In the latest SBC Podcast episode, I sit down again with Dylan, co-founder of Pinnacle Odds Dropper, to take a deep dive into sharp betting, market efficiency, and the results of our detailed August 2025 review of POD.

We explore how the software helps advantage bettors track steam moves, why Pinnacle remains the barometer for bookmakers, and the lessons from analysing 345,000+ logged bets. Dylan and I also share insights on CLV, market limits, niche sports, and the growing challenges facing US bettors under new tax rules.

HOW POD WORKS & WHY IT MATTERS

• The evolution of Pinnacle Odds Dropper as a top-down “chasing steam” alert service
• How the in-built bet tracker has logged over 450,000 bets since launch
• Why tracking results and filters is critical for advantage bettors
• Independent SBC review: 345,000-bet dataset reveals where edges really lie and on what sports

WHICH SPORTS DELIVER THE BIGGEST EDGES

• Basketball’s “killer combo” of ROI and strike rate
• Soccer’s vast sample size, overs vs unders trends, and higher ROI on away sides
• Tennis as a two-outcome sport and why sharp bettors gravitate toward it
• High ROI surprises in baseball and volleyball vs the pain of betting NFL

CLOSING LINE VALUE & MARKET LIMITS

• Why CLV is the best early indicator of profitability
• Analysis: positive CLV bets returned +7.7% ROI vs –8.38% on negative CLV bets
• How Pinnacle market limits act as a proxy for confidence and edge significance
• Should you apply filters or follow Franco’s “bet everything” approach?

SHARP BOOKS & MARKET EFFICIENCY

• Is Pinnacle still the sharpest? Latest data says yes, within 0.24% of perfect efficiency
• Where rivals like FanDuel and Circa are catching up in niche sports
• Why bettors should map out which books are sharp for which markets
• The occasional reality of market manipulation and how to handle it

PRACTICAL BETTING STRATEGIES

• Using POD with soft books, exchanges, and even in-person kiosks
• Case study: a hedge fund manager using POD to manage exchange exposure
• How successful users treat betting as volume-driven and sport-agnostic
• Why bankroll growth depends on embracing variance, not avoiding it

FUTURE TECH & REGULATION

• The role AI might play in pricing, advantage betting, and POD’s future
• Why sharp players need to keep experimenting with new tools and markets
• US betting tax changes under Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and the risk of pushing players offshore
• How bettors adapt to regulatory friction, from crypto books to PPH's

Dylan also shares why Pinnacle still leads the way for sharp betting, how bettors can avoid leaving money on the table, and why adaptability is the hallmark of long-term winners.

You can also support the SBC Podcast by visiting our podcast sponsor, Matchbook. Get 150 days commission free via this link: https://welcome.matchbook.com/SBC150

For more on Dylan & POD 

• Website: https://pinnacleoddsdropper.com
• Twitter/X: https://x.com/pinnacleoddsdrop

In the latest SBC Podcast episode, I sit down with Tom Waterhouse, Australian betting guru, ex-CEO of William Hill Australia, and founder of Waterhouse VC.

Tom lifts the lid on how professional syndicates really operate, where today’s biggest betting edges can be found, and what the rise of new markets like crypto and contracts means for sharp players.

He also shares how Waterhouse VC is investing in cutting-edge suppliers, betting technology, and even syndicates themselves, with a focus on option-based deals that limit risk but maximise upside.

HOW WATERHOUSE VC FINDS AN EDGE

• From on-course bookmaker to running William Hill Australia to launching his own VC fund
• Why Waterhouse VC backs technology suppliers instead of operators
• The option-based model Tom uses to limit downside while chasing outsized returns
• Success stories: turning small options into multi-million-dollar exits

SYNDICATES – WHAT PROS DO DIFFERENTLY

• Inside Waterhouse VC’s investments in tennis and blackjack syndicates
• Spotting the difference between scalable edge and short-term variance
• How Tom’s father, with 45 years of unbeaten syndicate betting, helps evaluate opportunities
• What everyday bettors can copy from syndicate discipline and structure

DISCIPLINE, MINDSET & SHARP PLAY

• Why betting less often is often the key to winning long term
• Tom’s blueprint for knowing when to strike and when to sit tight
• Advice on finding overlooked markets like challenger tennis or smaller cricket leagues where edges still exist

REGULATION, MINIMUM BET LAW & THE BLACK MARKET

• Australia’s minimum bet law: why some syndicates love it and others hate it
• How restrictions and affordability checks are pushing punters away from licensed firms
• The surge of crypto-based black-market betting and why it’s so hard to police
• Why Tom believes regulation moves in cycles and what might trigger the next reset

NEW TECH & WHERE THE GAME IS MOVING

• High-frequency betting, crypto products, and contract markets shaking up the industry
• How platforms are bypassing regulation and partnering with giants like Robinhood and X
• Why user experience and retention now matter more than sign-ups

Tom also explains why patience and selectivity matter more than constant action, how pros adapt to tougher markets, and why sharp players will always gravitate to where they can bet at scale.

You can also support the SBC Podcast by visiting our podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get 150 days commission free with them via this link

Returning guest Harry Stewart-Moore, betting lawyer and partner at Gardner Leader, answers listener questions and pulls back the curtain on the toughest legal issues facing bettors in 2025.

