I find it funny, that this is the week I can finally brag about a winning parlay, but unfortunately that doesn’t match the tone of this week’s blog. This is a more serious view of sports betting, and after a semester of placing bets and blogging my journey I can say that I have learned a lot from doing so.

Sports betting is risky. I came in knowing the risks and I wanted to test the waters. I put $100 into my DraftKings account and set off to make some money. At first I was a little too ambitious, I placed bets on games I wasn’t watching, I made ridiculous parlays that had no real shot at winning, I wasn’t strategic with my bets, I kept the same size units on every bet, and I didn’t really treat it like real money. I had a couple bets that won and I had profits over 100% but I was greedy and captivated by the bliss of placing these bets.

image source

Betting is a serious problem. It is an addiction for many people, and if you or a loved one you know needs help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 2% of the US, about 6.5 million people, has an addiction problem. This is just a cautionary piece, because although I didn’t make money, I had lots of fun on my betting journey. The thrill of a bet winning, the despair of a parlay losing on one leg, it all adds to my love for sports.

image source

Before I take this break from betting, I want to summarize the lessons I’ve learned, so you can start off right.

1. Have fun with it. Each time you place a bet, you should be placing units that you will okay with losing. Don’t bet more than you are willing to lose, and don’t stress over every win and every loss.
2. Make a strategy. Set a unit for each bet. Be real with yourself with your knowledge of sports. As much as betting is luck, sports betting can be made more predictable when you research each game. The games you are confident in place a unit, for the games more up to chance, don’t be afraid to lower the bet amount.
3. Don’t be afraid to fail. And on the other end of the spectrum, don’t get too cocky. Each event is independent of one another, so just because you have a winning streak or a losing streak doesn’t mean you have to let that impact your next bets.
4. Feel free to place multiple bets on some games, and skip some other bets.
5. If you have multiple parlays in the same day, try not to have them overlap, so that if one bet loses, your other bets still have a chance to win.
6. Take profits out while you are up. Don’t be greedy, take what you can get.

image source

I have a had a good time betting and this was a great learning experience. I highly encourage making smart choices, and being careful with your betting endeavors. Thanks to all that have followed along, and I hope you check back in the future.

Until next time,

-James Hanley

As many of you might notice, the title for this week is a little bit different. You might we wondering what this means for the future of this page, don’t you worry. I will still be delivering my CFB parlays, but this week, I’m throwing in some NBA parlays to highlight the beginning of the season.

To start my CFB parlay, Baylor ML: Baylor is playing a dangerous Red Raiders this week that has held their own against teams like Oklahoma State. I think Baylor catches rhythm and elevates their season. They are currently the underdogs at +100, but I think that will change closer to game time.

image source

My next leg in the parlay is a big rivalry game where a lot can happen. Michigan vs. Michigan State. A lot can happen, but Michigan is favored big time. I don’t think they win by as much as Vegas says they will, so give me Michigan ML Saturday night. Ann Arbor Michigan also happens to be the sight of College Gameday, so this is a must watch game Saturday night.

image source

This was my toughest pick of the parlay, but give me Oklahoma ML. Oklahoma plays a solid Iowa State team, but after Oklahoma’s dominant win against Kansas, I think they begin to roll.

image source

My final leg of the parlay is Ole Miss ML. Ole Miss plays at Texas A&M which is a tough environment. They are looking to continue on a great season and I don’t think A&M slows them down.

Introducing my new segment is NBA basketball predictions from yours truly.

First off, give me Wizards ML. Wizards have been a surprise so far this season and I think they continue a solid start to the season by beating the Pacers at home.

Next, I’ll take Timberwolves ML. Minnesota is playing the Lakers who are 0-5. I am going to fade (bet against) the Lakers until they win a game. The Lakers are definitely the biggest dissappointment so far this season.

In the Bucks vs. Knicks game I couldn’t make a choice so I’m taking the over on the final score. Over 223 total points.

