SBC podcast

Cricket Betting Insights With Ed Hawkins, Finding Value in a Growing Market

Posted on by Peter Ling

Cricket betting has become one of the fastest growing betting markets in the world. In Episode 106, I talked with journalist, author and cricket betting expert Ed Hawkins to explore why more serious bettors are turning their attention to the sport.

Drawing on more than 20 years covering cricket and betting markets, Ed explains why bookmakers continue to make pricing mistakes, the betting markets he believes offer the biggest edge, and why understanding pitch conditions is often more important than following recent form.

We also discuss the rapid growth of franchise cricket around the world, how the CricStatz VIP service identifies value alongside Richard Mann and Paul Krishnamurty, and why discipline remains one of the most underrated skills in profitable betting.

If you’ve read our recent CricStatz review in SBC Magazine Issue 166, this conversation provides an excellent opportunity to hear directly from one of the people behind the service.

With an SBC membership, you can also save up to £200 on a CricStatz subscription.

Whether you’re an experienced cricket bettor or someone looking to explore a growing market, this episode offers plenty of practical insights into finding value cricket betting.

You can listen to Episode 106 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

  • Ed Hawkins’ journey from Racing Post journalist to one of cricket betting’s most respected analysts
  • Why cricket continues to offer value despite the explosion in data and analytics
  • How bookmakers still make regular pricing mistakes in cricket markets
  • Why pitch reports and playing conditions are often the biggest edge for bettors
  • The balance between statistics, cricket knowledge and market pricing
  • Why Top Run Scorer, Player Performance and Sixes markets offer consistent opportunities
  • Why recent form can be overrated in T20 cricket betting
  • The importance of discipline and knowing when not to place a bet
  • How the CricStatz VIP team works together to identify value bets
  • Why the service only quotes realistic, widely available prices
  • The rapid growth of franchise cricket and what it means for bettors
  • Why some emerging cricket leagues are avoided because of integrity concerns
  • How Test cricket creates unique opportunities for in play betting
  • The future of cricket betting and where Ed believes the biggest opportunities still exist.

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Key quotes

On Bookie Vulnerability​
“The bookmakers do not have the resources to spend enough time on cricket. I think you get plenty of mistakes in cricket prices.”

On Why Pitches Matter​
“The pitch report is absolutely vital. I wouldn’t be betting heavily on a game unless I was convinced I knew what the wicket was like.”

On Gauging The Right Time​
“Cricket is about failing the majority of the time. The trick is working out when someone is going to hit their sweet spot.”

On Its 365 Day Potential
​“The growth of franchise leagues means there are betting opportunities almost every day of the year.”

On Its Growth As A Sport
​“Years ago you could only really bet on match odds or Top Batsman. Now you’ve got player runs, player performances, wicket markets and total runs.”

On The Money Involved
​“The money swirling around cricket betting is still absolutely huge.” “The Indian betting market is so vast that it props up everything else.”

Bet Hero Founder Juan Explains How One of the Best Value Betting Tools Was Built

Posted on by Peter Ling

In Episode 104, I chatted with Juan, founder of Bet Hero, the value betting platform recently reviewed and recommended in SBC Magazine 164.

​Learn more about that review here and how you can save up to €215.80 on Bet Hero with the exclusive SBC member discount before the end of June 2026

Juan explains how his journey into betting began not through gambling, but by identifying inefficiencies in other markets. From building software to profit from sneaker releases, GPUs and collectibles, his background in computer science and automation naturally led him into arbitrage and eventually value betting.

The discussion explores the difference between arbitrage and value betting, why expected value is the foundation of long term success, and how Bet Hero evolved from a simple Discord alert bot into a platform covering more than 400 sportsbooks worldwide.

Pete and Juan analyse SBC’s review of 16,488 bets producing a 4.06% ROI, explaining why ROI alone can be misleading, the importance of closing line value, and how successful users maximise returns through volume, discipline and focusing on EV rather than short term results.

Finally, Juan discusses Bet Hero’s unique pricing model using multiple sharp sources, alongside Kelly staking, middling, and the ongoing battle to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated bookmakers.

You can listen to Episode 104 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 sneaker reselling and software engineering into sports betting
  • Why expected value is more important than individual results
  • Building the first Bet Hero Discord bot
  • Growing from a personal tool into a platform covering 400+ sportsbooks
  • Why underserved betting regions create opportunities
  • Why ROI must be viewed alongside turnover and betting volume
  • The habits of Bet Hero’s most successful users
  • Why higher odds and lower strike rates can still offer excellent value
  • Building fair odds using multiple sharp sources rather than only Pinnacle
  • The role of exchanges and prediction markets in modern pricing
  • Adding middling betting and future Bet Hero developments

Bet Hero: One Of The Best Value Betting Tools We’ve Tested

​In SBC 164, we took an in-depth look at Bet Hero. This powerful value betting platform uses proprietary fair odds modelling, covers more than 400 sportsbooks and goes far beyond simple Pinnacle comparisons.

What stood out most was its consistency. Across a huge sample of 16,488 bets, Bet Hero generated profits in every month we tracked and performed strongly across all odds ranges.

This is one of the most detailed reviews we’ve ever published, covering performance, bookmaker coverage, staking, practical usage and strategies for maximising results.

It impressed us so much that we’re now using it ourselves here at SBC.

As an SBC member, you can claim an exclusive 20% discount on any Bet Hero monthly or yearly plan, saving up to €215.80 on the annual Pro package.