MULTI ACCOUNTING CHAT

• What you really need to know about multi-accounting, runners, and 'beards'
  Why these tactics are under growing scrutiny in the UK, where the legal boundaries sit, and how some bettors are being pulled into cases they never saw coming.
• Why civil forfeiture cases under the Proceeds of Crime Act are quietly becoming a big issue
  How funds can be frozen and seized under POCA, what typically triggers these actions, and the steps bettors must take to recover their money.

BETTING DISPUTES

• Why fewer disputes are reaching court even as complaints surge
  The practical hurdles punters face when trying to litigate against bookmakers.
• Why overseas firms are so hard to pursue and the loophole that needs closing
  The service-of-process gap that lets some operators stay beyond reach.
• ID requests, document checks, and withdrawal blocks
  Why guidance remains unclear, leading to repeated standoffs.
• What happens to withheld funds during a stalemate and the 5 percent account-maintenance fee
  The real-world impact on customers when neither side will budge.

MONITORING, OMBUDSMAN & BLACK MARKET

• The realities of betting-shop compliance
  How shop punters are tracked and the thresholds that trigger additional checks.
• Will the proposed ombudsman deliver genuine change or simply mirror IBAS?
  Harry weighs up the likely scope and limitations of the new body.
• How a lack of industry solutions is pushing sharp punters toward the black market
  Why better options are urgently needed before the problem grows.
• Harry’s solutions to fix racing
  His straight-talking ideas to protect the sport’s integrity and keep savvy bettors engaged.
• The need for a campaign to warn unsuspecting users of black-market dangers
  Education as the first line of defence against shady operators.
• Why Harry believes the black market poses an existential threat to legal gambling
• As trust erodes and more money flows outside the regulated space, the long-term health of the licensed betting industry is at risk.

Harry also explains why “being in the right” often is not enough when challenging a bookmaker, especially when rules are vague and the firm sits offshore.

Discover More:

• Learn more on the Smart Betting Club and how we help winning bettors at https://smartbettingclub.com/ 
• Harry Stewart-Moore at Gardner Leader 
• Harry's email: h.stewart-moore@gardner-leader.co.uk
• Harry on Twitter
• Podcast feedback - contact SBC on twitter

From starting out behind the counter at Ladbrokes to leading the British Horseracing Authority and advising the UK Gambling Commission, Nick Rust OBE has seen the betting world from every angle.

In this candid, hour-long conversation, Nick reflects on his journey through the sharp end of UK betting—sharing what he’s learned about punters, bookmakers, racing politics, regulation, and even his own quest to bet profitably as an SBC member.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How Nick’s career started as a teenage betting shop cashier and evolved into senior roles at Ladbrokes, Coral, and SkyBet
• The early years of online betting and the chaos of launching Ladbrokes.com
• His time as BHA Chief Executive: levy reform, racing politics, and challenging bookmaker dynamics
• His current role chairing the UK Gambling Commission’s Industry Forum—and why the Commission must do more to support bettors
• Inside stories on affordability checks, AML policy, bet restrictions, black markets, and the desperate need for a consumer ombudsman
• Why Nick is now focused on his own betting strategy, using SBC-recommended tools, bots, and value services

📈 If you’re a punter, tipster, or industry watcher, this episode offers a rare window into the real world of betting—from shop floors to boardrooms and regulators’ offices.

🙌 Episode sponsored by Matchbook – grab 150 days commission-free via: matchbook.com/sbc

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeevan Jeyaratnam, Chief Betting Officer at Abelson Info—an industry leader in player market pricing and home to the settlement feeds behind many of today’s major betting markets.

Jeev shares insights from two decades in the betting world, including the evolution of player-focused markets like anytime goal scorers, shots, cards, and more. With Abelson pricing over 17,000 football matches annually, Jeev offers an expert deep dive into the nuts and bolts of compiling odds, managing data accuracy, and servicing leading firms like Flutter, Entain, William Hill, and Betway.

You can also support the SBC Podcast by visiting our podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get 150 days, commission free with them via this link. 

Key topics include:

• How Abelson provides player market odds for 150+ global football competitions
• The rise of markets like shots on target, fouls committed, and goalkeeper saves
• The art of pricing in-play player markets—and why team news timing is critical
• Examples of edge cases bettors can exploit (e.g. players in unusual positions, suspension tactics)
• What happened when Henrikh Mkhitaryan was mispriced... and cost a bookmaker big
• The role of feedback loops and how Abelson collaborates with major operators
• What’s next: Jeev reveals details about Abelson’s upcoming Bet Builder product launch

(00:00) Intro & Jeevan’s Role
(02:00) Career Beginnings & Super Soccer Origins
(05:30) Rise of Goal Scorer Market
(08:30) Abelson’s Reach & Bookmaker Clients
(11:30) Custom Pricing & Bookmaker Strategies
(13:30) Data Collection and the Human Edge
(15:30) Adding New Markets & Role of Modelling
(18:30) Player Expectancies & Real-World Examples
(21:30) In-Play Pricing Adjustments
(24:30) Value in Pre-Match Windows
(27:30) The Penalty Taker Dilemma
(30:30) Goal Scorer Profiles & Outliers
(34:30) Pricing Successes and Mistakes
(38:30) Player Markets vs. Match Odds
(43:00) Punters & Perceptions
(47:00) Bet Builders & Market Evolution
(51:00) Brazilian Booking Loophole
(54:30) What’s Next at Abelson

It’s a fascinating episode for bettors interested in the mechanics behind player props and the value spots to target in today's dynamic markets.

In the latest SBC Podcast I am joined by Kieran Ward, an experienced bettor and tipster who has been finding value for over 25 years!