Bulls -5. The Bulls are playing a young San Antonio Spurs team that is tanking (purposely losing) to get the #1 overall pick in the draft, for top draft prospect Victor Wembanyana.

Phoenix ML. The Suns play a solid Pelicans team who has a couple players coming back from injuries so they might be a little rusty. The Suns have played good and I expect them to continue.

Portland ML. Portland plays a young Houston, and although their star Damian Lillard is injured, they should still put on a good performance.

I hope you enjoy these predictions. A new season has begun, and now is a time where all core US sports are active. Baseball, basketball, football, and hockey. If you are just getting into betting, have some fun with it and be smart. Don’t be afraid to tag along and tail my predictions.

That’s it for this week,

Signing off for now,

–James Hanley

I keep saying my luck is going to change and it hasn’t so I need to take a new approach. I will be switching from my previous 6 leg parlays, and change to a better approach. I will create 2 3-game parlays, where the chance of winning will be much higher. Welcome to the next phase of my sports predictions.

Baylor ML Baylor takes on Kansas, and they look to improve on what has been a pretty disappointing season. The Bears at home are a tough team to face and I think they dominate this game. McLane Stadium will be an intense environment for the Jayhawks and there hype train comes to an end this weekend.

image source

Ole Miss ML Ole Miss is going to beat LSU. They are undefeated, but they are the underdog in this game. LSU is on a roll, and they are a legitimate team, but Ole Miss has an elite QB that can help their offense power past a balanced LSU team.

image source

Oklahoma State +6.5 Oklahoma State has a tough game against Texas this week, but they will hold their own. I think they will win this game, but I want to play it safe and give the Cowboys a couple points as a cushion.

image source

My second 3 team parlay has similar odds and is going to make for a great day of college football.

Penn State ML Penn State with Whiteout Weekend is automatic. They are going to beat Minnesota, and avenge their horrible second half performance against Michigan last week. This game will be a good test for Ohio State next week. I will be at this game, and I am very excited to be able to experience this type of atmosphere. The night game, with the lights, and the new jerseys will be a lasting memory.

image source

Tulane ML Memphis Tulane is in the rankings for the first time this year. I have a friend from my town who is a TE for Tulane, so I would love to see them get the win.

image source

Oregon ML Bo Nix for the Heisman! Oregon has an elite offense that has been playing great since they got destroyed by Georgia in Week 1. They are playing a tough UCLA team lead by QB DTR who will put the Oregon defense to work. Both PAC12 teams are looking to continue great seasons and push for the PAC12 title. This game will have serious effects on the CFB Playoff later on this season.

image source

I’m really hoping this new approach yields better results. Sports betting is very difficult, and I am starting to have my doubts on whether I should continue with the parlays.

Thank you for following along, these bets are sure to catch fire soon, so don’t give up on my predictions just yet. Good things come to those who wait. This betting journey has helped me learn a lot about gambling and I’m glad to share my findings with you guys.

Signing off for now,

-James Hanley

Once again, the bet didn’t work out well, but you know what they say “you win some, you lose some”. I have been on a cold streak. Once again, I got carried away and broke from the game plan. I added an extra pick, and that pick ruined the parlay. This week, I have something heating up that is sure to break this cold and somber stretch. We are going big here, because “Go big or go home”

Rutgers ML. Rutgers faces Nebraska, and there is never a good reason to bet on Nebraska. Rutgers’ program is improving, so we are going to ride with Rutgers.

Tennessee ML. Tennessee faces LSU, and although both teams are good, Tennessee is on a hot streak, and I think they continue to win.

TCU ML. The battle of two unbeaten teams. College Gameday will be in attendance of this game, so its sure to be a good one. Both teams have great offenses, but TCU’s offense is more explosive so they are going to cruise past Kansas.

image source

Clemson -20.5. Clemson is facing a Boston College team that is coming off a surprising victory, but they shouldn’t be worried as their Heisman candidate QB and powerful offense keep rolling.

