As we approach the start of online sports betting in North Carolina, there’s plenty of excitement.
Sports bettors are extremely passionate, and Tar Heel State residents have waited quite some time for this moment.
In the meantime, it’s worth revisiting some sports betting best practices. Whether you’re wagering from your phone or you’re placing a bet at a casino, here are a few things not to do.
Betting while intoxicated
You really shouldn’t do much if you’re intoxicated. If you’re at a casino and under the influence, make sure you’ve got a safe ride lined up and that you’re not behind the wheel.
Regardless of where you’re betting from, if you’ve been drinking heavily, it’s not a good idea to keep betting. Alcohol won’t make you see trends you didn’t see before. You won’t get sharper after each drink.
Wagering repeatedly while intoxicated is a quick way to burn through your sports betting budget. Remember to be a responsible gamer.
Not tipping casino staff
Let’s say you head to one of North Carolina’s physical sportsbooks and also want to enjoy a bite to eat or a drink while you’re there. It’s best practice to tip your servers, just like you would at any traditional restaurant.
You’re there for a good time. If you’re going to stick around for a while and watch a game to see your bet through, be mindful of the employees. They’ll treat you with respect, and it’s best to tip them for their service.
Don’t be that person who doesn’t tip. And on a similar note to betting while intoxicated, don’t go overboard on drinks from the casino and sportsbook.
Taking frustrations out on employees
To continue the theme of respect, remember that the casino and sportsbook employees have nothing to do with your sports bets’ losses.
It can certainly be frustrating if a bet goes wrong or if one you placed with the utmost confidence falls flat within minutes of a game starting. No one likes to lose money. But remember that the staff are there to help you have a good time and partake in betting. They’re not the reason your bet fails.
Clogging up the sportsbook
There’s plenty of seating at North Carolina’s physical sportsbooks. Patrons can place wagers at the sportsbook windows and self-serve kiosks. Keep in mind that’s what everyone else is there to do, too.
Only go up to the kiosk or window if you’re placing a bet or cashing a ticket. Don’t congregate around them to stand and watch the game. Find some seating, grab a bite to eat or a drink, and sit down.
Giving unsolicited sports betting advice
It’s one thing if a friend or another casino-goer asks for your opinion on a line or who you think will win. The key word here is unsolicited.
Don’t be that person who goes up to strangers, proclaiming you’re the sharpest bettor or trying to get others on the same bet as you. If someone wants your advice, they’ll ask.
Sticking with this theme, don’t knock someone’s bet. If you think what they just placed is unreasonable or goes directly against something you’ve wagered, keep it to yourself.
Best practices for North Carolina sports bettors
We’ve told you a few things to avoid if you’re wagering on sports in North Carolina. But here are a few things we suggest doing.
Stick to your limits
The name of the game is responsible gambling. Make a plan ahead of time for how much you’ll wager on each bet or even for the whole day, and stick to it. Don’t chase ghosts of lost bets by wagering even more to dig yourself out of a hole.
Come with realistic expectations
No, you’re not going to be able to retire with millions after your first sports bet in North Carolina. Keep in mind that it’s incredibly tough to profit when it comes to wagering on sports. A 10-leg parlay that will give you ten times what your payout is is nothing close to a sure thing.
Be wary of those touting flawless track records
Much like how you’d want to do your own research before you buy something, take the same skeptical approach with sports betting. Plenty of influencers share their locks and frequently flood social media with big wins. But remember, they almost always keep their losses to themselves. You don’t hear about those.
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