Using Data Analytics For Better Sports Betting Returns

Data analytics has transformed betting, making it easier to gather research, compare, and place informed bets. Using facts and figures is a fantastic way to help you increase returns, especially when you are betting on obscure markets or branching out into new territory. Through a variety of sources, bookmakers put together information based on previous game results, player tracking such as injuries or socials, head-to-head match-ups, weather data, stadium information, and fixtures. There is more specific data that is also collected, for example how many goals a team usually scores and against this team, which can uncover patterns and then make a prediction for expected goals. 

What Is Data Analytics?

Data analytics is the extensive process that begins with collecting data and ends with providing metrics that are useful to the punter. Data analytics in football include:

• Expected goals: the probability of a goal gathering data from location, body part, the type of assist, goalkeeper position, and defence
• Expected assists: the probability of a pass becoming a goal gathering data from the type of pass, pass distance, and play pattern

The punters can then use this information to decide whether a player will score, how many goals they will score, or if they will assist. Using data analytics cuts out the tedious step before betting where you must research thoroughly, because it is already done for you. In general bookmaker’s favourites are usually accurate, and UK readers can use betting sites like BetSelect to compare the best odds on events and use this insight to form a quick opinion of likely outcomes.

Data analysis tools help you to discover the tendencies of a player or match, and are often used by scouts and coaches to improve performance, showing just how advantageous they are. It is easy for a punter to make a bet based on a recent match or their personal bias, which is less likely to secure big returns. On the other hand, using advanced tools gives you a helping hand and supports your prediction.

There are numerous figures to take into account from the past and present. For example, you can use statistics from previous matches like:

• Ball possession
• Total shots
• Shots on target & shots off target
• Number of corners
• Number of fouls 
• Number of offsides
• Accurate passes
• Tackles
• Yellow cards & red cards

This information gives you insight into shots, passes, and defence. You can use it to make a knowledgeable bet, especially if it is a recent match and reflects the current performance of a player or team.

Data Analytics Tools

Tracking players using online tools helps you with returns, so why wouldn't you use them? 

The Premier League website uses official data sources to provide helpful information on players. Using the Player Comparison tool you can see how many appearances a player has made, the minutes they have spent on the pitch, their total goals, their total assists, and the number of yellow or red cards. Seeing the data side-by-side instead of a chaotic accumulation of numbers aids you in understanding the information, which is why choosing an advanced tool is key. Look for methodical and organised tools with a framework, and avoid overwhelming tools because they serve no function. Then, you can implement the data collected to make a more educated guess on your chosen betting market.

Knowing which data to look for depending on the betting market is important, too. If you are placing a bet on yes/no yellow cards in a match, for instance, look at the previous matches and the discipline of the players from both teams. When neither team has had a yellow card in the last five matches, there is strong evidence to suggest it won't happen in the next match, either. 

Using comparison tools is handy on markets like top goalscorer, where you know many of the leading players are excellent strikers and it is harder to make a decision. You can compare the total goals they have scored, the minutes they have spent on the pitch, shots inside the box, free kicks scored, and own goals to see which player is most likely to score more than the other.

The majority of sportsbooks use AI to convert past performance and real-time data into odds. Betting sites like Bet365 are known for using Opta, a sports platform that publishes sports data on a variety of sports. Statistics on attacking and defensive phases are useful, in addition to the results of the last 5 matches.

How Does This Help My Returns?

Data analytics use real information to track players and give you a probability of an outcome. This eliminates the emotional part of betting because you have a black-and-white figure in front of you. The best part is that statistics can be gathered on every sport, not just football, and help you to make smart bets on all betting markets.