Thursday 27 September 2012

Think I'm going to write off this week as far as blogging goes. Could do with 26 hour days at the moment.

It's unlikely there'll be a post tomorrow. I'm going to be preoccupied with beer and curry and making sparklingly witty conversation with my workmates. Not before I get my footie bets on of course. Priorities and all that.


Wednesday's Betting

A decent profit again, but I couldn't help but feel a tad frustrated by how things turned out. Yesterday could so easily have been a really good day.

Northern Monkey
Again just the one bet and unfortunately the losing run continued.
Staked 0.75pts, -0.75pts

Winning System Bets
Another nice winner for the newbie of the portfolio (Bundle Of Fun - Downpatrick - 15/8).

Winning Racing Tips
It's turning out to be a golden month for WRT. I think we can safely say that Paul hasn't taken his eye off things at all whilst busy with the launch of Winning System Bets. Another fine winner yesterday (Zamoyski - Goodwood - bits of 4/1, 9/2 and 5/1) and I had hoped that this would provide a very strong basis from which to grow profits for the day. Alas events elsewhere meant that this was not to be.

WRT did have a second selection that finished second and at the odds, a very small loss resulted, but let's not be churlish. It was a great day for WRT.

Football Elite
A rare midweek bet in the Bundesliga. Our team was 1-0 up at half time, but 2-1 down at full time.
Staked 1pt, -1pt

Sportyy
It was with with Sportyy's bets that I was most frustrated. No fault of the service at all. There were two tips, one of which was a loser. The other was Falla to beat Ram. Falla was one set up, and 4-2 up in the second when his opponent retired. The major part of my bet had been placed at 188bet, a bookie that I thought paid out provided one set had been completed. They don't, and the bet was void. I got a very small return from the small stake I'd placed at slightly better odds with BlueSquare, but that was scant consolation.

Mental note: take more care with the bookies with which I place my tennis bets!

Staked 4pts, -1.045pts

Service X
Four bets, two winners, two losers. Oh, and a fifth bet that turned out to be a winner but which I didn't back as I couldn't get a decent price. Some of these you win, some you lose.
Staked 11pts, -0.744pts

On The Oche
Tiny loss on the day with the European Championship strategy. The last bet was Justin Pipe to beat Phil Taylor. He didn't, losing 6-2. However, the two players played each other later in the final to determine the day's qualifier to the later stages. Pipe won 6-5! *Sigh*.
Staked 1pt, -0.07pts

The Sportsman
One bet and Scott's luck was out. Not been a great month so far, but nothing disastrous and Scott will bounce back. Of that I am sure.
Staked 0.15pts, -0.15pts


Month (and year) to date figures...(year starting 1/8/2012).

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 33.15pts, -9.924pts, roi -29.93%
Staked 79.525pts, +3.362pts, roi 4.22%, ROC 3.36%

On The Nose: N/A
Staked 52.5pts, +13.319pts, roi 25.36%, ROC 13.31%

The Sportsman Racing: Staked 3.5pts, -0.333pts, roi -9.52%
Staked 7.5pts, -1.28pts, roi -17.06%, ROC -3.2%

Winning Racing Tips: Staked 7.6pts, +11.876pts, roi 156.27%
Staked 16.2pts, +11.19pts, roi 69.07%, ROC 37.3%

Winning Systems Bets: Staked 4pts, +1.625pts, roi 40.62%
Staked 4pts, +1.625pts, 40.62%, ROC 5.41%

The Market Examiner: N/A
Staked 34pts, -14.8pts, roi -43.52%, ROC -9.86%

Total for September roi 39.01%
Total for year roi 23.63%


Sports
Football Elite: Staked 5pts, +0.734pts, roi 14.69%
Staked 6pts, +0.734pts, roi 12.23%, ROC 2.93%

The Football Analyst (7/22): Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%
Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%

The Football Analyst (Euro): N/A
N/A

The Football Analyst (Total): Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%
Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%, ROC 4.17%


Summer Of Football: Staked 30pts, +7.517pts, roi 25.05%
Staked 56pts, +17.302pts, roi 30.89%, ROC 69.2%

Skeeve (Asians): Staked 36pts, -7.805pts, roi -21.68%
Staked 53pts, -7.531pts, roi -14.2%

Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 15pts, +11.512pts, roi 76.74%
Staked 26pts, +9.84pts, roi 37.84%

Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 9pts, -7.565pts, roi -84.05%
Staked 13pts, -8.753pts, roi -67.33%

Skeeve Total: Staked 60pts, -3.858pts, roi -6.43%
Staked 92pts, -6.444pts, roi -7%, ROC -8.05%


The Sportsman: Staked 1.1pts, -0.272pts, roi -24.72%
Staked 1.9pts, -0.188pts, roi -9.89%, ROC -3.13%

Form Lab Lite: Staked 36pts, -4.651pts, roi -12.91%
Staked 67pts, -11.646pts, roi -17.38%, ROC -23.29%

Sportyy: Staked 44pts, +7.691pts, roi 17.48%
Staked 92.5pts, +29.942pts, roi 32.36%, ROC 37.42%

Service X: Staked 210pts, +6.716pts, roi 3.19%
Staked 475.2pts, +42.549pts, roi 8.95%, ROC 42.54%

On The Oche: Staked 7.4pts, -0.548pts, roi -7.41%
Staked 7.4pts, -0.548pts, roi -7.41%, ROC -1.56%


Total for September roi 4.88%
Total for year roi 8.37%

Grand total for September roi 9.84%
Grand total for year roi 11.56%






Wednesday 26 September 2012

Audits.

I'm going to have to write about "Tipsters vs Personal Edge" when I get the time. It's an interesting subject that deserves proper attention being paid to it, rather than a half-hearted rush job.

I got an email from a friend last night who had noted that my 888Sport account had been closed. The same had happened to him that day, and he was struck by the coincidence. Certainly it seems strange, and has given more weight to a theory I had a little while ago, that bookmakers often perfom an audit of their customers' accounts at certain times of the year. If they find any accounts that are costing them money, or perhaps who display certain traits, they heavily restrict or close them down.

I remember my Ladbrokes account was closed down earlier this year, and within 24 hours there were posts on the SBC forum from other punters who had been using the Magic Sign experiencing the same. Ditto with Boylesports, with whom I'd surprisingly had a fairly decent run, using the account purely for horse racing and never for football. Whatever, the end result is the same.

Tuesday's Betting

Another solid profit.

Northern Monkey
Just the one, very small racing bet yesterday, coming courtesy of NMP. No returns.
Staked 0.25pts, -0.25pts

Sportyy
One bet, one winner (Young to bt Lu - 6/4 and 11/8).
Staked 1.5pts, +2.145pts

On The Oche
It's the European Championships this week, an event that seems to have been created purely for the benefit of the bookmakers. It's streamed on about a zillion different bookmaker sites but from what I've seen, there doesn't appear to be a live audience. Perhaps there is and it's hiding.

Anyway, I remember from last year that OTO adopts a certain strategy for this event, and I remember it worked well in last year's event. It's got off to a profitable start this year too, although only a small profit on Day 1.
Staked 1.4pts, +0.234pts

Service X
One small bet in the Copa Sudamericana that provided a touch of profit.
Staked 2pts, +1.493pts



Month (and year) to date figures (ytd from 1/8/12)...

Racing

Northern Monkey: Staked 32.4pts, -9.174pts, roi -28.31%
Staked 78.775pts, +4.112pts, roi 5.21%, ROC 4.11%

On The Nose: N/A
Staked 52.5pts, +13.319pts, roi 25.36%, ROC 13.31%

The Sportsman Racing: Staked 3.5pts, -0.333pts, roi -9.52%
Staked 7.5pts, -1.28pts, roi -17.06%, ROC -3.2%

Winning Racing Tips: Staked 5.4pts, +8.724pts, roi 161.56%
Staked 14pts, +8.038pts, roi 57.41%, ROC 26.79%

Winning Systems Bets: Staked 3pts, -0.25pts, roi -8.33%
Staked 3pts, -0.25pts, -8.33%, ROC -0.83%

The Market Examiner: N/A
Staked 34pts, -14.8pts, roi -43.52%, ROC -9.86%

Total for September roi 24.99%
Total for year roi 18.14%


Sports
Football Elite: Staked 4pts, +1.734pts, roi 43.36%
Staked 5pts, +1.734pts, roi 34.68%, ROC 6.93%

The Football Analyst (7/22): Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%
Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%

The Football Analyst (Euro): N/A
N/A

The Football Analyst (Total): Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%
Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%, ROC 4.17%


Summer Of Football: Staked 30pts, +7.517pts, roi 25.05%
Staked 56pts, +17.302pts, roi 30.89%, ROC 69.2%

Skeeve (Asians): Staked 36pts, -7.805pts, roi -21.68%
Staked 53pts, -7.531pts, roi -14.2%

Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 15pts, +11.512pts, roi 76.74%
Staked 26pts, +9.84pts, roi 37.84%

Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 9pts, -7.565pts, roi -84.05%
Staked 13pts, -8.753pts, roi -67.33%

Skeeve Total: Staked 60pts, -3.858pts, roi -6.43%
Staked 92pts, -6.444pts, roi -7%, ROC -8.05%


The Sportsman: Staked 0.95pts, -0.122pts, roi -12.84%
Staked 1.75pts, -0.038pts, roi -2.17%, ROC -0.63%

Form Lab Lite: Staked 36pts, -4.651pts, roi -12.91%
Staked 67pts, -11.646pts, roi -17.38%, ROC -23.29%

Sportyy: Staked 40pts, +8.736pts, roi 21.84%
Staked 88.5pts, +30.987pts, roi 35.01%, ROC 38.73%

Service X: Staked 199pts, +7.46pts, roi 3.74%
Staked 464.2pts, +43.293pts, roi 9.32%, ROC 43.29%

On The Oche: Staked 6.4pts, -0.478pts, roi -7.47%
Staked 6.4pts, -0.478pts, roi -7.47%, ROC -1.36%


Total for September roi 7.32%
Total for year roi 9.84%

Grand total for September roi 9.7%
Grand total for year roi 11.54%

Tuesday 25 September 2012

Figures, figures, and more figures.

