In Episode 100 of the SBC Podcast, I welcomed a special guest to mark the milestone, in the form of Antonino (Ant) De Rosa, a former Pinnacle trader and now operator of a large scale professional betting group.
This episode goes deep into the reality of sharp betting. Not theory, not models in isolation, but how markets actually move, how sportsbooks react, and why execution is often the biggest edge in the modern game.
Ant shares his unique journey from elite level Magic: The Gathering player to being recruited by Pinnacle, where he specialised in live NBA trading. He explains how his edge was never about knowing sport better than others, but about predicting behaviour, understanding where the next bet would come from, and how the market would react.
The conversation then shifts into the mechanics of running a serious betting operation today.
From scaling across multiple sports, managing hundreds of accounts, and handling real world challenges like liquidity, restrictions, and non payment. Ant is clear that having a strong model or idea is not enough, if you cannot get money down, the edge has no value.
This is a rare, honest look at the sharp end of betting in 2026, where success comes from combining insight, discipline, and the ability to execute at scale.
You can listen to Episode 100 FREE now via Apple / Spotify / YouTube and all other major podcast directories (search Smart Betting Club)
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.
Topics covered include
- From Magic: The Gathering to Pinnacle trader
- How Pinnacle identified and used sharp bettors
- Predicting where the next bet comes from
- Why market movement is driven by respected money
- The difference between “cold” and “hot” bets
- How sportsbooks actually set lines and limits
- Building and scaling a multi sport betting operation
- Managing hundreds of accounts and execution challenges
- The reality of getting bets on and getting paid
- Why liquidity defines what is worth betting
- How edges evolve and disappear over time
- Where opportunities still exist in modern betting
Key Quotes
On what made him successful at Pinnacle
“I was able to predict where the next bet was coming from.”
On market dynamics
“If nothing is happening and a sharp bets you, you have to move. If they bet after you move, that means something completely different.”
On sportsbooks and pricing
“Opening lines don’t matter. Within 15 minutes you’re at the right number taking bets.”
On timing of bets
“Why did they bet now and not later, that’s the question you should be asking.”
On betting reality vs theory
“If you can’t get money down on it, it’s worthless.”
On execution challenges
“I had no idea how hard it was to bet until I started doing it myself.”
On scaling and liquidity
“For us to get 10k down on a challenger match, 300 people might have to see the bet.”
On building an edge
“Start with an idea, then test it. Don’t start with a sport and hope to find one.”
About The Smart Betting CLub
The Smart Betting Club (SBC) is an independent service that has been helping serious bettors and professionals since 2006. We review, rate, and monitor tipsters and betting strategies, uncovering proven ways to profit and avoid the noise. Our mission is to help you make smarter, more sustainable profits without relying on bookmaker goodwill.
Inside SBC membership you’ll find:
- In-depth tipster reviews and performance reports
- Access to winning strategies that work with sharp-friendly bookmakers
- Educational guides, data, and insights from professional bettors
- Monthly magazines and podcasts covering everything that matters in betting today
If you’re ready to treat betting as an investment and want guidance from experts who actually win, join the Smart Betting Club today.
👉 Join SBC and start improving your betting now