5 Pro Tips To Stop Bookmakers Limiting Your Account

Few things are more frustrating for a sports bettor than mastering a winning strategy, only to have your account restricted or in some cases a bookmaker will close your account completely.. If you’ve been limited to pennies on your bets or outright banned, you’re not alone. Bookmakers often target profitable bettors to protect their margins, leaving you scrambling for alternatives. But what if you could prolong the lifespan of your accounts and keep placing bets uninterrupted?

That’s exactly what this article is here to help you with. Over years of betting experience, I’ve developed a set of proven strategies that can significantly delay those dreaded limitations. By looking like the type of bettor bookmakers prefer—what’s known as a recreational bettor—you can operate under the radar and keep maximizing your profits.

Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting out, these five practical methods will show you how to stop bookmakers limiting accounts. Stick around, and you’ll learn simple yet effective ways to ensure your accounts stay active for as long as possible.

How can you stop bookmakers limiting your account?

5 Methods To Stop Bookmakers Limiting Your Account

The sad truth is that unless you are betting with betting exchanges such as Betfair, Smarkets etc or sharp bookmakers like Pinnacle. Then you will be limited if you are a profitable sports bettor.

But don’t lose hope just yet. Over my years of successful betting, I’ve uncovered a handful of strategies that can help delay these limitations. By adopting the right approach, you can extend the life of your betting accounts—sometimes by several years—and keep maximizing your opportunities.

Through personal experience, I’ve found that these methods work exceptionally well with Bet365, arguably the most valuable soft bookmaker account for serious bettors. The extra effort you put into maintaining your Bet365 account will pay off in dividends, making it a priority to protect.

The strategies outlined below are practical, tested, and designed to help you stop bookmakers limiting accounts for as long as possible. Whether you’re just starting out or already seeing restrictions, these tips will ensure you stay active and profitable.

1. Prime Your Account

When you open a new betting account, it’s under immediate scrutiny. Bookmakers don’t leave this process to chance they employ teams dedicated to evaluating the risk each customer represents. Based on this evaluation, bettors are often categorized as recreational bettors or sharp bettors. Your goal? Blend in with the crowd of recreational bettors to keep your account active for longer.

This is where the concept of priming an account comes into play.

What do you mean by priming an account?

Priming an account refers to the process of placing bets that make you appear like a casual, recreational bettor rather than someone exploiting sharp strategies. Instead of bombarding a new account with value bets, arbitrage plays, or aggressively maxing out bonuses, you take a measured approach. The aim is to look like a regular punter who’s simply betting for fun, rather than someone systematically hunting profits.

The importance of priming an account cannot be overstated. By taking the time to build a recreational profile early on, you effectively extend the life of your betting accounts. This means more time to execute your winning strategies down the line—without quickly triggering limitations or restrictions.

2. Pick A Favourite Team

Sometimes, the simplest strategies are the most effective. One straightforward yet proven way to present yourself as a recreational bettor is to pick a favourite team and bet on them regularly. This tactic not only mimics the habits of casual punters but also creates a betting pattern that bookmakers view favorably.

How Does It Work?

Recreational bettors often bet with their hearts, not their heads. They don’t carefully analyze value or hunt for the best odds—they bet based on emotion. By consistently backing the same team week in and week out, you emulate this behavior. To the bookmaker, you’ll appear to be a loyal fan rather than a sharp bettor calculating every move.

For example, I’ve had one of my longest-running accounts with Bet365 thanks to this very strategy. I chose Tottenham as my “favourite” team and made a point to bet on them each week for the first few months. To mitigate the risk, I laid off the bets on a betting exchange like Smarkets. Over time, this consistent betting pattern built a recreational bettor profile that kept my account off the radar.

Even now, years later, I occasionally mix in a Tottenham bet among my value plays and sharp strategies, ensuring this “fan-like” profile remains intact.

A Long-Term Play That Pays Off

It’s worth noting that you may incur some small losses initially. However, with bookmakers like Bet365, those losses can be partially offset by loyalty bonuses offered every few months. These bonuses are a great incentive and make this approach even more worthwhile in the long run.

By using this simple tactic, you’ll ensure your account appears less suspicious, giving you more time to profit without restrictions.

3. Accumulators

If you want to keep your account flagged as a recreational bettor, adding accumulator bets into your routine is a move that pays off. Bookmakers absolutely love customers who regularly place accumulators—those long-shot bets combining multiple selections into one wager. To them, this signals a casual punter taking risky bets rather than a sharp bettor targeting consistent profits.

How Does It Work?

The idea is simple. By placing one or two small accumulator bets each week, you emulate the behavior of a typical recreational bettor. This tactic helps your account blend in, keeping it active for longer and extending your opportunity to capitalize on more profitable strategies.

For example, using a tool like OddsMonkey’s accumulator matcher, I’ve found that selecting a top treble bet with a £10 stake might cost you as little as £0.67 in expected value (EV). While this is technically a loss, it’s a small price to pay considering how valuable a Bet365 account can be over the long run.

To make the most out of this strategy, you can also combine your accumulator bets with Bet365’s 2UP promotion. By leveraging early payouts from this promotion, you can claw back some of the EV you’d otherwise lose, making the approach even more cost-effective.

Why It’s Worthwhile

Personally, I’ve found sprinkling small accumulator bets among my sharper, more systematic plays to be incredibly effective. Not only does it reinforce my profile as a recreational bettor, but it also introduces variation into my betting patterns—a critical factor in staying under the bookmaker’s radar.

Additionally, this tactic aligns seamlessly with long-term account management. By giving up a small amount of EV through accumulator bets, you’re enabling your account to remain active for months—or even years—leading to far greater profits in the scope of your betting career.

Take advantage of this straightforward strategy to mix things up and protect your account. And speaking of mixing things up, this leads us perfectly into the next tip.

4. Mix Up Your Betting Patterns

When it comes to avoiding bookmaker restrictions, consistency in profitability can work against you—especially if your bets follow predictable patterns. Whether you’re engaging in arbitrage betting, placing large value bets, or maxing out free bet promotions, your behavior could easily stand out. Why? Because bookmakers analyze betting habits, and disciplined, methodical patterns often raise red flags.

Recreational bettors, on the other hand, are rarely so systematic. They vary their stakes, dabble in different markets, and switch between sports when things aren’t going their way. To keep your account flagged as a recreational bettor, it’s crucial to mix up your betting patterns regularly.

How Does Mixing Up Betting Patterns Help?

The goal is to avoid looking like a sharp bettor operating with precision. For instance, if someone reviewing your account notices all your bets are singles on horse racing or lower-league football, they may dig deeper into your activity—particularly if you’re consistently profitable. That level of focus isn’t characteristic of a recreational punter.

Instead, aim to diversify your activity. Add variation by placing bets on different sports or markets like rugby, esports, or tennis. For example, rather than sticking with a football accumulator every week, swap it out occasionally for a rugby or tennis accumulator. Even throwing in less common choices like esports accumulators adds variety and strengthens your recreational profile.

5. Live Betting

Live betting has surged in popularity, and it’s easy to see why bookmakers love it so much. A quick scroll during halftime in a football match showcases countless “boosted” bets, designed to prey on the excitement, urgency, and fear of missing out that live games naturally generate. But while the odds are rarely in your favor with these promotions, strategically incorporating live betting into your routine can work to your advantage.

Why Live Betting?

Bookmakers push live betting hard because it’s where recreational bettors tend to lose the most.

For instance, you might see an offer like, “Back Harry Maguire to score the next goal at a boosted price of 28.00!!!”

However, seasoned bettors know the true odds might be closer to 40.00. Regardless, this behavior—chasing an emotional rush or reacting impulsively—is what defines a recreational bettor. By placing occasional live bets, you mirror this exact profile, keeping your account under the radar.