I'm afraid I simply have no time to write a proper blog post. Very busy at work which is a blessing as there were times over the summer when I wondered if the company I work for had a future.

Shane, I owe you a post or two, I know. It may take me a little longer than I had hoped but we'll get there.

Something I want to do is add an extra element to the figures. From some of the correspondence I've had, it seems that there are folk out there who do like to see the figures for each service, but a couple have asked if it's possible to do year to date figures too. So what I thought I might do is add each service's ytd numbers underneath the month to date figures, but what I will do is call August 1st the first day of the year. That way, the figures for the racing services are in line with those of the footie services, a significant number of which start up again after the summer break in August. So, the TPI year runs from August 1st to July 31st. That seems to be the fairest way of recording results for each service. And let's face it, it won't be the first time I've allowed football to dictate a part of my life!

For those not interested in the figures, all that doesn't matter a jot, does it?


Monday's Betting

Nice to break the series of losing days. I would describe the profit as steady as opposed to spectacular, but I'll never knock a profit.

Northern Monkey
Wayne's travails continue with two losing bets from two.
Staked 1pt, -1pt

Winning System Bets
Our first winner (Three Sea Captains - Fairyhouse - 7/4) for our new service. Only just, mind. A short head did the trick.
Staked 1pt, +1.75pts

Summer Of Football
One losing bet overnight.
Staked 1pt, -1pt

Sportyy
Nice winner in Spain (Sevilla to bt Deportivo - 1.7/1) which appears to have put paid to my 888sport account. Was only a matter of time, I guess.
Staked 1.5pts, +2.55pts



Month (and year) to date figures (*ytd from 1/8/2012)

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 32.15pts, -8.924pts, roi -27.75%
(Staked 78.525pts, +4.362pts, roi 5.55%, ROC 4.36%)

On The Nose: N/A
(Staked 52.5pts, +13.319pts, roi 25.36%, ROC 13.31%)

The Sportsman Racing: Staked 3.5pts, -0.333pts, roi -9.52%
(Staked 7.5pts, -1.28pts, roi -17.06%, ROC -3.2%)

Winning Racing Tips: Staked 5.4pts, +8.724pts, roi 161.56%
(Staked 14pts, +8.038pts, roi 57.41%, ROC 26.79%)

Winning Systems Bets: Staked 3pts, -0.25pts, roi -8.33%
(Staked 3pts, -0.25pts, -8.33%, ROC -0.83%)

The Market Examiner: N/A
(Staked 34pts, -14.8pts, roi -43.52%, ROC -9.86%)

Total for September roi 25.4%
Total for year roi 18.27%


Sports
Football Elite: Staked 4pts, +1.734pts, roi 43.36%
(Staked 5pts, +1.734pts, roi 34.68%, ROC 6.93%)

The Football Analyst (7/22): Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%
(Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%)

The Football Analyst (Euro): N/A
N/A

The Football Analyst (Total): Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%
(Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%, ROC 4.17%)


Summer Of Football: Staked 30pts, +7.517pts, roi 25.05%
(Staked 56pts, +17.302pts, roi 30.89%, ROC 69.2%)

Skeeve (Asians): Staked 36pts, -7.805pts, roi -21.68%
(Staked 53pts, -7.531pts, roi -14.2%)

Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 15pts, +11.512pts, roi 76.74%
(Staked 26pts, +9.84pts, roi 37.84%)

Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 9pts, -7.565pts, roi -84.05%
(Staked 13pts, -8.753pts, roi -67.33%)

Skeeve Total: Staked 60pts, -3.858pts, roi -6.43%
(Staked 92pts, -6.444pts, roi -7%, ROC -8.05%)


The Sportsman: Staked 0.95pts, -0.122pts, roi -12.84%
(Staked 1.75pts, -0.038pts, roi -2.17%, ROC -0.63%)

Form Lab Lite: Staked 36pts, -4.651pts, roi -12.91%
(Staked 67pts, -11.646pts, roi -17.38%, ROC -23.29%)

Sportyy: Staked 38.5pts, +6.591pts, roi 17.12%
(Staked 87pts, +28.842pts, roi 33.15%, ROC 36.05%)

Service X: Staked 197pts, +5.967pts, roi 3.02%
(Staked 462.2pts, +41.8pts, roi 9.04%, ROC 41.8%)

On The Oche: Staked 5pts, -0.712pts, roi -14.25%
(Staked 5pts, -0.712pts, roi -14.25%, ROC -2.03%)


Total for September roi 6.57%
Total for year roi 9.44%

Grand total for September roi 9.13%
Grand total for year roi 11.31%


Monday 24 September 2012

Round up.

Can you believe the cheeky buggers who nicked my identity (!) and used it to open three new mobile 'phone accounts paid to get the things insured! So they nicked my details and then insured their illegally purloined goods against theft!


It's not been a great weekend. Not catastrophic, by any means, but not great. Instead of going into the ins and outs, I thought I'd post the figures and make some general comments.

So, here are the weekend (including Friday) figures...

Northern Monkey: Staked 8.25pts, -5.437pts.
Winning System Bets: Staked 2pts, -2pts.
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 0.5pts, -0.5pts.

Sportyy: Staked 9.5pts, -5.31pts.
Form Lab Lite: Staked 11pts, -4.05pts.
On The Oche: Staked 3pts, -0.313pts.
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 12pts, +5pts.
Service X: Staked 26pts, -2.39pts.
Summer Of Football: Staked 6pts, +1.974pts.
The Sportsman: Staked 0.3pts, -0.3pts.
The Football Analyst 7/22: Staked 0.5pts, +0.645pts.
Football Elite: Staked 1pt, +1.03pts.


It's been a difficult week on the horses. A coincidence that this side of the portfolio has started to struggle again since the rain started coming down?

As for the football, the most remarkable thing of the weekend was Skeeve losing his marbles (his words, not mine), and turning a nice profit by doing so. Identifying the fact that this weekend's Blue Square Premier card was particularly tight, instead of keeping powder dry, Skeeve went in backing the draw in every match. Calling five correctly provided a decent profit, but frustrating to see that going into the 90th minute, seven matches were all square. Still, perhaps there's a lesson here - we should be encouraging Skeeve to lose the plot completely. Once we've got him acting like one of the characters in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, we'll be having some weekends, I'll tell you. In all seriousness though, it's great to see a tipster thinking outside the box without being rash, and even nicer when an audacious move pays off.

A noticeably solid start from both The Football Analyst and Football Elite is good to see, as is the consistency being displayed by Summer Of Football.

Other than that, it's all been a little underwhelming. Let's see what this week brings.


Month's figures to date...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 31.15pts, -7.924pts, roi -25.43%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 3.5pts, -0.333pts, roi -9.52%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 5.4pts, +8.724pts, roi 161.56%
Winning System Bets: Staked 2pts, -2pts (-£100), roi -100%
Total roi 21.97%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 4pts, +1.734pts, roi 43.36%, ROC 6.93%
The Football Analyst 7/22: Staked 1.5pts, +0.835pts, roi 55.66%, ROC 4.17%
Summer Of Football: Staked 29pts, +8.517pts, roi 29.36%, ROC 34.06%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 36pts, -7.805pts, roi -21.68%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 15pts, +11.512pts, roi 76.74%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 9pts, -7.565pts, roi -84.05%
Skeeve Total: Staked 60pts, -3.858pts, roi -6.43%, ROC -4.82%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.95pts, -0.122pts, roi -12.84%, ROC -2.03%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 36pts, -4.651pts, roi -12.91%, ROC -9.3%
Sportyy: Staked 37pts, +4.041pts, roi 10.92%, ROC 5.05%
Service X: Staked 197pts, +5.967pts, roi 3.02%, ROC 5.96%
On The Oche: Staked 5pts, -0.712pts, roi -14.25%, ROC -2.03%
Total roi 6.82%

Grand Total roi 8.82%



Friday 21 September 2012

Intrigue.

OK, how's this for a plot for a novel or a film script?...

41 year old father of two, quietly living in the suburbs, becomes the victim of identity theft. What starts out as a relatively harmless irritation, such as having three new mobile 'phone accounts opened in his name, soon takes a turn for the worse. Sinister calls are received as our unwitting hero is slowly but surely dragged into a sordid world of Russian underworld gangsters, drug trafficking and illegal arms dealing. Soon, the heroic family man is embroiled in a fraught fight for both his own and his family's survival, all ending in a thrilling climax involving high speed car chases and a frantic rendezvous with mysterious foreign agents.

Yes, I'm sure you've guessed it by now. I am the quiet-living father of two described above. OK, I admit, I've not yet become embroiled in fighting Russian gangsters but some bastard has opened three new mobile 'phone accounts in my name and I have had a call from some number in Russia. I admit, that call might just be a coincidence but who knows? I might have an exciting weekend ahead.

Anyway, all this is an explanation as to why this is tonight's blog post. I've got to rush home, get my footie bets on, and then tootle along to the local police station, so I'm afraid I just don't have time to do all the figures tonight.

I have already 'phoned the station. I have an Incident number and apparently some geezer wants a quick chat. I'm to ask for a Boris Vostukovanev. Not sure where he's from...

Thursday 20 September 2012

It is often said that to create an edge at betting, you have to go against crowd sentiment. You need to go against the grain and adopt a stance contrary to the masses. I shouldn't think this is a particularly easy thing to do. You've got to be very sure of your talents and clear in your strategy. I don't think I could do it.

Which is why adding Winning Racing Tips - Systems to the portfolio feels like I'm going against my own grain. I feel like I'm going back on my whole strategy of loading the portfolio far more towards football/sports betting, a move I've made over the last few months for practical reasons (ie. being able to get bets on and work around the problem of dealing with bookmakers who don't necessarily want to take a bet). Why do that, and then add a racing service to the rosta?

