Power of Data Analytics in Sports Betting: A Guide to Informed Decision Making

In a world where data and information in any industry is so vital, sports betting is no different. The sports betting industry has been a massively successful industry for generations and continues to show no signs of slowing down.

You can now access sportsbooks like BetOnline from your mobile device at any moment of the day, 365 days a year, and this access and excitement has seen the industry develop from both the sportsbooks, and the bettors perspective.

No more do bettors rely solely on their gut feelings when placing a bet. There is a wealth of information available to all on sports which can provide a platform for making better informed and more accurate bets.

The evolution of data analytics and the influence of technology and societies attitude towards it has seen a seismic shift to how people bet online. Social media has helped in pushing out further betting tips and strategies which are often backed up by those working in data analytics. 

Data Analytics

Gathering and analyzing data is something which has revolutionized the sports betting industry with bettors better equipped to create their own strategies. Using different forms of data allows us to analyze patterns and historic results which can help you predict potential outcomes of events with more accuracy.

There are sites all over the internet which collect and organize data for sports fans to use when they bet online which the bettor needs to learn to analyze and make the best conclusions from going forward.

Types of Data

  • Player Statistics

By searching an athlete’s name or a team’s name on the internet, almost always you will be provided with their statistical history. Sites dedicated to providing information on their last competitive events. 

How many goals a soccer player has scored in, in how many games and from how many shots is readily available. How many three-point shots a point guard makes in the NBA with their shooting accuracy throughout the season is available on the NBA site. This, and so much more, is readily available in every sport giving us the chance to understand what their average level of production can be.

  • Team Performance Metrics

In team sports like the NBA or soccer, understanding how they have been operating in previous games can be key to how you make your next bet. Data is readily available on their past matches, look into how they have performed in different areas of the game, defense and attack, shots on goal in soccer or points per quarter in the NBA, turnovers and penalty giveaways, and so much more. You can then investigate the next team they are coming up against and what their data is showing to try to find patterns and trends which could provide a confident betting option.

  • Historic Trends

There is often a feeling that players don’t play well against specific teams, ‘Bogey Teams’ can be seen as a real thing, not just psychologically but also due to the styles of play and the matchups in game. 

  • Environmental Factors

This can be a huge impacting factor on certain venues for games. In international soccer, when South American teams visit La Paz in Bolivia the differences of quality on paper and individual talent go out of the window due to the altitude. 

Going to the heat and humidity in Florida to the freezing conditions of a winter game against the Buffalo Bills during the NFL season, these environmental factors can give the home sides significant advantages.

Live Data

With the increase in quality of sportsbooks making it easier to bet online through high-performing apps on mobile devices, live in-play betting has become highly popular. While watching a match unfold bettors can select new bets throughout the game with a variety of selections to choose from as well as the option to cash out too.

Identifying how teams are set up to take on an opponent, if there is a mismatch from an injury or a sending off in the game can affect how the final score could turn out. There is also a wealth of data on how specific teams do when going behind in a game, how they use certain players to see if they will be given more chances to shoot in soccer, running backs getting more touches in the NFL or if a side needs to try more three-point shots later in a game in the NBA.


Data is now a vital part of how people will approach online betting at their favorite sportsbook. Looking into the history and ability of the team or player that are keen to back. Longer odds can be found, and bigger, more secure bets could be identified with thorough data analytics. The risk is still there but it can be greatly reduced by understanding the data on offer to everyone.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.