How to Track Your Sports Bets
The data-driven approach to improving your betting
7 min read
Why Track Your Bets?
Your memory lies. Data doesn't.
Most bettors think they're better than they are. They remember big wins, forget losses, and have no idea which strategies actually work. Tracking removes guesswork and reveals your true edge (or lack thereof).
What to Track (Minimum vs Advanced)
Minimum (Start Here)
• Date - When you placed the bet
• Sport - NFL, NBA, MLB, etc.
• Bet Type - Spread, ML, total, prop
• Selection - Team/side you bet
• Odds - The line when you bet
• Stake - Amount wagered
• Result - Win/loss/push
Advanced (For Sharps)
• Closing Odds - For CLV calculation
• Sportsbook - Which book you used
• Opening Odds - Market opening line
• Time Before Game - When you bet
• Confidence/Edge - Your estimated edge
• Source - Model, research, promo, etc.
• Notes - Reasoning, context
Key Metrics to Monitor
ROI
Profit / Total Wagered × 100
Your return on investment. 5%+ is excellent for recreational bettors.
CLV
Closing Line Value
Did you beat the closing line? The best predictor of long-term success.
Win Rate
Wins / Total Bets × 100
At -110 odds, you need 52.4%+ to profit. Track by bet type.
Units P/L
Profit in standardized units
Removes stake size variance. Shows edge independent of bet amounts.
Learn more: ROI Explained | CLV Explained
Tracking Tools & Methods
Spreadsheets
Google Sheets or Excel. Full control over what you track. Free and highly customizable.
Best for: Bettors who want complete control
Dedicated Apps
Action Network, BetStamp, SharpSide. Auto-track CLV, nice visualizations.
Best for: Convenience and automatic CLV
Sportsbook History
Most books have bet history. Limited analysis but good for basic tracking.
Best for: Casual bettors, backfilling data
Common Insights from Tracking
"I'm only profitable in NFL"
Many bettors discover they have edge in specific sports. Stop betting the losing ones.
"My parlays are killing me"
Data often reveals parlay losses dwarf straight bet profits. Cut the parlays.
"Live bets are my leak"
Emotional in-game betting often has terrible ROI. Data makes this obvious.
"Positive CLV but losing"
Short-term variance is normal. Positive CLV means you're doing things right. Trust the process.
Start With Bets That Have Edge
Track bets you're confident in. Get 5 free +EV picks daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I track my sports bets?
Tracking reveals your actual performance beyond memory (which is biased). You'll discover which sports/bet types you're profitable on, identify leaks in your strategy, and have data to improve.
What should I track for each bet?
At minimum: date, sport, bet type, team/side, odds, stake, and result. Advanced tracking includes: closing odds (for CLV), sportsbook used, your confidence level, and any relevant notes.
What is CLV tracking and why does it matter?
CLV (Closing Line Value) compares your bet odds to the closing line. If you consistently beat the close, you're making sharp bets. CLV is a better predictor of long-term success than short-term results.
Should I use a spreadsheet or an app to track bets?
Both work. Spreadsheets (Google Sheets, Excel) offer full customization. Apps like Action Network, SharpSide, or BetStamp provide convenience and automatic CLV tracking. Choose based on your needs.
How often should I review my betting data?
Weekly for a quick check, monthly for deeper analysis. Look for patterns: which sports are profitable, which bet types lose money, optimal bet sizes, and whether your edge is real (CLV positive).