Phil Smith on Antepost Betting, Betfair Removal & Modern Betting Challenges | SBC Podcast Episode 101

In Episode 101 of the SBC Podcast, I’m joined by Phil Smith, a full time football bettor specialising in antepost (futures) markets and exchange trading.

Phil shares his journey from early losses and trial and error, through to building a profitable approach combining Betfair trading and more recently, antepost betting.

We go deep into how antepost betting works in practice, where the real edge comes from, and why volume, structure and discipline are key to long term success.

The conversation also explores the growing challenges facing bettors today, including Phil’s own experiences, from being permanently removed from Betfair after years of activity, to being locked out of funds and bets for months during an affordability check with Sky Bet.

This is a practical, honest discussion about modern betting, where theory often takes a back seat to execution, access and adaptability.

You can listen to Episode 101 FREE now via Apple / Spotify / YouTube and all other major podcast directories (search Smart Betting Club)

Look out for more on Phil and his service coming in the JUNE Smart Betting Club Magazine!

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

  • Phil’s journey from early losses to going full time in 2020
  • Transition into antepost betting and building a profitable edge
  • Turning a £3k bankroll into £12k through structured betting
  • Betfair trading as the foundation of his bankroll
  • Impact of affordability checks, account closures and restrictions
  • Being removed from Betfair after years of activity.
  • Being locked out of funds and bets for months with Sky Bet
  • Evolution of his antepost strategy and staking approach
  • Managing variance through diversification and structured betting
  • Combining short term income with long term ante post returns

Resources & Mentions

Key quotes

On early struggles
“There was a lot of going through bankrolls and going around in circles. It took me about 10 years before I went full time.”

On finding an edge in antepost betting
“I realised there was a lot more to learn and a lot more angles to cover.”

On building a bankroll
“I turned three grand into about twelve grand, that was a big bank builder.”

On timing of bets
“Why did they bet now and not later, that’s the question you should be asking.”

On going full time
“I wasn’t happy in my job, so I decided to take the risk and go for it.”

On Betfair challenges
“Betfair staff don’t really understand how people trade and operate. I never expected to get kicked off, it definitely caught me by surprise.”

On Sky Bet issues
“It was six months of no access to my funds, no access to my bets. You can’t even speak to the people actually dealing with your account.”

On long term success
“If you can combine day to day profit with long term systems, that’s the way to go.

Best Odds Dropping Software? 6.89% ROI from 5,391 Bets Reviewed

The latest issue of the Smart Betting Club Magazine has landed and this month we focus on what every serious bettor is chasing, a more advanced way to beat soft bookmakers.

In SBC 162 we break down what could be the most powerful odds dropping software we have seen to date.

This goes beyond simple alerts. By combining Pinnacle price moves with a built in EV Scanner using Betfair data, it gives you two strong signals to spot value early.

A more refined and powerful evolution of the odds dropping model, built for today’s markets and best of all as an SBC member you can save 50% for 13 months on the software in question (A saving of more than €1000!)

Access Issue 162 and the entire 19 year back catalogue with a SBC Membership

The Best Yet?

  • Proven, real world results analysed with a 6.89% ROI from 5,391 bets across multiple sports.
  • Custom built to suit your setup. Filter by bookmaker, odds, EV, sport and more.
  • Not reliant on longshots or one angle, value appears across the board and multiple sports/markets.
  • Customisable so you can tailor it to suit your approach and the bookmakers you can use!
  • Huge SBC member discounts. 60% off month one and 50% off the next 12 months, saving over €1000

ALSO IN SBC MAGAZINE ISSUE #162

Alongside this review, this month also contains:

Bankroll Management Guide: Rowan breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of betting using powerful free tools. Learn how to model drawdowns, understand risk, and stress test your strategy using Monte Carlo simulations so you know what to expect before variance hits.

£50K Golf Winner Payout: We speak to the SBC member who turned £10 into nearly £50,000 using our golf doubles strategy. A full breakdown of how it works and how to apply it online, in shops, or via kiosks to extract maximum value.

Football Coupons Strategy: A practical video and guide with Tom Brownlee on exploiting bookmaker shop coupons. Built on years of syndicate experience, combining small pricing edges into multiples to create long term profit.

Bet Diary: Rowan shares his latest results, portfolio adjustments, and honest insights from the ups and downs of betting for profit and the tipsters he uses.

Smart Punter Mailbag: This month covers each way golf betting using the win and place market on Betfair, how to get more from Sharp Betting, and questions around the Bet Hero service.

Smart Betting News: A look at the rise of prediction markets and what it means for bettors, plus a closer look at whether today’s betting markets are as fair as they seem.

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