Over the years I've adhered to certain principles that have given me an edge. One, I bet on sports for only one reason, to make money. My favorite team is the one that won my last bet for me. Two, I am not a fan. It will cloud your judgment.
Many people lose because of their blind allegiance to individual teams.
Third, I only bet when I feel there is some value in the pointspread. If there's no advantage in the pointspread, there's no action. Action, for the sake of action, is a losing proposition. These guidelines and many others, coupled with a disciplined money management strategy have allowed me to be successful. I've always been an advocate of doing your own homework and forming your own opinions.