Psychology of Slot Machines

The old-style fruit machines. 

Just a bit of fun. I doubt too many addicts would agree. However, the mentality of gamblers varies from one extreme to the other. Some bet and walk away, while others simply cannot stop pulling that one-armed bandit or pressing a flashing button until they are broke. 

Interesting how people vary so much. People do their own thing. Some, I guess, are more likely to be addicted to gambling or a certain type of gamble. When over 50% of the population bet, it is a worry for those who realise too late that a ''seemingly'' innocent pastime has cost them their home, marriage and life. 

Fruit machines are one of the most addictive forms of gambling. 

As a child, I used to go to Caister-on-sea for our annual holiday. Every September, missing the first week of the new school year because dad loved his racing at Great Yarmouth. Holidays were cheaper. I didn't like school so I would have opted for one long holiday fifty-two weeks a year. Anyway, the arcade on the holiday camp was ideal for two brothers who liked the look of the fruit machines. It was in the 1970s so we were talking pretty basic stuff. They even had a few of those old, chromed numbers with the Indian head, the class one-armed bandits which these days are collector's items and go for a few grand a piece. We were in our element. A pocket of twopences and motivated by the lights, noise of coins paying out willingly. The smell of hot dogs drifting in the air. Mum and dad listening to the entertainment. Dad with his brown and mild. Happy times. We played those machines with spirit. Not sure, thinking back, what was going through my mind. I guess it was the thought of winning. When you have a pound's worth of change in your pocket anything seems possible! 

Win or lose it didn't make any great difference. Basically, it was fun. I don't regret betting or my parents suggesting it was okay or acceptable. Like father like son. I will be forever proud of my dad.    

In some respects, betting from such an early age may have been a good thing. It brought a realisation that to win at gambling you need to have intelligence and discipline. By the time I was a teenager I was bored to death with fruit machines. I realised they were fixed odds, so long term you simply couldn't win. 

I hadn't played a slot machine in years but thought I'd have a bit of fun on Saturday evening. I use Betfair for betting horses on the exchange but they have everything on the website including online slots. 

I thought I'd bet a tenner. 

Slot machines are very different from the good, old days. But one thing that came to mind was the amount of psychological research which must go into making these games big money makers from casinos, bookmakers or whoever sets these businesses up.

They are made to keep you betting and they have cracked that aspect of betting without question.  

I won £200, so good luck favours the brave. Stopped playing and very much doubt I will be playing for a good few months.  

Pixabay: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given 

Gambling: When the Fun Stops, Stop!

Watching TV.  One thing you may have noticed is the amount of advertising from leading bookmakers. Casino. Slots. Two flies crawling up a wall. 

Any random sporting event on TV. (What's the odds of a bookmaker ad?) 

Love a bit of darts action. But what do we see each and every advert? More reasons to gamble on just about everything! 

The problem with gambling is that it isn't, for many, as easy as saying: 'When the fun stops, STOP!'

What a ridiculous statement. Seemingly negating any responsibility for those who can't stop gambling. Addiction is clearly a problem for many people. I have never had a gambling problem simply because I am very disciplined and don't bet for fun. I would suggest that most people shouldn't be for 'pleasure'. Firstly there is nothing fun, funny, humorous about losing money. If you want to bet for any reason than making money, then play with matchsticks or casino chips you can buy without any great cost. You can learn how to bet more successfully. When you consider it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert (it takes longer) then a novice has much to learn.

Why shouldn't you bet for fun? Because it encourages people to not take their gambling/investing seriously. Money is a serious business. Gambling is even more serious because not only do you have the opportunity to make lots of money but the majority it is an opportunity to lose what they cannot afford. 

That's why I would suggest if you bet for fun then take a moment to re-assess why you are betting in the first place. 

There are lots of very naive gamblers attracted by adverts promoting 'fun'. They suck people in who simply do not have the experience or understanding to appreciate what they are dealing with. It's akin to playing with that ouija board and daring to ask the question: What date will I die?

Perhaps that question is going beyond what people ask before, during or after gambling. They could simply ask: How much will I win (positive) or how much will I lose (perhaps, realistic if you are betting for 'fun').

People need to appreciate that gambling isn't fun. To win you need to be better your opponents. You wouldn't fancy your chances racing Usain Bolt over 100m and you shouldn't fancy yourself to beat a bookmaker, layer or informed bloke in the pub if he is willing to take your bet. Unless you are very confident you will win.

In legal terms they say buyer beware. It is a good maxim for those who wish to bet. Gambler beware.

The bookmakers filter people like a sieve. 

If you win too much they will soon close your account. They need new 'clients' and as long as you lose they will allow you to bet. That's why you are best to use betting exchanges. 

