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There are 5 modules in this course
In this course the learner will be shown how to generate forecasts of game results in professional sports using Python. The main emphasis of the course is on teaching the method of logistic regression as a way of modeling game results, using data on team expenditures. The learner is taken through the process of modeling past results, and then using the model to forecast the outcome games not yet played. The course will show the learner how to evaluate the reliability of a model using data on betting odds. The analysis is applied first to the English Premier League, then the NBA and NHL. The course also provides an overview of the relationship between data analytics and gambling, its history and the social issues that arise in relation to sports betting, including the personal risks.
This module introduces the regression models in dealing with the categorical outcome variables in sport contest (i.e., Win, Draw, Lose). It explains the Linear Probability Model (LPM) in terms of its theoretical foundations, computational applications, and empirical limitations. Then the module introduces and demonstrates the Logistic Regression as a better substitute of LPM for the categorical dependent variables.
What's included
8 videos8 readings2 assignments6 ungraded labs
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8 videos•Total 86 minutes
Introduction to Prediction Models•2 minutes
Binary Outcome and Regression Part 1•9 minutes
Binary Outcome and Regression Part 2•12 minutes
Logistic Regression Part 1•12 minutes
Logistic Regression Part 2•16 minutes
Ordered Logistic Regression Part 1•7 minutes
Ordered Logistic Regression Part 2•12 minutes
Predictive Modeling - Basics of Forecasting•17 minutes
8 readings•Total 75 minutes
Prediction Models Course Syllabus•10 minutes
Help Us Learn More About You•5 minutes
Assignment Overview•10 minutes
Assignment Instructions - Part 1•10 minutes
Week 1 - Part 1 - Sample Notebook•10 minutes
Assignment Instructions - Part 2•10 minutes
Week 1 - Part 2 - Sample Notebook•10 minutes
Week 1 R Content•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
Week 1 - Quiz 1•30 minutes
Week 1 - Quiz 2•30 minutes
6 ungraded labs•Total 360 minutes
1.1. LPM and Logit Model•60 minutes
1.2. Ordered Logit Regression•60 minutes
1.3. Predictive Modeling - Basics of Forecasting•60 minutes
Week 1 Self Test Solutions•60 minutes
Assignment 1 - Part 1 - Workspace•60 minutes
Assignment 1 - Part 2 - Workspace•60 minutes
Week 2
Module 2•7 hours to complete
Module details
This module explores the relationship between probability and betting markets. It explains the concept of odds, and the relationship between betting odds and probabilities. It then develops a measure of the accuracy of betting odds using sports examples, and assesses the meaning of efficiency in betting markets.
What's included
6 videos3 readings1 assignment5 ungraded labs
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 89 minutes
Gambling and Betting Markets•19 minutes
Betting Odd and Types of Bets•17 minutes
Betting Odds and Win Probabilities•20 minutes
Evaluating Betting Odds Using Brier Scores Part 1•8 minutes
Evaluating Betting Odds Using Brier Scores Part 2•12 minutes
Market Efficiency and Beating the Bookmaker•13 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Assignment Overview•10 minutes
Week 2 - Sample Notebook•10 minutes
Week 2 R Content•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Week 2 Quiz•30 minutes
5 ungraded labs•Total 300 minutes
2.1. Betting Odds and Win Probabilities•60 minutes
2.2. Evaluating Betting Odds Using Brier Scores•60 minutes
Self Test: Betting Odds and Win Probabilities•60 minutes
Self Test: Evaluating Betting Odds Using Brier Scores•60 minutes
Assignment 2 Workspace•60 minutes
Week 3
Module 3•9 hours to complete
Module details
This module shows how to forecast the outcome of EPL soccer games using an ordered logit model and publicly available information. It assesses the accuracy of these forecasts against the betting odds and shows that they are remarkably accurate.
What's included
7 videos3 readings1 assignment6 ungraded labs
Show info about module content
7 videos•Total 93 minutes
Forecasting EPL results: 1. Wages and Transfermarket Part 1•8 minutes
Forecasting EPL results: 1. Wages and Transfermarket Part 2•12 minutes
Forecasting EPL results: Within sample prediction Part 1•17 minutes
Forecasting EPL results: Within sample prediction Part 2•12 minutes
Forecasting EPL results: Out of sample forecasting Part 1•16 minutes
Forecasting EPL results: Out of sample forecasting Part 2•14 minutes
Forecasting EPL results: Forecasting the League Table•14 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Assignment Overview•10 minutes
Week 3 - Sample Notebook•10 minutes
Week 3 R Content•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Week 3 Quiz•30 minutes
6 ungraded labs•Total 360 minutes
3.1. TMValues and Wages - 2011-2018•60 minutes
3.2. Within Sample Predictions - Our Model VS The Bookmaker•60 minutes
3.3. Forecasting EPL Results•60 minutes
3.4. The forecast Premier League Table for 2019-20•60 minutes
Self Test: TMValues and Wages - 2011-2018•60 minutes
Assignment 3 Workspace•60 minutes
Week 4
Module 4•6 hours to complete
Module details
This module assesses the efficacy of the EPL forecasting model covered in the previous week by replicating the model in the context of three North American team sports leagues (i.e., NHL, NBA, MLB). Specifically, this module shows how to forecast the outcome of NHL, NBA, MLB regular season games using an ordered logit model and publicly available information. It assesses the accuracy of these forecasts against the betting odds.
What's included
4 videos4 readings1 assignment4 ungraded labs
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 69 minutes
Forecasting Model: MLB•20 minutes
Forecasting Model: NHL Part 1•17 minutes
Forecasting Model: NHL Part 2•7 minutes
Forecasting Model: NBA•26 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
Assignment Overview•10 minutes
Assignment Instructions•10 minutes
Week 4 - Sample Notebooks•10 minutes
Week 4 R Content•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Week 4 Quiz•30 minutes
4 ungraded labs•Total 240 minutes
4.1. NHL Forecasting Model•60 minutes
4.2. MLB Forecasting Model•60 minutes
4.3. NBA Forecasting Model•60 minutes
Assignment 4 Workspace•60 minutes
Week 5
Module 5•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module we examine the historical and social consequences of gambling, and the relationship between gambling and statistics. Gambling is explored from the perspective of different ethical and religious systems. Issues of problem gambling are explored and assessed.
What's included
7 videos1 reading
Show info about module content
7 videos•Total 81 minutes
Gambling and the Development of Probability Theory•17 minutes
Gambling, Morality, and Sports Part 1•14 minutes
Gambling, Morality, and Sports Part 2•8 minutes
Social Policy and Sports Gambling •13 minutes
Problem Gambling Part 1•7 minutes
Problem Gambling Part 2•10 minutes
Match Fixing, Gambling and Sports•13 minutes
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
Post-Course Survey•5 minutes
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