Calling all Record Keepers that do Sports Betting!

In another thread, there is talk about the importance of record keeping to be successful in sports betting, so I ask, what do you record, and how do you structure/organize your records so that they are easy to sort for the past data you are seeking? Can you show/explain the importance of record keeping?

All examples are appreciated.

Thanks

Personally, these are the things I keep track of in my custom spreadsheet, for each wager:

-Today's Date (translated into whole numbers)
-My Pick
-Type of Sports (MLB, NBA, etc.)
-Posted Line
-Amount Risked ($)
-Units Risked (auto-calculated)
-Amount to Win (auto-calc)
-Book Used to Wager
-Result (W/L/T/Cancelled)
-Amount Won/Lost (auto-calc)
-Units Won/Lost (auto-calc)
-Total Bankroll to Date (auto-calc)
-Total Units to Date (auto-calc)
-Name of Handicapper (if someone other than myself)
-Any outside expenses aside from wagering (i.e. to purchase handicapping tools, etc.)
-Misc. Notes (if any)

Aside from these, I also keep a chart at the top of my screen that takes notes of daily records and automatically calculates the following:

-W/L percentage for all sports
-W/L percentage for each sport
-W/L percentage for each handicapper (incl. self) in all sports as well as in each sport
-Total money profit for all sports / each sport, minus any outside expenses
-Total unit profit for all sports / each sport
-Total outside expenses

Finally, I have a slot where I can input the "starting date" and "ending date" and all of the above records are re-calculated to reflect that time period. This feature is really helpful for me.

I think comprehensive recordkeeping is pivotal not only to making a profit in sports wagering, but to keeping your sanity and being able to look at things in perspective when on a losing streak. It also helps me weed out bad handicappers

general, i run mine for each sport for the entire season,, separating them by sport.. i try and start each season for each sport with a 5k bankroll, playing between 1-5 units per play, i record each by number of units and win or loss. simple as that, i dig for info on a daily basis.. try to stay with the flow of the team at that time.. streaks are of utmost importance..

Nepenthe,

I'd love to have a look at your spreadsheet. If that's ok with you, then send me an email at duckstabber@aarhusmail.dk

i just print out a betting history from my online books, and go through it once a month or so, to go over past errors, remember bets i made and my reasoning, given the end result.