Another strength of live betting is that it’s harder for bookmakers to monitor profitability. Unlike pre-match betting, live betting prices shift frequently due to the fast-paced nature of the game, and there’s no clear “closing line” to compare against. This makes it challenging for bookmakers to determine if you’re consistently betting at positive expected value (EV).

Stop Bookmakers Limiting Your Account – Conclusion

Conclusion

To stop bookmakers limiting your account, especially with crucial platforms like Bet365, focus on blending profitable strategies with behaviors that mimic a recreational bettor. Here’s a concise recap of actionable steps:

Bet on a favorite team regularly to create the appearance of emotional, casual betting.
Place small accumulator bets weekly to mirror how recreational bettors behave.
Mix up your betting patterns by varying stakes, markets, and sports.
Add live bets strategically, leveraging their fast-paced nature for both disguise and profit.

Additional tips to extend account longevity include:

Avoid frequent withdrawals and e-wallet deposits.
Round off stakes to appear less precise and professional.
Spread large bets across multiple bookmakers.
Skip pre-race horse bets unless it’s for major televised events.

While restrictions from soft bookmakers like Bet365 are inevitable for sharp bettors, these strategies will help you fly under the radar and maximize your account lifespan.

5 Sports Betting Bookmakers and Exchanges that Don’t Limit UK Customers

When you finally start making money from the sports betting it’s a great feeling, suddenly you have this extra income that you can scale. You start to imagine what these profits could do for you, pay off the mortgage, early retirement? finally buy that car you always wanted. Then suddenly you find yourself limited by the bookmakers, only able to stake pennies or for some bookmakers they restrict your ability to bet at all.

This is when you realize that the world of sports betting isn’t always fair and winners are not welcome at most bookmakers. For those who refuse to settle for limits and restrictions, there are still platforms that level the playing field.

Below, we explore five sports betting platforms—Bet105, Betfair Exchange, Smarkets, Matchbook, and Betdaq—that have earned a reputation for allowing winning bettors. Outlining the pros and cons of each platform!

1. Bet105

This relatively new betting platform has rapidly been gaining popularity thanks to its punter-friendly approach. Bet105 stands out by actively promoting itself as a platform that doesn’t limit customers, regardless of their win rate.

Pros:

No account restrictions on winning bettors.
User-friendly interface, suitable for both beginners and seasoned punters.
Wide variety of markets on major sports
£20 Sign Up Bonus
Promotional Offer and Rebates
High Limits
Simple KYC procedure
No premium charges

Cons:

Customer support is efficient but still lags behind major competitors in availability.
Only accepts Cryptocurrency for deposit and withdrawals.
Lacks some of the smaller markets that competitors have.
Offshore bookmaker

Why Bet105 Stands Out:
Bet105 makes a bold statement with its commitment to unrestricted accounts, addressing one of the biggest pain points for serious bettors. Its focus on fairness and transparency makes it particularly appealing for those tired of being punished for success.

Best For: Professional and high stakes bettors.

Click Here For Your £20 Sign Up Bonus

2. Betfair Exchange

Betfair Exchange revolutionized the sports betting world by shifting control to its users. Instead of betting against the house, you’re trading bets directly with other players. This eliminates the conflict of interest typically seen with traditional bookmakers.

Pros:

No risk of account limitations, as they profit through a small commission on winnings rather than restricting punters.
High liquidity, especially in popular markets.
Opportunity to both back and lay bets, enabling bettors to play bookmaker themselves.

Cons:

Commission fees on winnings can add up, particularly for high-volume bettors.
Expert fee charges are implemented for winning customers (increased commission rate after £25k profit within a year)
The platform has a learning curve for those unfamiliar with exchanges.

Why Betfair Exchange Stands Out:
For UK bettors looking to maximize their strategies without restrictions, Betfair Exchange offers a lot flexibility and fairness. They allow you to access their platform via API software and trade sports as you would the stock market. Overall they are a good option for those looking to get away from traditional bookmakers.

Best For: Sports traders and in-play bettors.

3. Smarkets

Smarkets operates similarly to Betfair Exchange, focusing on peer-to-peer betting, but sets itself apart with lower commission fees and a more modern interface. They also offer 0% commission via Oddsmonkey to matched betting customers that looking to lay off their bets.

Pros:

One of the lowest commission rates in the industry, only 2% on winnings.
0% commission for matched betting customers
Clean, user-friendly platform ideal for newcomers to exchanges.
No initial account restrictions or stake limits.

Cons:

Liquidity is lower compared to Betfair Exchange in niche markets.
Fewer features, such as detailed analytics for advanced users.
No API software access
Difficult to trade with Smarkets
Enhanced commission rate if £25k profit is exceeded inside a year (3% commission added to all bets)

Why Smarkets Stands Out:
With its affordable commission structure and sleek interface, Smarkets delivers an easy experience for those new to exchanges. It’s perfect for UK matched bettors who can take advantage of the 0% deal on offer.

Best For: Matched Bettors and Value Bettors on 0% commission deals.

4. Matchbook

Matchbook focuses on low-margin betting, offering competitive odds comparable to traditional bookmakers. Like other exchanges, Matchbook profits from commission on winning bets rather than limiting winning bettors.

Pros:

Highly competitive odds due to its low-margin model.
2% commission on winnings, attractive for cost-conscious punters.
No initial account limits or bans for successful players.
£50 free bet offer on sign up

Cons:

Liquidity can be hit or miss, especially for less popular events.
Increased commission on winning accounts (subject to Matchbooks discretion)
Increased commission on special markets (enhanced odds)

Why Matchbook Stands Out:
Matchbook are a good option for those that hit increased commission rates with Betfair or Smarkets. While liquidity may vary, its competitive odds more than make up for it.

Click Here for Your £50 Sign Up Offer

Best For: Bettors that have hit enhanced commission levels on Betfair and Smarkets.

5. Betdaq

Betdaq is another well-known exchange with a strong reputation for fairness. Though smaller in scale compared to Betfair and Smarkets, it makes up for it with competitive commissions and market offerings.

Pros:

Low commission structure, with some promotions offering only 0% commission on select markets.
No initial account restrictions, staying true to its customer-first approach.
Easy-to-navigate platform, suitable for all experience levels.
Enhanced Specials market often offer the best odds for backers.

Cons:

Lower market liquidity compared to top-tier exchanges.
Increased commission rates on some winning account (Subject to Betdaq’s discretion)

Why Betdaq Stands Out:
Betdaq prioritizes customer satisfaction with its exchange and attractive commission deals. It’s a solid alternative for UK bettors who want a fair, enjoyable betting experience without early limitations.

Best For: Matched Bettors and Value Bettors.

Final Thoughts

For UK sports bettors, finding platforms that support winning strategies without penalties is crucial to long term success. If you prefer the simplicity of a bookmaker like Bet105 that takes on a model very similar to Pinnacle sportsbook, then that is great option. If you are comfortable with exchanges like Betfair or Smarkets, each of the platforms above offers a much fairer deal then traditional bookmakers. Selecting the right one depends on your preferences, whether that’s lower commissions, competitive odds, or intuitive design.

Success in sports betting requires skill, patience, and the right tools. Choosing a platform that aligns with your goals is the first step toward building a winning strategy.

(This article features affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. I use or have used any product I review. If I recommend them it is because I believe they are helpful, useful and offer value to their customers. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel they will give you value or that they will help you achieve your goals.)

How To Bet With Pinnacle Sports From The UK 2025

Pinnacle Sports is widely recognized as one of the most respected bookmakers in the world. Since its establishment in 1998, Pinnacle has built a stellar reputation by offering a unique and unmatched betting experience.

What truly sets Pinnacle apart is its steadfast commitment to accommodating winning bettors. Unlike many platforms that impose limitations on successful players, Pinnacle allows professional and experienced bettors to continue wagering without restrictions.