Well, I have a cunning plan. Allow me to explain.

I currently have five BOG bookmaker accounts left open to me. Whenever I get a tip through, I find which bookmakers are offering the best odds. Often, it will be two or three of the five, sometimes all of them. I split my stake equally across each of those with the best price.

Consequently, I am often putting very small bets on with an individual bookmaker. The sort of bet that makes me look like a mug punter playing for a bit of interest. If you had a profiler looking at my BOG account record, they might well come to the conclusion that I'm a pensioner who likes watching the racing of an afternoon and having a few fun bets. Certainly the liabilities on each of these bets is more often than not, fairly small, and as we all know, it is the liability as opposed to the size of the bet that worries the likes of Fred Done and William Hill. Keep this in mind as I go on.

Paul of Winning Racing Tips is releasing selections garnered from three different systems. One of them, the 'Favourite's' system is the one I shall be following. It boasts a high strike rate, but as the name suggests, plays at short prices, and a number of selections will be priced odds on. Not unlike those selections often given by The Sportsman Racing. The thing is, you see, I never have any trouble getting the bigger stakes involved with TSR into the market, probably due to the fact that although the stake is relatively high, the odds being much shorter means the liability isn't that great.

So when I add Paul's WRT - Favourite's System bets to those of the services I follow who tend to play at higher odds, my accounts are going to see small bets going on what are generally bigger prices, whilst much bigger bets going on short priced favourites (including odds on shots). What message will that convey to Mr. Bookmaker? That I'm a bit of a mug punter, perhaps?

Theoretically, yes. In reality, who knows? It's all very well coming across as a mug punter, but if the balance in each account is a rising tide of profit (over time), I'm not sure how far this strategy will take me. I'm prepared to give it a whirl though, and with Paul's reputation for integrity beyond doubt (and as I mentioned the other day, I've been a member of Paul's WRT for as long as any service), I feel I have relatively little to lose.

Wednesday's Betting

A relatively quiet, but successful day's punting, with just two services providing bets.

Service X
Four bets overnight, rendering three wins and a loss.
Staked 11pts, +2.575pts

Sportyy
High class tipping from the tennis specialist with three winning bets from three.
Staked 5.5pts, +5.302pts


Month's figures to date...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 24.25pts, -1.874pts, roi -7.72%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 3pts, +0.166pts, roi 5.53%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 4.7pts, +8.794pts, roi 187.11%
Total roi 53.39%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 3pts, +0.7pts, roi 23.33%
The Football Analyst: Staked 1pt, +0.19pts, roi 19%
Summer Of Football: Staked 22pts, +6.542pts, roi 29.73%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 24pts, -12.805pts, roi -53.35%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 15pts, +11.512pts, roi 76.74%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 9pts, -7.565pts, roi -84.05%
Skeeve Total: Staked 48pts, -8.858pts, roi -18.45%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.65pts, +0.178pts, roi 27.38%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 25pts, -0.646pts, roi -2.58%
Sportyy: Staked 22pts, +7.762pts, roi 35.28%
Service X: Staked 161pts, +9.12pts, roi 5.66%
Total roi 10.88%

Grand Total roi 16.8%




Wednesday 19 September 2012

Blow out!

No, not the gambling. My front tyre. Grrrr.

With one thing or another, today has been rather hectic and has left me with very little time for blogging. So I'm making my excuses like a right wuz, and saying that today's post is short indeed.

Soz.

Tuesday's Betting

A second consecutive loss-making day, but nothing too heavy.

Northern Monkey
Just one each way bet today that after trying to make all, was unfortunately overhauled in the last furlong, finishing out of the places.
Staked 0.75pts, -0.75pts

The Sportsman Racing
I had to smile. It was only Friday that I was talking of the talent of Jamie Spencer as he got one of TSR's up on the line to win by a short head. I mentioned then that Spencer could infuriate. He certainly did yesterday on one of ours, giving it the usual hold-up-behind-a-wall-of-horses-before-coming-with-a-hair-raising-late-run sort of ride, which this time failed. By a short head! The second of TSR's tips was also given far too much to do to my mind (not by Spencer this time), and was another to finish a close second. Frustrating.
Staked 1pt, -1pt

Sportyy
A nice winner at the Metz Open (Millot to bt Sisjling - 1.8/1).
Staked 1.5pts, +2.7pts

Form Lab Lite
Just one Asian Handicap bet in League 2 that returned stakes.
Staked 1pt, +/-

Service X
One bet in the Mexico Cup overnight which was a loser.
Staked 2pts, -2pts


Month to date figures...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 24.25pts, -1.874pts, roi -7.72%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 3pts, +0.166pts, roi 5.53%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 4.7pts, +8.794pts, roi 187.11%
Total roi 53.39%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 3pts, +0.7pts, roi 23.33%, ROC 2.8%
The Football Analyst (7/22): Staked 1pt, +0.19pts, roi 19%, ROC 0.95%
Summer Of Football: Staked 22pts, +6.542pts, roi 29.73%, ROC 26.16%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 24pts, -12.805pts, roi -53.35%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 15pts, +11.512pts, roi 76.74%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 9pts, -7.565pts, roi -84.05%
Skeeve Total: Staked 48pts, -8.858pts, roi -18.45%, ROC -11.07%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.65pts, +0.178pts, roi 27.38%, ROC 2.96%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 25pts, -0.646pts, roi -2.58%, ROC -1.29%
Sportyy: Staked 16.5pts, +2.46pts, roi 14.9%, ROC 3.07%
Service X: Staked 150pts, +6.545pts, roi 4.36%, ROC 6.54%
Total roi 8.9%

Grand Total roi 15.29%


Now there's a couple of things going on here at TPI Towers, including a new addition to the portfolio, and rather surprisingly, it involves the horses. More on that shortly.

Until then, may the Gods of Justice and Karma strike down the unmentionable Manchester United striker who dared to incur the wrath of TPI. I'm not bitter, honest.


Tuesday 18 September 2012

Regulations, Shmegulations.

Well, I got my money from 188bet. I thought I had it all sorted when I last posted on the subject last Thursday, but then come Friday morning, another email hit my in box:

In response to your concern, we would like to reiterate that we will no longer require you to submit the copy of credit card ending in xxxx and its statement only. However, 188BET requires veriifcation on customer account on a case by case basis to satisfied the regulatory requirements.

In line with this, screen shot of Moneybookers account is required to be a proof of your new withdrawal method in order to process your withdrawal transaction.


Now, providing a screenshot of my Moneybookers account would not have presented me with any difficulties. But by now, my back was up. I was riled and grumpy. You may be able to tell from the email I replied with...

Can I please have details of your official complaints procedure and the gaming authority under whose jurisdiction you come?

Can I also have details of the exact regulatory requirements you refer to, preferably with a copy of those regulations attached?

I intend to submit a formal complaint, and copy in the relevant gaming authority. I will also be contacting IBAS.

I find it disgraceful that I provide all requested security documents, am told that my account is fully verified, then told that I have access to ALL account facilities, for you then to make further requests when I try to use one of those facilities. You have accepted my deposits, you have my Moneybookers account details which is attached to the same bank account as my bank card - in other words you happily accepted funds from a bank account but are now unprepared to put money back into the same bank account via Moneybookers.

I will also be contacting various gambling related blogs and media (plus social media) with details of your obstruction to allowing me to withdraw funds from an account that you have previously informed me is "fully verified".

Alternatively, you can just allow me to deposit and withdraw via Moneybookers.


I thought I should give them a "get out", hence that last line. Heh!

You know, if I was a Customer Service rep working in any company and had received that type of email, I'd have thought, what an arse. I was being. Deliberately.

Thing is, being an arse seemed to work...

We are pleased to inform you that we have completed the verification process for your account. We will now proceed with the processing of your withdrawal Transaction ID xxxxxxxxxx amounting to GBP xxxxx and notify you again via email regarding its status.

We understand that you have been exerting effort to comply with our verification requirements and we apologize for the inconveniences caused. However, kindly be informed that we need to do proper verification to ensure safety for our customer accounts and their funds. We assure that all the information that our customers supply to us are kept in high confidentiality as indicated in our Privacy Policy.

Thank you for your trust and co-operation.



Well, I'm not sure what to think now. In black and white terms, the security and verification procedures so important to 188bet were effectively dropped because I was being difficult. Admittedly, they already had copies of official ID, bank statement and had accepted deposits via Moneybookers previously. But even so. In some ways, it adds to my suspicions that these companies are simply being as obstructive as possible to customers hoping to withdraw their money. I have no evidence that this is indeed the case. It's just a hunch that could be well wide of the mark.

You know, I do understand that the Asian bookmakers do need to be very careful. They are handling big bets from betting syndicates and the like. I can see that they are vulnerable to dubious types who want to launder money and I welcome strict security criteria. But I also feel there is a line. Surely once an account has been verified, that should be the end of it and the customer easily and without fuss be able to deposit and withdraw funds to and from their account.

One further point. What exactly are these "regulatory requirements" so often referred to by the bookmakers? If there are indeed regulations dictating how they run their business, who or what is the authority that lays them down. I'm sure such regulations, assuming they do exist, are set out in writing somewhere and thus open to scrutiny? Can anyone shed any light? Surely they're not some vague, non-tangible, nay mythical regulations that don't actually exist. Are they?


Monday's Betting

A very quiet day yesterday. Just three bets but no profits, unfortunately.

