In betting, the term ‘backed’ refers to a selection that has seen heavy betting, causing its odds to decrease. A selection is a possible outcome of a sporting event or a market that bettors can wager on. For example, in a football match between Team A and Team B, the possible selections are Team A to win, Team B to win, or a draw.
When a selection is backed, it means that many bettors have placed bets on it, indicating that they believe it is likely to happen. This creates a high demand for that selection, which affects the supply and demand balance in the betting market. As a result, the bookmakers or the betting exchanges lower the odds for that selection, making it less attractive and profitable for new bettors.
The opposite of backed is ‘drifted’, which means that a selection has seen little or no betting, causing its odds to increase. A selection is drifted when few bettors have placed bets on it, indicating that they believe it is unlikely to happen. This creates a low demand for that selection, which affects the supply and demand balance in the betting market. As a result, the bookmakers or the betting exchanges raise the odds for that selection, making it more attractive and profitable for new bettors.
Why Are Selections Backed or Drifted?
Selections are backed or drifted for various reasons, such as:
Information: Bettors may have access to new or updated information that affects their perception of the likelihood of a selection. For example, if a key player is injured or suspended before a match, the odds for his team may drift, while the odds for the opposing team may be backed.
Trends: Bettors may follow certain trends or patterns that influence their betting decisions. For example, if a team has a good record at home or against a certain opponent, the odds for that team may be backed, while the odds for the other team may drift.
Emotions: Bettors may have personal preferences or biases that affect their betting choices. For example, if a bettor supports or dislikes a certain team or player, he may back or drift their odds regardless of their actual chances of winning.
Market movements: Bettors may react to the changes in the odds or the volume of bets in the market. For example, if a selection is heavily backed by other bettors, some bettors may follow suit and back it too, while others may go against the crowd and drift it.
How to Bet on Backed or Drifted Selections
Betting on backed or drifted selections can be a profitable strategy if done correctly. Here are some tips and considerations for betting on backed or drifted selections:
Timing: The timing of your bets is crucial when betting on backed or drifted selections. You want to place your bets before the odds change too much and lose their value. You also want to avoid placing your bets too early and miss out on better odds later. Therefore, you need to monitor the market movements and act quickly when you spot an opportunity.
Value: The value of your bets is important when betting on backed or drifted selections. You want to place your bets only when you think that the odds are higher or lower than they should be based on your own analysis and estimation. You also want to avoid placing your bets based on emotions or trends without doing your research and evaluation. Therefore, you need to compare the odds with your own probability and expected value calculations.
Risk: The risk of your bets is inevitable when betting on backed or drifted selections. You want to place your bets only when you are confident and comfortable with your stake and potential outcome. You also want to avoid placing your bets based on impulse or greed without considering your bankroll and budget. Therefore, you need to manage your risk with proper money management and discipline.
To Sum Up
Backed in betting means that a selection has seen heavy betting, causing its odds to decrease. It indicates that many bettors believe that the selection is likely to happen. Drifted in betting means that a selection has seen little or no betting, causing its odds to increase. It indicates that few bettors believe that the selection is unlikely to happen. Selections are backed or drifted for various reasons, such as information, trends, emotions, or market movements. Betting on backed or drifted selections can be profitable if done correctly with timing, value, and risk considerations.