So what is it for you, do you play only for the sake of winning or do you care about the process of playing/researching/anticipating the outcome?
I don't bet on the things that I don't know.
I only bet on soccer games, for example if there is a game between Manchester United Vs Manchester City
First I watch the last 5 manchester united games against other teams
Then I watch Manchester City last 5 games against other teams
Then watch the last 5 games between manchester united and mancheste city
After that I start to analyze the data (things like goals scored away and at home, goals conceded away and at home, injuries of the players, who will play... etc)
In short, I analyze the game before placing a bet.