Northern Monkey
A small win-only bet, which didn't.
Staked 0.5pts, -0.5pts

Form Lab Lite
Two bets, one loser and one on the Asian Handicap that returned stakes.
Staked 2pts, -1pt


Month to date figures...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 23.5pts, -1.124pts, roi -4.78%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 2pts, +1.166pts, roi 58.33%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 4.7pts, +8.794pts, roi 187.11%
Total: Staked £999, +£709.78, roi 71.04%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 3pts, +0.7pts, roi 23.33%
The Football Analyst: Staked 1pt, +0.19pts, roi 19%
Summer Of Football: Staked 22pts, +6.542pts, roi 29.73%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 24pts, -12.805pts, roi -53.35%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 15pts, +11.512pts, roi 76.74%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 9pts, -7.565pts, roi -84.05%
Skeeve Total: Staked 48pts, -8.858pts, roi -18.45%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.65pts, +0.178pts, roi 27.38%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 24pts, -0.646pts, roi -2.69%
Sportyy: Staked 15pts, -0.24pts, roi -1.6%
Service X: Staked 148pts, +8.545pts, roi 5.77%
Total roi 8.31%

Grand Total roi 16.62%


Monday 17 September 2012

Solidly spectacular.

The longest-serving tipster services in the portfolio are Football Elite and Winning Racing Tips. These were the first services I ever subscribed to, and there they both are, still fundamentally important to my betting success. Keystones, if you like.

The thing about WRT is that it is about as solid as they come. The strategy never varies; losing and winning runs come and go with absolutely no discernible difference to the approach taken by Paul, the service operator, to finding winners. WRT is the tipping service equivalent to that pair of older, but incredibly comfy pair of jogging pants that you stick on when you get home from a hard day at the office and all you want to do is veg out in front of the footie on the telly. They're always there. You always get what you see. They never let you down. That's WRT - solid, reliable, successful at what it does...a heck of a combination for a tipping service as far as I'm concerned.

But then along comes a day like Saturday. Saturday presented an opportunity for Paul to display just how astute a tipster he is. His selection in the St.Leger was, by his own admission speculative, but the speculation was very strongly backed up by a cold, hard logic that left no doubt that prior to the race we were onto a live contender. You know there's nothing unspectacular about 33/1 winners!

Northern Monkey
A decent day on Friday as a very nice winner was found (Cape Classic - Doncaster - 9/1) but unfortunately the profits were given back on a blank Saturday.
Staked 5pts, -0.031pts

The Sportsman Racing
Lovely bet on Friday - the only one over the weekend - (Buckstay - Wolverhampton - 7/2). Always nice to see a drift (from 5/2 this time) and a win. I know he divides opinion, but for what it's worth, I think Jamie Spencer is one of, if not the, most talented flat jockeys we have in this country. I know he looks a right dope when he sits behind a wall of horses, doesn't find the gaps and finishes a fast closing second, but he is capable of giving some incredibly good rides. This was one of them, I thought.
Staked 0.5pts, +1.75pts

Winning Racing Tips
Encke - Doncaster - 33/1 and Encke - Doncaster - 14/1 in the w/o favourite market. Say no more.
Staked 1.4pts, +4.808pts

Summer Of Football
I read today that SOF hasn't had a losing weekend since the start of July. That's not a bad record of consistency!
Staked 7pts, +1.792pts

Service X
Got into it's stride on Saturday with six winners from seven bets. Not quite such a high strike rate on the Sunday, but enough to add a touch of profit to Saturday's significant gains.
Staked 49pts, +14.624pts

Form Lab Lite
Can't quite negotiate a way out of the doldrums. Win a few, lose a few, and all in, we're standing still. All part of the game of course.
Staked 7pts, -1.138pts

Sportyy
Success over in Spain on the football over the weekend with a winning double, a void bet, and a single winner. More than compensated for the loss suffered on the tennis on Friday.
Staked 9pts, +1.491pts

The FootbalL Analyst (7/22)
Ah, welcome back, my old friend 7-22! Where've you been keeping?

Two away bets (DNB), one winning and one losing.
Staked 1pt, +0.19pts

Football Elite
Two bets this weekend and so far the DNB approach to betting is certainly smoothing out the ride. I know over time it will erode a little off the roi, but personally, I prefer a more gentle ride and am happy to make the sacrifice. One winner, the other drew (which makes is three bets this season now where instead of losing money, we've got our stake back).
Staked 2pts, +0.7pts

Skeeve (Asians)
Struggling a little in this early season period. Things will all turn around, I've no doubt of that. Just the one winner from four on Saturday.
Staked 11pts, -7.36pts

Skeeve (Doubles)
On the other hand, the old doubles are producing the goods, and some. Incredible long-term record and this season hasn't been slow in producing good profits either. One from two successful on Saturday.
Staked 10pts, +2.726pts

Skeeve (Shortlist)
Not much to say. Three bets and three losers. Not yet to take off this season but at the longer odds, the strike rate will always be lower than the 'Official' selections.
Staked 3pts, -3pts

The Sportsman
Just the one bet and a comfortable winner in League 2 on Saturday.
Staked 0.15pts, +0.115pts

Month to date figures...

Racing

Northern Monkey: Staked 23pts, -0.624pts, roi -2.71%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 2pts, +1.166pts, roi 58.33%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 4.7pts, +8.794pts, roi 187.11%
Total roi 72.77%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 3pts, +0.7pts, roi 23.33%, ROC 2.8%
The Football Analyst: Staked 1pt, +0.19pts, roi 19%, ROC 0.95%
Summer Of Football: Staked 22pts, +6.542pts, roi 29.73%, ROC 26.16%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 24pts, -12.805pts, roi -53.35%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 15pts, +11.512pts, roi 76.74%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 9pts, -7.565pts, roi -84.05%
Skeeve Total: Staked 48pts, -8.858pts, roi -18.45%, ROC -11.07%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.65pts, +0.178pts, roi 27.38%, ROC 2.96%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 22pts, +0.354pts, roi 1.6%, ROC 0.7%
Sportyy: Staked 15pts, -0.24pts, roi -1.6%, ROC -0.3%
Service X: Staked 148pts, +8.545pts, roi 5.77%, ROC 8.54%
Total roi 9.03%
Grand Total roi 17.49%



So, all in all, a damn fine weekend. The football was break even on Saturday, but performed strongly yesterday. Furthermore, after a very difficult first six months to the year, it's great to see the racing side of the portfolio producing the goods. Long may that continue.

Right then. Now we're up to date, I'll concentrate more on the Asian bookie situation tomorrow.

Until then.

Friday 14 September 2012

Chicken Karahi, Beer, and Ancient Greece

Goodness. I got a mention in the SBC's 'Weekend Wager'. It contained a referral to yesterday's post about the difficulties I've experienced when going through the process of withdrawing some of my cash from the Asian bookies. The SBC are producing a comprehensive guide to the bookmakers to use for football betting, which is to be published in their next newsletter, and I've no doubt a significant part of that guide will examine the pros and cons of using the likes of Pinnacle, SBO and 188bet.

I had no idea this was coming mind you. I wrote what I did when I did simply because I've been having the problems I described just over the last couple of days or so. It will all perhaps tie in nicely though. Certainly what I will do is just go into a bit of detail next week, explaining the outcome of my correspondence with 188bet (with whom I thought I was getting somewhere yesterday, only for them to throw another obstructive email at me today) and 12bet, from whom I am yet to try to withdraw. For the record, SBO have done exactly what I wanted them to do - ie. set up my account in such a way that it will allow me to both make deposits and withdrawals via my Moneybookers/Skrill account - with relatively little resistance.

For now though, my attention is drawn toward the customary take-away and fridge-cold beer that awaits me. They are two sirens, beckoning and tempting me away from the blog. Like an ancient mariner in the grips of the charms of Scylla and Charybdis (or in my case Currylla and Beerybdis?), I am drawn to them like a moth to a light. I am a lost cause. Doomed. I am happy to surrender my will and my soul to those two Friday night delights.

Have a great (punting) weekend all. See you the other side.



Thursday's Betting

Another good day and the dip that was last weekend has now been recovered from. Let's hope we can kick on this weekend.

Not one bet on the horses yesterday.

Summer Of Football
Two bets in the same match in Brazil, and one bet in the MLS provided two winners and a small profit.
Staked 3pts, +0.635pts

Form Lab Lite
Just one bet overnight in Brazil, a home win producing the goods.
Staked 1pt, +0.98pts

Service X
More like the form I'm used to, with four winners selected from five bets across South America.
Staked 14pts, +5.318pts

So small but steady profits from each of the services to provide action, all adding up to produce a decent day.


Month to date figures...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 18pts, -0.593pts, roi -3.29%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 1.5pts, -0.583pts, roi -38.86%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 3.5pts, +3.985pts, roi 113.87%
Total roi 27.65%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 1pt, +/- (+/-£), roi 0%, ROC 0%
Summer Of Football: Staked 16pts, +4.737pts, roi 29.6%, ROC 18.94%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 13pts, -5.445pts, roi -41.88%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 5pts, +8.785pts, roi 175.71%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 6pts, -4.565pts, roi -76.08%
Skeeve Total: Staked 24pts, -1.224pts, roi -5.1%, ROC 1.53%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.5pts, +0.063pts, roi 12.6%, ROC 1.05%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 15pts, +1.492pts, roi 9.94%, ROC 2.98%
Sportyy: Staked 6.5pts, -2.232pts, roi -34.33%, ROC -2.79%
Service X: Staked 99pts, -6.079pts, roi -6.14%, ROC -6.07%
Total roi 8.49%

Grand Total roi 11.52%




Thursday 13 September 2012

Anybody who has read my blog on anything like a regular basis will know that I have praised the Asian bookmakers on more than one occasion. I have openly admired their willingness to take bigger bets and to keep winning accounts open, as opposed to the high street bookmakers who slam their books shut as soon as they see just the slightest sign of a customer knowing what they are doing.

However, all is not rosy in the gardens of the Asian bookmakers. I mentioned the other day that it is a not uncommon occurrence for their websites to crash. And it seems like they don't like granting account holders easy access to their cash.

Allow me to explain...

When I opened accounts with Pinnacle and Dafabet, I used Moneybookers to make my initial deposit. With 12bet, SBO and 188bet, I foolishly used my VISA Debit card. Boy, what a mistake that was!