This player-friendly approach, combined with consistently competitive odds and high limits, makes Pinnacle an unrivaled choice for those who take sports betting seriously.

Bookmaker limitations are pretty common today which is why many UK based bettors are looking for a way to bet with Pinnacle. Betting on Pinnacle Sports from the UK offers access to some of the best odds in the industry.

How to bet with Pinnacle Sports from the UK?

If you access the Pinnacle site from within the United Kingdom and try to create an account you will be greeted with this message.

Using A Bet Broker

Pinnacle left the UK betting market in 2014 due to an increase in betting taxes.

Although there had been talk of a return. It was thought that the increase in tax meant that Pinnacle’s business model wouldn’t work.

The only option for UK based bettors looking to bet with Pinnacle in 2025 is to use a betting broker.

What is a bet broker?

A Bet Broker acts as a middleman between the client and a bookmaker.

Bet brokers are fairly common in Asia.

Many professional bettors choose to bet with a Bet Broker as they are unable to bet with most European bookmakers due to limitations.

What Is The Best Broker?

The Bet Broker that I have used to access Pinnacle and other Asian bookmakers over the last few years is Asian Connect.

Bookmaker limitations was established in 2002 and is licensed in the Netherlands.

Through Asian Connect you can get access to accounts with multiple bookmakers.

Pinnacle
Singbet
PS3838
Orbit Exchange
Maxbet

The stand out service in my opinion however is the Asian Odds platform.

Asian Odds give you access to the best odds on the Asian markets.

Alongside Pinnacle you will also get odds from Penta88 and 3ET.

You can see the maximum amount that you are allowed to bet with each bookmaker before the odds will change.

This is the service that I use the most with Asian Connect.

When liquidity is poor on Betfair or the market hasn’t even been released yet. I often find I am able to get money down on an Asian book using Asian Odds.

Sports You Can Bet On Using Asian Odds

There are multiple sports that you can bet on using Asian Odds.

All of the above sports are available to bet on, with pre-match and also in-play odds available.

For me personally having access to early MMA odds is huge.

As liquidity on these early markets is pretty non existent on the exchanges.

So having access to the Pinnacle odds is great.

How Can I Open And Fund An Account?

Once you have signed up to Asian Connect.

You will get a access to a dashboard, where you can deposit, withdraw and transfer funds between between the different bookmakers available you.

If you are outside the UK deposits can be made via Bitcoin, Tether, Neteller, Skrill or Ecopayz.

Once you have chosen your deposit option. You can then choose which bookmaker you want to fund for example Singbet, Orbit or the Asian Odds platform.

Payment is pretty fast.

Normally it takes about 5-10 minutes for the money to be added to an account.

Funding an Account From The UK

Asian Connect recently changed the payment methods for funding an account if you are based in the UK. Currently you can only fund an account using three methods:

Bitcoin
TRC20
ERC20

(If you have a Skrill account which is registered outside the UK, you will also be able to deposit and withdraw with this method.)

Any Issues With Asian Connect

I used Asian Connect for a period of around 3 years and had no issues.

The reason I stopped using them was their switch to crypto currency only for deposit. Verification was simple, I provided one form of ID and one form of proof of address.

Depositing money and withdrawing has been no problem.

One issue I am aware of is with one of the bookmakers Asian Connect provide.

That bookmaker is Singbet, who have a reputation of voiding bets.

Because of this I would advise that you be wary of using Singbet.

Due to this issue arising the option to bet with Singbet using the Asian Odds software was removed by default.

In 2025 I looked to start using Asian Connect again, however I was made aware of some recent issues. There have been increasing reports of Asian Connect implementing very strict KYC policies which is concerning as this is one of the reasons many people opt to use brokers in the first place. Especially in the UK where the implementation of strict KYC policy has been a major issue for professional sports bettors.

There have also been multiple reports on the arbusers forum of this happening to other accounts. This is a red flag for me personally and has made me consider other alternatives.

Pinnacle Sports Alternative For UK

Given the recent issues surrounding Asian Connect the best alternative to Pinnacle currently accessible in the UK is Bet105. For bettors seeking a platform that values its customers and delivers a robust offering of markets, Bet105 stands out. Operating a ‘winners welcome’ policy, they’ve earned a strong reputation among serious bettors.

Here’s why Bet105 is worth your attention:

£20 Sign-Up Offer – Get started with a solid bonus to kick off your betting experience.
25% MMA Split Decision Cashback – A rewarding feature for MMA enthusiasts.
Accumulator Boosts – Maximise your winnings with boosted returns on accumulators.
Highly Competitive Odds Margins – Particularly strong in major markets, rivaling Pinnacle and other Asian bookmakers.
Instant Payouts – No waiting around for your winnings.
High Limits – Perfect for high-stakes bettors.
Simple KYC Process – No need for source of wealth or intrusive checks into your financial history.

Pinnacle Alternative UK — Pinnacle odds on top, Bet105 odds below

This platform has earned glowing feedback from seasoned bettors who have pivoted to them as a trusted alternative to Pinnacle. With a transparent and user-friendly approach, Bet105 combines competitive features with an unwavering commitment to supporting successful bettors. The platform is cryptocurrency only, they do however offer multiple deposit options and allow stable coins such as USDT (tracks the US dollar) for those that worry about the volatility of cryptocurrency.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a bookmaker that adopts Pinnacle’s ‘winners welcome’ model while providing competitive odds and accessibility from the UK, Bet105 currently stands out as the superior choice—outshining options like Asian Connect. (It should be noted that there is always a risk when when using off shore and even regulated bookmakers)

Bet105 offers a balance of a player-friendly approach, competitive features, and robust market offerings. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just stepping into more advanced betting platforms, their combination of high limits, instant payouts, competitive odds and promotional offers makes them the go-to alternative for UK based bettors.

Click Here to Sign Up with Bet105

10 Famous Female Gamblers Who Made Millions

Gambling has long been a male-dominated world and the biggest gamblers do still tend to be men. In recent years however there has been a rise women who defied expectations, mastered their craft, and turned their skills into serious profits. These women became legends not just for their winnings but for their strategies, charisma, and tenacity. Here are ten famous female gamblers who proved that the game doesn’t care about gender—only skill.

10 Famous Female Gamblers Who Made Millions

1. Vanessa Selbst – The Poker Powerhouse

Vanessa Selbst is a name synonymous with excellence in poker. With over $11 million in tournament earnings, she holds the record as the most successful female poker player of all time. Known for her fierce competitiveness and innovative strategies, Vanessa won three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets during her career. She didn’t just play for the money—she refined and pushed the boundaries of poker theory. Her calculated risks and intellectual approach to the game earned her titles and respect from peers across the globe.

Vanessa Selbst Female Gambler

2. Annette Obrestad – The Online Poker Prodigy

At just 18 years old, Annette Obrestad won the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe Main Event, making her the youngest WSOP bracelet winner in history. Before that milestone, she became a legend in online poker circles, amassing millions under her alias “Annette_15.”

What’s even more incredible? She famously won a sit-and-go tournament without looking at her hole cards, relying solely on reading opponents’ actions. This wasn’t luck—it was raw skill and sharp instincts.

3. Kara Scott – The Multipotential Maverick

Canadian-English poker player Kara Scott is more than just her winnings—she’s a trailblazer. Known for her charismatic personality and skillful play, Kara has cashed in multiple high-profile poker tournaments, including earning sixth place in the Irish Open, one of the world’s oldest poker events. What makes her story inspiring is the balance she strikes—Kara transitioned from poker broadcasting to serious competition, proving that her talent wasn’t just behind the desk.

