value betting

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.
    ​
  • 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

Bet Hero Review: Is This The Best Value Betting Software Available Today?

Posted on by Peter Ling

The latest issue of the Smart Betting Club Magazine has landed and features one of the most impressive value betting tools we’ve tested in years.

In SBC 164, we take 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 May 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​

One Of The Best Value Betting Tools We’ve Tested

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

ALSO IN SBC MAGAZINE ISSUE #164

Alongside our major Bet Hero review, this month’s issue also contains:

Football Prop Betting Service Review​
A detailed look at a specialist football props service that has delivered a 21.1% ROI from 1,257 bets.

Covering player cards, shots on target, goalkeeper saves, fouls and other player performance markets, this is a growing area of betting where sharp analysis can still uncover significant value.

Winner Odds Founder Interview​
Rowan sits down with Miguel Figueres, founder of Winner Odds, for an insightful members-only interview covering model building, market efficiency, Closing Line Value, variance, AI and what it really takes to develop profitable betting systems in today’s markets.

Bet Diary​
The latest portfolio updates, results and lessons from Rowan’s own betting activity.

Smart Punter Mailbag​
Answers to member questions, practical betting advice and discussion of current industry topics.

Smart Betting News​
Key developments from across the betting industry and what they mean for serious bettors.

SIGN UP FOR INSTANT ACCESS

If you’re a member, log in to your SBC account to read Issue 164 today.
​
If not, join SBC now and get instant access to this magazine, our full tipster ratings, betting insight and knowledge and hundreds of previous issues and reports!

​To sign up as a paid SBC member, just click here and follow the registration link.

David Hipkin of SharpBetting on Profitable Betting, Restrictions & Long Term Success

Posted on by Peter Ling

We’ve just released a new interview on the SBC YouTube Channel as part of our How I Bet For Profit series – and this one is a fascinating watch.

​Watch it here​

Rowan sat down with David Hipkin, co-founder of SharpBetting, to discuss what profitable betting really looks like behind the scenes.

(Note – this video was originally only for SBC members only but I felt it was a great example of the type of content we provide to give you a sample!)

David brings a very different perspective to betting.

Rather than portraying himself as a “professional gambler”, he approaches betting as a structured, analytical side income opportunity – something that can fit around normal life while still generating meaningful long-term profit.

Access to this interview series is available now with an SBC membership​

What is David’s Approach?

During the interview, David talks openly about:

  • How SharpBetting was built from real bookmaker and trading experience
  • Why most bettors should focus on steady long-term gains rather than unrealistic expectations
  • How one Sharp Betting football approach generated nearly £200,000 profit before bookmaker restrictions became a major issue
  • Why volume and patience matter far more than short-term variance
  • How multiples can be used intelligently to compound value
  • The importance of discipline, bankroll management, and starting slowly
  • How bookmaker restrictions can be managed more effectively
  • Why boxing betting presents very different opportunities from football
  • How human judgement and intuition still matter – even in an increasingly AI-driven world

It’s one of the most honest and insightful betting conversations we’ve published in a long time.

You can watch the full interview free on the SBC YouTube channel now​

But it also gives a very good example of the type of thinking, analysis, and betting education SBC members get access to regularly.

WHAT YOU GET WITH SBC:

Alongside interviews like this, SBC members also receive:

  • Detailed betting service reviews
  • Strategy guides and educational content
  • Ongoing industry insight
  • Practical betting advice
  • And access to a range of genuinely valuable member-only discounts

One of those discounts is with SharpBetting itself.

SBC members can currently access an exclusive 20% lifetime discount on an annual Sharp Betting membership – reducing the yearly cost by £45.60 every year.

Considering SBC membership starts from just £24.99 per month, many members effectively recover a large part of their subscription cost through offers like this alone – before even considering the value of the reviews, content, and ongoing support available inside the members area.

And SharpBetting is just one example.

Members also receive access to additional discounts across carefully selected betting services, tools, and software we genuinely believe provide value.