Up until this point, I have simply let the balances in these accounts grow as profits accrued. I had no need to withdraw. Knowing I would be upping my stakes for this football season from last, I thought it wise to build up reserves so that I didn't have to constantly be depositing money into the accounts to cover the bets I wanted to place. This week though, I have wanted to trim those balances. I don't wish to cast any aspersions, but I didn't feel comfortable keeping larger sums in the clutches of companies based on the other side of the world where gaming jurisdictions aren't quite so transparent as those I'm familiar with in the UK (although it should be noted that SBO appear to be based in exotic and far flung Isle of Man).

And that is where my problems started. Withdrawing from Pinnacle (I love them!) and Dafabet was simple and quick - in fact the money withdrawn was sitting smiling at me in my Moneybookers account within hours of making the withdrawal requests. The other Asian bookmakers on the otherhand...Blimey O'Reilly, it's been a right old ding dong.

The troubles have arisen you see, from the fact that the debit card I used for the initial deposits expired about six weeks ago. Naturally, as soon as I received my new card in the post, I cut my old one up. I did make sure that to each bookmaker I sent a scan of my new card to sit in their security files alongside copies of my driving licence (ID) and bank statement/utility bill. Did such conscientiousness mean that I avoided problems when the time came to make a withdrawal? - did it bugger like!

I don't like to mention names in public so the identity of the bookmaker concerned will remain hidden. (It was 188bet). To cut a very long story short, they wanted a copy of the card - yes, the one that had now expired and had been cut up - before they would process the withdrawal. Despite my explanation that I couldn't supply the relevant info and the reasons why not, they simply came back with the same request.

However, it would appear that as soon as you get stroppy with these guys, they back down. Here is a copy of the last email I sent to them...

You asked for that in the last email - so I will tell you again, I DO NOT HAVE THESE RECORDS - THEY HAVE BEEN DESTROYED!

I don't understand why it is not possible to set the account up for me to use Moneybookers. This is what Pinnacle Sports, SBO Bet and Dafabet have done. You already have all of my security information on file. I can deposit using Moneybookers so you have total proof of my identity. I cannot send you any information at all relating to my old card. I am beginning to be concerned that you are simply preventing me from having access to my funds.

Please can you sort this problem out. I would like to gain access to part of the funds in my account. I am not being unreasonable or obstructive. If you cannot do this, I will have to take it up with the relevant gaming authority.

Thankyou in advance.


Stroppy? A little, I guess. Seemed to work though as the next email I received from them read:

Dear Mr. Day

Your username is: xxxxxxx

We acknowledge receipt of your concern and we understand your situation. We are writing to confirm that we will no longer request from you the card copy ending in xxxx and its statement for future verification.

We apologize for all inconveniences you have encountered and thank you for bearing with us.

You may now login to your account and enjoy the wide range of exciting products that we have lined up for you. Enjoy wagering and best of luck!


Fair enough. It might have taken about eight emails but at least we got there in the end. The thing is though, I had already experienced the exact same levels of obstruction from SBO Bet, only the issue here was that I couldn't withdraw to Moneybookers despite the fact that I had deposited with Moneybookers previously, simply because my "primary" source of deposit had been the now-expired bank card. Again, it wasn't until I got really stroppy that I got anywhere, but as soon as I did, they backed down immediately, setting my account up to enable me to withdraw to Moneybookers, which is all I had asked for in the first place.

Now this isn't a lesson in being stroppy. I don't like being stroppy. From reading the blog, I'm sure you can all see what a patient, charming chap I am (*ahem*). No, this is more a warning to anyone reading who might just be thinking of opening an account with any of these guys. If you do - and you should - please, please, please use Moneybookers right from the off. You'll make life so much easier for yourself in the future if you do.

The slightly more concerning note from all of this is that I have come away with the impression, Pinnacle and Dafabet apart, that these bookmakers will make life as difficult for you as possible to withdraw from your account. Why is that?

Anyone had similar experiences? Perhaps it's just me.

(Edit): LATE UPDATE - the saga may not yet be over...


Wednesday's Betting

Much better day, with a strong performance on the nags.

Northern Monkey
Wayne went in big in the big sprint at Doncaster (Sole Power - 5/2), the two point win bet being landed in quite some style by a horse that with a furlong to go appeared blocked behind a wall of galloping beast. A very sharp turn of foot later, and he was clear by more than a length to land the spoils. Another winner was found on the same card (Born To Surprise - Doncaster - 15/2), although this was just a saver bet for the losing favourite.
Staked 4.25pts, +4.875pts

The Sportsman Racing
I thought Scott unlucky with this one, the selection not so much being hampered on the bend into the straight as completely knobbled.
Staked 0.5pts, -0.5pts

Winning Racing Tips
Mmmm. When the tip came through, I thought Paul was taking the piss. Only out of me, you understand. He'd gone for an each way double, the second horse being called Van Percy. Did I really want to back a horse with that name. To be honest I half expected it to withdraw lame with a vet certificate before the race, or to be leading with 200 yards to go before pulling up crocked. As it is, it won. And so did the first horse (Sorella Bella - Carlisle). A good return, and we move on from Van Percy. Quickly.
Staked 0.6pts, +1.85pts

Summer Of Football
A winner and a loser over in Brazil overnight for a tiny profit.
Staked 2pts, +0.03pts


Month to date figures...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 18pts, -0.593pts, roi -3.29%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 1.5pts, -0.583pts, roi -38.86%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 3.5pts, +3.985pts, roi 113.87%
Total roi 27.65%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 1pt, +/- (+/-£), roi 0%, ROC 0%
Summer Of Football: Staked 13pts, +4.102pts, roi 31.55%, ROC 16.4%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 13pts, -5.445pts, roi -41.88%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 5pts, +8.785pts, roi 175.71%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 6pts, -4.565pts, roi -76.08%
Skeeve Total: Staked 24pts, -1.224pts, roi -5.1%, ROC -1.53%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.5pts, +0.063pts, roi 12.6%, ROC 1.05%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 14pts, +0.512pts, roi 3.65%, ROC 1.02%
Sportyy: Staked 6.5pts, -2.232pts), roi -34.33%, ROC -2.79%
Service X: Staked 85pts, -11.397pts, roi -13.4%, ROC -11.39%
Total roi 5.52%

Grand Total roi 9.35%





Wednesday 12 September 2012

I was reading the rationale behind the Summer Of Football selections this morning, when it struck me how tipsters who specialise in the same sport can adopt such different strategies to help them in the creation of their edge.

Matt of Football Elite pays very little, if any, attention to team news. This contrasts starkly to James of the Summer Of Football service, who regularly mentions the impact team news has on his thinking, and who in some leagues has decided to only issue a tip if the team news can be considered a significant influence on the possible outcome of the match.

Matt's logic is that within the major European leagues, where even the smaller clubs have fairly sizeable squads from which to choose their starting eleven, a team missing a player or three is inconsequential. Matt's belief is that long term form provides a far stronger indicator to the outcome of a match than the effect of injuries and suspensions. It should be noted that Summer Of Football frequently plays within smaller leagues - the Brazilian second division for example - and I can see immediately that a team missing a couple of influential players could be placed at a considerable disadvantage, putting together a team as they are, from a smaller and weaker squad.

It is clear that there is no right or wrong approach to the issue of team news when identifying selections. Both Football Elite and Summer Of Football are successful at what they do. As is Skeeve who does analyse player availability and The Football Analyst who comes about as far away as it is possible to get from looking at team news by using ratings and algorithms, pure and simple.

What point am I trying to make? That's a fine question and one to which I'm not sure I have an answer. I just found it interesting, that's all. Perhaps I need to get out more.


Tuesday's Betting

Was better on Monday when there were no bets. Poor day, yesterday.

Northern Monkey
Just one losing bet for Wayne.
Staked 1pt, -1pt

Form Lab Lite
A couple of doubles on the World Cup Qualifiers (by the way, how boring were they!?! The sooner we all get back to proper, club football, the better!) but neither proved successful.
Staked 2pts, -2pts

Service X
A winner! Hurrah! One bet, one winner.
Staked 2pts, +1.064pts


Month to date figures...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 13.75pts, -5.468pts, roi -39.77%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 1pt, -0.083pts, roi -8.33%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 2.9pts, +2.135pts, roi 73.62%
Total roi 5.49%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 1pt, +/- (+/-£), roi 0%, ROC 0%
Summer Of Football: Staked 11pts, +4.072pts, roi 37.01%, ROC 16.28%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 13pts, -5.445pts, roi -41.88%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 5pts, +8.785pts, roi 175.71%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 6pts, -4.565pts, roi -76.08%
Skeeve Total: Staked 24pts, -1.224pts, roi -5.1%, ROC -1.53%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.5pts, +0.063pts, roi 12.6%, ROC 1.05%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 14pts, +0.512pts, roi 3.65%, ROC 1.02%
Sportyy: Staked 6.5pts, -2.232pts, roi -34.33%, ROC -2.79%
Service X: Staked 85pts, -11.397pts, roi -13.4%, ROC -11.39%
Total roi 5.7%

Grand Total roi 5.67%


See you tomorrow.


Tuesday 11 September 2012

Rien. Nada. Niente. Nowt.

The heading refers to yesterday's betting. Or lack of.

Not one bet! Not one! I can't remember the last time that happened and it wasn't Christmas day.

Doesn't leave much to blog about, does it?

So in the absence of any decent subject material, allow me to say a big, jolly, "Well Done" to Andy Murray. Not sure if Andy will see this, but what the heck.