Value is central to what Kieran does and his tipping services, including​The Value Machine​ and his newly formed The Value Machine Exchange Profits are both laser-focused on finding selections that are overpriced, whether that be with soft bookmakers or exchanges.

In this chat, Kieran and I walk through his history in the betting world, how his approach to gambling has changed over time and how he balances his own betting with running numerous successful services.

​SBC Magazine Issue #150​ also came up as Kieran and I discuss a new project where he and a fellow 'SBC Hall of Famer', Allan Darke, have married their approaches to create a superb new system that is accessible to all as it is exchange based.

Adapting, finding sustainable solutions and providing services that customers want is central to why Kieran is so popular - this chat showcases that perfectly!

For a limited time only, you can save 20% on the ​Value Machine​ by using the code SBCPOD20 during checkout 

You can also support the SBC Podcast by visiting our podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get​150 days, commission free with them via this link​.

(00:00) Introduction
(00:45) A life in betting - what does Kieran do - what is his history in the betting world?
(04:40) Bottom-up vs. top-down betting and issues with Betfair's reliability
(06:18) Getting on, tipping vs. betting and Kieran's high-volume betting strategy
(08:00) Kieran Ward: a day in the life!
(11:20) Just racing or does Kieran dabble elsewhere?
(12:10) 'The Value Machine' and Kieran's other tipping services - developing, maintaining and innovating
(18:30) Attainable returns using Kieran's software & dealing with volatility
(23:13) The Value Machine Exchange Profits: teaming up with Allan Darke
(25:00) Betting into exchanges late - a different challenge to take on
(29:24) Adapting to the markets and liquidity
(30:35) Affordability and bureaucratic issues with operators
(33:00) Kieran's expansion plans
(34:05) Where to find Kieran

In the latest SBC Podcast I am joined by Varun Sudhakar, the Co-Founder and CEO of the crypto-exchange, BetDEX.

Varun is an experienced operator within the betting industry, with various roles across several continents and plenty of punting (as he calls it!) making him an intriguing guest with lots of insight.

The growth era during regulatory relaxations in the US defined his earlier career experiences and progression has left him where he is today - at the cutting edge of a new era, with technology and cultural trends helping to pool liquidity across the world.

This innovation requires investment, vision and the ability to seize opportunities - something that Varun and BetDEX pride themselves on.

This chat covers all of that, with the 'big ideas', challenges and key considerations all topics of conversation as Varun sets out where he thinks betting (and in particular BetDEX) can get to over the next few years and decades.

In addition, Varun has a very special offer for SBC Podcast listeners who reside within countries where BetDEX are licensed. You can get 0% commission for the first 120 days of your use of the site here: https://promos.betdex.com/sbc

All of the relevant details are included on the sign up page and visiting the site is the quickest way to find out if BetDEX operate where you are (e.g. they do in Ireland but not in the UK). For those of you who would like to follow or interact with Varun, there are numerous ways to do so. He can be followed/contacted on Twitter/X @svarun91, his email is varun@betdex.com and his Telegram ID is @varunsudhakar.

(00:40) An introduction to Varun
(02:00) Varun's work at FanDuel
(03:50) Hypergrowth in US betting: regulation, marketing wars and a Flutter takeover
(06:10) Co-founding BetDEX - a different vision for a betting operator
(08:20) What makes BetDEX different from other bookmakers and exchanges?
(10:38) Growth areas, where customers are coming from and why
(13:40) BetDEX's markets and the 'chicken and egg' of customers and liquidity
(17:13) The challenges of hosting horse racing on the platform
(18:50) BetDEX's brokerage service and meeting the demands of larger-staking bettors
(20:35) The types of bigger bets that BetDEX are facilitating
(24:30) Cryptocurrencies, their growing prevalence and challenges/opportunities vs. fiat money
(27:50) Regulators and choosing which jurisdictions to operate in
(30:00) Plans to improve the BetDEX platform and broadening the customer offering
(32:05) Varun's vision for BetDEX in both the medium and long-term
(33:25) How to find Varun and a special 0% commission offer for SBC Podcast listeners!

You can support the SBC Podcast by visiting our brand-new podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get 150 days commission free with them via https://www.matchbook.com/promo/sbc-150

To find out everything you need to know about the Smart Betting Club, please visit www.smartbettingclub.com. For up-to-date news, commentary and direct contact links, our Twitter/X handle is @SBCInfo - if you have any questions about what we do, please get in touch!

In the latest SBC Podcast I am joined by Josh to talk about a project that we have launched in February to help punters everywhere.

Bookmaker disputes are the most common complaint that we receive here at the SBC and Gambling Commission in the UK have highlighted it as a major frustration for punters too (they haven't done anything about it but that's another story!).

To help, we have created a brand-new guide that can help walk you through what to do in spots where bookmakers create friction at withdrawal. You can get your FREE SBC Bookmaker Dispute Document here: https://smartbettingclub.com/bookmaker-dispute-guidance/.

In this podcast we discuss the whats and whys of the guide, with some of our personal experiences and opinions intertwined into the chat. Please feel free to share the guide with anyone you feel could benefit from what is inside - it's free for everyone and despite being 'UK-centric' - many of these firms are international companies and apply similar policies in different jurisdictions.

You can support the SBC Podcast by visiting our brand-new podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get 150 days, commission free with them via this link.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:31) Why Are We Here?

(04:03) Just A UK Problem?

(07:09) Withdrawal Woes & Loose T & Cs

(13:21) Big Brother Is Watching You!

