Smart Sports Trader, Author at Smart Sports Trader

NFL Game Lines for Week 6: Top Matchups with Betting Potential

Five weeks into the NFL season, the league’s rhythm is beginning to take shape. Powerhouses are flexing, pretenders are fading, and the injury bug is wreaking its annual havoc. Week 6 sits at that fascinating midseason pivot point, where momentum meets adjustment.

For bettors and fans alike, this is the stretch where early-season surprises turn into sustained trends.

With several high-stakes games and multiple line shifts driven by injuries, Week 6 offers both intrigue and opportunity for those reading between the numbers.

NFL Week 6

How Week 5 Shaped the Week 6 Betting Landscape

Week 5 didn’t just deliver highlight reels; it reshaped perceptions across the league. The Lions continued their dominant run, the Chiefs reasserted home-field superiority, and the 49ers’ injuries suddenly made them look mortal.

In the betting world, momentum matters. Teams covering the spread tend to attract more action, while others become overvalued or underestimated based on recent performances.

Take the Lions, for instance, a highly-rated 4-1 against the spread record. The Chiefs remain nearly automatic at home, while the Eagles’ inconsistency against the number keeps bettors guessing.

Injury reports also play an outsized role this week. Lamar Jackson’s lingering hamstring issue sent shockwaves through the market, flipping the Ravens from favorites to underdogs. Likewise, San Francisco’s quarterback uncertainty surrounding Brock Purdy has sportsbooks adjusting in real time.

All of this sets up a Week 6 slate loaded with volatility and opportunities for those who can identify it.

The Matchups Defining NFL Week 6

Week 6 brings a handful of marquee games that could tip the balance in several divisions. From rematches to revenge spots, these contests highlight how shifting rosters and evolving narratives affect the lines.

Eagles at Giants: Divisional Familiarity and Defensive Pressure

Few games feel as personal as NFC East battles. The Eagles enter as 7-point favorites, looking to rebound from a frustrating Week 5 loss. Philadelphia’s offense remains potent, but hasn’t consistently strung together four quarters of dominance.

Across the field, the Giants limp in with a patchwork receiving corps. Against a divisional rival, though, games often stay closer than expected.

With the total set around 42.5, this matchup has the hallmarks of a defensive slugfest. Betting the under could make sense, especially if both teams lean on the run.

Lions at Chiefs: A Rematch with Real Stakes

Some rematches carry extra electricity. Detroit and Kansas City have history, dating back to the 2023 opener when the Lions stunned the Chiefs in Arrowhead. Fast forward to 2025, and this meeting feels like a measuring stick for both teams.

The Chiefs, slight 1.5-point favorites, remain nearly unbeatable at home. Patrick Mahomes has turned Arrowhead into a fortress. Yet the Lions’ relentless offense and one of the best ATS scores in the league make them anything but a pushover.

As early NFL game lines open, this matchup has drawn sharp attention. The Lions’ ability to stay composed on the road and capitalize on turnovers positions them as one of the week’s most intriguing underdogs. Expect this line to tighten as kickoff nears, especially if Detroit’s defensive front continues its hot streak.

Rams at Ravens: Injuries and Line Volatility

The line movement here tells the story. What opened as a Ravens-favored matchup swung dramatically in favor of Los Angeles, once news broke about Lamar Jackson’s hamstring. The Rams, coming off a Thursday night win, benefit from extra rest and preparation time.

Still, bettors should approach with caution. Massive line swings often lead to overcorrections. If Jackson is cleared to play, even at less than 100%, Baltimore could reclaim some favour in late-week movement.

49ers at Buccaneers: Defense vs. Depth

This game showcases a classic clash of strengths: Tampa Bay’s elite defense against San Francisco’s depleted offense. The Buccaneers, slight 3-point favorites, thrive in close games at home.

The 49ers, meanwhile, have slipped defensively and are juggling injuries on both sides of the ball. If Purdy sits, their chances plummet. If he starts, the spread could tighten quickly. Either way, the Buccaneers appear positioned to capitalize on home-field advantage and roster stability.

Reading the Market: Trends Behind the Numbers

Every bettor knows numbers tell part of the story, but not all of it. Understanding the thought process behind line movement and public sentiment often separates sharp wagers from reactionary ones.

Public money tends to gravitate toward familiar favorites. Expect Kansas City and Philadelphia to attract significant volume from casual bettors, while more seasoned bettors may find a contrarian opportunity in the Lions or Giants.

The Rams, buoyed by the Ravens’ injury woes, are likely to see heavy action early in the week, but late sharp money could swing that pendulum back.

A few takeaways to guide the week:

Track early line movement for clues about where sharp bettors are leaning,
Watch injury updates, especially for quarterbacks, as they can flip spreads within hours,
Don’t ignore public betting percentages, as lopsided action can influence line adjustments.

For bettors wanting to stay ahead of player updates and shifting odds, FanDuel’s research hub on upcoming NFL games and props provides up-to-date insights and analysis that complement the week’s betting landscape.

Betting Angles and Plays

When the dust settles, Week 6 offers more than a few potential edges for those looking closely at metrics and matchups.

High Volatility Games:

Rams at Ravens: The uncertainty around Jackson’s health makes this game a moving target,
49ers at Buccaneers: Injury reports could dictate last-minute movement and unexpected value.

Potential Opportunity Plays:

Lions as Underdogs: Detroit’s resilience after road wins and ATS dominance makes them live in any environment,
Buccaneers as Home Favorites: Tampa Bay’s defense matches perfectly against San Francisco’s weakened roster,
Bears as a Contrarian Bet: Historical trends say fade them after the bye, but line inflation could create an opportunity.

Context is key, stats reveal trends, but timing and market movement often dictate success.