I do have concerns about the impact of children watching sport and being tainted by bookmaker advertising. 'Can I bet, Dad?'

What are your thoughts on gambling advertising? 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given

Big Deal: Poker Player Robbie Box Made TV Gold

So few TV programs do gambling justice. Who can remember the ill-fated Trainer? What a horrendous attempt at what ever they thought it was. 

We've seen a few fly-on-the wall documentaries about problem gamblers. Depressing. True, it is real to a point. Although the term demand characteristics pop into my head when I see anyone acting strangely in front of a camera of any kind. Don't you just love the staff in the shops who tell the bloke who is bashing the FOBT to death, to go home after he has lost all of his dough. Very ''When The Fun Stops - STOP!'' 

For so many people betting is bad news. Unless you look at it as a full-time job or you are happy betting 50p a week then PLEASE don't get caught in its net. 

One program I'm sure many readers have truly fond memories is Big Deal starring the talented Ray Brooks. This British comedy-drama was broadcast on the BBC between 1984 - 1986. The series created and written by Geoff McQueen. Unknown to me, he also created other noted TV programs as the Bill. Sadly, McQueen died in 1994 at the age of 46 from a aneurysm. 

Well, Robbie Box [Ray Brooks] was a small-time gambler with a poker addiction [I think more of a way of life than addiction but I may be splitting hairs].   

It was an excellent 3 series. There are a few episodes on Youtube and the BBC did have the wisdom of selling one or two series but then ceased their involvement to the irritation of many who were willing to pay good money to have this worthy DVD collection. 

In all 30 episodes were made. 

Here is the very first episode of this great gambling series. 

Photo: Pixabay free no attribution 

Betting Strategy: Why You Should Bet Big

Gambling. What comes to mind when you think of a gamble? Fun, the buzz, investment? I guess for most people it is a bit of fun - something to do to make that football match more interesting! 

I would suggest to all that you should never bet for fun. Why? Because it can be a slippery slope to a bad habit. How is it that some people are more prone to becoming addicted than others?  If psychology had the answer it would be a benefit to many who simply cannot walk past bookmakers without ''popping in for a little bet''.  

If you bet for fun - you need discipline. How many people bet with discipline? I have known a lot of very intelligent people. What I have observed about their betting is pure chaos without logic. It is literally like they have had a lobotomy. Remember the film One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest?  

Some people look at a race card, anticipate a bet, and a numbness comes across their senses, provoking a thought which lacks any understanding. It leads to loss, frustration and desperation (for some).

Bet with matchsticks if you notice your wallet is getting thinner with every bet. 

I guess you are thinking why is he mentioning all this stuff about not betting when the title is suggesting you bet more. 

If you put the time into learning how to gamble (bet, invest, wager) successfully then you should consider increasing your stake significantly. 

Why?

The time it takes to follow your niche to the highest level takes time. You simply cannot afford to be betting small stakes. Even if you are making decent money because you have big-priced winners it still doesn't make sense. 

Also, it helps focus the mind. A professional attitude leads to a professional approach. 

It can be so easy to bet smaller stakes to a point that it feels difficult to adjust even when your betting bank details you can afford to go to the next level. 

Once you start betting bigger stakes you will notice a big difference in how you look at your betting. Instead of creating problems it actually helps free the mind. Becuase you take those best bets seriously and they are the focus of your day. You are not searching for bets or distracted by white noise. 

Think about it...you bet £5 a time...does it matter whether you lose a small amount of money? However, over the weeks, months and years that continual five pounds equal a significant sum. Seven bets a week at five pound a time is thirty-five quid. Over a year we are talking almost a couple hundred shy of two grand. 

That is a significant sum. 

No one is saying you don't have winners. Some people may even be in profit over the season. But what will those £5 bets at 7/4f win you? What, the potential to win £20, £50 or £100 if you are lucky. 

Think if you had ten bets of £200 or twenty of £100. How would this impact your betting? I can guarantee you would think differently. That is the point at question. That difference between big and small bet detail a problem. Because, surely, there should be no difference. Without even betting, if you have a paper trail betting with your fictional £2000 at £100 a time. You will notice a difference. However, betting real money at big stakes will transform your understand, practice and success. It will also answer any questions you have about whether gambling is for you. Should you even carry on? 

I would rather lose £2000 with a chance of winning decent money and stop betting than carry on regardless thinking these small bets don't ''really'' matter. ''It's a bit of fun, hey?'' You know, that £2000 pales into insignificance over a lifetime. 

Gambling is a serious subject which needs similar thought and consideration. 