(19:51) Prevention

(27:34) Disputes - How To Handle Them

(37:45) Showing You Know What You're Doing

(39:15) ADRs - Are They Worthwhile?

(42:42) Considering Court Action

(47:25) Court Claims For Larger Amounts

(51:20) Other Tips & Tricks

(52:20) The Guide & Final Thoughts

In the latest Smart Betting Club podcast, SBC Editor, Pete was joined by Rowan Day for a new 'Betting Clever' episode with plenty of talking points on the agenda.

First of all, we discussed the news that the dates for Smart Bash 2025 have been announced - the 3rd and 4th July 2025 and once again it will be held at Chelsea FC in London. We discuss the additional plans for the 2025 event based on feedback received including a new 'Workshop' Day.

Next, it was time for betting chat with both Racing and Golf explored, starting with the former and the excellent results achieved by Rowan using various SBC golf strategies and tipsters so far this year. We also then unpacked the large review of Tilt The Odds as published in SBC 148 and just who this busy racing strategy service would be suitable for and the challenges of betting on the sport of kings these days.

All of which followed nicely onto the story of Phil Smith and the viral tweets we put out regarding his Skybet betting account which was suspended without explanation for 8 weeks before a complete closure. This dreadful case sums up so many of the issues we continue to hear about as regards the increase in bookmaker disputes, as punters suffer due to a lack of a proper ombudsman and a regulator that refuses to take action.

Finally we also explored the new Syndicate Edge service from SBC, what it was inspired by and why its actually providing genuine Syndicate-level goalscoring bets for people to follow in.

You can also support the SBC Podcast by visiting our brand new podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get 150 days, commission free with them via this link:

https://www.matchbook.com/promo/sbc-150

RESOURCES

• Smart Bash 
• SBC 148 Tilt The Odds 
• Syndicate Edge

Phil Smith vs Skybet Story

• Update 1 
• Update 2 
• Update 3 

After an ​intriguing first part​ of SBC Podcast #83 this is part two, where I quiz the betting expert Jose and get some answers to bettor FAQs.

After discussing technical betting topics in part 1, this segment covers more 'practical' subjects as we start by touching upon issues such as barriers to profitable betting, cryptocurrencies and how the betting ecosystem is changing around the world.

Jose and I then go on to discuss questions that are regularly fired our way here at the SBC around betting with soft bookmakers, sharp bookmakers and exchanges in the most efficient ways possible.

Jose's personality and wisdom shine through even more in the second half of Episode 83 as he talks us through some 'dos and don'ts' that many of us wish we had learnt sooner!

You can support the SBC Podcast by visiting our brand-new podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get ​​150 days, commission free with them via this link​.

Timestamps

(00:49) The barriers to profitable betting
(02:35) Cryptocurrencies & consumer preferences: a changing ecosystem
(06:50) The future of the global betting markets
(11:25) Which sports markets are on the rise? Which sports are declining?
(14:30) Originator or mover? Which is better?
(16:13) Who does Jose work with?
(19:13) Listener questions: using soft bookmakers & sharps/exchanges
(29:32) The ideal betting location in 2025
(32:15) Networking: talk to Jose!

In the first part of a 'double header' for SBC Podcast Episode #83 I was joined by Jose, one of the most informed and well-connected betting people that I know of.

Jose has a wealth of experience working with bettors from all over the world and instead of modelling or originating his own bets, he concentrates on networking and meeting people who can.

Getting on, masking sharp activity and sustainable betting are all hallmarks of Jose's work and he has strong opinions about everything from the most efficient market makers, the best types of edges and CLV.

In part 1, we discuss all of this as Jose shares wisdom that can benefit bettors of all levels from beginners right through to hardened pros. Part 2 will be with you soon as we will answer some very common questions that bettors have!

Enjoy!

You can support the SBC Podcast by visiting our brand-new podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get ​150 days, commission free with them via this link.​

To find out everything you need to know about the Smart Betting Club, please visit www.smartbettingclub.com. For up-to-date news, commentary and direct contact links, our Twitter/X handle is @SBCInfo - if you have any questions about what we do, please get in touch!

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro
(00:27) A long chat: a two-parter
(01:35) Introducing Jose
(04:20) Betting, edges & scaling operations with others
(10:45) Betting in practice: sustainability
(15:20) Bet execution & the variance that comes with multiples
(21:20) Pinnacle: is it still the same barometer it once was?
(28:10) CLV
(36:32) Good & bad practice in betting groups
(44:16) End of part 1!

In the latest Smart Betting Club podcast I am joined by Josh for our latest 'Betting Clever' episode.

We had lots to talk about in this show with some Safer Gambling Week messaging madness first up on the agenda.

Next, we got stuck into good, bad and ugly tipster services and practices, with our latest review subject providing the 'good' and the Betting Professor and some other Oddschecker associates providing the other two!

Away from our work, Josh and I talked about the ASA and a complaint he has raised against a social media based affiliate operation. This story may rumble on for a while, so we get stuck into what is going on.

To finish, we talked about upcoming plans including some reviews that are in the pipeline, a secretive service in the works and our plans to provide resources to help punters! 