So even if you start by watching the interview for free, if you want deeper insight into profitable betting – and access to the wider SBC community – becoming a member is the next step.

Join the Smart Betting Club today

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.

How to Win Consistently at Small Stakes | David Hipkin Betting Strategy Explained

Posted on by Peter Ling

We’ve just released a new video in our members only How I Bet For Profit series, and this latest one is a must watch.

In it, David Hipkin from Sharp Betting explains his approach to winning consistently at small stakes, and why that can still lead to meaningful long term profit when done the right way.

This is not about flashy staking, trying to go full time, or chasing unrealistic returns.

It is about building a disciplined, repeatable process that works in the real world.

And importantly, it is an approach backed up by results, as shown by the excellent long term performance of David’s Hall of Fame rated Sharp Betting service, which we reviewed in depth in SBC Issue 157.​

Access to this interview series is available now with an SBC membership​

 

What is David’s Approach?

David’s philosophy is simple, betting should be treated as a structured side activity, not an all consuming pursuit.

The goal is not to rely on betting for income. It is to generate steady, repeatable profit over time, even from modest stakes, by applying the right process with consistency.

That means:

  • Starting small and building confidence gradually
  • Letting volume do the work, rather than judging results too early
  • Trusting process over emotion
  • Using a clear edge, then applying it with patience
  • Avoiding the common mistake of trying to scale too fast

It is a highly grounded way of thinking, and one that will resonate with many.

Because the truth is, most bettors do not need betting to replace their income.

They need it to work sensibly alongside normal life, and that is exactly where David’s approach fits.


Inside The Video, David Explains..

  • Why small stakes betting can still be highly worthwhile
  • How volume and patience are essential to making an edge count
  • Why many bettors fail by reacting too quickly to short term variance
  • How he breaks events down to create better prices and better decisions
  • Where intuition can add value, especially in the right markets
  • How multiples can be used as a powerful tool when applied properly
  • Why bookmaker management and account longevity are part of the edge

Alongside the full interview, members also get access to a written companion guide pulling out the key lessons from David’s approach.

And of course, with an SBC membership you also unlock:

If you want to see how a proven bettor approaches winning at small stakes, and how that can be turned into consistent long term profit, this is exactly the kind of content SBC was built to provide.

Join the Smart Betting Club and watch David Hipkin’s full interview now

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

 

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

Posted on by Peter Ling

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.
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  • Custom built to suit your setup. Filter by bookmaker, odds, EV, sport and more.
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  • Not reliant on longshots or one angle, value appears across the board and multiple sports/markets.
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  • Customisable so you can tailor it to suit your approach and the bookmakers you can use!
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  • 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.

SIGN UP FOR INSTANT ACCESS

If you’re a member, log in to your SBC account to read Issue 162 today.
​
If not, join SBC now and get instant access to this magazine, our full tipster ratings, betting insight and knowledge and hundreds of previous issues and reports!

​To sign up as a paid SBC member, just click here and follow the registration link.​

Ryan Bruno’s £211k Profit Journey, 105 Months Of Betting In How I Bet For Profit Video 2

Posted on by Peter Ling

We have just released Video 2 in our members only How I Bet For Profit interview series.

In this latest session, Rowan speaks with Ryan Bruno, who has been documenting his betting journey for nearly nine years through his “Making a Million” challenge.

The challenge is now more than 105 months old and his current profit stands at approximately £211,000.

So well over 1/5 of the way towards his lofty target!

This is not a hot streak or a short term run.

It is the result of adapting over time as offers disappeared, accounts were restricted, and markets became tougher.

Access to this interview series is available now with an SBC membership​

Inside the interview, Ryan explains:

  • How he started with matched betting and arbitrage
  • Why he transitioned into value betting and exchange strategies
  • Some of the tipsters and strategies he follows and has followed
  • How he coped with account closures and tightening margins
  • How he balances betting with work and family life
  • The biggest lessons he has learned along the way

Like Video 1, this is a full and honest breakdown of what actually worked.