Kara Scott Female Gambler

4. Jennifer Harman – The High-Stakes Queen

Jennifer Harman has been a legend in the world of high-stakes poker for decades. She boasts over $2.7 million in tournament earnings, not to mention the untold millions she’s pocketed from cash games. Jennifer has won two WSOP bracelets and is one of the few women to compete regularly in the “Big Game,” a Las Vegas cash game reserved for the industry’s elite. Her aggressive style and steely focus have earned her respect in rooms where even experienced players falter.

5. Barbara Enright – Breaking Barriers

Barbara Enright etched her name in history as the first woman to reach the final table of the WSOP Main Event in 1995. She’s won three WSOP bracelets and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame—the first woman to receive such an honor. Barbara’s victories shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of female poker players. Her secret weapon? Unwavering confidence and the ability to read opponents with startling accuracy.

Famous Female Gamblers

6. Kathy Liebert – The Strategic Genius

Kathy Liebert’s nickname, “PokerKat,” reflects not just her agility but her ferocious competitive spirit. With more than $6 million in career earnings, she has proven that consistency is key. Kathy was the first woman to win $1 million in a poker tournament, taking home the prize at the PartyPoker Million event. She combines strategy, patience, and an uncanny ability to sniff out the best opportunities, making her one of poker’s most enduring figures.

7. Vicky Coren Mitchell – The Writer-Turned-Champion

Vicky Coren Mitchell seamlessly juggles dual careers as a poker champion and successful writer. She became the first player in history to win two European Poker Tour (EPT) titles, accumulating millions in earnings. Known for her wit and poise, Vicky brings a unique perspective to the world of poker, blending intellectualism with sharp game instincts. Her career proves that poker is as much about strategy as it is about storytelling.

Victoria Coren Playing Poker

8. Alice Walker – The Tournament Trailblazer

Alice Walker broke barriers in the world of blackjack, solidifying her place in history with a monumental win at the 2007 World Series of Blackjack. Outplaying 39 other participants in a fiercely competitive tournament, she became the first woman to claim the prestigious title. That alone speaks volumes about her skills, but Alice didn’t stop there. She also earned the championship in Three-Card Poker, making her the only individual to secure back-to-back wins in both formats. Alice’s lifelong dedication to the game—starting at just three years old—proves that mastery comes from persistence and passion.

9. Denise Coates – The Visionary of Online Gambling

Whilst perhaps Denise Coates is not a “gambler” by definition she has made astronomical wealth through the world of gambling. Her foresight and expertise in econometrics allowed her to identify the untapped potential of online gambling at the dawn of the digital era. Launching Bet365 in 2000, Denise introduced groundbreaking features like in-play betting, which revolutionized how people engage with sports wagering, enabling users to place bets during live events.

Under her leadership, Bet365 has grown into one of the largest online gambling platforms worldwide, employing thousands and generating billions in annual revenue. Beyond her business acumen, Denise’s commitment to giving back shines through the Denise Coates Foundation. Her foundation supports a range of charitable causes, including education, medical research, and disaster relief, making a meaningful impact on communities across the globe.

10. Cathy “Cat” Hulbert – The Maverick Counter

Cathy “Cat” Hulbert turned blackjack into an art form through her razor-sharp card-counting skills. Starting her professional gambling career in the 1970s, Cathy joined one of the most celebrated blackjack teams, led by Ken Uston, where she helped rake in millions in winnings. Her mathematical mind, honed during her college years, made her a standout player. Despite facing bans from over 150 casinos and being arrested multiple times, Cathy’s resilience and unparalleled expertise remain a testament to her impact on the industry. Today, while she no longer plays blackjack, her legacy continues as an inspiration to those looking to master the game.

Famous Female Blackjack Players

Lessons We Can Learn From Them

These women didn’t just make millions in gambling—they rewrote the rules and solidified their legacies in the industry. Their stories remind us that success stems from skill, persistence, and innovation. While poker often dominates as the game of choice for successful female gamblers, there’s no reason we won’t see more women rising to prominence in other areas of gambling.

For anyone looking to excel in gambling, or any competitive pursuit—these women serve as powerful role models. They didn’t just take risks; they took calculated ones. They didn’t just rely on luck; they sharpened their skills until luck became irrelevant. Their wins remind us that, regardless of the odds, breaking barriers is always possible.

Horse Racing Arbitrage Strategy – Small Risk For A Large Payoff

Horse racing offers a lot of opportunity for smart sports bettors. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, finding low-risk strategies with high reward potential is an excellent strategy. This guide lays out an effective horse racing arbitrage strategy designed to maximize betting value, reduce risk, and grow your bankroll.

Watch this video on YouTube

What is Horse Racing Arbitrage?

Arbitrage betting exploits price differences between bookmakers and betting exchanges. By placing back bets with bookmakers and lay bets on exchanges, you can lock in a profit regardless of the outcome. When paired with promotions, such as Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) offers, arbitrage in horse racing becomes even more lucrative.

This isn’t a method to make quick riches. It’s a disciplined strategy for consistent, low-risk returns over time. Now, let’s break it down step by step so you can apply it effectively.

Tools You’ll Need

Low-Commission Betting Exchange
Use platforms like Smarkets, which typically offer lower commission rates than Betfair. Lower commission means higher profits. Some even provide 0% commission offers through partnerships.
Best Odds Guaranteed Bookmakers
Identify bookmakers offering BOG promotions. These bookmakers pay you the highest odds if the horse’s starting price (SP) drifts after you’ve placed your back bet. You can use tools like Oddschecker to find and compare BOG bookmakers.
Market Awareness
Keep an eye on close back and lay price gaps. For instance, when a horse’s odds at a bookmaker closely match its lay odds on a betting exchange, you’re in arbitrage ‘sweet spot’ territory.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Horse Racing Arbitrage Strategy

Step 1: Find a Close Back and Lay Match

Search for a horse where the back price offered by a BOG bookmaker is almost identical to the lay price on a low-commission exchange. Using an example, say Copper Baked is available at 1.91 both with a BOG bookmaker and on Smarkets.

Step 2: Place the Lay Bet

Start by laying the horse on your betting exchange. Enter a stake at the current lay odds and wait for it to be matched. In this example we aim for 1.9 to ensure we make a very small profit no matter the outcome.

Step 3: Place the Back Bet

Once your lay bet is matched, place a back bet with a BOG bookmaker at the same odds you laid. This ensures your initially calculated risk or profit holds steady.

Step 4: The Outcome

If Your Horse Wins Without an SP Drift
You’ll win a very small amount from backing at 1.91 and walling at 1.9.
If the SP Drifts and the Horse Wins (Best Case)
If the SP drifts to higher odds, the BOG bookmaker pays out on the new, higher price. For example:
- Backed at 1.91, but SP drifts to 2.50. Your payout from the bookmaker would be £150 (at 2.50 odds). Deducting £90 from the exchange lay bet, you’re left with a whopping £60 profit—off an initial £2 risk!
If the Horse Loses
You win your lay bet on the exchange minus commission, while losing the back bet. If you have 0% commission you can make a profit on minimal odds differences.

Why BOG Promotions Are Crucial

The BOG feature is the highlight of this method. It transforms an otherwise standard arbitrage trade into a more lucrative opportunity. Frequent drifts in SP within the volatile horse racing market mean you’ll often see sizable returns.

Keep It Under the Bookmakers’ Radar

Focus on shorter-priced favorites to blend in. Bookmakers associate arbitrage activity with unusual patterns, so subtlety helps keep your accounts operational longer. It also takes much less odds movement for bookmakers to increase odds on favorites compared to higher odds horses.

Advantages of This Strategy

Minimal Downside, Large Upside
You risk pennies but stand to gain significant profits thanks to BOG. It’s a low-risk strategy compared to other gambling methods.
Grows Your Betting Bank Over Time
Done correctly, this strategy builds your bankroll steadily without huge swings.
Works Alongside Other Methods
Combine this with matched betting and traditional arbitrage to further amplify your returns.
Reliable in Liquid Markets
Horse racing markets are rich with opportunities due to their depth and price movements.