Being serious for a second, I was really pleased to see him win. Whether he's a likeable character or not (and to be honest, I really can't see what that matters), I admire him for squeezing the very most out of his quite considerable talent. To put it bluntly, he's worked his bollocks off, and in whatever walk of life, when you see somebody do that to maximise a God-given talent, that to me is hugely admirable. So many don't. So many waste their talent through sheer laziness, content to get by in a comfort zone created by being naturally better than most within whatever field they specialise (and I'm not necessarily referring only to sport here). To someone such as me, who can only look at at such talent with a mix of awe and envy, such an attitude is criminal. I don't believe in sportspeople as role models - the only role model a child needs is it's parents as far as I'm concerned. But to a parent of a nine year old boy who doesn't naturally apply himself 100% to everything he sets out to do but who usually does well when he does, I can point to Andy Murray as an example of someone who deserves to be a winner because he's neither rested on his laurels nor let huge disappointment knock him back. He is a lesson in being rewarded as a direct result of giving it everything, and that's a darned good lesson to learn.


Might be some betting to report on tomorrow....

Monday 10 September 2012

Weekendus Horribilis!

I think I may have mentioned it before on the blog, but during the mainstream football season, weekends generally fall into one of three categories.

1. Don't really make much profit or loss;

2. Make a bundle; or

3. Lose a packet.

Unfortunately, the Saturday just gone fell into Category 3.

Over the season, we hope there are more Cat.2 weekends than 3. That's how we make our money. Didn't make any on Saturday, I can tell you.

Weekend's Betting

Northern Monkey
I get the feeling that Wayne is tipping well without actually seeing the results at the minute. Most of his selections are running well without quite getting their heads in front. Saturday was a prime example of this when he went big on one horse in a race and had a saver win bet on another. They finished 1-2, but the wrong way around. Similarly, other good priced selections have finished a head second; enough to make a small profit on an each way bet but not the bigger profits provided by winners.

Friday too, was a similar story with two third places (Sound Amigo - Haydock - 14/1 and Cape Classic - Haydock - 15/2), but there was a very nice winner, albeit with a comparitively smaller stake (Roxy Flyer - Kempton - 16/1).
Staked 8pts, -0.619pts

The Sportsman Racing
The only other racing service to be involved over the weekend was TSR, who had a loser on Saturday.
Staked 0.5pts, -0.5pts

Summer Of Football
Another very solid weekend for SOF with two winners from two in Brazil on Friday, and one from one on Sunday. Was the one bright footballing light over the weekend.
Staked 3pts, +2.341pts

Service X
Very frustrating weekend. I mentioned last week that I miss a few bets due to the odds crashing but that it hadn't cost me. This weekend Sod's Law really hit home. The bets I could get on lost, and the ones I couldn't won. Last game of cricket this season was on Saturday so I don't think I'll be so badly affected as I was this weekend. Here's hoping not, anyway.
Staked 34pts, -6.468pts

Form Lab Lite
One out of two winners on Friday but got excited about a treble they had, with the first two legs winning. However, Scotland refusing to either score goals or concede them buggered that one up. A decent winner yesterday in Italy to counter somewhat the two other losers the day before.
Staked 6pts, -1.227pts

The Sportsman
Similar situation to The Sportsman Racing in that we had one bet which lost. The players at the Crewe game were obviously taking their lead from the Scots. Goals are what we needed...goals, goals, goals.
Staked 0.15pts, -0.15pts

Skeeve (Asians)
Not Skeeve's greatest weekend. Luton's abject performance put paid the bigger Asian bet, and Telford refusing to do the business added to the loss.
Staked 7pts, -7pts

Skeeve (Shortlist)
Four shortlist bets and just the one winner (to half stakes).
Staked 4pts, -2.565pts


Month's figures to date...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 12.75pts, -4.468pts, roi -35.04%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 1pt, -0.083pts, roi -8.33%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 2.9pts, +2.135pts, roi 73.62%
Total roi 9.27%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 1pt, +/-, roi 0%, ROC 0%
Summer Of Football: Staked 11pts, +4.072pts, roi 37.01%, ROC 16.28%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 13pts, -5.445pts, roi -41.88%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 5pts, +8.785pts, roi 175.71%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 6pts, -4.565pts, roi -76.08%
Skeeve Total: Staked 24pts, -1.224pts, roi -5.1%, ROC -1.53%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.5pts, +0.063pts, roi 12.6%, ROC 1.05%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 12pts, +2.512pts, roi 20.93%, ROC 5.02%
Sportyy: Staked 6.5pts, -2.232pts, roi -34.33%, ROC -2.79%
Service X: Staked 83pts, -12.461pts, roi -15.01%, ROC -12.46%
Total roi 7.94%

Grand Total roi 8.13%


So there we have it. A pretty miserable weekend, really, even if a small profit was made on the Sunday. Meh. It happens. The month is still doing alright and if I'd been making losses but then had had a great weekend to get to the exact same position I'm in now, I'd be feeling all optimistic and happy-go-lucky! So I ain't going to get doomy and gloomy at this stage.

Not as doomy and gloomy as I was on Saturday evening, realising that there was a strong chance I'd broken a bone in my foot playing cricket. Bloody sore, I don't mind telling you.


Friday 7 September 2012

Technical hiccups in Asia.

The Asian bookmakers are brilliant for football betting. Pinnacle and SBO impose limits that are, and will always remain, well above the size of any stakes I will ever place. Although I have been led to believe that 12bet and 188bet do restrict the size of bets to a greater extent, compared to their UK/European counterparts, they are a Frankel running in a Seller at Catterick. With a head start.

However, I do have one gripe. It is not an uncommon occurence for the websites of the Asian bookmakers to crash, and while the downtime doesn't tend to last for that long a period of time, it's enough for me to start feeling a little bit edgy. I don't keep thousands in these accounts, but there is always a fair few hundred sitting in there, my aim being to avoid constantly having to deposit sums to enable me to bet. So when the sites crash, I start to wonder if my money is safe. Compared to William Hill and Paddy Power, they seem so far away, if you know what I mean?

The 12bet site started playing up on Wednesday. A very helpful chap in the SBC forum provided the link to a back up website yesterday which worked a treat when I first tried it, but later that day, that too was rendered redundant by the technical problems 12bet were suffering from. It was not until this morning that the site has returned to normal functionality.

The Pinnacle site is frequently down. For organisations that in every other way conduct themselves with very high levels of professionalism - at least in my experience - it is surprising that they suffer such frequent technical hiccups. For the sake of my nerves, I wish they'd get it sorted out.

Thursday's Betting

A very quiet day's betting that offered up the smallest of profits. Not enough for a takeaway, put it that way.

Northern Monkey
Just one bet from Wayne, which unfortunately was a loser.
Staked 1pt, -1pt

Winning Racing Tips
Stakes returned from the one bet that finished third (That'll Do Nicely - Sedgefield - 5/1).
Staked 0.7pts, +/-

Summer Of Football
A void bet in Brazil overnight.
Staked 1pt, +/-

Service X
Two bets. The first was the same void bet as the one selected by Summer Of Football, but the second bet from Brazil proved to be a winner.
Staked 6pts, +2.55pts


Month to date...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 4.75pts, -3.85pts, roi -81.05%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 0.5pts, +0.416pts, roi 83.34%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 2.9pts, +2.135pts, roi 73.62%
Total roi 32.79%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 1pt, +/- (+/-£), roi 0%, ROC 0%
Summer Of Football: Staked 8pts, +1.73pts, roi 21.62%, ROC 6.92%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 6pts, +1.554pts, roi 25.91%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 5pts, +8.785pts, roi 175.71%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 2pts, -2pts, roi -100%
Skeeve Total: Staked 13pts, +8.34pts, roi 64.15%, ROC 10.42%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.35pts, +0.213pts, roi 60.85%, ROC 3.55%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 5pts, +3.738pts, roi 74.77%, ROC 7.47%
Sportyy: Staked 6.5pts, -2.232pts, roi -34.33%, ROC -2.79%
Service X: Staked 49pts, -5.993pts, roi -12.23%, ROC -5.99%
Total roi 25.14%

Grand Total roi 26.22%


Friday evening. Oh yes.

Thursday 6 September 2012

The FA can whistle!

Right. The FA! WTF!?!?

I've mentioned before I manage a junior footie team. U10s this year. Funnily enough, it was the U9s last year. Last season I'd email parents to check availability, then turn up Saturday morning with a couple of balls, stick up the goalposts and we were away. 14 kids having fun, two wannabe Jose Mourinhos/Arsene Wengers getting far more excited than is proper on the touchline, and a good time was had by all.

Now? Oh, no. I have to fill in match report cards, assess referees, ensure players are registered with the local FA, send emails via the FA website to the opposition manager the week prior, get signatures, blah, blah, blah. And there's me, thinking it should just be about football-mad boys playing football. Apparently not.

I don't suppose my chagrin has no consequence at the moment, but I'm telling you now, there will be a day of reckoning. When my managerial talents, which I'm demonstrating so strongly with the U10s, are properly recognised (as they surely will), and when the FA Headhunter comes knocking to see if I'd be interested in taking over from Roy Hodgson, I shall let my views be known and in no uncertain terms. They will be left in no doubt that unless I have a written declaration stating clearly that I need not do all the admin, I shall not be accepting any offer they might make. Enough is enough.


You may have guessed, there's not a great deal to blog about today. :)


Wednesday's Betting

What a fine day! Nice profit banked so not complaining at all.

One thing that has struck me though. I wouldn't be at all surprised to start seeing a bit more volatility in my returns from this point. The increased levels of staking for Summer Of Football allied to the soon to be introduced big bets on The Football Analyst aswell as the likes of Skeeve and Football Elite mean that there is much greater potential for big winning days and big losing days. Need to be ready for it.