​If you missed the first video in the ‘How I Bet For Profit’ series, that featured an SBC member who made 100k net profit in around 11 months by applying structure and correct staking to SBC recommended tipsters.

Two very different journeys but the same core principles.

Both videos, along with written companion guides highlighting the key lessons, are available now inside the SBC members area.

If you are not yet a member, joining the Smart Betting Club gives you immediate access to the full How I Bet For Profit series, plus our archive of tipster reviews, strategy guides, and 19 years of data led insight.

If you want to see how profitable betting is actually done in practice, this is the place to start.

How Demetrio Giotti Keeps Beating Pinnacle: European Basketball Profits with Liquidity and Precision

Posted on by Peter Ling

If you’ve been struggling to follow tipsters because soft bookies have limited or closed your accounts, or because tips are sent into weak, illiquid markets, then this is for you.

​Demetrio Giotti offers something different — a long-term profitable service built on sharp prices, real liquidity, and a market still underexploited by most punters.

And fresh off a stellar 2024/25 season (and with a 10 year winning record to boot), interest in his service is sky high.

Read on for more and how you can join his waiting list to grab one of only 50 spaces next Thursday!

? Why European Basketball?

Demetrio specialises in European basketball, a fast-growing but still exploitable market. He targets top-tier competitions such as:

✔️ EuroLeague​
✔️ EuroCup​
✔️ Spain’s ACB League​
✔️ Italy’s Serie A

While these leagues are hugely popular across Europe, they remain under the radar for many bettors globally and offer opportunities for a shrewd analyst such as Demetrio.

Backed by years of experience, his selective approach pinpoints value in the moneyline, handicap and totals markets – all with solid liquidity and high betting limits.

And even if you don’t follow European Basketball, it matters little if you simply want to use his expertise to profit in these markets.

Proven Profits on Pinnacle’s Sharp Lines

All official tips are advised using Pinnacle’s odds – widely considered the most accurate pricing in the industry.

Most bets are sent when Pinnacle limits are already $1,000+, and even in lower-liquidity leagues (like Serie A or EuroCup), Demetrio ensures the market can handle $750–$900 stakes before advising a bet.

This means that when he advises a bet, the market is resolute and can absorb the stakes from his members without crashing the odds!

That means you can follow his tips via:

✔️ Pinnacle (direct or via brokers)
✔️ Soft bookmakers (if you still have access)
✔️ Shops or in-person betting

No rushing. No restrictions. Just value bets in real markets.

Track Record That Stands Up To Scrutiny

Since launching his service in 2016, Demetrio has achieved:

  • ✅ +259.5 units profit
  • ✅ 15% ROI from over 925 official bets
  • ✅ Backed by in-depth stats, line tracking & closing price analysis

In 2024/25 alone, he delivered:

  • ? +40.4 units profit (22.3% ROI) from official bets
  • ? 80.8% ROC based on a standard €4,000 bankroll
  • ? Even betting at closing prices would have returned 62.4% ROC

For the last few seasons, he has also shared extra Telegram-only unofficial plays with:

  • +11.7 units profit from standard bets (24.0% ROI)
  • +41.6 units profit from long-term bets (231.1% ROI)

This is an edge built on discipline, accuracy, and experience – and it has held up over nearly a decade in sharp markets.

Limited To Just 50 Members

To preserve the value of his advice and avoid unnecessary market impact, Demetrio’s service is capped at just 50 members for the 2025/26 season.

There are no exceptions to this limit. Once full, the service will close for the season.

Given his record and the interest already shown this summer, we expect these 50 spaces to go quickly – especially from returning members.

? Want to Learn More?

You can explore the full breakdown of Demetrio’s strategy, pricing edge, and last season’s performance in our recent blog post:

? Read how Demetrio Giotti beat Pinnacle again in 2024/25​

? Join the Waiting List Now

If you want the chance to join for the 2025/26 season, the only way is via the official waiting list.

Spaces will open to those on the waiting list next Thursday the 14th August!

➡️ Add your details to the waiting list via this link:

​https://smartbettingclub.com/demetrio-giotti-premium/​