Investing behavior is a popular topic among financial experts and economists trying to learn how and why investors and markets behave the way they do. Many of their discoveries and conclusions are just as applicable to punters wagering on betting exchanges because they are to brokers and traders dealing on the financial markets. The difference is that many brokers and traders are working with other people’s money, meaning that they will exercise strict discipline because they are liable to their clients. On the flip side, the independent punter will be only using his own money and it has few restrictions on what he can do with it.

System discipline refers to fighting the temptation chase every seemingly good bet in favor of sticking to a system that has been tested and shown to be successful. Most successful systems advise the bettor to possess a fixed quantity of money with which to bet (popularly known as a “betting bank”); require that some manner of analysis or review accompany each bet; and dictate specific amounts, percentages, or odds. Many of these systems only work should the punter follows them perfectly, as adding variation changes the equations upon which the system is based. Nevertheless, since most beneficial systems only provide small but steady profits, many punters become overconfident, impatient, or greedy and begin discarding aspects of their system. The result tends to be betting with no proven system and usually means the same hit and miss ratio as any random gambler.

The entire concept of system discipline is fundamentally counter intuitive to an average punter. In the end, he wagering on the outcome of an event which has not been determined yet. Nevertheless, sport betting just isn’t like casino gambling where the outcome is totally random; instead, research and experimentation can – and does – result in the development of systems that can radically improve the chance of winning. Having said that, these systems are only as good as the punter will be at employing them. Failing to be consistent, chasing after non-system bets that appear reasonable, and betting beyond one’s means all contribute to removing any advantage that a well thought out system may offer.

Once a betting system has been developed and proven, maintaining system discipline will be the primary factor necessary to maintain steady winnings. Any and all variation from that system changes the total amount of money won or lost, rendering the outcome derived exclusively from the system moot. Random betting on sports is a fool’s game because with just a fantastic read little time and effort the punter can do far better.

The professional punter knows and understands that system discipline is the key to success. Using his system consistently, patiently analyzing each bet before making, refusing to get too greedy and accepting many small payouts over several large ones are generally signs of a serious bettor that intends to earn money. While anyone can get caught up within the excitement of wagering and clever bookmakers constantly make offers that appear excellent, the professional with a proven system knows better.