You can support the SBC Podcast by visiting our brand-new podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get ​150 days, commission free with them via this link.​

To find out everything you need to know about the Smart Betting Club, please visit www.smartbettingclub.com. For up-to-date news, commentary and direct contact links, our Twitter/X handle is @SBCInfo - if you have any questions about what we do, please get in touch!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro
(00:45) Safer Gambling Week
(04:55) Betfair SP: A new tipster review
(14:25) The Oddschecker Professor's tenure ends
(20:25) The Tipster Exposer league!
(22:53) An ASA complaint: the whats and whys - the story so far
(32:20) Snapshot reviews
(36:45) Upcoming reviews: adapt or die!
(37:50) A mystery service with lots of promise: building things sustainably
(41:28) A brand new suite of resources to help punters

In the latest SBC Podcast I am joined by Alex Piskopos (AKA 'Pisky'), a serial betting winner and entrepreneur with some amazing stories to share - including details of the very successful betting operation he was a key part of and what lessons we can take from it.

Pisky is a man with many strings to his bow, with extensive industry experience, podcasting and working with some of the sharpest betting groups all being part of his background. 

First off though, he walked me through a quite remarkable story about his time at the Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation (OLG) and how he took serious advantage of an edge he spotted whilst working there. After leaving OLG, he teamed up with his betting partner 'The Fulldog' and scaled up a very impressive betting operation that truly maximised the edge available to him. Its a story that gets to the heart of the logistics involved in running a larger betting operation with a team of runners, handling large sums of cash, arranging deals with shop owners and much more besides! 

We also touch upon Pisky's more current work as he diversifies away from betting 24/7 and grinding away for profit. Part of this relates to continued work with betting groups whilst he also has more experience than most in using cryptocurrencies alongside co-hosting his own podcast - Always Betting.

Here is a man always looking for an edge and who knows how to take full advantage of them when they appear. His story is a true inspiration for those of us looking to make a profit betting.You can also support the SBC Podcast by visiting our brand-new podcast sponsor, Matchbook.

 You can get 150 days commission free with them via this link.

In the latest SBC Podcast I am joined by a guest who is perfectly placed to talk about the biggest betting market of all time: the US Election of 2024!

Zeus O'Dea is a professional bettor and trader at the crypto-book Shuffle, one of the newer entrants into the global betting markets (and a relatively big one at that!).

As a guest, Zeus brings plenty to the table as he specialises in several markets and we dig into two of them - politics and cricket.

With November 5th just weeks away, it is the former that makes up the majority of our chat as Zeus talks us through some of the stranger market moves of recent times and how things like polling and commentators like Nate Silver can impact upon odds.

This chat was like no other as alongside our betting talk, crypto deals in Montenegro and evictions from the Oval both made it into our conversation too!

For those of you who would like to follow Zeus on social media, you can do so on X/Twitter​@ZeusODea​.

You can also support the SBC Podcast by visiting our brand-new podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get ​150 days, commission free with them via this link​.

To find out everything you need to know about the Smart Betting Club, please visit www.smartbettingclub.com. For up-to-date news, commentary and direct contact links, our Twitter/X handle is @SBCInfo - if you have any questions about what we do, please get in touch!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro
(01:10) Zeus's Travels
(03:20) How Zeus got into the betting world
(04:09) Moving into employment with Shuffle
(06:00) Crypto & how it is different from traditional betting
(08:03) Controversial weather betting & pricing up obscure markets
(11:13) Political betting & BIG bets
(13:08) Taking risks as a bookmaker
(16:43) 2024 - different from previous elections?
(20:43) Polling and its impact on odds
(28:53) Submarkets providing betting opportunities and edges
(30:36) Nate Silver & his opinions on betting markets
(34:03) Useful resources to inform betting choices
(40:28) Cricket betting
(44:33) Zeus being forcibly removed from a Test Match
(50:31) Predictions for the US Election 2024
(53:53) How to find Zeus

In the latest SBC Podcast I am joined by a fascinating guest who's service was the at the centre of the ​latest SBC Magazine.

Thomas Pearson is the owner/operator of the service that bears his name and he has built up a very impressive record since he started his horse racing tipping in this format at the start of 2023.

Big prices, big winners and 20%+ returns to BSP have made him popular with a wide ranging audience and in this chat we discuss all aspects of his service alongside his journey to get here and possible future plans (he is your man for pool betting if you are interested in that niche!).

Thomas's Fair Odds Policy was also a big part of our chat as we went through what he does, why he does it and how this compares to the rest of the tipster market (who have no qualms in taking the best prices before markets have even formed!).

This was a brilliant chat and one that I got a lot from - I'm sure that you will too.

You can support the SBC Podcast by visiting our brand-new podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get​ 150 days, commission free with them via this link​.

In this chat, Thomas and I talk about:

(00:00) An introduction to Thomas Pearson
(02:15) Thomas's punting - is he a full-time punter?
(04:30) How 'TP' got here
(07:25) Switching from being 'degenerate' to betting more selectively
(11:16) Horse racing only? What else does TP bet on?
(13:12) Thomas's favourite types of races for betting & tipping
(14:55) Tissue pricing & other ways to determine price
(17:35) What makes a horse value? How does a race set up help?
(21:30) Thomas's favourite code & race types
(25:25) TP Racing Tips & what came before
(30:42) Data, drawdowns & tempering expectations
(33:05) Fair odds, attainable prices & bad tipster practices discussed
(40:10) An edge at BSP
(46:48) How Thomas bets his tips
(48:28) A very affordable price point
(52:20) Betting on pool - a possible future service?

In the latest SBC Podcast I am joined by one of the most well-known and respected experts in the gambling world.