Winning Racing Tips
The only racing service in action yesterday was Winning Racing Tips. After warming up with a nice each way bet on a horse that finished second (Minella Ranger - Hereford - bits of 9/1, 13/2 and 6/1), a lovely winner was found to produce a rather nice level of profit (Bogsnog - Bath - 7/2 and 100/30).
Staked 1.8pts, +2.535pts

Summer Of Football
One bet in Brazil overnight and a good winner.
Staked 1pt, +1.035pts

Form Lab Lite
And exactly the same can be said of Form Lab Lite. I'm beginning to like Brazilians.
Staked 1pt, +1.06pts

Service X
Well would you believe it? Three bets and not one winner!
Staked 8pts, -8pts


Month to date figures...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 3.75pts, -2.85pts, roi -76%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 0.5pts, +0.416pts, roi 83.34%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 2.2pts, +2.135pts, roi 97.04%
Total roi 48.07%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 1pt, +/- (+/-£), roi 0%, ROC 0%
Summer Of Football: Staked 7pts, +1.73pts, roi 24.71%, ROC 6.92%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 6pts, +1.554pts, roi 25.91%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 5pts, +8.785pts, roi 175.71%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 2pts, -2pts, roi -100%
Skeeve Total: Staked 13pts, +8.34pts, roi 64.15%, ROC 10.42%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.35pts, +0.213pts, roi 60.85%, ROC 3.55%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 5pts, +3.738pts, roi 74.77%, ROC 7.47%
Sportyy: Staked 6.5pts, -2.232pts, roi -34.33%, ROC -2.79%
Service X: Staked 43pts, -8.543pts, roi -19.86%, ROC -8.54%
Total roi 25.63%

Grand Total roi 28.41%








Wednesday 5 September 2012

Consistency of staking and the importance of psychological comfort blankets.

Sometimes, you just have to do what feels right. You can read all the portfolio theory in the world, set your gambling operation up in a truly textbook manner, and adopt a mindset that refuses to allow you any room for slackness or error when placing bets and recording results. But never, and I mean never, underplay the importance of doing what feels right.

With this in mind, I've upped stakes for Summer of Football, but increased bank size from 20 to 25 points. This will obviously affect my recording of the ROC figures for the service in the results section of the blog.

The plan had always been to raise the stakes. If you remember, Summer Of Football was being run over the summer period on a trial basis. The basis of this plan lay in the practicalities of following, not on the short term results - it would be folly to judge the suitability of a service based only on a few month's performance figures. No, if everything fit well in terms of odds availability, bookmakers that I could use, timings of bet release and all the other practicalities that are a part of following a service, then the intention was always to increase staking in the autumn. And autumn is here. You can tell by how bloody chilly it is early morning now.

The thing is though, is that Summer Of Football is a relatively high turnover service. As such, then theoretically, the ride should be a fairly smooth one. Compare with Football Elite for example, which has a considerably lower turnover of selections. With FE, losing runs can feel worse than they really are, simply because there are not that many bets issued each week. A poor run of 10 to 12 bets could take over a month/six weeks from beginning to end. The same number of bets with Summer Of Football could easily be issued over just a week to ten days. In other words, a poor run should be a short, sharp shock and soon over...a 100 metre sprint to losing, in contrast to a 10,000 metre test of stamina and bloody mindedness.

This should mean that I feel more comfortable staking more money over, say, a weekend, on the Summer Of Football selections. But I don't. Flying completely in the face of logic (and I am not a woman, I assure you - let's face it, women often fly in the face of logic; otherwise, why would Helen have ever married me? She really could have done so much better!), I actually feel a little out of my betting comfort zone.

The significance of forcing oneself out of a comfort zone when it comes to gambling, is that in my experience, it leads to making what should be easily avoidable mistakes. It can be very difficult to resist the temptation to lower the size of stakes and revert to allocating lower levels of funds to a particular service, should a poor run arrive, as it surely will. I know this, because I have well and truly fallen into this trap in the past. It was this very mistake I made with Graeme's The Football Analyst systems during Year 1 of following. I knew I was wrong in what I did. I knew then as well as I do now that consistency of staking is imperative if you hope to have any chance at all of making money long term, and yet I still ballsed up. I was mentally weak, and what had weakened me was my not thinking things through properly and not accepting my own psychological limitations. In a nutshell, what happened was that I made good profits, upped my stakes, immediately suffered a poor run and lost a relatively high proportion of the profits, lowered my stakes again, and consequently took longer to recoup my losses and forge further into profit when the good results returned. A nightmare scenario brought about purely by my own doing. By the end of the season, I had made good money following TFA, but nowhere near as much money as it should have been.

Over time, I have realised that my level of psychological comfort is directly related to the size bank I have. I'd have no trouble now (I don't think) quadrupling my stake size across the portfolio, if I had quadruple the size of bank behind me. I suppose I think this way because I've been through a lot of losing spells now, and have come out the other end ok. I can look back on the trying periods and see that actually, because my bank has been of sufficient size, I had never been in any real danger of doing my dough; that I had ample cash reserves to see out the bad times.

And so now, with Summer Of Football, I feel far more comfortable placing more cash on the tips having expanded the size of bank dedicated to the service.

Taking the specifics out of the Summer Of Football equation though, the message in this post is to not underestimate your psychological wellbeing when it comes to your gambling. Sure, let's do things properly. Let's set ourselves up in such a way as to give ourselves the best possible chance of succeeding. Let's not be timid for that would just as easily prevent us from achieving our aims, but when all is said and done, you need to be able to sleep at night. Preferably with a lovely psychological comfort blanket that comes from sometimes simply doing what feels the right thing to do, to keep you warm and cosy.


Tuesday's Betting

Not such a good day. Not disastrous by any stretch, but you know something? I only like making profits! I'm a simple soul in many ways.

Northern Monkey
Two win bets and neither got over the line in first place. The first of them got a shocker of a ride and was never really given a chance. Darned annoying when that happens.
Staked 1.75pts, -1.75pts

Winning Racing Tips
An each way double. I lost interest when I saw the first one lose.
Staked 0.4pts, -0.4pts

Sportyy
Murray winning so comprehensively against Raonic was not good for my betting.
Staked 1.5pts, -1.5pts

Service X
Preventing a whitewash on the day was Service X, which came up with one bet and a winner over in Argentina.
Staked 3pts, +2.19pts


Month to date...

(*Please note that ROC figures quoted are those for the month. I shall put the season to date ROC figures at the end of each month.)

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 3.75pts, -2.85pts, roi -76%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 0.5pts, +0.416pts, roi 83.34%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 0.4pts, -0.4pts, roi -100%
Total roi -28.32%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 1pt, +/- (+/-£), roi 0%, ROC 0%
Summer Of Football: Staked 6pts, +0.695pts, roi 11.58%, ROC 2.78%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 6pts, +1.554pts, roi 25.91%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 5pts, +8.785pts, roi 175.71%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 2pts, -2pts, roi -100%
Skeeve Total: Staked 13pts, +8.34pts, roi 64.15%, ROC 10.42%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.35pts, +0.213pts, roi 60.85%, ROC 3.55%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 4pts, +2.678pts, roi 66.96%, ROC 5.35%
Sportyy: Staked 6.5pts, -2.232pts, roi -34.33%, ROC -2.79%
Service X: Staked 35pts, -0.543pts, roi -1.55%, ROC -0.54%
Total roi 25.97%

Grand Total roi 21.66%

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Life, death, and blackberries.

Today was one of those days where I'm forced into taking a day off work. The school that Helen works at returned after the summer holidays, whilst the kids' don't go back to their school until tomorrow. So unless the two are to be left to fend for themselves for the day, which would be a bit harsh bearing in mind their ages, Muggins here had to stay at home.

To be honest, whenever I take these days off, I can't help but think about what I'm doing with my life. And I'm writing this because I'm sure there are an awful lot in the same boat, who harbour the same thoughts.

I'm very fortunate to live just outside a town that is large enough to carry two supermarkets, but small enough to be surrounded by countryside, even if Manchester is only ten miles or so north. Less than a mile away are fields, copses, streams, etc. There's hardly anyone about and it's peaceful. It's also a great place for the kids to play, let their imagination run free, build dens, dams and generally act like kids did in the old Enid Blyton storybooks. It all seems incredibly old fashioned, but they come home tired and filthy. More to the point, so do I.

Anyway, there we were this afternoon, the three of us enjoying the warm, early autumn sunshine, picking blackberries. I looked at my watch, saw it was 3.30, and realised that were I at work, I'd be making myself my mid-afternoon cup of coffee, stuck in a small office, doing what needed to be done, waiting for home time. My view would be that of a grey, functional but featureless car park. My only stimulant, caffeine.

I guess what I'm trying to say here is that you can't help but wonder at times, if there shouldn't be more to life. We're not on this planet for very long. If you have kids, they're children for only a short period of time. And ultimately, whether you have children or not, isn't life too short to be spending major parts of it doing something that you would rather not be doing?

People say that when someone close to you dies, especially if prematurely, that it makes you think that you really do need to be making the most of every day. Death makes the living put things into a starker contrast and examine themselves and their lifestyles a little more than perhaps they are used to. Fingers crossed and wood touched, that hasn't yet happened to me. But I can so see the sense behind the sentiment. Is the trick not to wait for someone close to you to die before realising this?

What am I going on about? That's a fine question. I think what I'm getting at (and let's not forget that this is supposed to be a gambling blog) is that if I ever went to gambling/trading full time, ie. if I ever used it as my primary source of income, then I wouldn't be doing it for the money. I'd be doing it for the the time. Time for the family. Time to read. Time to learn new things. Time to appreciate what you have and to be thankful for it. And yes, I realise that if done properly, trading particularly can be very time consuming, and darned hard work. Nobody is saying that an "alternative" lifestyle is any less demanding. But the hours aren't as regimented. To a large extent they can be made flexible, supplicant to the individual's needs. I tell you something. That doesn't half sound appealing.

Monday's Betting

Yes, yes, yes, I can hear you all saying. That's all very well and good but how did the betting go?

Not too bad, really, although there was very little action involved.