Don't bet for fun. 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution 

Great Yarmouth Grosvenor Casino Heading To Shadingfield Lodge

In the next two weeks, I will be travelling back to West Palm Beach, Florida. A change from our cold British weather to the tropics. Fifty days of paradise. Best of all, I get to see my beautiful Marlene. 

Before I leave, I've booked a night's stay at the Nelson Hotel at Great Yarmouth. I usually go to the Andover Hotel but I'm going with my brothers. At £65 for a family room and breakfast included it is perfect for a night away. 

So why are we going to Yarmouth?

As usual, it's one of two things: horse racing or the Grosvenor casino (often both). Well, there's no racing at this time of the year [being a Flat turf course]. We're having a night at the casino. I do enjoy this listed building. Shadingfield Lodge was built in the Victorian era and even frequented by Queen Victoria's son and future king of England Edward VII. 

Enough of the history lesson. 

The casino has a touch of class and the staff always bend over backwards to keep you happy. 

Now we know any casino can be a place where you go in all dressed up and come out losing your shirt. That doesn't need to be the case if you have discipline. You can enjoy a night out and it really doesn't need to cost much at all. In fact, with a touch of luck, you can return home with money in your pocket. 

I always play roulette. Saying that I have played three card poker. I  have been lucky and won a couple of times but the casino rake is on the high side especially if you play pair plus. To be honest, you will do well not to lose playing three card poker. I've had some seriously good hands and still wasn't pleased with the money I won. It is a very difficult game to win over an evening. 

Roulette is the best of all games to play at the casino. I think the take out is low which means if you have a touch of luck you can win. I always bet on a single number and corner. I simply look to see which number has come up a few times in the last two or three hours and stick with it. There is no logic to why the number should be any better than the other but it seems the case the same numbers come up on an evening. I've had plenty of evenings where the same number has come up four or five times. It's like getting a prial on three card poker. For that to happen on an evening of playing cards is exceptionally unlikely. 

Anyway, we will be heading to Great Yarmouth in the next two weeks and see if lady luck comes walking through the room. 

Those fifty pence chips go a long way. 

Photo: Jason Coote 

Gambler Wins At Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth

Reminiscing with this old post.

We're back from our annual pilgrimage to Great Yarmouth. 

It's in memory of my late father, Colin and many relatives sadly passed including uncle Fred, Keith, Roy and their friends who loved a bet. 

Avid readers will probably know we go to Yarmouth for fun, gambling and good food. The gambling part takes centre stage although I don't bet big money at the races on holiday compared with working from home. I find it difficult to be as professional as in my daily routines. The caravan I shared with a group of five isn't the most ideal place to contemplate wise bets although I did settle in with the holiday distractions better than I thought. 

I went to a couple of the race meetings and found a few winners which made it worthwhile. 

I missed meeting up with Jerry Banks which is a real shame. Jerry runs the great website called Jerry's Best Bets. He found the winner in the Listed race at Yarmouth, Beautiful Morning, who pretty much sauntered home in style. 

The casino wasn't such a pleasurable experience. I do enjoy the Grosvenor Casino because it is an old listed building with real character and charm. It is a great place to go for a cheap meal. They want to get you through the door and lose your money. I have done well at the casino over the last few years and, believe it or not, won money. This time the roulette wheel was spinning without luck and over three nights took a wedge out of my wallet. Not good. It can be depressing betting, watching that bloody ball stop in a number you haven't picked. 

It seems so easy after it has stopped! 

I'm still winning long term but not a great deal. The casino tempts punters from the races by giving a free drink and free bet to all who take their race badge. Basically, it is like them giving you £10 for free. Considering most people lose it is probably the best £10 they have ever spend on marketing. 

It is interesting watching others gamble. 

You get a real mix of people. Some betting 50p chips, £1 chips...while a few are either there to impress or just don't know when to stop. 

I guess everyone has their limit. 

I've been to the Grosvenor a lot and you see a few familiar faces. I'm pretty sure the majority of their customers are regular bettors. I say that because even mid-week they look a familiar crowd. 

A couple of them pretty big gamblers.

Each to their own. I have chatted to one or two in passing but not to appreciate their background or where they made their money. However, they are clearly not short of cash by the manner they bet. 

One of the regulars is Graham. He dresses in a comfortable fashion which belies how much he bets. He isn't there to impress in the fashion stakes but boy does he get the money out as that roulette wheel spins for its life scorching the veneer while fate decides your fortune. 

Graham didn't have the normal pink chips worth £100. In fact, at first, I couldn't see where he was getting his chips from. The croupier kept pushing £500 of £5 chips in his direction and then five £100 chips. So he was cashing up £1000 a time. I noticed he had a number of light-blue chips worth a grand a piece. 