This special offer is available through June only, making now the perfect time to take advantage of one of the strongest value betting tools we’ve reviewed.

Access Issue 164 and the entire 20 year back catalogue with a SBC Membership​

  • Profits generated in every month tracked.
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  • Consistent performance across all odds ranges.
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  • Proprietary fair odds model using multiple sharp bookmaker references.
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  • Coverage of more than 400 sportsbooks worldwide
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  • Football, basketball and tennis providing the bulk of opportunities
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  • Exclusive 20% SBC member discount worth up to €215.80, available through June only

Smart Bash 2026 Preview With Jesse May & Simon Nott | SBC Podcast Episode 102

Posted on by Peter Ling

Episode 102 of the SBC Podcast is OUT now and this time we take a closer look at Smart Bash 2026, one of the fastest growing betting events in the UK.

I’m joined by Jesse May and Simon Nott to preview this year’s event, taking place on May 27th and 28th at Chelsea FC in London, England.

? SBC listeners can also save 10% on Smart Bash tickets by using the code SBCSBASH10 when registering at: https://www.smart-bash.com/​

You can listen to Episode 102 FREE now via Apple / Spotify / YouTube and all other major podcast directories (search Smart Betting Club)

This episode breaks down why Smart Bash has quickly become one of the standout betting events in the UK and why it continues to attract everyone from aspiring bettors through to some of the sharpest operators, traders and professional gamblers in the industry.

We also preview many of the major panels and workshops taking place across the two days, including:

• World Cup betting and trading angles
• Prediction markets and exchange betting
• The growth of the black market
• Tax and syndicate structures
• Bookmaker restrictions and sustainability
• Racecourse betting and bookmaker insights
• The evolution of betting edges
• Why “getting money down” has become one of the biggest modern advantages

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.

Live SBC Podcast Panel

One thing I’m personally especially looking forward to is hosting a live SBC Podcast panel discussion at the event titled:

“Getting Money Down is the Real Edge”

I’ll be joined by Phil Smith, a long term professional bettor and trader (and my guest on Episode 101), alongside two other highly experienced names with backgrounds in both large scale betting operations and bookmaker trading rooms.

Together we’ll be discussing:
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• Accounts and longevity
• Limits and restrictions
• Execution and timing
• Scaling betting operations
• How serious bettors operate today

We’ll also be taking live audience questions throughout the session.

If you’ve ever wanted to understand where the betting industry is heading, sharpen your edge, or simply meet serious like minded bettors, this episode gives a very good insight into why Smart Bash has built such a strong reputation within betting circles.

I hope to see many of you there.

? SBC listeners can also save 10% on Smart Bash tickets by using the code SBCSBASH10 when registering at: https://www.smart-bash.com/

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

Posted on by Peter Ling

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.

Episode 100 SBC Podcast: Ant De Rosa on Sharp Betting, Pinnacle, and Market Execution

Posted on by Peter Ling

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

 

Nick Rust on Bookmaking, Racing & UK Betting Regulation

Posted on by Peter Ling

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

You can listen to Episode 89 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.

SBC Podcast #84: Tilt The Odds, Golf Edges, Phil Vs Skybet & How Poorly Big Bookies Treat Punters

Posted on by Peter Ling

In the latest Smart Betting Club podcast I am joined by Rowan for a new ‘Betting Clever’ episode.

You can listen to Episode 84 now via Apple / YouTube / Spotify and all other major podcast directories (search Smart Betting Club)

In this chat, Rowan and I talked about:

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.

?SBC Podcast #83: Jose On How to Scale Edges & Betting Groups/Sharp Punting Insight (Part 2) ?

Posted on by Josh P

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.

You can listen to Episode 83 (Part 2) now via Apple / YouTube / Spotify and all other major podcast directories (search Smart Betting Club)

In this chat, Jose and I talked about:

  • The barriers to profitable betting
  • Cryptocurrencies & consumer preferences: a changing ecosystem
  • The future of the global betting markets
  • Which sports markets are on the rise? Which sports are declining?
  • Originator or mover? Which is better?
  • Who does Jose work with?
  • Listener questions: using soft bookmakers & sharps/exchanges
  • The ideal betting location in 2025
  • Networking: talk to Jose!

Ever the networker, Jose closed our chat by offering the chance to talk to him. To reach him (or to follow) on Twitter/X, he can be found at @xeque999. His Telegram account is nearly identical but it has one less 9 – the link for that is here: https://t.me/xeque99​

I hope you enjoy the pod!

?SBC Podcast #83: Jose On How to Scale Edges & Betting Groups/Sharp Punting Insight (Part 1) ?

Posted on by Josh P

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 out there.
​
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 meeting people who can and helping them maximise their profits.
​
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!

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.

You can listen to Episode 83 now via Apple / YouTube / Spotify and all other major podcast directories (search Smart Betting Club)

 

In this chat, Jose and I talked about:

  • Introducing Jose
  • Betting, edges & scaling operations with others
  • Betting in practice: sustainability
  • Bet execution & the variance that comes with multiples
  • Pinnacle: is it still the same barometer it once was?
  • CLV
  • Good & bad practice in betting groups
  • End of part 1!

I have met and spoke to Jose many times in the past and he is at the cutting edge of the betting markets all across the globe, with contacts on every continent.

I learn a lot from him every time we talk – I am sure that you will too!

Enjoy!