Matthew Trenhaile (or 'Trench') has worked in various roles within the industry for operators such as Mustard Bet and most recently, Pinnacle. Alongside this, he has compiled odds for several sports, worked at spread firms (in both betting and finance) and developed an insight into the betting ecosystem that few possess.

Trench's newest venture is a consultancy, Anubis Trading, and with the launch of his own business, he has been on somewhat of a 'whistlestop tour' of leading podcasts in Europe, North America and South America. With that in mind, we did something a bit different for his appearance on the SBC Podcast, with an 'Ask Me Anything' special where you, the audience, posed questions.

Those questions and Trench's answers can be found below with everything from sharp bookmaking, tipsters, morale questions and ice cream covered. Enjoy!

Sponsor: The SBC Podcast is sponsored by Matchbook. Upon signup with Matchbook if you enter the code “SBC150”, you can get commission free for your first 150 days - which can give you even more value. https://www.matchbook.com/promo/sbc-150?&bonus-code=SBC150https://www.matchbook.com/promo/sbc-150

Useful Links:

• Matthew's Twitter/X handle: https://x.com/Matthew_Trench
• Matthew's Linked In Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-trenhaile/
• Anubis Trading Linked In Page: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/anubis-trading-limited

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro - a different type of interview
(01:43) 97% lose - why do sportsbooks limit winners?
(05:20) Why has Pinnacle not been imitated?
(09:18) Pinnacle never restrict - or do they?
(14:35) What does the future look like for crypto books?
(19:20) Polymarket - what does Trench think?
(25:26) Who is shaping the UK & Irish horse racing markets?
(32:20) Steam Chasing
(36:48) BSP betting - skill or variance? How do we assess this?
(47:20) What are the best edges Trench has ever seen?
(51:20) The best ever bettor in Trench's opinion?
(53:05) Why isn't Matthew a pro gambler?
(55:25) Racing punting and sharing picks publicly!
(59:35) Using tipsters
(01:04:05) The morality of the betting industry
(01:06:35) Tips for a 20-year-old starting out
(01:08:35) 5/2 on a coin toss - how much is Trench having on?
(01:10:52) Ice cream discussion
(01:15:35) Anubis Trading and where to find Matthew

In the latest SBC Podcast I am joined by Mads from the in-play football tipping service​Monetos​.

In-play betting has exploded in popularity along with the 'smart phone era' and for the most part, it is seen as a very difficult nut to crack, with high overrounds, issues around data feeds and a more complex modelling task all providing challenges for serious bettors.

This does have advantages and Mads and his fellow bettors have found a way to use their expertise to profit in this market for themselves and others.

Alongside his betting, Mads is a former poker player and journalist so in our chat we talk about how this has shaped where he is today. Betting psychology and mentality are also topics that Mads has written extensively about.

This was a brilliant chat which I got so much from - I hope you do too!

Sponsor: The SBC Podcast is sponsored by Matchbook. Upon signup with Matchbook if you enter the code “SBC150”, you can get commission free for your first 150 days - which can give you even more value. https://www.matchbook.com/promo/sbc-150

Useful Links: 

• Mads' Twitter/X account: @MadsKNielsen
• Monetos' Twitter/X account: @BettingMonetos
• Monetos' Website

Mads' article about betting psychology (in Danish - Google translate and others can quickly translate this into any language you would like to read it in): https://monetosbetting.dk/kindbergs-corner-hold-styr-paa-hovedet/

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro 
(01:12) Mads' varied professional life 
(02:20) Poker and getting a 'proper job' in journalism 
(08:00)  Monetos and Mads and his partners' vision for the business 
(10:15) Balancing a business and betting (& how the relate to each other) 
(12:05) Working in a team and finding value together
(13:55) Betting In-Play, why Mads like it and why it offers some hidden benefits
(17:15) Timing and the practical issues that come with having 3 'betting games' at a time!
(23:00) Pricing, bookmakers' efficiency in getting things right (and where they don't!)
(23:39) Challenges with data, feeds and latency in information arriving
(28:34) Stoppage time and how extended extra minutes have changed the dynamic of games
(30:51) Pre-match vs. In-play and which markets Mads prefers
(33:00) Monetos, its performance and getting on with exchanges
(33:55) Betting psychology - what is the difference between winners and losers?
(40:35) Mentality in life
(41:25) Mads' future plans
(42:55) Where to find Mads

In the latest Smart Betting Club podcast I am joined by Josh for our latest 'Betting Clever' episode.

Smart-Bash and our time in London was first up on the agenda as we talked about the day, the panels, who was there and what we got from it. We also talked about those who were absent (and who maybe should have been there!).

Next up on the docket was the Gambling Commission's latest faux par as they have introduced a new survey methodology with more holes than Swiss cheese. The 'usual suspects' have used the new figures to push their narratives, despite the GC's insistence that they shouldn't be used in this way. This was all very predictable so we conclude this section by asking 'Are the Gambling Commission a) biased b) incompetent or c) both?'

Golf betting is definitely a rollercoaster and the variance can be hard to take, with barren spells lasting months (or even years!). We talk about how this has been a common occurrence for tipsters and other services in the first half (and a bit) of 2024 and how long losing runs are often broken by the opposite - purple patches.

'The Racing Blogger' and Twitter/X are up next as Josh and I talk about our bewilderment at this generations' loud, brash and self-promoting culture alongside the inability to filter out conspiracy theories and mad-hat posts from what we want to read about online - betting.

We close up with a round-up of the services that are interesting our members most at SBC at the moment, with an in-play football service, a profitable BSP racing tipster and an 'anti-goals' angle all covered.

