It’s a story that’s all too familiar for anyone who has ever made a run at betting sports: In the starting day, it’s all thrills and good times, but – as the weeks wear on – what was once an enjoyable diversion feels more like an obligation than entertainment.

You shouldn’t feel bad.  Even the most enjoyable pursuits become boring and tedious after a bit, especially if you let yourself fall into a rut.  In this Betting School article, we’re going to talk about some simple steps you can take to put the fun back in football betting.

Step One:  In-Play Markets Bring Back the Thrill

If you haven’t taken part in an In-Play market like the one at bet365, then it’s no wonder football betting has become boring.  In-play markets allow you to place dozens of bets on events that happen within the game, bringing back the immediacy and interest that probably got you into football betting in the first place.  While bet365′s In-Play market is perhaps the best-known, all major houses have either rolled out or are in the process of rolling out similar markets on their sites.

Step Two: Save The Systems for The Suckers

You can’t throw a rock online (figuratively) without hitting a betting system.  Just avoid these – if someone really had cracked the code, do you think they’d be sharing the knowledge with you?  Of course not.  Betting systems are either scams, the product of a delusional mind or simply a waste of time for reasonable people.

Step Three: Manage Your Bankroll For the Long Term

Nothing knocks the win out of a bettor’s sail quicker than blowing half of your bankroll on a single bet.   A bankroll is just like any other budget – it has to be planned and adhered to, and if you fail to do that there’s no much point in having a budget.  Make your bankroll last and betting won’t seem as exasperating of an experience.

Step Four: Only Bet When the Time is Right

Just because you bet last Saturday doesn’t mean you have to be this Saturday.  For those who fit betting in between work, wives or whatever else occupies the real life of people, it can be tempting to place some bets simply because it’s the only time you’re going to have available to do so.  Does that sound like the mindset of a rational, winning bettor?  Or does it sound like someone who is stuck in a habit and not thinking clearly about their situation?

Hopefully this quick common-sense tips will help to reignite the spark in your dormant relationship with football betting, because as well all know, it’s one of the few relationships worth saving.