Understanding the Press: A Risky Tactic in Betting

'Pressing' is a term used in the betting world. It represents a high-risk, high-reward strategy where a bettor starts wagering more money than they usually would, often to recover previous losses.

The strategy of 'pressing' comes from the innate human tendency to chase losses. When bettors suffer a string of losses, they may decide to 'press' their bets, i.e., increase their usual bet size, to win back their lost money more quickly. However, it's a strategy steeped in emotion rather than logic, often resulting in the bettor incurring even more significant losses.

'Pressing' is not exclusive to sports betting and can be seen in all forms of gambling, from casino games to horse racing. It intersects with other betting terms such as 'Tilt' (betting recklessly due to emotional responses) and 'Chasing' (continuing to gamble to win back lost money).

Understanding when to 'press' and when to exercise restraint is crucial in betting. It's generally recommended for bettors to set a budget or limit to their bets and stick to it, avoiding the temptation to press in a losing streak.

Example 1

After losing three straight football games, John pressed his bets on the next match, doubling his usual bet size to recoup his losses.

Example 2

Sally was ahead by a significant margin at the poker table. Sensing desperation in her opponent, who started to press, she capitalised on his reckless plays and increased her lead.

Example 3

The author might write in a sports betting advice article, "While the temptation to press after a string of losses is natural, it's essential to keep a level head and stick to your original betting strategy and budget."