The Midseason Turning Point: Reading Between the Lines

By Week 6, NFL teams reveal who they really are. Injuries, travel fatigue, and evolving game plans begin to separate contenders from pretenders.

The best wagers aren’t always about finding the flashiest matchup or the biggest spread; they’re about recognizing when a line doesn’t quite match reality.

Whether it’s Detroit’s quiet consistency, Tampa Bay’s defensive dominance, or the unpredictability of a Ravens team without its star quarterback, each game tells a story through its odds.

Staying informed, patient, and open to shifting dynamics turns the weekly grind into a long-term edge. Week 6 may be part of the season, but for those reading the numbers and the narratives, it’s where opportunity can be seized and strategy tightened.

*Content reflects information available as of 06/10/2025; subject to change

Making A Million From Sports Betting Challenge Update – September 2025 Results

September marked month 102 in the Making a Million From Sports Betting Challenge. It has been a solid year of betting so far and an improvement from a below par 2024.

Let’s take a look at the results!

Value Betting Results

It was a big month for value betting with the biggest profit total made in a single month for a number of years. Value betting consists of a number of different strategies that all look to beat the closing odds of the betting markets or take advantage of advantageous bookmaker terms.

Here are the strategies used:

Each Way Value using Oddsmonkey and Betting Mastermind – Horse and Golf
Inflated Odds on the exchanges – for example Bet365 superboosts on smaller markets (lay money pushing odds higher then they should be)
Bet Hero – Mainly using for prop markets on football (cards, corners etc), still early stages for this and results have been breakeven
Shop bets – I have a local Coral and Betfred shops in my area that can be useful for golf bets and UFC
UFC Bets – Using my own analysis
Tilt The Odds – Horse Racing Software

This month both Priced Up and Betdaq sportsbook hit me with betting limits, which was frustrating as I seemed to be going under the radar for quite a while. A good string of results however lead to being completely gubbed accounts on both.

Profit:£4547

(Adjusting stakes to win £100-£150 per bet).

I record profit/loss daily by each individual bookmaker or exchange.

Horse Racing Betfair Strategy Results

It was a winning month for the horse racing system on Betfair. These bets are also placed on bookmakers as part of my value betting if odds are better with a bookmaker I can bet with. If odds are better on Betfair then I place half the stake at odds available and half at the Betfair SP. (This is due to testing and finding the system profitable at SP).

Profit: £537

(Staking £10 per bet).

A decent month for the this horse racing system and overall the system has passed £2k in profit overall since implementing it at the end of the last year. Had a few emails asking if I could share more details on it, unfortunately that could ruin the edge. Potentially I could share the bets at SP with a Telegram group, this may be something I look at doing in the future and would test first.

Total Made in September 2025

Total = +£5002 (Profit is slightly different to the combined totals in this post due to a few misc bets that don’t fit into any category but are recorded on my daily P/L)

Overall Profit Since The Challenge Began (102 Months Ago)

+£207,340

Thoughts Going Forward

April 2023 was the last month I managed to hit a profit over £5k. This month was nice reminder that when positive variance is with me, big winning months are still achievable. The year now stands at a profit of £16,890, which is very respectable and is something I would have taken at the beginning of the year. Now that my bankroll has some extra padding I can also increase my staking in area’s where I am able to (exchanges) and look to scale things up.

There are a few services and software that I am testing at the moment:

JMbets – This is a service from a reader of this blog, it highlights value in the prop betting markets with some of the more popular UK bookmakers (Skybet, bet365, Paddypower etc). Whilst I can’t get money down on every bet it looks to be a very profitable service and one that is free for the moment.

Bet Hero – Finds big value in some lesser looked at markets card, corners etc. Covers some of the smaller bookmakers which other value services ignore. Also finds value on the exchanges but tends to be in low liquidity markets. My results are breakeven so far but will see where we are in another months time.

If the above two services show a decent level of profit then I will be adding them to my value betting approach. Overall happy with the profit made in 2025 so far and hopefully can end the year above £20k profit.

BetuBetu Review – Tipster Platform Outpacing The Stock Market

BetuBetu positions itself as a tipster platform for sports enthusiasts looking to turn their passion into profit. With a focus on delivering daily sports betting tips, the site claims to help users achieve consistent, long-term gains. Since its inception in January 2025 BetuBetu states it has made a profit of £4770 to £50 stakes after 1755 bets.

Here’s a breakdown of what BetuBetu offers!

Key Features:

Daily Tips: BetuBetu provides 10 curated, high-value tips daily, selected by a team of experts across various sports like basketball,ice hockey, football, tennis, and even eSports.
Proven Track Record: The platform highlights its past performance, showcasing users who have achieved significant profits by following their strategies.
Flexible Plans: From a one-day trial for £9.99 (refund on losing days) to a two-year VIP membership for £899, BetuBetu offers plans tailored to different commitment levels.
Expert Insights: The site boasts a team of seasoned analysts with deep expertise in their respective sports, ensuring the tips are data-driven and well-researched.
Transparency: Users can access past tips and performance metrics, promoting trust and accountability.

How It Works

Once you have signed up to BetuBetu you get access to the portfolio. This is where you will find the daily tips with most days showing 10 selections, there are rare occasions where less then 10 tips is shown if it not a very active day for sporting events.

Here is an example of today’s selections. BetuBetu operates with transparency by recording its results using the average market odds, which I find to be a very fair method. In my own experience using the platform, I’ve consistently been able to secure even better odds than the ones recorded. For each tip, the platform also provides the best odds available at the time of posting and the minimum odds you should accept for the bet. If you’re looking for the reasoning behind a pick, you can click on “tip details” for a full analysis from the experts.

Betubetu tip details — An example of a breakdown

After looking at all of the bets it is then simple a case of finding the best odds available on offer for each of the selections. They have selected over 3 goals for this selection which will be recorded by their platform at odds of 1.67, looking on Betfair however I found odds of 1.76 available.

