You can always just bet on games without placing any money at first. Take your time to look at the spreads, do research, formulate opinions. Eventually you should get pretty good and after enough practice pets you start placing real money. I believe this is sure fire way to start out well and not just jump in head first.
I agree in your idea, because gambling is not so easy that you should more strategy, and most especially self control. Before you gamble make sure that you have already accept the risk and dont serious it, and dont get addicted.