Northern Monkey
Just the one bet on the nags today, and that drifted out from 9/2 to 7/1 on course before running well to finish second, thus providing a small return.
Staked 0.75pts, +0.15pts

Form Lab Lite
The only other bet today was a winning one in Sweden at odds of 6/4.
Staked 1pt, +1.5pts


Month to date figures...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 2pts, -1.1pts, roi -55%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 0.5pts, +0.416pts, roi 83.34%
Total roi 21.85%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 1pt, +/- (+/-£), roi 0%, ROC 0%
Summer Of Football: Staked 6pts, +0.695pts, roi 11.58%, ROC 2.78%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 6pts, +1.554pts, roi 25.91%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 5pts, +8.785pts, roi 175.71%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 2pts, -2pts, roi -100%
Skeeve Total: Staked 13pts, +8.34pts, roi 64.15%, ROC 10.42%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.35pts, +0.213pts, roi 60.85%, ROC 3.55%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 4pts, +2.678pts, roi 66.96%, ROC 5.35%
Sportyy: Staked 5pts, -0.732pts, roi -14.64%, ROC -0.91%
Service X: Staked 32pts, -2.733pts, roi -8.54%, ROC -2.73%
Total roi 27.91%

Grand Total roi 27.61%


Monday 3 September 2012

Noses and cigarette butts. Not a good combo.

Well in the end, playing cricket in Chester saved me a few quid.

It was a real mish mash of a betting day, Saturday. Having to leave for cricket a full hour earlier than normal to give myself enough time to schlep along the M56 meant that I wasn't able to place a few bets. Amongst them the entire On The Nose smorgasbord of selections, within which were a decent winner and an each way bet at a good price that placed, but they were included alongside two or three that didn't provide returns so I don't think I ended up missing out on much. The real bullet dodged was The Sportsman's football bet which turned out to be a loser, but The Sportsman Racing's selection I was able to place (during the tea interval) and that was a winner, so heh! Result.

Ultimately Saturday provided a decent if unspectacular profit, but happy days Sunday; strong returns for an excellent day's punting, although not a horse in sight.

Weekend's Betting

Northern Monkey
Two bets Saturday. Two losers.
Staked 1.25pts, -1.25pts

The Sportsman Racing
Well we already know it won, don't we? (Law Enforcement - Sandown - 5/6).

Summer Of Football
A profit is a profit, and we got some of that this weekend from SOF. A loser and a void bet on Sunday, but winners in Brazil and the MLS (x2) from four bets yesterday ensure the weekend's balance was positive.
Staked 6pts, +0.695pts

Football Elite
Matt sure is treading cautiously in these early weeks (and no criticism from me on that score!). Just the one bet this week, again backed DNB, and as the result was 0-0, stakes were returned.
Staked 1pt, +/-

Skeeve (Asians)
A very strong week all told for Skeeve. The Asians saw two winning bets from three (Forest Green (-1) vs Hyde and Mansfield (-0.5) vs Woking) and a pleasant enough profit.
Staked 6pts, +1.554pts

The real gains though, were made by...

Skeeve (Doubles)
One bet. One bet staked strongly. One bet - one winner. If I was Ray Winstone, I'd be going around saying, "Sweet!" an awful lot whilst looking 'ard, stubbing out a fag on some poor bugger's nose because they happened to look at me funny. Know what I mean? Still, don't know what he's got to be so upset about. At least he can get on in-play at Bet365, which is a lot more than I can. Anyway, I digress. The winning bet...(Forest Green to bt Hyde and Bath to bt Billericay). This one bet provided a big profit, and was essentially the reason why Saturday's figures were positive and not negative. Nice when that happens. Sweet.
Staked 5pts, +8.785pts

Skeeve (Shortlist)
No such joy here; two losers. Mind you, Skeeve has nothing to worry about. I don't smoke. His nose will be fine.
Staked 2pts, -2pts

Service X
Another typically busy weekend over in Central and South America, but not so much profit this time. The stats read 12 bets, 7 wins.
Staked 32pts, -2.297pts

Sportyy
Lucky again on Saturday. Two losing selections were given, but (due to the cricket!) I was only able to get on one of them. Another bet yesterday provided an easy winner (Levante vs Espanyol - Over 2.5 goals).
Staked 5pts, -0.732pts

The Sportsman
Like I say, a loser on Saturday avoided and two winners yesterday! When I tell you that one of the bets was Manchester United to bt Southampton, you can see why I feel that fortune was batting for me this weekend. He's a good'un, that Van Persie! Well, he is until tomorrow anyway. Then he can go back to being a complete t*at. Believe me, if I ever bump into him, I'll make sure I'll have a Benson & Hedges Gold ready to hand, and his nose - as opposed to Skeeve's - will be in serious and imminent danger.
Staked 0.35pts, +0.213pts

Month to date figures...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 1.25pts, -1.25pts, roi -100%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 0.5pts, +0.416pts, roi 83.34%
Total roi 22.22%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 1pt, +/- (+/-£), roi 0%, ROC 0%
Summer Of Football: Staked 6pts, +0.695pts, roi 11.58%, ROC 2.78%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 6pts, +1.554pts, roi 25.91%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 5pts, +8.785pts, roi 175.71%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 2pts, -2pts, roi -100%
Skeeve Total: Staked 13pts, +8.34pts, roi 64.15%, ROC 10.42%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.35pts, +0.213pts, roi 60.85%, ROC 3.55%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 3pts, +1.178pts, roi 39.26%, ROC 2.35%
Sportyy: Staked 5pts, -0.732pts, roi -14.64%, ROC -0.91%
Service X: Staked 32pts, -2.733pts, roi -8.54%, ROC -2.73%
Total roi 24.98%

Grand Total roi 24.87%


Got away with things this weekend. Put in a nutshell, I was bloody lucky to post a profit on Saturday, and the fact that was built on so strongly on Sunday makes me feel as if I've done something that has pleased the Gambling Gods. Either that or they're pissed.

Let's hope they don't sober up any time soon.

Sunday 2 September 2012

Friday's results and August Review

So Friday saw the end of summer, what there was of one, and the culmination of another month's betting.

Friday's Betting

Small profit on the day.

On The Nose
Two losing win bets but both were put in an each way double and both placed, so a very small loss on the day.
Staked 1.5pts, -0.293pts

Northern Monkey
Wayne's strong latter part of the month continued with his one selection providing a nice winner (Postscript - Sandown - 7/2).
Staked 0.75pts, +2.625pts

Sportyy
A tiny profit on the tennis with one winner from two bets (Mayer to bt Robredo - 1.4/1). Can't help feeling a little unfortunate as the loser came out second best after a gruelling five set marathon of a match and to my eyes, lost through sheer tiredness more than anything else.
Staked 3.5pts, +0.1pt

Form Lab Lite
A poor end to the month generally, and certainly tonight; the one bet proving to be a losing one.
Staked 1pt, -1pt

So, the end of month figures read like this...

Racing
Northern Monkey: Staked 46.375pts, +13.286pts, roi 28.65%
On The Nose: Staked 52.5pts, +13.319pts, roi 25.37%
The Sportsman Racing: Staked 4pts, -0.947pts, roi -23.68%
Winning Racing Tips: Staked 8.6pts, -0.686pts, roi -7.98%
The Market Examiner: Staked 34pts, -14.8pts, roi -43.52%
Total roi 14.64%

Sports
Football Elite: Staked 1pt, +/- (+/-£), roi 0%, ROC 0%
Summer Of Football: Staked 26pts, +9.785pts, roi 48.92%
Skeeve (Asians): Staked 17pts, +0.274pts, roi 1.61%
Skeeve (Doubles): Staked 11pts, -1.672pts, roi -15.2%
Skeeve (Shortlist): Staked 4pts, -1.188pts, roi -29.7%
Skeeve Total: Staked 32pts, -2.586pts, roi -8.08%, ROC -3.23%
The Sportsman: Staked 0.8pts, +0.084pts, roi 10.5%, ROC 1.4%
Form Lab Lite: Staked 31pts, -6.995pts, roi -22.56%, ROC -13.99%
Sportyy: Staked 48.5pts, +22.251pts, roi 45.87%, ROC 27.81%
Service X: Staked 265.2pts, +35.833pts, roi 13.51%, ROC 35.83%
Total roi 13.21%

Grand Total roi 13.62%


In terms of turnover August was very, very close to that of July, which with the return to action of Skeeve surprised me a little. This is accounted for by the lack of any action from On The Oche.

Any month in which the roi runs at over 13% has to be considered a very good one, but what is even more pleasing is that it runs hot on the heels of a good July (roi 10.43%). It is far too early to say with any real confidence, but I'm hoping that the changes I made to the portfolio in the early summer - ie. the introduction of three high turnover services - is pushing the portfolio to higher levels of consistency. No conclusions yet on this front, but the early signs are promising.

After a poor first six months to the year, it is particularly pleasing to see On The Nose post up a second consecutive strong month. Of course The Judge takes September off (as does The Market Examiner), but he must be going into the autumn with confidence boosted. That Northern Monkey too enjoyed a second straight good month, might I suggest that a mercifully dry period leading to consistent going conditions have suited these two form readers?

Great to see Sportyy have a really strong month after July's disaster. And hats off again the Summer of Football whose performance over the summer has been truly exceptional. I am now seeing prices put under some pressure, but nothing yet that raises too much cause for concern.

As for Service X...it's a strange one. Normally, if I was regularly missing bets with a service because I couldn't get a reasonable price, I'd give it up as a bad job. But the sheer number of selections (which are prolific) and the massively high strike rate means that this doesn't really matter. Since joining, the service has been hugely consistent, and my thanks again to my friend who introduced me to it and essentially got me into the service.

The only service to disappoint this month was Form Lab Lite, and the past three months have proven to be a bit of a struggle without any real damage being inflicted. Here's hoping that the start of the new winter seasons across Europe will see it bounce back in September.

So a lot to look forward to. This time last month I was keenly anticipating the return of Skeeve and Football Elite. This month it's The Football Analyst. One note of caution though. I remember feeling similarly excited going into September 2011, only for TFA to endure what turned out to be it's worst (and really only poor) month of the year. I'm not saying that history will repeat itself, but even the best have poor months and there's nothing to say that it doesn't happen before the good times roll.