Betubetu then records the results of each bet (to average odds) providing a graph of your long term profit and loss. Your results however will likely be better if you consistently shop around for the best odds available.

What Bookmakers Accounts Are Needed?

During my time with the service, I’ve observed a broad spectrum of tips across numerous sports and events. A good portion of these selections focus on high-liquidity markets, meaning you can easily place these bets on major exchanges or with sharp Asian bookmakers. However, it’s worth noting that some experts specialize in more niche areas, like lower-division Czech football. To take full advantage of these particular tips, you will need access to accounts with “soft” bookmakers that cover these less common leagues.

Here is an example of a niche selection:

This is a market that is not available on the betting exchanges and would require access to soft bookmakers or an Asian bookmaker which offered the market. In order to take advantage of all of the betting tips on offer it is recommended to have a wide range of bookmakers and exchanges available to you.

BetuBetu Results

I am currently trialling the platform myself and will update this review after 3 months of bets. The only results so far that I have seen are from the official website which states:

1755 bets
£4770 to £50 stakes
5.4% roi to average odds

Given that the majority of the time I can get better odds then the average, I am hoping that by the end of 3 months a healthy profit will have been made and I can add BetuBetu to the Making a Million Challenge Portfolio.

Subscription Cost

Currently there are four options for subscription to Betubet:

Free: Access to past tips
Daily: £9.99 only pay on winning days
Yearly: £599 for a full year of tips
2 Years: £899 for two years worth of selection

Early Thoughts

BetuBetu is an impressive platform, featuring a stylish design that is also very user-friendly. I particularly appreciate their commitment to transparency; recording results at average market odds is a fair practice that sets them apart from many tipster services that often inflate their performance by quoting the best-available odds. While the platform shows great promise, the ultimate test will be the actual, long-term results I achieve by following their selections.

Check out BetuBetu by clicking here

Unlocking Better Odds: The Benefits of Betting Brokers for Asian Markets

If you’ve been in the sports betting game for a while, you are probably aware of what happens to long term profitable bettors. Stakes start to get reduced, your accounts begin to get closed just for being a consistent winner.

Betting brokers can change all of this as they allow access to markets that will accept your bets. These services are the key to accessing the Asian betting markets, which operate very differently from the soft bookies you might be used to. If you’re serious about making a real income from sports betting, this is something you need to understand.
I’ve made a significant portion of my profits by betting with betting exchanges and sharp bookmakers. This guide will walk you through exactly what they are, how they work, and how you can use them to your advantage.

Watch this video on YouTube

(In the video above I use Mad Market to illustrate some of the benefits of using brokers to access the Asian betting markets.)

Click Here To Learn More About Mad Market

What Exactly Is a Betting Broker?

First, let’s clear up what a betting broker (or betting agent) is. Think of them as a middleman. You open one account with the broker, and through that single account, you get access to a whole network of different bookmakers—primarily the big Asian ones.

Instead of juggling dozens of accounts, each with its own login and bankroll, you have one central platform. This is where you’ll see the odds from all the connected bookies, place your bets, and manage your money. Brokers are designed for serious bettors who are looking for an edge. They connect you with “sharp” bookmakers, which are a world away from the “soft” bookies that litter the high street. Sharp bookies want your business, even if you win. Their model is built on high volume and low margins, which means better odds for you

How Does It All Work in Practice?

The process is simpler than you might think. After I found a broker I trusted, I signed up and made one deposit. From there, the broker’s platform became my mission control for betting.
Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

One Account, Multiple Bookies: You sign up and fund your account with the broker. This single deposit is your entire bankroll for all the bookmakers they offer. I used the broker Mad Market for this and their platform Edge.
Compare Odds in Real-Time: The broker’s software shows you the odds for a specific market across all their partners. You can instantly see who is offering the best price without having to manually check ten different websites.
Place Your Bet: You place your bet directly through the broker’s interface. They handle the rest, placing the wager with the bookie that has the best odds at that moment.

It’s an incredibly easy system. For anyone that is familiar with a betting exchange if function in a very similar way.

The Real-World Benefits of Using a Betting Broker

This is where things get interesting. Using a broker isn’t just about convenience, it provides some very real advantages that have a direct impact on your profit margins.

1. You Get Access to Superior Odds

The biggest reason to use a broker is to get the absolute best odds on your bet. Asian bookmakers are “sharp” because their odds are extremely competitive. They operate with tiny margins, sometimes as low as 1-2%, compared to the 5-10% you see with many recreational bookies. Over thousands of bets, that difference adds up to a huge amount of extra profit.

2. Say Goodbye to Low Stake Limits

One of the most frustrating things is finding a great value bet only to be told you can only stake a few pounds on it. It’s a common tactic from soft bookies to limit winning players. With brokers, you’re tapping into the high limits of the Asian markets. These bookmakers are used to handling massive bets and won’t bat an eye at the stake sizes that would get you instantly flagged elsewhere.

3. They Won’t Ban You for Winning

This is a big one. The business model of a sharp bookie relies on balancing their books with high volume from smart bettors. They don’t shut down winners; they use their action to sharpen their own lines. Since the broker makes money from a small commission on your betting volume (turnover), they are on your side. The more you bet, the more they make. It’s a healthy relationship that you just don’t get with traditional bookmakers.

4. It Makes Your Life So Much Easier

Brokers making finding the best odds a lot easier. No logging in and out of accounts, moving money around, and chasing down odds hoping they will hold. Brokers give instant access at the click of a button, your bet is made in seconds.

5. Bet on Markets You Can’t Normally Access

Some of the best bookmakers in the world, like Pinnacle, aren’t available in every country due to licensing. A broker gives you a legal and secure backdoor to these platforms. You can access their odds and liquidity without needing to be in a specific country.

