Circa Casino - public betting percentages example
  1. Introduction
  2. What are public betting percentages?
  3. Why are public betting percentages important?
  4. How to use public betting percentages?
  5. Where to see public betting percentages?
  6. Conclusion

Introduction

One of the most crucial pieces of information for any sports bettor is understanding where the public’s money is going—commonly known as “public betting” or “public bet percentages.” This insight can be the difference between making an informed wager and blindly following the crowd. In this article, we’ll explore what public betting is, why it’s important, and how you can access reliable public betting data to enhance your betting strategy.

What Are Public Betting Percentages?

Public betting percentages refer to the distribution of bets placed on a particular outcome, often expressed as a percentage of total bets. For example, if 70% of the bets on a football game are placed on Team A, and 30% on Team B, the public betting percentages would be 70% for Team A and 30% for Team B.

 

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These percentages are usually broken down into two categories:

Bets Percentage: The percentage of total bets placed on each side.

Money Percentage (or Handle): The percentage of total money wagered on each side.

While the first shows how many bettors are on each side, the latter shows where the big money is going, which often reflects where professional or “sharp” bettors are placing their bets.

Now that we know what these numbers mean…

Why Are Public Betting Percentages Important

1. Identifying Public Bias

One of the primary reasons these bet percentages are so crucial is that they help identify public bias. Casual bettors tend to place bets based on emotion or popular sentiment rather than solid analysis. For example, a popular team might attract a lot of bets just because of its fans, its city, or simply it’s mascot- even if the odds are stacked against them.

Knowing where the public is putting their money can help you decide whether to follow the crowd or go against it, a strategy known as “fading the public.” Betting against the public can be profitable, especially when you believe the public is overestimating a team’s chances.

2. Spotting Line Movements

Public betting percentages can also help you understand line movements. When a large percentage of bets are placed on one side, sportsbooks may adjust the odds to balance the action and reduce their risk. For example, if too many bets are placed on Team A, the sportsbook might offer better odds for Team B to entice more bets on that side.

Monitoring these movements can provide insights into the betting market and help you make more informed decisions.

3. Following Sharp Money

Sharp bettors, or professionals, are known for making well-informed bets. By looking at where the money percentage is going, you can often identify where the sharps are putting their money. If a team has a lower percentage of total bets but a higher percentage of total money wagered, it might indicate that sharp bettors are backing that team.

This information can be invaluable if you’re looking to place smarter bets. Following sharp money often means going against the public, but it can lead to higher returns.

How to Use Public Betting Percentages

To effectively use public bet percentages in your betting strategy, consider the following steps:

Compare Betting Tickets and Money Percentages: 

Look for discrepancies between the two. A significant difference might suggest that sharp money is on one side, even if the public is on the other.

Watch for Line Movements: 

Monitor how the lines change as more bets come in. This can help you understand how sportsbooks are responding to public action.

Analyze the Matchup: 

Don’t rely solely on public betting data. Always analyze the matchup to understand why the public or sharps might be betting a certain way.

Where To See Public Betting Percentages

If you’re looking to dive deeper into public betting percentages, one of the best resources available is the Betting Splits section on VSiN.com.

There are plenty of sources out there offering public bet percentages, but VSiN stands out for one key reason: transparency. 

While other platforms may give you numbers, VSiN is the only one that clearly shows where the data comes from. We pull real-time data directly from DraftKings sportsbook, so you can be confident that what you’re seeing is accurate and reliable.

In the past, finding reliable betting data was a challenge, especially with offshore sportsbooks where it was hard to tell what kind of bettors they catered to. But with the transparent data we provide from DraftKings, you can trust that you’re getting a clear view of public sentiment, which can help you make more informed decisions.

By using the information available on VSiN, you can enhance your betting strategy, making smarter bets based on real, transparent data. It’s a resource that can help you stay competitive and potentially increase your chances of making a profit.

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If you’re interested in a more advanced breakdown of how to leverage public betting data, here’s an in depth breakdown on how to turn a profit in college football wagering using betting splits.

Conclusion

Public betting percentages offer a window into the betting world, revealing where the public and the sharps are placing their money. By understanding these percentages, you can make more informed bets, whether you choose to follow the public or go against it. So, next time you’re considering a bet, take a moment to check those percentages—they might just give you the edge you need.

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