Maximize Your Profits with the Right Tools

To make the most of this strategy, consider using tools and exchanges offering low or zero commission. For example:

Smarkets and Matchbook often run promotional deals that can save you thousands in commission fees compared to platforms like Betfair.

Joining services like OddsMonkey helps you identify these promotions, find arbitrage opportunities, and provides the key insights you need to succeed. The difference between paying a 2% commission and no commission adds up over weeks, months, and years of trading.

Build and Sustain Your Edge

The key to consistent success in horse racing arbitrage lies in patience and persistence. Regularly seeking arbitrage opportunities, taking advantage of promotions, and protecting your bookmaker accounts will ensure a steady flow of income. It’s not flashy or exciting in the short term, but the compound impact of disciplined trades will pay off significantly over time.

Final Thoughts

Arbitrage betting in horse racing is not just another strategy—it’s a measured and calculated approach to smart betting. With proper tools, a disciplined mindset, and an understanding of BOG dynamics, you can take advantage of the opportunities the market offers.

Bet carefully, stay informed, and always look for value. Done correctly, horse racing arbitrage allows you to secure big profits for very little risk.

5 Ways To Make Money From A Bet365 Account 2025

From its humble beginnings as a family business to the global betting behemoth it is now,
Bet365 is known to gamblers across the world.

Many sports bettors want to know the best best way to make money from a Bet365 account?

So we brought in professional sports bettor Neel Shah to answer that question, along with some of my own opinions.

How To Make Money From A Bet365 Account

Smartsportstrader.com are not affiliated with Bet365 in any way, This article is about how to exploit a Bet365 account and make a profit it is not a promotional article for the bookmaker.

(If you enjoy watching content we created a video version of this article.

However the written article does include some special discounted offers and additional bonus information, so its well worth reading through even if you do watch the video.)

Watch this video on YouTube

(New video for 2024)

Let’s start with the easiest and probably most well known method of making money from a Bet365 account.

1. Matched Betting

Although the offers have dried up a little in recent years, you still get a decent opening bonus of bet £10 get £30 with Be365.

You can hedge this bonus offer to make a guaranteed profit or use it to place some value bets.

Occasionally Bet365 offer free bets, usually on a big premier league game or Champions League games. These can as much as bet £50 pre match and get a £50 free bet in-play, which are very profitable offers.

They also offer a promotion called 2up which pays out your bet if your team lead by two goals at any point in a game.

From time to time Bet365 will also give you bet credits for being such a loyal customer.

Although you don’t want to receive these as it means you’ve probably been on a pretty bad losing run to get them.

This is by far the easiest method of making money from a Bet365 account. If you want to learn matched betting click here for our simple guide.

2. Value Betting/Arbing

(Graph taken from the making a million from sports betting challenge)

In 2024 Bet365 still offers great opportunities for value betting and arbitrage.

Value betting is a strategy that is proven to make money in the long term whilst sports arbitrage betting allows you to guarantee a profit before the game even begins.

I use tradematesports software to help me find value bets. If you consistently find these value bets (odds that are higher then the best odds in the Asian Markets or Betting Exchanges.)

You will end up making a consistent and steady profit.

If you want, you can arbitrage these for a guaranteed profit and lock in your profits before the game even starts.

Personally I prefer to use value betting over arbitrage as long term this has shown to be more profitable. For the sums involved, I’m happy to get a bit more variance for long term profit.

3. Niche Markets

The amount of sports you can bet on Bet365 is mind boggling. I wouldn’t be surprised to see
if you could bet on two flies climbing up a wall at some point.

Of course, just because there is something to bet on doesn’t mean you should!

However, you can find some very nice edges if you know where to look. We have put together a list of the best Bet365 tipsters around.

Take a closer look at some of the individual player markets that bet365 offer on big football games to give you some ideas. Just be prepared though, that the more obscure the market, the more closely the traders will look at your account.

Editor’s Note.

(From my experience this is a very good way of using a Bet365 account. Over the years I have come across a few very profitable bettors.
One of the most profitable bettors I ever spoke with made the majority of his money exploiting niche Eastern European markets on Bet365.
It should be noted though that this individual had access to several Bet365 accounts not just his own)

Below is a tipster that absolutely crushes the horse racing markets and greyhound markets. Selections are very often best priced with Bet365. This is a service that has had zero losing months and made over 400 points profit betting this year.

They also offer a 3 day free trial, so that you can check out the service and potentially make some money without putting anything down on a subscription.

Insider Edge Bets Click Here For Your Free Trial

4. In-Play Betting

Bet365 has a pretty good stats feed for in-play events. They also offer a wide range of in-play betting covering several different sports.

In my experience this has also shown to be a weak point of Bet365 and an area where they offer value to the savvy sports bettor. Using in-play betting strategies is a good option to profit from a Bet365 account.

Editor’s Note.

( Bet365 are also a bookmaker that offer a lot of arbitrage opportunities in-play. Even with a limited Bet365 account I have managed to pick up £30-£50 from cricket games.
Where the arbitrage opportunities kept coming, with every price change I was able to place a new stake up to my limit over and over again.)

5. Casino Offers

Another way to make money from a Bet365 account is by exploiting casino offers.

There are times when Bet365 offer bonuses or cashback offers which flip the advantage from the casino to the player. By only taking part in casino games when these offers exist you can make money in the long term.

This is a great strategy to used for limited or gubbed Bet365 accounts.

Be careful however using this strategy on other casino sites. Although there are some of the highest paying online casino‘s on the internet that are legitimate. Not all bonus offers are profitable, so make you read the terms and conditions.

Those are 5 ways to make money from a Bet365 account, here are a few additional ways to get value even if your account is limited.

Alternatives to Bet365

If you are looking for place to bet that doesn’t limit winners and offers great odds, Matchbook are currently offering £50 in free bets for any new sign ups.

Click here for your £50 free bet

Watching some free sport!

Ok, this is a bit of a sneaky one but actually bet365 is great for trading.

Their picture feed is generally better than most bookies and as long as you have funds in your account, you should be able to watch most major events and even some very obscure ones too.

Outright And Antepost Bets

Sometimes Bet365 offer Outright or Antepost bets that are not available elsewhere.

If you have a hunch for a long shot then you can still put a small stake on for some beer tokens. I like to place some ante post and outrights bets (think Champions League, Grand Slam Tennis, Golf etc..).

It’s always a nice surprise when one of those lands in your account!

Testing Out Strategies

A stake restricted account is actually a great place to test out new betting strategies.

Using small stakes is preferable to simply paper trading as real money is still involved, but not so
much that any loss will actually hurt your bank balance too much.

The intellectual challenge of grinding your way to 100/200/500 pounds from small stakes will also teach you a lot about stake management and selection strategies.

In Play Trading

Most likely, if you’re restricted, you will have your cash out option gone.

However, you can still make bets on your bet365 and lay them off at the exchange if you want to. Other methods I like to use are on corner bets.

I have several strategies I run on match corners where I can still get 20+ on a given game.

Hopefully you have enjoyed this article and perhaps learnt a new way to make money using your Bet365 account.

=============================

Neel is a full time sports bettor, trader and freelance writer. In a previous life he was a
Psychology Teacher. He writes regularly for tradematesports and thebetchat and has a blog
where he shares some of his strategies, reviews and thoughts on the betting world. He is also
trying to figure out how to use twitter, you can message him @mybettorlife

Value Betting Guide 2025 – How To Win At Sports Betting

Value betting is one of the most effective strategies for consistently winning at sports betting!

