Today, we have a special interview with one of our very own community members: Monae Thompson. Since joining us earlier this year, Monae has stood out as an enthusiastic bettor, and we couldn’t wait to hear her insights!
We reached out to her with some quick-fire questions about her betting journey and, as always, it’s a chance to learn something new from someone who bets on sports regularly. Enjoy!
Can you tell us about your journey into sports betting? What initially attracted you to it, and how did you get started?
Monae. I started getting into sports betting after joining a few fantasy football leagues back in 2018. That was also when New Jersey launched its mobile sportsbook for FanDuel, so the timing was perfect. The guys in my league would constantly talk about their bets, and everyone knew I loved going to the casino as well. So, it didn’t take much convincing for me to get started
What sports do you primarily bet on, and do you have a particular strategy or system that you use?
Monae. I’m genuinely open to betting on all sports. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when options were limited, I even placed bets on Russian ping pong. My favorite sports are the NFL and EPL, but I find NHL, NBA, and MLB playoffs to be the most exciting and lucrative. I prefer to start small at the beginning of the season or place more straight bets to build my bankroll.
How do you stay informed and make educated bets? Do you rely on specific resources, data analysis, or personal intuition?
Monae. I’m constantly researching online, analyzing past stats for player props, and tracking public trends. I’m also active in several Discord betting groups, where we regularly discuss strategies and exchange ideas for parlays.
What challenges or stereotypes have you faced as a woman in the sports betting community (if any), and how have you navigated them?
Monae. I personally haven’t faced many challenges. In this community, if people see that you’re winning, there’s not much they can argue against.
For those new to sports betting, what are some common mistakes to avoid, and what advice would you give to beginners?
Monae. I’d recommend starting with straight Moneyline bets to understand how spreads are determined. Many people aim for high-reward parlays, like turning $5 into $1,500, but while it’s possible (and my favorite way to parlay), it’s neither sustainable nor realistic. The ideal approach for those looking to hit parlays with significant payouts from a small investment is to make 4-6 picks. These selections could range from $25 to over $200 at any given time.
How do you manage your bankroll and maintain a balance between betting for fun and betting seriously?
Monae. I manage my bankroll based on the sport. For example, in the NFL, there are three nights with games each week. I allocate $25 for each day. However, if I don’t like the matchups on Monday and Thursday, I will use the entire $75 on Sunday. I don’t think I’m at a point of betting is do or die. I love it and have fun doing it as well I take it a little more serious because being a girl doing it you have to show up so that you aren’t questioned.
What do women want?
Monae. I believe that women are eager to carve out their place in the sports betting industry, especially on social media, where men predominantly share betting content while women are often associated with fashion and food. This creates the perception that men dominate the industry socially. However, there are many knowledgeable and talented women in sports who can stand toe-to-toe with the best male handicappers and succeed. Ultimately, we want to see more representation in this space. I notice the lack of diversity firsthand, as the groups I’m part of are almost exclusively male, which highlights the disconnect.
That’s a wrap! Join us to get to know Monae and many other members who like betting!