Are There Any Downsides to Consider?

Whilst there are many benefits to brokers there are still downsides. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Deposit and withdrawal Fees: Many brokers will charge a fee for withdrawals and some for deposits. This can differ depending on the broker and payment methods you are using. Some brokers will allow 1 free withdrawal a month, make sure you read the terms before signing up.
Designed for Serious Bettors: These platforms aren’t for someone placing a fiver on the weekend’s football. They often have minimum deposit requirements because their services are tailored for people betting seriously.
Funds Protection: Many brokers operate in Curacao or Belize where you will limited to protection of funds. Make sure you do your due diligence before choosing a broker and see that they are reputable.

Is a Broker the Right Move for You?

Let me be direct. If you’re a casual bettor who enjoys the thrill of a weekend accumulator and the occasional free bet, you probably don’t need a broker.
However, if you’re treating this as a serious way to generate an income, then a betting broker is an essential tool. They are perfect for value bettors, arbitrage traders, and anyone who is tired of being limited by soft bookies. By opening the door to the Asian markets, brokers give you the freedom to bet on your own terms, with the best odds and the highest limits. It’s one of the key steps I took to turn my betting from a hobby into a profitable venture.

Making A Million From Sports Betting Challenge Update – August 2025 Results

This month I’ve created a video going over recent results and strategies, alongside an update on the challenge as a whole since I started.

You can watch this below!

Watch this video on YouTube

Total Made in August 2025

Total = +£1317

Overall Profit Since The Challenge Began (100 Months Ago!)

+£202,338

Recommended Services Used

Oddsmonkey (Value Betting) – Free Trial and Review

Tilt The Odds (Horse Racing) – Free Trial and Review

Bet Hero (Prop Markets) Discount Trial and Review

Understanding Point Spreads: A Simple Guide for College Football Bettors

College football betting continues to grow each year, and point spreads bets remain at the center of the action. They are often the first numbers bettors see, and understanding how they work is essential for making smart plays.

The concept is not complex, but reading spreads accurately and knowing what they reflect can make a big difference. This guide breaks it down in simple terms, offering useful examples, real-world context, and tips for navigating one of the most common forms of college football betting.

What Is a Point Spread?

A point spread is a handicap given to level the playing field between two college football teams. The favorite is expected to win by a certain number of points, while the underdog is “spotted” those points. This creates a market where either side can be an attractive bet depending on the spread value.

For example, if Georgia is listed at -6.5 against Auburn, it means Georgia must win by 7 or more for a bet on them to cash. Auburn, on the other hand, can lose by 6 or less, or win outright, and a bet on them would still hit. Point spreads keep games interesting regardless of blowout potential. Even if the final result is not close, the spread can still make the outcome matter.

Why Do Point Spreads Move?

Point spreads are not fixed numbers. Oddsmakers release opening lines based on matchups, recent form, and advanced models. From there, the market plays a role. If sharp money or a high volume of public bets floods in on one side, the spread often moves.

This movement is important. It can reflect real-time NCAAF betting insights, such as injury updates, weather reports, or unexpected lineup changes. Following these line shifts gives bettors a clearer sense of where the market stands and what information may be influencing decisions.

It also opens the door for middle or hedge opportunities. If a bettor gets one side at +7 early in the week and the line drops to +3, the window for betting the other side and possibly hitting both increases.

How to Read “Covering the Spread”

One of the most common phrases in NCAAF betting news is “Team X covered the spread.” This simply means the team met or exceeded expectations based on the line.

Let’s say Michigan is favored by 10 points against Indiana:

Michigan wins by 13: Michigan covers,
Michigan wins by 7: Indiana covers,
Indiana wins outright: Indiana covers.

Covering does not always mean winning. For underdogs, staying within the spread is all that matters. Understanding this distinction helps bettors avoid one of the biggest mistakes, confusing straight-up wins with point spread success.

Key Numbers in College Football

Certain margins of victory are more common in football due to how the game is scored, think 3, 7, 10, and 14 points. These are known as “key numbers,” and they influence how point spreads are set and adjusted.

A spread of -3.5 is very different from -2.5. That half-point hook can determine the outcome of a bet, especially in low-scoring games or rivalry matchups where margins are tight.

Smart bettors often shop for spreads across platforms to find that key value. Tools and odds trackers help make that process faster and more efficient. Checking reliable sources like FanDuel Sportsbook odds can give a clearer snapshot of the current market consensus and movement.

Why Point Spreads Matter in College Football

Unlike the NFL, college football features a far wider gap in team quality. Lopsided matchups are frequent, and point spreads can balloon to 30 or even 40 points. That makes understanding point spreads especially important in the college game.

Large spreads bring unique challenges:

Does the favorite have motivation to run up the score?
Will the starters play the full game?
Is there weather that could slow the pace?

All of these affect whether a team can realistically cover a big number. That is why NCAAF betting predictions often include more than just who will win, they break down how styles, depth, and tempo can affect spread performance.

How Totals Connect to Spread Betting

Point spreads do not exist in a vacuum. They are often tied to game totals. A high total suggests lots of points, which could widen the gap between teams. A low total, meanwhile, implies a tighter contest and smaller margins.

Smart bettors look at both lines together. If a spread is -10 but the total is just 42, that means the favorite is projected to dominate a low-scoring game, something that does not always align with team styles.

Monitoring line movement across both spread and total helps paint a full picture of betting sentiment. This is where NCAAF betting insights from analysts and sharps become particularly helpful.

Watch for Late Line Movement

Game day movement often reflects sharp action. If a spread jumps or drops several points late in the week, it usually means something has changed, news, injuries, or just big money coming in.

