Whether you’re deep into Nevada Wolf Pack pride or just loving the expectant thrill when the NFL Football season finally kicks off, placing a smart bet at a sportsbook is a whole lot more than just picking your favorite team.
At Baldini’s Casino in Sparks, we’ve got the sportsbook setup and the insider know-how to give you the player’s edge. Ready to level up your sports betting strategy? Let’s talk.
Keep Your Heart Separate from Your Wallet
You love your team. We get it. You own a bunch of their jerseys, attend live games whenever you can, and otherwise go hoarse screaming at the TV when a game is on. No matter what your feelings are, betting smart means stepping back and not acting on emotion. Before you put money on your favorite squad, ask yourself this serious question: “Would I make this same bet if it wasn’t my team?” This is really important. Sentiment won’t pay out. Smart bettors focus on value bets, not loyalty.
Know the Betting Types and When to Use Them
Sportsbooks give you betting options for the various sports:
Moneyline: Bet straight ahead for a team to win or lose.
Point Spread: This is “The Great Equalizer.” Is your team good enough to cover the point spread? If it is, bet it.
Totals (Over/Under): Bet the score, not the winner.
Parlays: Higher risk, bigger reward — best used in moderation.
Proposition bets There are also “proposition or prop bets.” These are wagers made on specific events or outcomes that occur during a game and not necessarily tied to the final score. Here are examples of possible common prop bets for football, baseball, and basketball:
Football (NFL / College) Prop Bets
Player Props
- Will Patrick Mahomes throw over/under 2.5 touchdowns?
- How many rushing yards will Christian McCaffrey have?
- First player to score a touchdown.
Team Props
- Will the team score a touchdown in every quarter?
- Total team sacks over/under.
- First team to reach 10 points.
- Game/Event Props
- Coin toss result (heads/tails).
- Will there be a safety?
- Will the game go into overtime?
Baseball (MLB) Prop Bets
Player Props
- Will Aaron Judge hit a home run?
- Over/under on a pitcher’s strikeouts.
- Number of hits by a specific player.
Team Props
- Total team runs over/under.
- First team to score.
- Will a team hit a home run?
Game Props
- Will there be a grand slam?
- Will any inning have 3 or more runs?
- Will both teams score in the first inning (Yes/No)?
Basketball (NBA / College) Prop Bets
Player Props
- Over/under on LeBron’s total points, rebounds, or assists.
- Will a player record a triple-double?
- Who will score the first basket?
Team Props
- Total team 3-pointers made.
- First team to reach 20 points.
- Largest lead by either team over/under.
Game Props
- Will there be overtime?
- Combined score of the 4th quarter over/under.
- Will any player score 40+ points?
Want steadier returns? Stick to single-game bets. Parlays are fun and have large payouts, but they are riskier.
Do Your Homework
Line movement matters. Injuries, weather, and coaching matchups will shift the odds. Don’t rely on last week’s performance alone. Stay sharp:
- Track stats and trends often.
- Follow reputable betting analysts.
- Look for value where public sentiment is off.
Smart bettors exploit market overreactions, they do not chase the hype.
Strategically Time Your Bets
Lines move throughout the week. Early birds may get value, but sometimes it pays to wait and watch:
- Bet early if you spot a soft line.
- Bet late if key injury news is pending.
Bonus tip: “Fade the public ,” especially when a popular team is getting too much love. This means betting against the majority.
Set a Budget and Don’t Spend More
The pros call it a “unit system.” Bet the same amount (your “unit”) consistently. Never chase losses. If you’re down, take a break not another risk. Long-term success is all about disciplined betting.
Take Advantage of the Local Edge
Being in Reno/Sparks gives you a leg up. Use local insights that you hear about Mountain West football, regional rivalries, or regional MLB/NFL team dynamics before they hit the national radar. Trust your homegrown network and knowledge. Just make sure it’s rooted in facts and not hearsay or some keyboard warrior’s latest tirade.
Smart Bets Start at Baldini’s
Both rookies and sharp bettors like Baldini’s. Our friendly staff, terrific food choices, and a no-pretentious environment is where locals feel at home. It’s the perfect place because the best things happen at Baldini’s.