Rohit Ponnaiya

Rohit Ponnaiya


With a background playing soccer, rugby, and boxing, combined with a journalism degree, it's little surprise that Rohit gravitated towards the world of sports betting. He specializes in betting on UFC and college basketball, two sports where the eyeball test can tell you a lot more about matchups than any analytics. Rohit has years of experience handicapping NFL and NBA games as well as niche betting markets such as politics and Oscar odds. He's also the resident CFL expert and formerly hosted "The Chez and Ro Show" with former CFL star Davis Sanchez. You can catch Rohit breaking down every UFC event with Joe Osborne on "P4P Picks" on the Covers YouTube channel and he also has regular appearances on "Before You Bet" with Joe. In addition, he's a regular guest on "By The Book" on the Monumental Sports Network and makes guest appearances on VSIN's "The Handle" and CBS Sports. Rohit primarily makes his bets at bet365, which offers a wide variety of prop markets, but also has accounts at several others so he can shop around for the best prices. For Rohit, bankroll management is key. He believes you should never bet what you can't afford to lose and maximize those few betting opportunities where books misprice a line.
Sport to bet on: NCAA basketball
Sports movie: Raging Bull
Sports snack: Chicken Wings (Baked, breaded and extra spicy)
Covers feature: News and analysis


Argonauts vs Alouettes Prediction, Picks & Odds for CFL Week 1
The Montreal Alouettes have far fewer question marks on their roster compared to the Toronto Argonauts. Our CFL betting picks see Montreal jumping out to a 1-0 record on Friday night.
Redblacks vs Roughriders Prediction, Picks & Odds for CFL Week 1
Ponnaiya's prediction: Defense reigns supreme in season-opener.
Today's Best NRFI/YRFI Bets for Saturday, May 31
Two scorching-hot offenses are set to collide in the desert, and Rohit Ponnaiya anticipates an early slugfest at the notoriously hitter-friendly Chase Field.
Red Sox vs Braves Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s MLB Game
Boston might have gotten the best of Atlanta last night, but the Braves' lineup will ensure they have a lead after five innings.
Erin Blanchfield vs Maycee Barber Predictions, Picks & Odds
Ponnaiya's prediction: Blanchfield's top-tier ground control will reign supreme on Saturday night.
CFL 2025 Season Preview: The Ultimate Team by Team Betting Guide
The wheels came off the BC Lions in the second half of 2024, but a full year of Nathan Rourke and a new coaching regime should propel the Leos back into contender status in Rohit Ponnaiya's full-season betting preview.
Today's Best NRFI/YRFI Bets for Friday, May 30
Last year’s World Series rematch takes center stage tonight at Dodger Stadium, and we expect early fireworks in this heavyweight showdown.
Red Sox vs Braves Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s MLB Game
Matt Olson has owned Lucas Giolito throughout his career, and we expect the Braves' first baseman to do serious damage at Truist Park tonight.
Nationals vs Mariners Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s MLB Game
Mackenzie Gore is leading the majors in strikeouts, and our MLB picks expect more of the same from him tonight.
Braves vs Phillies Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s MLB Game 1
Cristopher Sanchez is one of several Phillies arms having excellent campaigns. And there's no reason why he can't keep the Braves in check in Game 1 of today's doubleheader.
Red Sox vs Brewers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s MLB Game
The Boston Red Sox may have dropped three straight, but they are still getting production from Rafael Devers. As Rohit Ponnaiya explains, Devers has an advantageous matchup against Aaron Civale tonight at American Family Field.
Tyrese Haliburton Picks, Predictions & Best Bets for Knicks vs Pacers Game 4
Our NBA betting picks are banking on a Pacers bounce-back in Game 4, with Tyrese Haliburton putting up strong numbers.
Today's Best NRFI/YRFI Bets for Tuesday, May 27
Our NRFI/YRFI betting picks for Tuesday night see the pitchers having the edge early in A's vs. Astros, while fast starts are expected in Cleveland and Baltimore.
Guardians vs Tigers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s MLB Game
With Casey Mize taking the mound, our MLB picks are backing the Tigers at home.
Today's Best NRFI/YRFI Bets for Saturday, May 24
Two southpaws take the mound in the Phillies vs. Athletics matchup, and both lineups have crushed lefties. Back the YRFi in Sacramento.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Picks, Predictions & Best Bets for Thunder vs Timberwolves Game 3
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been cooking in this series, some Timberwolves adjustments could make life tougher on the MVP in Game 3.
Orioles vs Red Sox Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's MLB Game 2
The Baltimore Orioles' pitching has been a mess this season. With either Charlie Morton or a bullpen game lined up for Friday night's doubleheader, Rohit Ponnaiya believes the Red Sox can produce plenty of runs.
Today's Best NRFI/YRFI Bets for Friday, May 23
Our NRFI/YRFI predictions for Friday night envision an explosive beginning in St. Louis, while the starters keep things contained in both Cincinnati and Tampa Bay.
Jalen Brunson Picks, Predictions & Best Bets for Pacers vs Knicks Game 2
The New York Knicks enter Game 2 looking for redemption in front of their home crowd and Jalen Brunson's assists prop comes into focus for tonight as they prepare for another round of the Indiana Pacers.
Orioles vs Red Sox Prediction, Picks & Best Bet for Today’s MLB Game 1
Ponnaiya's pick: The conditions are conducive to the Over as the Orioles and Red Sox collide for Game 1 of a doubleheader on Friday afternoon.