Published On: July 19th, 2023

The Pros and Cons of Betting on Favorites

Betting on favorites in sports can be appealing for many reasons, but there are also potential downsides to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons of betting on favorites:

Pros:

  • Higher chances of winning: Favorites are the teams (or in our case, horses) that are expected to win the event or game. They often have a track record of success, a strong team or player, and are favored by the betting odds. This means that betting on favorites can increase the chances of being successful in your wager.
  • Lower risk: Betting on favorites can also be a lower risk proposition. Since they are expected to win, there is less uncertainty about the outcome of the event. This means that favorites may have lower betting odds and a lower payout, but the risk of losing is also lower.
  • Consistent profits: Betting on favorites can lead to consistent profits over time. Since favorites are expected to win more often than not, consistent betting on favorites can lead to a steady stream of winnings.

Cons:

  • Low payout: The downside of betting on favorites is that the payout can be relatively low compared to the risk. Since favorites are expected to win, the betting odds are typically lower, and the potential payout may be smaller.
  • Overconfidence: Betting on favorites can lead to overconfidence, which can be detrimental in the long run. If a bettor becomes too confident in their favorite team or horse, they may overlook key factors that could affect the outcome of the event.
  • Less value: Betting on favorites can also mean that there is less value in the bet. If the betting odds are heavily skewed in favor of the favorite, then there may be little value in placing a bet on them, as the potential payout may not be worth the risk.