Senior Strategy Editor at BettingOnline.org. 10+ years writing about and betting on NFL and NBA markets. Former US sportsbook product analyst.
Background and credentials
Mike Cole has spent over a decade in US sports betting markets as a writer, analyst, and recreational bettor. Before joining BettingOnline.org full-time in 2023, Mike spent four years (2019-2023) as a product analyst at a US-licensed mobile sportsbook, focusing on customer behavior analytics and product performance metrics. The role gave him direct visibility into how recreational bettors interact with sportsbook products, which informs his strategy writing today.
Prior to the analyst role, Mike worked as a sports writer at a regional newspaper, covering professional football and basketball at the team beat level. The combination of sports journalism background and operator-side analytics gives Mike a unique perspective on the gap between how recreational bettors experience sportsbook products and how operators design those products.
Mike holds a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Sports Management. He completed the National Council on Problem Gambling's Responsible Gaming Certification in 2022.
Coverage areas
Mike's editorial focus is on practical strategy content for retail bettors. He writes most frequently about:
- NFL and NBA betting strategy. Spread, total, player props, and Same Game Parlay strategy for the two largest US betting markets.
- Operator product reviews. Hands-on testing of major sportsbook welcome offers, product features, and ongoing promotional programs.
- Bankroll and process discipline. The under-discussed mechanics of long-term betting profitability — sizing, tracking, tilt management, and account longevity.
- Bonus T&C deep-dives. Granular analysis of operator welcome bonus economics, including expected-value math and realistic clearance scenarios.
Notable published work
Selected pieces from Mike's BettingOnline.org portfolio:
- Same Game Parlay Strategy: When SGPs Make Sense (and When They Don't)
- NFL Spread Betting Strategy (co-authored with Alex Park)
- DraftKings $150 Bonus Bets — Full T&C Deep-Dive
- FanDuel $1,000 No-Sweat First Bet — Full T&C Deep-Dive
- ESPN Bet Q1 2026: Market Share Stalls at 3.2%
- Q1 2026 Operator Margins (contributing analyst)
Editorial principles & disclosures
Mike follows the BettingOnline.org editorial standards. Every operator review Mike contributes to involves real-money account opening, real wager placement, and at least 30 days of product use before publication.
Mike maintains personal accounts at all major US sportsbooks for review-testing purposes. He does not accept comped products, gifts, or trips from operators. Operator-side relationships from his prior product-analyst role have been disclosed to BettingOnline.org's editorial leadership and are managed via formal recusal from related coverage.
Mike has no equity stake in any sports betting operator or in BettingOnline.org's parent company beyond standard editorial-team compensation.
Contact
For editorial inquiries or fact corrections: editorial@bettingonline.org with "Mike Cole" in the subject line. Mike answers reader questions about strategy and bankroll topics through the editorial inbox; lower-priority questions may be answered in subsequent published guides.