Unlike traditional betting methods, which often rely on intuition or luck, value betting focuses on identifying bets where the odds offered by the bookmaker are higher than the true probability of the event occurring. This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of value betting, how to spot value bets, and how you can use this strategy to boost your betting profits.

You name the sport, value betting works!

One of the big benefits of this method is that it allows you, to get a large amount of volume through the markets. Whilst having a consistent edge.

This method is also very easy to understand.

What is Value Betting?

First off what is value in the sports betting markets?

Quite simply getting value in the sports betting markets is backing something that is estimated to have a greater chance of happening then the odds indicate.

Lets look at a simple example.

Man United are priced at 2.0 (indicates a 50% win chance) against Everton at home.

The best betting syndicate in the world estimate that Manchester United are actually a 55% win chance.

Meaning they believes that Manchester United’s true odds should be 1.82.

This means odds above 1.82 are deemed to be value, with odds of 2.0 being extremely good value.

If you are consistently betting odds that are priced higher then there true probability, you will make money long term.

However the hard part of finding value in the sports betting markets is coming up with a true estimation of what the odds should actually be.

Some of the biggest betting syndicates in the world have hundreds of people working for them. Analyzing every bit of data available to them in order to make profitable bets.

In this article we are going to look at a proven method for finding value in the sports betting markets. This method allows us to mimic the bets made by these successful betting syndicates.

Sharp Bookmakers And Exchange Method

One proven way to find value in sports betting is by using sharp bookmakers and betting exchanges as an indicator for value.

Professional bettors separate bookmakers into two categories.

Sharp and Soft.

A soft bookmaker is one that does not want professional bettors, they only want losing recreational players that they know in the long term will make them money.

This is why some bookmakers close players accounts or limit their betting stakes to very small amounts.

Sharp bookmakers allow winning sports bettors to bet with them. They let sharp bettors influence their odds movement and rely more on profiting from the turnover they get from the betting markets they provide.

Betting exchanges follow a similar model charging on a commission basis and allowing professional punters to bet with them.

This means that professional sports bettors bet at sharp bookmakers.

Soft bookmakers often imitate the movement of sharp bookmakers and betting exchanges. However they are slower to adjust their betting odds.

This method of value betting takes advantage of this.

Value Betting Strategy

If you follow the money from the sharpest sports bettors in the world then you are going to make money from sports betting.

That is the essence of this strategy.

Consistently beat the closing odds of sharp bookmakers or betting exchanges and you have yourself a winning betting strategy.

This is known as “value betting” but is also sometimes referred to as “steam chasing”

Now you probably have heard of several betting systems or strategies that sound good in theory but don’t actually work.

This isn’t just a gamblers fallacy, there is a lot of data to back up this strategy.

Value Betting Data

Here are the statistics from a company called Trademate which provides software for value betting.

The software constantly scans the sharp bookmakers and highlights when a soft bookmaker is offering higher odds then them.

It calculates if there is value after the betting margin is taken into account and if it is value then it highlights these bets.

You can see that after 2,361,157 bets.

The total profit made by Trademate customers is £4,174,180.

Rebelbetting Value Betting

Another company called Rebelbetting uses a similar strategy.

Again using the odds movement from sharp bookmakers to highlight value bets at the soft books in order to beat the sharp bookmakers closing odds.

Their data showed that the average user was able to double there initial investment with value betting strategy after 3 months, placing 30 bets a day on average.

Lastly I will include some data from a website called bookie bashing.

This site also looks at the odds of betting exchanges and sharp bookmakers to highlight value bets at soft bookmakers.

Bookie Bashing focus on price boosts and accumulator boosts to find value in the sports betting markets. Which you also find if you have access to Oddsmonkey.

Again the data shows how successful this strategy is with a profit of £11,445 being made after the first 1000 value bets.

My own betting also incorporates the strategy of following sharp betting money very heavily alongside using other methods.

Although this is not the only method I use, value betting has proved to be a very successful part of it.

Monthly Profit And Loss

Alright so we have looked at data from multiple different sources to show that this strategy really works.

Now lets take a look at an actual example.

Value Betting Strategy Example

Borussia Dortmund are taking on Bayern Munich tomorrow.

By using the odds comparison site Oddsmath.com.

I had a look at the current odds available and found a bet which is showing value according to current market prices.

Marathonbet are pricing Borussia Dortmund at 3.88 which is a stand out price compared to the rest of the market.

I took a look at what the current price was on Betfair Exchange which is a sharp market for football betting.

Betting exchanges will often mirror the prices of the sharp Asian bookmakers.

Betfair Exchange showed a back price of 3.8 and a lay price of 3.85.

This is an strong indicator that currently the price of 3.88 that is currently offered by Marathonbet is indeed value.

Now obviously odds can change. They can drift in price and the bet is no longer seen as value. However they can also shorten in price becoming better value.

If you are able to constantly find odds that are consistently better then the Betfair lay price on markets with a high volume of money matched (such as Bundesliga.)

Then it is very likely you will make money in the long term.

Value Betting Results

Below are some of my results from value betting.

Running from 2021 to September 2022.

Value betting with soft bookmakers using the Trademate Sports software.

3801 bets – £5568 profit

Value betting strategies on Smarkets betting exchange (Also includes some trading)

£20,011 Profit

(Video proof in the video below.)

Watch this video on YouTube

Value Betting Tips

So you can see from the above that this is a strategy that really works.

Here are a few tips to get the most from this method of value betting.

Stick to popular sports with high liquidity

The first tip would be to stick to popular sports that have a lot of turnover.

For example the major European football leagues and big American sports.

The reason for this is that these markets are seen as more efficient due to the large amount of money that is placed on these events.

There is also less likely to be manipulation of these markets as it takes much more money to change the odds of say a Premier League game, compared to the Romanian second division.

Another factor is that a soft bookmaker will likely allow you to bet for longer if you are placing value bets on popular sports. This makes you look like much more of a recreational bettor, rather then somebody that wants to make money long term.

Drawbacks of value betting?

Although you are betting with an edge and will make money in the long term. It’s really important to know that at times you will go through a losing period.

If you want to avoid losing runs altogether then you can look at arbitrage betting where you lock in a guaranteed profit from every bet. However the flip side to this is that you sacrifice some value long term by placing a bet with a margin on the other side of the bet.

In theory you will make more money long term from value betting but arbitrage is a good option for the risk averse.

(You can read the ultimate guide to arbitrage betting below for more information.)

Stake appropriately

One of the most important aspects of successful sports betting is to make sure you stake appropriately.

There a lot of different approaches to staking, some prefer to bet with flat stakes whilst others use a proportional staking strategy.

Most of the value betting software providers advise a staking using the kelly criterion. This staking strategy adjusts the amount of your bankroll you bet dependent on the perceived edge of the bet.

Use Value Betting Software

The last tip would be to use value betting software.

Although you can look for bets manually it can be very time consuming and you will miss a lot of value betting opportunities. There are several different value betting providers.

Best Value Betting Software

Oddsmonkey

Over the years I have used a number of value betting services.

The first one that we will take a look at is Oddsmonkey.

Oddsmonkey is primarily a matched betting service however it also provides tools that can be used for value betting.

The oddsmatcher software highlights bets with bookmakers that are higher then the lay on a betting exchange. This is a good indicator that these odds are value at the time they are highlighted.

Oddsmatcher comes with a filter option which means you can select which bookmakers you want see value bets for. You can also select how close to the start time of an event a selection should be. So for example if you want it to only show selections that are starting within 3 hours you can do.

Another positive for Oddsmonkey is they also provide extra place matcher and each way matcher. Which are both software tools you can use for value betting on the horse racing markets.

Compared with other value betting software Oddsmonkey scans bookmaker odds at a much slower rate meaning that sometimes the value bet will no longer exists.