• Learn more on the Smart Betting Club and how we help winning bettors at https://smartbettingclub.com
• Podcast feedback - contact SBC on Twitter/X @sbcinfo
• Read more about each SBC Podcast episode: https://smartbettingclub.com/the-smart-betting-club-podcast
• View the Monetos video referenced in the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slV-zuW2P-s&t=602s

In the latest SBC Podcast I am joined by Dylan, the co-founder and co-owner of Pinnacle Odds Dropper (or POD for short!).

POD is the feature review and focus of SBC's latest magazine (Issue 143) and with a detailed analysis (and SBC member discount) now available, this podcast explores everything about Dylan's operation and expertise.

'Chasing steam', 'top down betting', 'market movers' and 'warm money' - all of these terms broadly mean the same thing - following in smart money to make a profit.

With sharp bookmakers (like Pinnacle) focusing their resources on keeping their prices up to date and 'soft bookmakers' often lagging behind, services like POD help followers to make profit when the former cut prices and the latter are slow to follow them.

Automation drives this kind of service and provides 'every day bettors' with the opportunity to beat soft bookmakers with a steady stream of sharp information.

In this podcast, Dylan and I discuss the concept, the software he and his team have built to help execute it and much more besides. The tipping landscape is constantly changing and this type of service is relatively new - I learnt a lot listening to Dylan and I'm sure you will too!

Discover More:

We recently reviewed Pinnacle Odds Dropper in Issue 143 of the SBC Magazine, with detailed proofing and analysis of large data sets that come from real life users.

• Learn more on the Smart Betting Club and how we help winning bettors at https://smartbettingclub.com/ 
• Explore Issue 143 https://smartbettingclub.com/blog/pinnacle_odds_dropper_review/
• Pinnacle Odds Dropper: https://www.pinnacleoddsdropper.com/
• Podcast feedback - contact SBC on twitter @sbcinfo
• Read more about each SBC Podcast episode: https://smartbettingclub.com/the-smart-betting-club-podcast/

In this episode, I was joined by a trio of betting experts to discuss the reaction to my exclusive interview podcast with Andrew Rhodes as released a few days ago.

Dan Waugh, Harry Stewart-Moore and Chris Fawcett joined me to unpack all of the key points and to share thoughts on both what Andrew did and didn't say and the ongoing work of the Gambling Commission.

Affordability Checks and where they stand currently, their impact on sports like horse racing, bookmaker behaviour and Andrew's take on whether they can be trusted and their woeful reputation amongst those who bet. We also debated the growth of the black market and what it's growth suggests about the regulation of the licensed market were all up for debate.

All these topics and more were evaluated with my panel of betting experts - each of whom know these subjects inside out and have considerable experience working within the betting industry.

For those of you wanting to know more about the current status of betting in the UK, whether it be a frustration about getting bets and being paid out if winning or even the proposed white paper's impact on bookmakers, this is a podcast for you.

Discover More:

• Learn more on the Smart Betting Club and how we help winning bettors at https://smartbettingclub.com/ 
• Podcast feedback and media enquiries - contact SBC on twitter @sbcinfo or info@smartbettingclub.com
• Read more about each SBC Podcast episode: https://smartbettingclub.com/the-smart-betting-club-podcast/

In this episode, SBC Editor, Peter Ling is joined by the CEO of the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes for an exclusive interview on some of the crucial issues facing the UK betting market.

With so many important topics on the agenda from affordability checks to open banking through to bookmaker behaviour and the black market, there was lots to discuss.

Andrew sought to set out the Gambling Commission's stance on each of these topics - many of which have been the focus of extensive criticism across the betting sector, including from us here at SBC. 

All told it's a fascinating chat and provides insight into his organisations approach to regulating the very challenging UK betting market in 2024.

(00:00) Introduction
(01:34) What does the Gambling Commission do?
(04:15) Andrew's personal betting
(06:17) Affordability Checks and the current state of play
(08:59) Checks - are they frictionless or not? Who will be affected?
(12:55) Public criticism of the Affordability Checks and Andrew's reaction to it
(16:42) Horse racing and the impact that checks could have on it
(18:50) Why is clarity on Affordability Checks taking so long?
(22:10) Can bookmakers be trusted? Didn't they get us here?
(25:35) Open Banking and more obtrusive checks
(29:34) Why Andrew thinks Affordability Checks are a viable solution
(34:37) ADVERT Event announcement - SmartBash!
(37:12) Open banking and its place in the industry
(39:00) The black market, its scale and the Gambling Commission's plan to tackle it
(47:35) China and international lessons that we can learn about the unregulated market
(50:44) Bookmaker behaviour in the regulated market
(54:54) Licence conditions and operators' transparency
(59:11) Social media criticism of The Gambling Commission
(01:02:28) Restrictions and why it's not in the Gambling Commission's remit
(01:03:16) The 2020 survey results
(01:03:55) A shift in dialogue from the Gambling Commission moving forward?

Discover More:

• Learn more on the Smart Betting Club and how we help winning bettors at https://smartbettingclub.com/ 
• Gambling Commission: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/
• Podcast feedback and media enquiries - contact SBC on twitter @sbcinfo or info@smartbettingclub.com
• Read more about each SBC Podcast episode: https://smartbettingclub.com/the-smart-betting-club-podcast/

A short announcement about Smart Bash 2024 — an exclusive one-day gathering crafted by and for betting enthusiasts, set to take place at Chelsea Football Club on Friday, July 19th.