Keeping track of this movement, especially in primetime games or rivalry matchups, can help determine if it is a spot worth targeting. But it is important not to chase steam blindly. Always check the reason behind a move before adjusting a strategy.

Live Spreads and In-Game Betting

In-game betting has added a new layer to how point spreads are used. As the game unfolds, the line updates in real time based on score, momentum, and other live factors.

This opens opportunities for bettors who follow matchups closely. If a team starts slow but has strong second-half trends, the in-game spread might provide better value than the pregame line.

It also reinforces the importance of understanding point spread mechanics. Live lines often move fast and require clear thinking.

Cracking the Code of the College Football Spread

College football point spreads are more than just numbers—they reflect expectations, market trends, and expert analysis. For informed bettors, spreads provide a way to turn knowledge into smart plays. Keeping an eye on line movements, which teams consistently cover, and breaking updates through NCAAF news gives an advantage.

Combining that information with advanced stats, matchup data, and reliable odds makes it easier to make educated decisions. Spreads represent probability, not certainty, so treating them as part of a broader strategy rather than a guaranteed outcome is key to long-term success.

Related: Value Betting Guide

FTS Income Review – Worth The Money?

FTS Ultimate is a betting/trading service that is aimed at helping people make a profit from the betting exchanges, focusing exclusively on the football betting markets.

The service is run by professional sports bettor and trader Ian Erksine. On the FTS website you will find numerous services but this particular review will focus only on the FTS Ultimate service. Subscriptions are yearly at a cost of £599 which works out at just under £50 a month

What Do You Get

When you join FTS Ultimate you get access to;

Video Tutorial
Email Support
Historical Odds Databases
FTS Model Odds Databases
Poisson Model Database and weekly calculations
Traffic Light Form Analysis
5 Minute Pre Kickoff Database
ELO Ratings

There is a lot to the FTS Ultimate service but the video tutorials and support is excellent if you are unsure of anything.

FTS Support

The support you get from FTS is probably the standout of the service. If you look on the official FTS Youtube you will find video breakdowns of how to use all the databases, often showing you how to find systems that have been historically profitable.

Below is a playlist breaking down the databases you receive.

Watch this video on YouTube

The Youtube channel is constantly updated with live trading sessions, training sessions and podcasts.

Leagues Covered

FTS has two databases, the main leagues which covers the following;

English Premier League
Italian Serie A
German Bundesliga
Spanish Primera

Along with the alternate leagues database which covers;

English Championship
French Ligue 1
Dutch Eredivisie
Bundesliga 2
Belgian Jupiler League
Turkish Super Lig
Portuguese League

There is also the Poisson database and ELO database that covers all of these leagues.

How To Use FTS Ultimate

The idea behind FTS Ultimate is that you are given all the tools you need to create profitable systems. Ideally this is done at the start of the season. When the season begins weekly odds sheets are sent out where you find the selections that meet your criteria.

There are several approaches you can use when looking to create a system, looking at various factors such as;

Historical Betfair Odds
Form
FTS Model Odds
Poisson Odds
Elo Ratings

You can choose to keep things very simple or look at combining different aspects of the databases to see what has worked historically.

My FTS System Results

Given that FTS Ultimate is not a tipping service there are no official results.

The tutorial’s and databases that you get with FTS are those used by Ian Erksine. The idea behind FTS Ultimate is that you are given all of the tools used by a professional bettor/trader to enable you to succeed in your own betting.

I have been a member of FTS for a year and a half. This means that I can give you my personal results but these are not indicative of everyone that uses the service. Breaking them down by last seasons results and this current years.

2022 – 2023 = +£2082

2023 – 2024 = -£736

This is across 10 different betting systems, with stakes ranging from £20 – £120 depending on the odds of the bet. Lowering stake amounts for higher odds.

Unfortunately I accidently deleted my results sheet for the 2022 -2023 season so I do not have exact breakdowns of every system and the amount of selections.

However for the current 2023-2024 season there have been a total of 493 selections. I have used several different approaches.

Laying the draw
Backing the draw
Using Poisson Model For First Half Goals
Form Based Match Odds Systems

Is FTS Income A Scam

In my opinion there is nothing to suggest that FTS was is a scam, there are some claims that the profit made by Ian Erksine has been exaggerated for marketing purposes. My decisions to follow sign up to FTS however were based on access to historical data and statistics shown in Youtube videos highlighting the service.

Overall Thoughts

My personal results using FTS whilst profitable haven’t been hugely impactful on my own betting. If you take into account two years subscriptions it is close to break even.

Overall I do think that the tools you receive have some utility in the exchange markets and could help you create profitable systems. The video tutorials are excellent and continual updates/support from the FTS team do make the service stand out.

Ian Erksine the man behind FTS comes across very well and puts a lot of time into helping members improve.

Is FTS suited to everyone that wants to make a long term profit from sports betting/trading?

Not many sports bettors are willing to accept a losing season, Ian has made it clear in his videos that this can happen. So I don’t think FTS is suited for everyone, it is suited to those that are willing to take a long term view of their sports betting (several years).

There are cheaper services and systems that can produce a higher return on investment exploiting soft bookmakers. For those with soft bookmakers that would probably be a better place to start.

I believe that FTS Ultimate is aimed at those that have built their bankrolls from matched betting/arbitrage/value betting. Then are looking to take on the betting exchanges and develop new edges.

Personally I ahave decided not to continue with FTS for the 2024/2025 season. Results, the cost of subscription and other approaches that work better for myself on the exchanges are the main reasons for this.

Any additional questions feel free to send me a message.

How To Profit From Golf Betting – Strategy Guide

Golf betting presents a unique opportunity in the sports wagering landscape. Unlike team sports where you’re choosing between two outcomes, golf offers a field of 150+ players, creating value opportunities that sharp bettors can exploit. In this guide I’ll show you a systematic approach that consistently identifies profitable betting situations.
The key to successful golf betting isn’t just picking winners it’s understanding how to extract value from a market that most recreational bettors approach without correct research.

