Betting on sports is an emotional pastime, combining the excitement of a sports fan with the thrill of betting. When you have a room full of sports fans who have money to play with, the tension at the betting shops can get a little high.
If things get out of hand, you could be excluded and expelled from your favourite bookmaker. Although most punters behave themselves, we've compiled a list of what you can and can't do at the bookmaker's office to help you avoid getting out prematurely! These tips also apply to online betting at places like betting companies in Zambia.
1. Don't beg, borrow or steal
If you notice yourself borrowing or asking another player for money to fund your bets, you could find yourself on the other side of the door. Even if you just want to borrow from a friend, this is not a good place for a player to be.
Don't have the bankroll to cover your sports betting? It's time to put an end to it. The number one rule in any sports betting strategy is to manage your bankroll properly, and the second is to never chase your losses. Just relax and enjoy the game and soak up the atmosphere of the betting shop.
Of course, the whole idea of "no stealing" is a given. That big no-no will result in an automatic lifetime ban and could even lead to an arrest. It's not worth it.
2. Drink responsibly when betting
While free drinks at Las Vegas betting shops are slowly becoming a thing of the past, some betting shops have a set minimum wager - up to $100 - before you are eligible for one 'free drink'. Of course, most betting shops have a well-stocked bar where sports fans can buy any number of alcoholic drinks.
It's easy to get carried away while enjoying the game (and the drinks). That said, being drunk and disorderly in any public place is indecent. You should never bet while intoxicated, but this is one of the most common mistakes made by casual sports bettors . It clouds your common sense and can easily lead to the loss of a significant portion of your bankroll.
Be careful to keep an eye on the game and your bets. If you've had too much to drink, go home (or to a hotel) to get some sleep or go for a good meal... with water! Bookmaker's security staff are used to bad behaviour and can remove you, put you in a taxi and permanently ban you.
3. Don't get violent
We all know that emotions can run high during a sporting game - and even more so when there is big money at stake. There is no excuse for getting aggressive. Keep your cool and your hands to yourself or you will be thrown out. Worse, you could face criminal charges.
4. Don't be rude to the staff at the stall
This applies to any employee of a betting shop in this respect. Manners cost you nothing, but being rude can cost you access to your favourite betting shop. Ticket writers, bar staff and hosts are willing to let you bet, but that doesn't mean they are paid to put up with any nonsense. Be a decent person and everyone will be happy!
5. Don't use the wrong line
In a betting shop, line-shopping is not the most common option. However, every now and then you will find the wrong line offering you much better odds than usual. With so many sporting events being played every day, line-ups errors are inevitable.
This unwritten rule applies to almost any betting shop you enter: if you spot a wrong line, bet on it, the betting shop will usually take that ticket into account. Fair play, however, works both ways: if you spot an error but decide to place a few bets on it, the betting office has the right to escort you out of the building.
6. Keep trash talk to a minimum
A bit of banter with the opposing team's fans may be a bit of harmless fun, but there is a line and you should treat it with respect. No one likes a goon, and if your words offend you, you'll be immediately thrown out.
7. Don't take the reserved seats
Many betting shops have areas, booths and seats that can be reserved by regular visitors or VIP members . They may be posh, very comfortable and the best in the house, but if there is a sign on them, it is forbidden.
Bookies keep records on their booking lists, so don't be tempted to remove the 'reserved' signs and still sit there. If you get caught doing this, you run the risk of being asked to leave.