Illinois ML. Illinois coming off a win, look to continue to win against a struggling Iowa team with a lackluster offense.

Duke ML. Duke has been great all season, Georgia Tech has not, nothing else to say about this matchup.

Auburn +29.5. Auburn faces the reigning national champs, and although they aren’t ranked #1 they are still dominant. They are going to struggle to put points up against Georgia’s defense, but hopefully they cut the gap and lose by 24 as I anticipate.

Oklahoma State ML. They are facing Texas Tech at home, and after beating Baylor on the road, no challenge seems to big for these Cowboys. They are the favorites right now to win the Big 12, and I don’t think they will disappoint this weekend.

Ohio State ML. Ohio State is still ranked #3 in the country, and they should have no problem facing this disappointing Michigan State team.

James Madison ML. Surprisingly, one of the few undefeated teams. They face Arkansas State and hope to continue a great start to the season.

USC ML. Ranked #6 in the country, under new head coach Lincoln Riley, they look to continue their dominance in the PAC 12 and beat Washington State.

Wake Forest ML. This will be a one-sided game. Wake Forest loves their passing offense and lots of TDs while Army is much more methodical. They run the ball nearly every play, and they have an offense that can only put up so many points. They won’t be able to match Wake Forest.

image source

Kentucky ML. Kentucky is going to beat South Carolina plain and simple. Kentucky has been a developing program for years, and South Carolina is behind on the curve. Kentucky’s offensive schemes and balance will have South Carolina’s defense lost.

Oregon ML. Oregon faces Arizona in a PAC 12 matchup. After a slow start, Oregon is starting to improve their season.

image source

San Diego State ML. San Diego State is facing Hawaii, which is one of their easiest games of the year. Should they not choke, they should do just fine.

Ole Miss -18.5. Ole Miss has been great this season, and now they face the SEC doormat in Vanderbilt. They will win this game, the only question is by how much. I believe that they will dominate this game and win by 22.

This is a 17 leg parlay. I know, it’s not what I’ve been doing, but what I’ve been doing hasn’t been working. Hopefully this risk pays off.

Signing off for now

–James Hanley

Welcome back to another week of sports betting predictions. In week 1 our parlay lost, but that’s ok because each week is another chance to redeem ourselves.

In week 2 of CFB, I got a little bit carried a way. I broke from the game-plan and made an 11 leg parlay instead of the typical 3-6 legs. It was so close yet so far. The first leg Louisville vs Florida State ended my dreams of a perfect parlay as Florida State beat Louisville in a thriller. The parlay went 9 for 11 which is good, but not good enough.

In week 3, I went back to the game plan and created another 6 leg parlay. This was probably my worst parlay to date. I went 3 for 6. One might say to look at the pattern and give up; but I say no to that and keep pushing forward.

This week, I am here to layout the perfect 6 leg parlay that gives the best bang for your buck.

To start out the week, Penn State playing Central Michigan, “We Are” sure to win this weekend. Ranked #14 in the country, Penn State looks to continue there win streak, and get ready for conference games coming up in the next few weeks. Penn State ML -6000

image source

Next up is Syracuse. I am a little impartial to their dynamic offense and high scoring. Syracuse is without a loss this season, and is looking to break into the AP top 25 this week after a win over ACC rival Virginia. Syracuse ML -410

image source

Baylor bounced back in week 3 with an impressive win over UTSA; this avenging their poor week 2 performance vs BYU. Iowa State is 3-0, though they haven’t faced any difficult opponents yet. Baylor will be there first challenge of the 2022 season, and I think they fall short. Baylor ML +120

image source

Duke vs Kansas in the spotlight; an epic rivalry that we’ve come accustomed to in college basketball. This year, both Duke and Kansas are 3-0. This is Kansas’ best season in recent memory, they have hopes at taking a leap in the Big 12 rankings, as there is no longer competition from Texas and Texas A&M (left Big 12 for SEC). This doesn’t scare me, I am an opponent of the Big 12 when it comes to CFB. I love them in basketball and many other sports, but I find them to be frauds in big games. This game is in a spotlight, and I think Duke wins and continues the Carolina schools’ dominance in CFB this year. Duke ML +240

