2 6 3.6% 10.9% 7.3%
NFL 45 2 6 4.4% 13.3% 8.9%
NHL 6 1 1 16.7% 16.7% 16.7%
MLB 8 1 4 12.5% 50.0% 31.3%
MLS/EPL 3 1 1 33.3% 33.3% 33.3%

Professional basketball might have 225 points scored in a given game, with a scoring mechanism of 1-3 points, this means a 0.44% – 1.33% score fidelity, or a 0.44%-1.33% chance of a single scoring play changing the outcome of the game. 

Professional hockey however might have 6 goals scored in a game with a scoring mechanism of 1 goal. This means a 16.67% score fidelity, or a 16.67% chance that a single scoring play will change the outcome of the game. Soccer is even worse, with 3 goals scored in a game and the same 1 goal scoring mechanism, this yields a 33.3% chance of a single scoring event changing the outcome of the game.

which sports are the best to bet on

Which Sports are the Most Repeatable?

In sports like basketball, a single scoring event has a low chance of changing the outcome of a game. Conversely, sports like soccer and hockey can have a single scoring event frequently change the outcome of the game.

This dichotomy means a single scoring event in soccer might have 33 times more impact on the outcome of the game than a single scoring event in the NBA. As such, it often makes sense to avoid sports with low scoring totals and low scoring mechanisms, such as soccer, hockey, etc., and instead focus on sports with very high scoring totals and low scoring mechanisms, such as basketball.

How does Sports Betting Change Between Sports?

Betting on different sports can vary in terms of the types of bets that are available, the level of competition and unpredictability, and the level of knowledge required to make informed betting decisions. Here are some of the ways that betting on different sports can differ:

 

Types of Bets

Different sports offer different types of bets. For example, in horse racing, you can place bets on the winner of a race, while in football, you can place bets on the winner of a game, the number of goals scored, or the total number of points.

Unpredictability

The level of unpredictability can vary greatly between different sports. For example, in a sport like horse racing, the outcome of a race can be more unpredictable due to factors such as the weather, the track conditions, and the performance of individual horses. In contrast, in a sport like basketball, the outcome of a game can be more predictable based on the performance of individual teams and players.

Knowledge Requirements

Betting on different sports can also require different levels of knowledge and understanding. For example, in a sport like horse racing, it’s important to understand the form of individual horses and the conditions of the track, while in a sport like basketball, it’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of individual teams and players.

 

which sports are the best to bet on

Which Sports are the Most Predictable?

The predictability of different sports can vary greatly and it can be influenced by a number of factors. These include the level of skill and competitiveness of the teams or players involved, the format of the competition, and external factors such as weather conditions.

Usually sports that involve individual performance such as tennis and golf, tend to be less predictable than team sports. In team sports, the outcome of the game is averaged across many different players. Individual sports however, the result depends on the performance of one or two players, making a bad game by one player highly likely to change the outcome. Team sports, especially those with unlimited substitutions like basketball, a down game for one player can be substitute out and the overall performance of the team is less impacted.

Another factor that can contribute to the predictability of a sport is the format of the competition. For example, in a best-of-five tennis match, it is easier to predict the outcome than in a single-elimination tournament where one loss can eliminate a player. However, it’s important to keep in mind that predicting the outcome of sporting events is never a guarantee, and there is always a level of unpredictability and uncertainty involved.

 

How does Weather Affect Sports?

Weather can have a significant impact on many different sports, affecting not only the performance of players and teams, but also the conditions of the playing surface and the spectators’ experience.

Here are a few examples of how weather can affect different sports:

Football, Soccer: Wet and muddy conditions can make it more difficult for players to control the ball and to maintain their footing, leading to a more physical and less skillful game. On the other hand, hot and sunny weather can be physically demanding for players, affecting their endurance and performance.

Baseball: Rain can cause delays or cancellations of games, and it can also affect the conditions of the playing surface and the flight of the ball. High winds can also impact the flight of the ball, making it more difficult to hit a home run.

Golf: Weather can have a big impact on golf, affecting the conditions of the course, the speed of the greens, and the flight of the ball. Wind, rain, and cold weather can all make it more challenging for golfers to perform at their best.

Tennis: Extreme heat can be physically demanding for tennis players, affecting their endurance and performance, while rain and wind can also impact the conditions of the court and the flight of the ball.

Athletics (Track and Field): Wind, rain, and cold weather can all impact the performance of athletes in track and field events, affecting factors such as traction, speed, and jumping distance.

The effects of weather on sports can vary greatly, and different types of weather can impact sports in many ways. It is important to factor in potential weather patterns before choosing any sports to bet on. 

 

which sports are the best to bet on

How can Star Players Affect the Games Outcome?

Star players can have a significant impact on a game in various ways. They can bring a high level of skill and athleticism to the game, which can lead to them scoring more points, making more assists, or playing better defense than their opponents. Additionally, star players can provide leadership and motivation to their team, which can boost morale and improve team performance. Overall, star players can greatly enhance a team’s chances of winning a game.

What if a Star Player has an ‘Off Night’?

If a star player has an off night, it can have a significant impact on their team’s performance. Without their usual level of skill and athleticism, the team may struggle to score points, make crucial plays, or defend effectively. This fact can make sports very challenging to bet on. However, a good team will have contingency plans and other players who can step up and fill the void left by the star player. In some cases, the absence of a star player can even motivate the rest of the team to work harder and take on more responsibility, resulting in a stronger team performance overall.

 

Related Posts