However it is also the cheapest value betting service at £29.99. This is my recommendation for beginners and people fairly new to the world of sports betting.

(You Can Trial Oddsmonkey For Free Below)

Rebel Betting Value Betting Software

Next up is Rebelbetting.

Rebelbetting are a company that have been offering sports arbitrage software since 2008 and in the last few years started to offer a value betting service.

The software that Rebelbetting offer is a step up compared to Oddsmonkey. It scans bookmakers at a much faster rate and as such it provides a much higher volume of value bets.

Rebelbetting offer mobile, web and desktop versions of their value betting software. Which enables you to make value bets pretty much wherever you are.

The software is very professional, when a bet is flagged there is a link that takes you directly to it. Which saves valuable time and means odds are less likely to change before you can bet them.

Bets are then saved in a log which automatically updates whether your bet won or lost.

The value betting software offered by Rebelbetting is aimed at the individual that is willing to put in time and volume. As mentioned earlier it is a step up from Oddsmonkey and is suitable for someone that is serious about investing in value bets.

Value betting software offered by Rebelbetting costs £89 a month.

We managed to negotiate a really good deal for readers of Smart Sports Trader.
You can get a no strings attached 14 day subscription to Rebelbetting’s value betting software using the link below!

Trademate Sports Betting Software

Next up is Trademate Sports who are a company that offer the best value betting software in the industry.

Trademate Sports have created a lot of excellent content on how to effectively make money from bookmakers through their excellent youtube channel and website. One of the most impressive aspects of the software is that it is constantly being improved.

As mentioned above it is very easy to use.

You set up the bookmakers that you want to use along with other metrics such as odds, time before event starts, sports.

Also whether you want to only search for value bets at high liquidity events or across all markets.

The Trademate Sports software then flags up any value bets that match the metrics you chose to use in your filter. Trademate Sports allows you to have several feeds so you can create several different filters and use them at same time.

You can read our full review of Trademate Sports here.

The software currently costs around £108 making the most expensive software on the list.

It is aimed at someone that wants to take a professional approach to value betting.

I would recommend a starting investment of £2000 or more to use this software.

You can get a free 2 week trial of the Trademate Sports software below.
Quote “Smart Sports Trader” in the Trademate chat to get this deal once signed up

Conclusion

In conclusion, value betting is a proven method for gaining an edge in sports betting. By understanding the true probabilities of events and betting when you find value, you can steadily grow your profits over time.

Ready to start value betting? Use the tools and strategies outlined in this guide, and transform your betting approach today.

We recommend you take up Trademate’s free 14 day trial and take a look at the results for yourself.

Click Here To Trial Trademate’s Value Betting Software

The Best Sports Betting Books 2025

Sports betting is a massive industry, but finding quality reading material can be challenging. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced bettor, these six books offer insights and strategies to help you navigate the complexities of sports betting.

Below are some of the best sports betting books that I have read.

Best Sports Betting Books

1. Squares And Sharps, Suckers And Sharks

Author: Joseph Buchdahl
Overview: Written by the renowned sports betting writer Joseph Buchdahl, this book takes a stark and realistic look at the sports betting markets. It delves into the science and probability behind gambling, as well as the often irrational behavior of bettors.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the fundamental principles and psychology of betting markets.
- Challenge and refine your betting processes.
Why Read It: If you’re aiming to make money long-term from sports betting, this book is essential reading. It helps you analyze and question your own betting methods, even if it doesn’t offer quick fixes for profitability.

Whilst this book might not provide the answers to becoming a profitable sports bettor. It will certainly make you analyze and question your own process in finding profitable sports bets.

Buy It Now

2. Gambling For Life – Harry Findlay

Author: Harry Findlay
Overview: This easy read documents the life and adventures of the colorful professional sports bettor Harry Findlay. Known for his high-stakes gambling and risk-taking behavior, Findlay’s story is both thrilling and cautionary.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn from the highs and lows of Findlay’s career.
- Understand the importance of bankroll management.
Why Read It: While it may not teach you how to become a professional gambler, it offers valuable life lessons through the lens of an old-school gambler who often threw caution to the wind.

Putting your entire bankroll on one football match is not something you find Tony Bloom or Zeljko Ranogajec doing. But that is part of the charm of Harry Findlay. He isn’t a gambler that always stuck to staking sensibly and following the rules.
He was a big risk taker often to his own detriment however as a story it makes great reading.

Buy It Now

3. Enemy Number One – Patrick Veitch

Author: Patrick Veitch
Overview: This autobiography details the life of Patrick Veitch, a professional sports bettor estimated to have made over £10 million from horse racing. From his beginnings as a math student at Cambridge to becoming a target for extortion, Veitch’s story is captivating.
Key Takeaways:
- Insight into the operations of a successful betting career.
- Understand the challenges and risks involved in high-stakes betting.
Why Read It: If you’re interested in sports betting, particularly horse racing, this book is a must-read for its deep dive into Veitch’s betting operation and experiences.

Whilst Veitch never reveals his exact betting methods or goes on to write about how he was able to consistently find value in the horse betting markets. The book does detail how he ran his betting operation and was able to get down large amounts of money at bookmakers all across the country.
For the aspiring horse racing bettor, it’s a great read!

Buy It Now

4. Trading In The Zone

Author: Mark Douglas
Overview: Although not strictly about sports betting, this book on trading psychology offers valuable lessons for bettors. It addresses the importance of discipline and controlling emotions in trading (or betting).
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the psychological traits behind successful trading.
- Learn how to keep your emotions in check while betting.
Why Read It: If you want to improve your mental approach to betting, this book is an excellent resource for developing the discipline needed to succeed.

If you are looking for a book that can you help you understand the psychological traits behind being a successful sports bettor then Trading In The Zone is a good choice.

Buy It Now

5. Fixed Odds Sports Betting

Author: Joseph Buchdahl
Overview: Written in 2003, this book remains one of the best resources on sports betting. Buchdahl, a former bet runner, provides a thorough mathematical analysis of sports betting and various staking plans.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn the fundamentals of bookmaking and staking plans.
- Gain insights into profitable betting strategies.
Why Read It: Ideal for both novice and experienced bettors, this book offers a comprehensive introduction to the key principles of sports betting.

This book is an excellent introduction to sports betting for novice bettors. Whilst also appealing to experienced bettors looking to get a better grasp on some of the key fundamentals behind investing in sports betting.

Buy It Now

6. The Logic Of Sports Betting

Authors: Ed Miller and Matthew Davidow
Overview: Published in 2019, this book covers contemporary topics like live betting. Miller, a successful poker player, and Davidow, a sports modeller, bring their expertise to discuss the pros and cons of live betting.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the intricacies of live betting.
- Learn about the latest trends and strategies in sports betting.
Why Read It: As live betting grows in popularity, this book provides timely advice for those looking to capitalize on this trend in 2024.

Being one of the newer books on this list. One subject that this book does cover is live betting. Live betting becomes bigger and bigger with each year. The logic of sports betting discusses the pros and cons of live betting, covering such issues as streaming delays.

Conclusion

These six books offer a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in sports betting. From understanding the psychology behind betting to learning advanced strategies, each book provides unique insights that can help you become a more informed and successful bettor.

Do you have any other additional books to include in this list?

Let me know in the comment!

In-Play Football Betting Strategies 2025 – How To Profit

In-play betting is becoming more and more popular. Often the excitement of watching a game can be enhanced with a bet.

Bookmakers know this and they often offer a multitude of markets to bet on in-play.

However the majority of the time if you are betting in-play you will find the best value at the betting exchanges. With betting exchanges you also have the option of trading your positions.

If I am betting in-play then it is the exchanges that I will normally look to first.

Lets take a look at some in-play football betting and trading strategies that can be profitable with the right approach.