Learn more about this special event and how you can secure your tickets now in this short announcement podcast.

Get your tickets now at www.smart-bash.com

With Cheltenham being centre stage at the time of recording, we discuss horse racing as a betting medium, with our personal experiences and recent ‘Black Market hullabaloo’ around the sport being touched upon. This feeds nicely into our latest Horse Racing Tipster Profit report, with Andy Holding, Sys Analyst and many more providing different angles into the market. 

Next, we look at Oddschecker’s new ‘unlimited’ service and try to work out what’s going on at the UK’s leading odds comparison site. The introduction of a charge may also alter expectations on the detail expected when it comes to tipster records – we explain why. 

Geoff Banks and a mysterious email take up the next portion of the show before we discuss Chasing Steamers and some very worrying reports around exchange balances disappearing from customers’ accounts. 

To finish up, exchanges are on the agenda as we talk about BETDAQ, their offering and why it is worth shopping around, with some concerns about other operators’ practices raised on the back of a previous podcast. 

We also managed to squeeze in a listener question as we thought that our response would be beneficial for everyone!

(00:00) Intro
(00:50) Horse Racing – still viable as a betting medium?
(02:50) Bungling Black Market Bookies
(08:42) Horse Racing Tipster Profit Report: The very best evolving with the times
(14:30) Recent Podcasts – Pete ‘Michael Parkinson’ Ling
(15:45) Andy Holding Speed Figures – clocking the winners?
(18:08) Oddschecker Unlimited – what’s going on?
(21:30) What about Oddschecker’s tipster records?
(26:55) Geoff Banks
(32:58) Chasing Steamers
(34:55) Missing: what is going on with exchange balances?
(38:45) BETDAQ, introductory offers and tips on unique markets
(42:56) Exchanges and sustainable ecosystems
(46:20) Answering a listener question

Discover More

• Learn more on the Smart Betting Club and how we help winning bettors at https://smartbettingclub.com/ 
• Podcast feedback - contact SBC on twitter @sbcinfo
• Read more about each SBC Podcast episode: https://smartbettingclub.com/the-smart-betting-club-podcast/

Andy Holding is a genuine racing expert having operated at the sharp end of the racing world for over 2 decades. Starting out working in a bookmakers, he made the leap to being a professional punter at the age of 30 and in more recent years has become best known through his work tipping on the Oddschecker website and on William Hill Radio.

He also oversees his own Andy Holding Speed Figures website with colleagues Sam Turner and Andy Bate, which was the focal point of a recent in-depth SBC tipster review in February 2024 as we explored the service and tips on offer.

Using the data from his speed figures to highlight value bets for members of his service and via his Oddschecker column, Andy outlines how speed figures work, how he uses them and just why they are so useful to accurately pinpoint the relative strengths and weaknesses of a horse and when you should back it.

Alongside that, Andy also openly discusses his own betting, the issues facing the racing industry and most revealing of all - names the 4 major bookmakers that still use him as a 'mark' and allow him to get bets down with them. There are some names that might surprise you here!

We also get into his Oddschecker column, how he picks these bets and their performance, plus how he copes with the pressures of being a prominent tipster, especially during a bad run.

And for those of you listening to this ahead of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, he picks out a trio of big value bets to follow and back.

Andy was a fascinating guest, full of insight on his specialist subject and with a long track record of beating the bookmaker.

(00:00) Intro
(02:12) Andy's grounding in racing (and betting)
(03:50) A mentor who changed everything
(04:28) Time!
(06:00) Going professional and how Andy 'got in' at the right time
(07:10) Opportunities that have arrived along the way
(10:35) Speed Figures and how they can provide an objective view
(14:30) Market reactions to speed figures and sectionals and how they are still underestimated
(17:00) The work that goes behind the scenes at Andy Holding Speed Figures
(20:10) Irish Racing and Andy's daily podcast
(22:10) Tipping for Andy Holding Speed Figures and Oddschecker (and the differences between the selections)
(26:25) Price contractions
(28:30) Dealing with losing runs as a tipster
(31:00) Andy's betting activity and how he gets on!
(33:00) The firms that Andy has a relationship with and restrictions that turn punters away
(37:40) Affordability Checks and Andy's thoughts on the future of horse racing
(40:55) Some tips from Andy for betting at Cheltenham (with some early selections!)
(44:40) General advice for betting on horse racing
(47:35) Andy's football allegiances!
(49:40) How to find Andy and a special SBC discount

Discover More:

• Learn more on the Smart Betting Club and how we help winning bettors at https://smartbettingclub.com/ 
• Andy Holding Speed Figures: https://andyholdingspeedfigures.co.uk/
• Andy Holding Speed Figures Twitter: https://twitter.com/figuresAndy
• Andy Holding Twitter: https://twitter.com/Holding_Andy
• Andy's Oddschecker page: https://www.oddschecker.com/tips/andy-holding

Podcast feedback - contact SBC on twitter @sbcinfo

Read more about each SBC Podcast episode: https://smartbettingclub.com/the-smart-betting-club-podcast/

• Learn more on the Smart Betting Club and how we help winning bettors at https://smartbettingclub.com/ 
• Harry at Gardner Leader: https://www.gardner-leader.co.uk/team_members/harry-stewart-moore-2/
• Harry on Twitter @HarryStewartMo1
• Podcast feedback - contact SBC on twitter @sbcinfo
• Read more about each SBC Podcast episode: https://smartbettingclub.com/the-smart-betting-club-podcast/