Golf Betting Strategy

Understanding Golf Betting Markets

Golf offers several distinct betting markets, each requiring a different strategic approach. The most common markets include:

Tournament Winner (Outright)

This is where most beginners start, but it’s also where they lose money fastest. With 150+ players and only one winner, you need odds of at least 150/1 to break even long-term if you’re picking randomly. The real opportunity lies in identifying undervalued players based on current form and course fit.

Top 5/Top 10/Top 20 Finishes

These markets offer better odds of success while still providing decent returns. A player finishing in the top 10 might offer 4/1 odds compared to 40/1 for an outright win, but your hit rate increases dramatically.

Each Way Markets

An each way market operates like two separate bets. One bet is placed on the winner market and a second bet equal to the same stake is placed on the top 5 unless a bookmaker is offering extra places with happen frequently.

Head-to-Head Matchups

This is where experienced bettors often find the most consistent value. You’re betting on which of two players will finish higher, typically offered at close to even odds. Success here depends on thorough player analysis rather than luck.

Live Betting

Golf’s four-day format creates numerous in-play opportunities. Weather changes, early round struggles, or momentum shifts can create significant value swings throughout the tournament.

Simple Strategy To Profit From Golf

Now that you understand the various markets available for golf betting, let’s explore the simplest strategy for making consistent profits. This is the very approach I’ve successfully used to generate returns in the golf betting markets.

Exploiting Each Way Terms and Extra Places

One of the easiest ways to profit from golf betting is by leveraging the each-way terms and extra places offered by bookmakers. While this isn’t the only profitable strategy, it’s certainly the most straightforward. The value in golf betting often lies in these each-way bets and extra places, primarily due to the differences in how bookmakers and betting exchanges operate. Betting exchanges, driven by sharp money and market efficiency, often provide the best indication of whether a bet offers value. By comparing bookmaker odds with exchange odds, you can uncover opportunities to exploit these discrepancies.

Example: Sam Bairstow as a Value Selection

Golf Betting Selections — Sam Bairstow is a value selection this week

For instance, this week, Sam Bairstow has been flagged as a value selection by specialized software I use to identify profitable golf betting opportunities. The value in this case comes from the each-way portion of the bet.

Here’s how it works:

Bairstow’s odds to win are 176.00 to back and 190.00 to lay on the exchange.
However, his place odds are 44.00, which is significantly higher than the 36.00 available on the exchange.

This creates an arbitrage opportunity, allowing you to lock in a small profit regardless of the outcome.

Breaking Down the Bet

Golf Each Way Value

Here’s a breakdown of how the bet works:

1.Each-Way Back Bet (Bookmaker):

£5 is placed at odds of 176.00 (win market).
£5 is placed at odds of 44.00 (place market).

2.Lay Bet on the Exchange:

£4.63 is laid at odds of 190.00 (win market).
£6.21 is laid at odds of 44.00 (place market).

By structuring the bet this way, you secure a profit regardless of whether Bairstow wins, places, or misses the cut.

The best approach that I have found is to bet these selections as straight value bets and profit will be made in the long term. Whilst you may not profit on every bet over the long term if you consistently take value bets such like these profit will be made.

Long-Term Profitability

While arbitrage opportunities like this can yield small, guaranteed profits, the best approach I’ve found is to treat these selections as straight value bets. Over the long term, consistently betting on value selections will lead to profits, even if individual bets don’t always win.

Golf Betting Software

To consistently identify value bets, I rely on two key pieces of golf betting software:

1.OddsMonkey’s Each-Way Pro Software: This tool, part of OddsMonkey’s broader matched betting and value betting package, is designed to uncover value in each-way bets across various sports. In the example above, it highlighted Bairstow as a value selection.

2. 20-Minute Betting System: This software uses a proprietary algorithm to scan betting markets and identify value in each-way golf bets. For example, in the image above, Coral is offering 8 places instead of the standard 5 places, creating additional value. The software flagged several golfers as profitable selections due to these extra places.

Golf Value Betting

Click Here To Learn more about the 20 minute golf system.

Analyzing Player Performance

Effective golf betting starts with comprehensive player analysis. Raw world rankings tell only part of the story—you need to dig deeper into the data that actually predicts performance.

Recent Form Analysis
Look beyond just wins and losses. A player missing cuts might still be striking the ball well but struggling with putting, or vice versa. I track strokes gained statistics across different categories:

Strokes gained off the tee
Strokes gained approach
Strokes gained around the green
Strokes gained putting

A player showing improvement in multiple categories, even without wins, often presents betting value before the market catches up.

Course History Matters
Some players consistently perform well at specific venues regardless of current form. Track not just past finishes, but scoring averages and strokes gained data at each course. A player who’s finished top 20 in three consecutive years at a venue deserves serious consideration, even if their recent form appears mediocre.

Playing Style vs Course Setup
Match player strengths to course demands. Long hitters have advantages on courses favoring distance, while precise iron players excel on target golf courses. Weather conditions amplify these advantages—windy conditions favor experienced links players, while calm conditions level the playing field.

Physical and Mental State
Monitor player interviews, social media, and recent life events. Players dealing with equipment changes, swing modifications, or personal issues often struggle initially before potentially breaking through. Conversely, players in good mental spaces often outperform their recent statistics.

Course Conditions and Environmental Factors

Weather and course conditions dramatically impact tournament outcomes, creating opportunities for bettors who properly assess these variables.

Wind Impact
Wind affects different players dramatically. Check historical data for how players perform in windy conditions. Links-style courses in wind favor players comfortable with low, controlled ball flights over those who rely on high, soft approaches.

