Using sports betting touts and paid pick services can be tempting, but there are pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
1. Potential expertise: Good touts may have deep knowledge and successful handicapping models for identifying value bets.
2. Time-saving: Having picks delivered saves time studying games yourself.
3. Objectivity: Touts aren't influenced by team biases that could cloud judgement.
4. Additional income: Successful touts can theoretically provide a supplemental revenue stream.
Cons:
1. Unverified claims: Many touts exaggerate or fabricate their records and statistical models.
2. Incentive issues: Touts may be incentivized to release more picks to drive subscription fees over quality.
3. Lack of transparency: Methods and true results are rarely independently verified.
4. Cost: Tout services can be expensive, eroding value gained from any good picks.
5. Accountability issues: If picks continuously lose, there's little recourse for customers.
The biggest drawback is the lack of regulation and accountability in the tout industry. While some honest, skillful handicappers may exist, it's extremely difficult to differentiate them from unscrupulous touts making dubious claims. Successful long-term sports bettors tend to do their own rigorous research and handicapping analysis versus outsourcing picks.
Overall, skepticism is warranted around touts. Any paid pick services should be approached cautiously and realistically as potential supplementary opinions rather than gospel until they demonstrate verifiable, consistent profitability over many years. Managing expectations is key.
Pros:
1. Potential expertise: Good touts may have deep knowledge and successful handicapping models for identifying value bets.
2. Time-saving: Having picks delivered saves time studying games yourself.
3. Objectivity: Touts aren't influenced by team biases that could cloud judgement.
4. Additional income: Successful touts can theoretically provide a supplemental revenue stream.
Cons:
1. Unverified claims: Many touts exaggerate or fabricate their records and statistical models.
2. Incentive issues: Touts may be incentivized to release more picks to drive subscription fees over quality.
3. Lack of transparency: Methods and true results are rarely independently verified.
4. Cost: Tout services can be expensive, eroding value gained from any good picks.
5. Accountability issues: If picks continuously lose, there's little recourse for customers.
The biggest drawback is the lack of regulation and accountability in the tout industry. While some honest, skillful handicappers may exist, it's extremely difficult to differentiate them from unscrupulous touts making dubious claims. Successful long-term sports bettors tend to do their own rigorous research and handicapping analysis versus outsourcing picks.
Overall, skepticism is warranted around touts. Any paid pick services should be approached cautiously and realistically as potential supplementary opinions rather than gospel until they demonstrate verifiable, consistent profitability over many years. Managing expectations is key.
