Learn
Practice with Paper Bets
How to use the leaderboard and paper betting to build confidence before going real.
What Is Paper Betting?
Paper betting means tracking hypothetical bets with no real money. You log a "bet" on a pick with a simulated stake, and the system tracks whether it would have won or lost.
It's the best way to understand variance, build intuition for the model, and develop betting discipline — without risking a dollar.
The Leaderboard
SandlotSharp runs a monthly and season-long leaderboard for paper bettors. You're ranked by ROI%, and you need at least 10 paper bets to qualify.
Paper betting is free for all accounts — you don't need a paid subscription to compete. Sign up free and start tracking.
How to Get Started
- 1
Create a free account
Sign up takes 30 seconds. No credit card needed.
- 2
Browse today's picks
Free accounts see a preview of each pick — enough to decide if you want to track it.
- 3
Log a paper bet
On any pick, hit "Log Bet" and toggle to Paper mode. Enter a fake stake and odds.
- 4
Track your record
Visit your Tracker to see all open and settled paper bets, your W-L, and ROI.
- 5
Compete on the leaderboard
Once you have 10+ bets, you'll appear on the monthly leaderboard.
What Paper Betting Teaches You
- ✓How to handle losing streaks without panicking
- ✓Whether you actually follow the model or deviate when it feels wrong
- ✓What your real edge is before putting money on it
- ✓The difference between luck and skill in the short run
- ✓Your own betting discipline (do you stick to your unit sizes?)