Firm vs Soft Conditions
Firm conditions favor accuracy over distance, as balls run out and miss rough penalties become severe. Soft conditions allow more aggressive play and favor powerful players who can attack pins. Monitor weather forecasts and adjust player selections accordingly.

Pin Positions and Setup
Tournament organizers announce daily pin positions and rough heights. Difficult setups favor experienced players and course veterans who understand how to navigate challenging conditions. Easy setups often produce more bunched leaderboards where putting performance becomes crucial.

Altitude and Temperature
High altitude courses play significantly longer, favoring distance players. Hot conditions affect ball flight and player endurance differently. These factors often get overlooked by casual bettors but significantly impact outcomes.

In-play Golf Betting — Some bettors find value in-play

Bankroll Management for Golf Betting

Golf betting’s high variance demands disciplined bankroll management. Even the best strategies experience cold streaks, and proper bankroll management ensures you survive these inevitable downturns.

Unit Sizing Strategy
Never risk more than 2-3% of your total bankroll on any single bet, regardless of confidence level. Golf’s unpredictable nature means even “sure things” fail regularly. I typically structure my bets as:

Standard plays: 1 unit
Strong conviction plays: 2 units
Maximum plays: 3 units (rare)

Diversification Approach
Spread risk across multiple bet types rather than putting everything on outright winners. A typical tournament might include:

2-3 outright selections at different price points
3-4 top 10 positions
2-3 head-to-head matchups

This approach provides multiple ways to profit from your research while reducing overall risk.

Tournament Selection
Not every tournament offers good betting opportunities. Focus on events where you have strong conviction about specific players or course setups. Forcing bets on every tournament dilutes your edge and increases variance.

Record Keeping and Analysis
Track every bet with detailed reasoning. This creates accountability and helps identify successful patterns in your approach. Record not just wins and losses, but near-misses and the reasoning behind each selection.

Key Takeaways

Successful golf betting requires a systematic approach combining thorough player analysis, course condition assessment, and disciplined bankroll management. The most profitable opportunities often come from identifying undervalued players who fit specific course profiles rather than simply backing favorites or hot players.

Focus on building an edge through detailed research rather than hoping to get lucky with longshot winners. Take advantage of the lucrative extra place offers that bookmakers offer and use software to help highlight the best opportunities. Remember that golf betting is a marathon, not a sprint. Even the best strategies experience losing streaks, but consistent application of sound principles leads to long-term profitability.

Bet Hero Review 2025 – Exclusive Discount And Trial

Bet Hero is the newest value betting and arbitrage betting software to hit the market. These are are two proven betting strategies that we have covered in detail on this blog.

Arbitrage betting looks at covering all outcomes of an event to secure a guaranteed profit. Value betting uses sharper bookmakers to highlight value with slower moving soft bookmakers. There is no doubt that both strategies work, however does Bet Hero offer anything new to the market.

In this review we will cover everything you need to know;

How Bet Hero Works?
Which Bookmakers Does Bet Hero Cover?
How Much Profit Can I Make From Bet Hero?
Does The Software Offer Anything New?
Is There Bet Hero Free Trial Or Discount?

Bet Hero Setting – How It Works

Bet Hero is incredibly simple to set up!

Once you have signed up you simply need to put in your starting bankroll, choose your staking plan and preferred odds format. Then you can get started with with either value betting or arbitrage betting.

The first thing that you need to with either the value betting or matched betting is to choose the bookmakers that you have available to you. In total Bet Hero offer over 230 bookmakers worldwide, however depending on the country you are based only certain bookmakers will be available.

In the UK there are a total of 48 bookmakers covered.

888sport
All British Casino + 2 clones
Azuro (Crypto bookmakers)
Dafabet UK + 4 clones
Betfair/Pokerstars/Paddypower
Betvictor +2 clones
Bwin + 3 clones
Unibet + 5 clones
Bet365
Betfred
Matchbook
Betfair Exchange
Skybet
Midnite
Plus more

(Clone bookmakers are sites that are in a different name however offer the same odds. For example Unibet have many clone sites with the same odds such as 32Red,Leovegas and BetMGM.)

How To Find Arbitrage And Value Bets

Once you have set up your bankroll and bookmakers you have available to you, it’s time to move onto the software which flags up all the opportunities available to you.

Looking at the software right now there are multiple arbitrage bets available at the moment. The largest arbitrage bet is between Boylesports and the Unibet clones on a baseball game between Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres.

This is an 11.3% arbitrage bet. Which means for every £100 you staked across all outcomes a profit of £11.30 would be made. There are multiple arbitrage bets available every single day, if you are looking for a low risk way to profit from sports betting. Arbitrage betting is an excellent strategy to use.

Bet Hero Value Betting

Next up is the value betting tracker, which flags bets where the bookmaker is offering odds which are bigger then they should be. Bet Hero compares odds from all 230+ bookmakers available to highlight outliers which offer value. It uses sharper bookmakers who are more efficient at pricing their odds to pinpoint bookmakers that offering value.

One aspect of Bet Hero that makes it stand out among other bookmakers is the amount of markets that it covers. The majority of value betting software does not cover prop markets such as card or corners in football. Bet Hero covers all these markets and as such often finds very large value bets.

How Much Profit Can I Make From Bet Hero?

Profit will vary depending on multiple factors;

How many bookmakers you have available to you
Starting bankroll
Time able to be spent using Bet Hero
Country you are based in
Ability to get new bookmaker accounts or bet in shops

What I can say however is that value betting and arbitrage are strategies that do work. personally I have used them over many years and made over six figures in total from sports betting.

To share my personal value betting for this year up until mid way through May. A total of £5353 has been made from using a value betting strategy. I should note this isn’t from using Bet Hero but the way in which value bets are found is the same (using sharp bookmakers to find value.)

