Establish a Bankroll and Strong Bankroll Management Principles Sports betting is a game of edges and small victories that add up over time, not a game of domination. While it will differ based on the sport and market you’re betting on, even the best bettors in the world aren’t winning that much beyond that number. Generally, you need to be successful 52.4 percent of the time to break even. Everybody would love to plop down a few bucks each night and get rich, but it’s a small minority that can achieve that. Don’t believe anybody who tells you differently. Once you’ve set your goals, now ask yourself if they’re realistic. Are you just betting for fun, to have something to root for while you watch the game? Do you want it to be a side hustle to earn some extra beer money each month? Do you want to be a professional gambler? Knowing what you want to get out of sports betting will dictate how you approach things. Before starting to bet, you should know why you’re betting.