If you want to keep a positive mind-set whilst betting on sports, there are some general principles you should observe to make sure that you do not get into bad habits, and turn what should be a harmless pastime into a dangerous addiction.

Firstly, betting should be fun and the main reason that you participate in it. There are many people you regard themselves as professional gamblers, but the number of them that can be called successful – they consistently win more than they lose – can be counted on one hand. Bookmakers always have the odds stacked in their favour – remember that.

It also means that you should not expect to make a lot of money on one particular day. Be happy if you win a few euros each day and then, once or twice a month, scoop a bigger pot. Aim for steady pay-outs, not huge jackpots.

Equally do not place large wagers on bets with high odds. There is a good reason why the odds are so long – the chances of it happening are remote. However much research you may have done on a team, player or horse, the bookmaker will have done more, because they can afford to employ highly trained statisticians and analysts, and deploy advanced algorithmic programs.

And never gamble more than you can afford to lose. If you are prepared to do that you have a problem which could affect the financial well-being of yourself and your family. You may even have an addiction and may need professional help.

That also means, in practical terms, setting a monthly budget for how much you are prepared to gamble, and sticking to it, no matter if you have reached your limit partway through the month. Control your gambling, don’t let it control you.

Be prepared to do your research. If you do not look into the statistics and other factors that may affect the performance of a specific horse, player or team, you are just handing all the advantages to the bookmaker. The worst bets you can make of all are when you are bored – one or two might succeed, but long-term you are guaranteed to lose consistently.

Try and be objective, and not let emotions dictate your betting strategy. This means treating losses and wins equally. Sadly, losses are a natural part of life for any gambler, but, while they can be hard to take, the worst thing you can do is chase them, and try to win them back straight away, perhaps by doubling up on your next bet. Similarly, there is no such thing as a “winning streak”. A series of bets may have succeeded, but that is no guarantee that the next one will – the past is no predictor of the future. Remember the words of Rudyard Kipling “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat these two imposters just the same, yours is the earth and everything in it”.

And sometimes, particularly if you have been losing regularly, the best thing to do is to give sports betting a rest for a week or two. You may miss the odd winner, but you will be spared the feeling of depressions that you get when you lose, and you may return to it afresh, and with a renewed appetite and attitude.