One of the hardest concepts to get across to bettors is this:
No matter how good you are, cold streaks are part of the game.
You’re going to have periods where you couldn’t pick the quinella in a two-horse race. If you truly want to avoid losing, the solution is simple:
Don’t gamble.
But if you’re reading this, your chances of walking away from gambling are probably the same as your chances of never experiencing a losing month:
ZERO.
🛡️ Minimizing Losses Is the Real Edge
Since you can’t avoid losses, the next best thing is learning how to minimize them when they hit.
One of the core tools I use for this is the TSP Index, which helps track whether sharp or public money is trending in the betting markets.
🔗 Check the Index here: TSP Index on TheSharpPlays.com
📘 Or dive deeper in this article: TSP Live Education: Using the Index
But instead of explaining how the Index works, let me show you how it helped optimize real-money results recently in both:
- The Degenerate Portfolio (TSP Live subscriber content)
- The Go Fast and Win Portfolio (free content)
📅 Real Example: Late December 2023 into January 2024
⚠️ December 28th – Index Hits 3.3
When the Index hits 3.3 or higher, it’s typically a sign that a sharp run is near its end, and regression is likely.
On December 28th, I alerted TSP Live subscribers that we were at that point.
❄️ Cold Period Follows (Dec 28 – Jan 7)
What followed?
- 11 days of cooler content
- The Degenerate Portfolio lost just -1.14 units
Not ideal—but thanks to tight bankroll management and cautious play, we kept the damage minimal.
🎯 The key: Anticipating the cold stretch and scaling risk accordingly.
🔁 The Turn: January 8–9, 2024
On January 8th, things turned:
- Degenerate Portfolio: +0.45 units (Parlay + Straight Win on Washington/Michigan UN56.5)
- Go Fast and Win: +0.20 units
The following morning, the Index turned upward, signaling a shift in market momentum back to sharp bettors.
💥 January 9th – Explosion of Wins
- TSP Content (Free + Paid): 6-0 sweep
- Go Fast and Win: 3-0 including a +210 DRAW in Italian soccer
- Degenerate Portfolio: 3-0 on different wagers
Result:
- Go Fast and Win: +0.52 units
- Degenerate Portfolio: +0.40 units
Over just two days: +0.85 units regained after a cold stretch of -1.14 units.
🧠 Maximize Wins. Minimize Losses. Know the Environment.
The TSP Index isn’t a crystal ball. It can’t prevent cold runs.
But it can help you spot them early—and position you to capitalize when the turn hits.
📊 One glance at the Index each day can make a major difference.
It’s free, takes one minute, and it’s right here: TSP Index
🔒 Extra Value for TSP Live Subscribers
TSP Live members get an expanded version of the Index, which includes:
- Daily activity levels by league/sport
- Trend analysis (who’s in control: sharps or public)
- Special alerts based on momentum shifts
This version goes beyond the surface and helps guide your strategy at a granular level.
🧘 The Mental Game: Accepting the Inevitable
Losses are part of this game.
You can’t always avoid them—but you can prepare for them, play smart, and keep them small.
❌ I wish no TSP Live subscriber ever had a losing day, week, or month…
✅ But that’s just not realistic.
What is realistic?
- Ride the hot streaks 🚀
- Play tight through the cold spells 🧊
- Be ready to pounce when the trend flips 🔁
🏁 Final Thoughts: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Gambling isn’t easy. But it doesn’t have to be impossible.
You can bet daily and succeed if you understand the market environment and follow a smart, strategic plan.
TSP Live was built to teach those very strategies—refined over 30 years of personal betting and 20 years as a professional.
You won’t win every day.
But you don’t need to…
You just need to stay in the game long enough to capitalize when the edge is on your side.
Good luck out there—and remember to bet smart!