It is a strategy that has been proven to work long term.

Looking on the Bet Hero Discord there are multiple users having a lot of success using this strategy from multiple different countries.

Does Bet Hero Offer Anything New?

On this site we have covered the likes of Trademate, Rebelbetting and Oddsmonkey which can all be used for value betting purposes. So does Bet Hero actually bring anything new to the table?

Yes!

There area couple of aspects that make Bet Hero unique. The first one that has already been mentioned is the amount of markets they cover. Player prop markets, card markets, corner markets, Bet Hero seems to cover basically everything you can bet on.

Alongside this it covers 26 sports with all your major sports and niche ones such as;

Chess
Badminton
Bowling
Lacrosse
Floorball
Water Polo
Aussie Rules

In my opinion this is one of the biggest reasons to look at using Bet Hero. It highlights some very big value bets with bookmakers that I had no use for previously.

Bet Tracking

In the most recent update Bet Hero greatly enhanced their bet tracking. The software now tracks closing line value up until the start of the game which is a very important feature. Bet Hero also automatically updates the status of your bet once finished. Recording it as a win/loss/push which means that you don’t have to record manually spend time inputting the results which is a huge time saver and benefit to the software.

Bet Checker

Another recent update saw the addition of the “Bet Checker”. This tool allows you to take a look at any bet available and run a quick comparison with other bookmakers to ascertain whether or not this bet currently has value in comparison to the wider betting market.

Discord Integration

Discord integration is also something Bet Hero offers. This enables you to set up betting alerts through your phone or desktop via the Discord app. They also use Discord to host a community so that you can connect with other users or ask any questions.

Bet Hero Free Trial And Discount

Bet Hero costs 49 euros a month if paid for annually or 99 euros a month on a rolling basis.

There is currently a 3 day free trial you can get with Bet Hero. This is enough time to get to grips with the software and try it out. The ideal day to try it would be Friday, in order to give you a full weekend when there are the most opportunities.

In terms of a discount, should you want to continue with Bet Hero. We reached out to the owner of Bet Hero and he kindly gave us a discount code for 20% off your first month.

The code is “SST20” when using the link below.

Click Here For 20% Discount

Bet Hero Review – Conclusion

Overall Bet Hero is a good addition to the list of growing value betting software available. Whilst it isn’t as visually impressive as Trademate Sports for example and lacks a few things.

Tracking clv (closing line value)
Additional filters to choose specific markets

It does cover a very wide range of additional markets alongside covering many bookmakers that other value betting software doesn’t. For those reasons alone I believe that it is worth taking up the trial for the software.

If you are also in a country that most value betting software doesn’t cater to, looking at Bet Hero is a good option as there coverage of bookmakers is extremely wide.

Click Here To Start Your £1 Trial

(This article features affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. I use or have used any product I review. If I recommend them it is because I believe they are helpful, useful and offer value to their customers. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel they will give you value or that they will help you achieve your goals.)

Bankroll 101: Building a Betting Budget That Actually Lasts the Season

It can be an exciting feeling when you’ve got a little money riding on a match. Every pass, every free kick, every missed chance suddenly feels bigger. But here’s the problem for a lot of sports bettors, plenty blow through their entire betting bank before the season is even halfway done. If you actually want to make it from the first match day to the final whistle without running out of steam, the secret isn’t luck. It’s learning how to manage your bankroll.

What a Bankroll Really Is

Think of your bankroll as your season ticket to betting. It’s a set amount of money you’ve set aside purely for betting and nothing else. Not your rent, not the holiday savings, not the cash for a new phone. Just betting money. Once you ring-fence that amount, the rest of the plan gets easier. Whether you’re following European leagues or exploring betway’s sports betting Tanzania, the principle is the same: you make your bets with a structured approach.

Betting in Units, Not All at Once

The smartest way to stretch a bankroll is to stop thinking in euros or dollars and start thinking in “units.” A unit is just a small slice of your total budget. Let’s say you’ve got £1,000 for the season. One unit might be £10. Most bets you place should be one or two units at most. That way, even if you hit a losing run—and trust me, everyone does—you’ll still have plenty left in the tank to keep going.

Bankroll Betting 101 — A structured approach can allow you to win long term.

Play the Long Game

Everyone dreams of a huge win. Double your money in a weekend and never look back. Sounds great, but it almost never happens. What the best bettors know is that the goal isn’t to get rich fast. It’s to survive the entire season with your bankroll intact. That way you’re still around to take advantage when the right odds appear in week 20, not watching from the sidelines because you went broke in week 3.

Keeping Your Cool

The toughest battles aren’t on the pitch, they’re in your head. Lose a couple of bets in a row and you’ll want to chase those losses. Win big on Saturday and you’ll feel like a genius ready to up the stakes on Sunday. Both mindsets can wreck a bankroll. Discipline is everything. Stick to your unit size, take wins and losses as they come, and remember tomorrow’s another day.

Adjusting Along the Way

Bankrolls aren’t carved in stone. If yours grows, you can bump up your unit size a little. If it takes a hit, scale down. The important part is to make these changes calmly, not on the fly after a bad beat. Think of it as tuning your approach across the season rather than tearing it up in frustration.

Key Concepts of Bankroll Management

Never bet more then you are comfortable with
Adjust your stakes if you hit a significant drawdown
Always separate betting money from money you need to live comfortably
Never chase losses and always maintain a structured approach to your betting.

Wrapping Up

Managing a bankroll doesn’t sound exciting, but it’s what keeps bettors in the game for the long haul. Anyone can place a lucky bet. The ones who last a whole season are the ones who set a budget, divide it into units, and keep their emotions in check. Wins and losses will always come, but a smart bankroll plan makes sure you’re still playing when the big games arrive.