image source

Florida vs Tennessee. This will be a great game. Tennessee is the better team on paper #20 vs #11 in the country, but Florida owns this rivalry. Winning 16 of the last 17 games between the 2. That is dominance. Also important to note that this is the top game of the week. College Football Gameday, a sports show that goes to a school for the game of the week, will be in Knoxville. Tennessee, again historically speaking, doesn’t play well when the extra spotlight is put on them. Florida will get back on track and win this game. Florida ML +300

image source

The final leg of the parlay is Minnesota vs Michigan State. This was the hardest game for me to pick. Minnesota has dominated in their 1st 3 games, but they aren’t playing great competition. Michigan State has played alright, but not to their full potential. After losing to Washington last week in a horrendous performance by the offense and the defense, they will bounce back and get into mid season stride with a win/close game against Minnesota. Michigan State Spread +2.5

image source

This concludes my predictions for week 4. For other bets, I will be opening another section on my website containing bets for baseball, NFL, other CFB predictions, and coming soon….

Signing off for now,

— James Hanley

Sports betting is a growing industry. With the excitement of sports coming back after being put on pause with Covid, it’s as if they didn’t skip a beat. In the article “Sports Betting Market Size Worth $140.26 Billion By 2028: Grand View Research, Inc” posted by Bloomberg.com, this is estimated to be 10% growth for the next decade. So why is this important you might ask, well sports betting is becoming increasingly legalized across the country. There are nearly 30 states you can place bets on for sports (including Pa), and more on the way. Betting has a bad reputation, and I can definitely understand why people might be against it. Gambling is an addiction and for many, they can’t control their urges and gamble more than they can afford to lose, but I’m here to explain why gambling in moderation can be okay. Below are reputable places to place sports bets.

image source                                                                                                image source                                 image source

These are three of the larger sportsbooks out there, and setting up an account with them is really easy. Go to their website, create new account, type in your username and password, and then link your credit card. Then you deposit money into your account, and that way you can’t gamble more money than you have.

This week I will be giving a breakdown on setting up your betting system, and each week after, I will be working on creating a bet that I think is worthy, and explain my thought process behind each decision. I recommend using the unit system. When you start out, use an amount that won’t hurt you to lose. Something like $10-25 is a good “unit”. So for your initial deposit, put 4 units worth in. Now from there, when you make your bets, for the events that are more profitable but riskier, you can put in half a unit, or a lesser amount, and for the bets you are more confident in with lower odds, you can place more units.

A way I like to make the odds higher is by creating a parlay. A small bet, where all of your predictions have to be right or you lose. Each week I will be making a parlay of 3-6 teams. In particular, college football, NFL, and MLB will be the focus of these bets. Some may argue that betting on sports ruins sports, but according to the University of Texas at Austin, “Many people find they become more engaged and interested in the action when they have placed a bet”. Additionally, this allows for sports to gather more viewers. You can bet on a team that you normally wouldn’t watch and this would be a cool way to watch the game you love on nights when your team isn’t playing.

image source

Some may argue that betting on sports ruins sports, but according to the University of Texas at Austin, “Many people find they become more engaged and interested in the action when they have placed a bet”. Additionally, this allows for sports to gather more viewers. You can bet on a team that you normally wouldn’t watch and this would be a cool way to watch the game you love on nights when your team isn’t playing.

Now that sports betting is no longer illegal, people should give it a try. Unlike regular gambling at a casino, it isn’t just chance. You can prep and do research, and if you want to skip those steps that’s fine because I have you covered with the latest sports predictions. I hope you enjoyed my introduction to sports betting, and I’ll see you next week with my first take.

Signing off for now-

Hanley Predicts