In-Play Football Betting Strategy – Laying The Draw

In-Play Football Betting Strategies — Laying the draw pre match

Laying the draw is a strategy that is used by most newcomers to football trading and is easy to follow.

In the past many people used this strategy pre-match. They would lay the draw before the start of a game, wait for a goal to be scored and then hedge all outcomes hopefully for a profit.

However as time has gone on this has become a less profitable and less popular strategy.

Another option with this strategy is to delay your entry into the trade.

Look for games that are level in the second half and then look to lay the draw with the game in-play.

Using this strategy you would lower the potential risk level as the draw odds are lower and take a higher profit if a goal is scored.

You don’t have to trade out of this position either.

Some people are happy to lay the draw in the second half and move on to the next bet. Using this strategy as a straight betting method.

Laying The Draw In-Play – Optimal Conditions

Favourite needs to win – I want the favourite to be really pushing for a goal. Perhaps they are second place in the league and a win would put them top. Or maybe its a cup game and they really don’t want to go to a replay.
The underdog should show they can counter – If the underdog is just sitting back and soaking up the pressure without countering. Then we may as well just back the favourite if they are the only team that look like scoring.

Laying The Correct Score Strategy

Another strategy that can used exclusively with the betting exchanges is laying the correct score.

With this strategy we are looking to bet that there will be at least one more goal in the game.

Now if you were to use this strategy pre match you would be laying at pretty high odds. In-play however you can often find good opportunities at much lower odds.

In the example above the score was 0-0 after around 60 minutes. Liverpool were the favourites playing at home. They found themselves trailing 0-1 on aggregate in a cup semi final.

This meant that Liverpool needed a goal to have any hope of qualification. Liverpool pushed hard for the goal however it was Southampton who scored an injury time winner on the counter attack.

What type of conditions are ideal for these types of strategies?

Laying The Correct Score In-play – Optimal Conditions

Home team favourites are trailing by a goal – When a home team favourite is trailing and time is ticking down you will often see a great sense of urgency. Also the home crowd will often add extra pressure for them to push forward.

There is only a one goal difference – When there is only a one goal difference it can make a big psychological difference to a players mentality. One goal seems within achievable even if there is only a few minutes remaining in the game.

Game tempo is also a key factor – Is the referee letting the game flow or continually stopping it? Are the leading team looking to counter or happy to sit back? Are tactical changes being made and substitutions?

[aweber listid=”4880758″ formid=”446409589″ formtype=”webform”]

Other In-Play Betting Strategies

There are a lot approaches you can take when looking to find value in the in-play betting markets. Niche markets can provide great value as they are often overlooked.

The corner markets are a favourite for quite a few profitable tipsters that I have seen.

Then there are the over/under goals markets, the first half goal markets, total goals, next goal, Asian handicap markets. With so many markets and options available there are countless in-play betting strategies that you can try.

With in-play betting and trading the odds in these markets have to consistently change with the dynamics of the game. This often means there are is a lot of potential value bets to be found with the right research.

Where Can I Find Stats For In-Play Betting?

If you planning to bet in-play you might want to look at the statistics of previous games.There are a number of really good sites for football statistics. Here some recommendations which are all free to use.

My personal favourite is soccerstats. It has a great layout, is easy to use and gives you really great statistical breakdowns.

Which you can see from the above screenshot.

Where can I get stats for games that have already started?

Most bookmakers will provide you a statistical breakdown of a game that they are offering in-play. What you should be aware of is that they might not always be 100% accurate.

I would always prefer to have live video for a game that I was intending to bet or trade. As not all shots on target are of the same relevance and possession stats don’t always indicate a teams dominance.

However if you can’t get live video. Here are some of my recommendations free sites that give live data on ongoing football matches.

Total Corner
Bet365 (Need funded account but free to view live stats)
Flashscore (Have statistics for most major games)

In-Play Football Betting Strategies – General Advice

When you are looking at in-play football betting strategies you might sometimes be in a rush to place your bet. However if you really want to make money from any avenue of betting its important to get the best odds possible.

On most occasions you will find this with a betting exchange such as Betfair. But sometimes you may find it with a bookmaker you have access too.

Oddsportal have a live feed for in-play odds which you can use for a quick comparison when betting in-play.

Don’t force a bet or trade just because your watching a game. Often you will see bookmakers advertising “Milner to score the next goal at 9.0” during half time.

These are exactly the types of bets you don’t want to make. There is a reason a bookmaker is promoting this bet because its terrible value.

If you want to find good value in the in-play markets then you will need to do your research. Wait like a sniper and then when everything aligns enter the market.

Using Sports Statistics To Win At Sports Betting

Statistics have always been a key component for successful sports betting. Those that know how to use them effectively have been able to generate a lucrative income from the world of sports betting.

Many of the pioneers of sports betting such as Tony Bloom and Matthew Benham used expected goals long before everyone else. You can find XG figures on plenty of statistical websites today however previously this was only used by football bettors at the top of their game.

Billy Walters one of the most sports bettors of all time was recently on the Joe Rogan podcast and spoke about how they would a similar method to XG for NFL games. Having members of his team break down individual plays in American football and removing points when these situations occurred via luck.

Why Should I Use Sports Statistics For Betting?

Statistics may reveal a lot about a team or individual player, including their strengths, limitations, and performance in various circumstances. They may assist you in comprehending the reasons behind team historical victories and defeats. How they perform against different levels of opposition for example.

While some may consider statistics uninteresting or unimportant, others may feel they are crucial to the game. If you are looking make profitable betting decision with bookmakers. Then using a statistical approach is always wise. Statistics can offer you a distinct viewpoint on the game and can aid in your understanding of the nuances of sports.

Taking this approach enable the tracking and measuring of the performance of individuals and teams, evaluating the effectiveness of plans and tactics, and much more. In the absence of statistics, analysis of sports is difficult.

Best Sites For Sports Betting Statistics?

There are a huge number of statistics sites for sports betting. Obviously it depends on which sport you are looking to focus your betting on. In 2024 you can pretty much bet on every sport imaginable for popular sports such as football, tennis and horse racing. To more niche sports like badminton, greyhound racing and table tennis.

Let’s take a look at some of the best statistics sites for some of the major sports!

Football/Soccer

Horse Racing

Time Form
Racing Post

Tennis

American Football

There are thousands of statistical sites if you want to find data for the specific sport you are looking to bet on.

Will Using Sports Statistic Make Me A Profitable Bettor?

Using statistical analysis can help you become a profitable sports bettor. It isn’t however a guarantee that you will be profitable. Bettors that using statistics in order to find value from the markets usually do so due the betting not factoring in a statistic effectively. There may be a bias for example in the market meaning that something is underestimated in the market.

This could be many factors including;

Player Injuries
Home Field Advantage
Weather Conditions
Time Between Games
Coaching Styles
Form
Tactical Match Ups

It is the job of the sharp sports bettor to find angles that the general public may be missing. If you can do this successfully then there is the ability to make a profit from sports betting.

In general the easiest sports betting markets to beat are the one that most of the general public are betting in. If we take for example football, the general public like to beta in the bigger markets such as;

Match Odds
Over/Under Goals
Draw No Bet Market

The markets that are generally the easiest to beat with the bookmakers and the exchange when it comes to the football markets, are secondary markets;

Corners
First Goal Scorer
Card Points
Player Passes
Players Tackles.

If you are looking for the low hanging fruit and the easiest sports betting markets to profit from using basic statistics. Looking at these lesser known is often a great starting point. The bookmakers are often lazy with these markets and are much more prone to making an error with the odds. This can offer great value to us as sports bettors if we are able to sports bettors if we can spot this opportunities.

One simple approach to making money from sports betting that is proven to work is using the best value betting software available.

Overall if you are looking to profit from sports betting, using statistics is definitely something you should consider looking at.