A beginners guide to sports betting ahead of Copa América 2024

por Wosti -

With billions of dollars flowing into soccer betting markets annually, the highest profile tournaments, such as the Copa América, Euros and the World Cup, see significant action. The rise of the internet has led to added interest in these markets since the beginning of the 21st century.

A lot of the betting action on these continental tournaments would have remained largely within the continent in which they are held, prior to the rise of sports betting websites and mobile apps. However, the 24/7 nature of modern-day sports news and social media, and the ubiquitous nature of betting apps means there will be an added interest in this year’s Copa América from many different corners of the globe.

Market research and exploring tips

You should never gamble on sports or markets you don’t understand. For instance, if you often place a bet on domestic European leagues and understand how those markets tend to work, that doesn’t mean you can mimic this approach for international tournaments further afield.

Of course, we’re not going to sit here and say that these markets are entirely different from domestic football markets, because they are primarily the same. However, if you don’t know what to look for and what sort of value exists within these markets, then you’re already putting yourself at a disadvantage.

Copa América predictions and odds – the likes of which you can find at https://www.wsn.com/international-soccer/copa-america-winner-prediction-odds-picks/ – will showcase some of the tips and the sort of components that bettors consider before putting down any money on this year’s big tournament.

Again, though, be aware that just because somebody might know a bit more than you about South American football teams, or may understand the dynamics of continental football in the Americas better than you, this doesn’t mean that their tips are surefire ways to make money – they should be used as a guide only.

Gambling responsibly

The growing number of soccer betting markets means more opportunities and an increasing number of ways to play. However, with these added markets comes the same level of responsibility – and gambling safely should be at the foundation of any bet you place.

The signs of problem gambling can be hard to spot in other people. Still, some of the most prominent early signs include exceeding time and deposit limits, gambling with money you can’t afford to lose, viewing gambling as a source of income, or if it is starting to have a destructive impact on your closest relationships.

The internet is a great tool for those looking to seek out guidance and curb their problem gambling – you can find many organizations that specialize in putting an end to your gambling if it is causing you issues. They’ll also give you the tools to assist your friends or family members if they begin to exhibit any of these issues.

Exploring the betting markets for Copa América 2024

Broadly speaking, there are three categories of betting: a straight bet, an in-play bet and an outright bet. A straight bet involves a wager on an outright game. In-play is any market during the 90 minutes of play, or if it’s a knockout game, it will go into extra time.

An outright market is a bet you can place on which team will win the tournament outright or which player will win the Golden Boot – essentially any market that concludes after the tournament's final game. Argentina is on a roll at the moment – following their magical success at the 2022 World Cup, the bookmakers think they are likely to defend their title in the US this July as well.

Brazil and Argentina are toss-ups for many bettors, with Uruguay the ranked outsider at around 6/1. Given that Luis Suárez is playing in his fifth, and most likely, his final Copa América, some bettors believe he might rewind the years and defy expectations, but truthfully, it’s hard to see past Brazil and Argentina – the two giants of South American football.

You can find markets for individual group games, such as which team will win their group, or the standard betting markets that apply broadly, whether it’s both teams to score, half-time and full-time markets, or the good old accumulator bets, where you can combine many selections across a number of different matchdays.

Conclusion

Many of the Copa América markets mirror the knockout competitions you can find throughout the domestic season, such as the UEFA Champions League. Other international tournaments that you might be more accustomed to, such as Euro 2024, follow a similar group and knockout format, and essentially all of the same generic in-play, straight and outright markets.

Regardless of whether you use a mobile app or your desktop PC to place bets on the Copa América this summer, the main takeaways should revolve around safe gambling and knowledge. Don’t bet on any games or teams you don’t follow, and ensure you keep your betting within the confines of a budget you can afford. Stick to these two principles and explore the betting markets, and you’ll be able to add a little bit of spice to your viewing for this year’s Copa América 2024.