To be fair, he was having about as much luck as me for the most part. He wistfully placed £500 in £5 chips across the table and lost the lot in about six consecutive spins. He carried on betting regardless if not with extra verve as he started putting the five £100 chips on too hoping lady luck would come smiling after a number of dastardly verdicts. 

Thankfully, Graham hit a single number with one of his £100 chips winning £3500. I heard him mention he was down £6000 before that win. I had seen him on the other table a bit earlier. 

Where do these people get all their money from? I will have to get chatting to him some time although he isn't really my kind of person or at least that is how I feel.  

The fine dining part comes from visiting Pamela's restaurant just around the corner from the casino. A jewel in the crown of Yarmouth. Well worth a visit with exceptional service and gourmet delights. I had one of those cocktails made with dry ice which looks rather spectacular if not difficult to drink as I kept breathing in those fumes. A great few days down Yarmouth. 

Thinking of those loving people past & present. 

Photo: Jason Coote 

Psychology can Improve your Betting Performance

Psychology: the study of behaviour and mind. To many, this offshoot of philosophy is akin to witchcraft. Others, it is just common sense. While for the majority: ''mumbo jumbo''. 

The strange thing about psychology is that we know it works. There have been studies which show when you walk into a supermarket, we walk so many paces before stopping, turning, and look around. You've probably done it a thousand times and never thought about it. It's walking, you stopped, so what! 

That's why someone had the brainwave of making sure the isles, offers or security guard (joke) are seemingly waiting at the right place to get you to buy. 

It begs the question, how many other things work like that? It is worrying to some extent as you may find yourself buying things, saying yes to someone who five minutes ago gave you a free pen, or liking someone or something that in ways always repulsed you before. You just put it down to being Friday! 

The power of psychology. Neuromarketing. Mumbo jumbo. 

Have you ever watched a TV advert and thought 'what's that all about'. McDonald's with its catchy whistle. Tapping into all those difference senses so you when you want a burger, you find yourself in their queue ''Cheeseburger, please!''. 

You robot! 

I guess we are a little fearful of the unknown. What's happening to me? I went to the shops to buy a packet of sweets and returned with a vacuum cleaner.

What are those bookmakers are doing with all this witchcraft? 

If you open a new account, we will give you 10/1 that Chelsea beat Whatever United! I see it somewhere else 5/4. 

But what about all those subtle things. You go in the bookies and someone asks if you want a cup of tea. Milk. Sugar. (How much did that cost me?)

I studied psychology and gained a degree a number of years ago. Social psychology is intriguing because it finds ways of tapping into the human condition to get you buying. Why is one salesman so much better than the rest of the team? If you studied this person you would identify how and why.

But how does this all related to an individual like you or me making psychology work for us to be a better gambler or win more money?

The key to finding winners is , in many ways, watching, taking note, and understanding winners. For instance, one aspect which often reveals bigger odds (value) is the contrast theory. Basically, if one horse beats another, many punters, bookmakers, layers will fancy the same result if they oppose each other at a later date. I know there may be changing variables such as weight, going, distance etc. However, it has been proven that people often assess the likelihood of the previous winner as having a greater chance of victory than it does. Meaning that the favourite is often under priced whereas the beaten horse is actually value at bigger odds.

Just stop for a moment, and consider how many other aspect of psychology could be at play when you bet. 

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5 Ways Psychology can Improve your Gambling

Psychology – the study of behaviour and mind. I think you will agree it is a fascinating subject because it helps identify knew wisdom, understanding and advancement of the human condition. 

You may have seen the subject of psychology detailed within gambling as psychopathology. Research relating to addiction, which is a problem for many who lose control and betting to a point of harm. I have always been interested in the other side of the coin. 

How can we use psychology to actually improve our chance of winning? 

It's a topic of conversation that I have heard very little news. However, I have spent many hours reading psychology books from a quantitative and qualitative perspective and these tips can help you win when betting on the horses. 

1) The chair you sit.

It sounds a crazy idea but research has shown that the chair you sit when making your bets can be the difference between winning and losing. Or, at least, improving your chances of making it a profitable day. It was found that people sitting on a harder chair were harder negotiators than those who sat in comfort. 

2) Be Careful who you listen to.

You may not realise it, but you are influenced without knowing. The racing paper, TV channel, opinions and thoughts can easily sway your judgement. If you have good reason to follow your tip – don't be swayed. 

3) Become an expert.

Can the novice punter be better than the expert? It is said that it takes 10,000 hours or study to become an expert of any subject. Make sure you put in the hours and especially work within a niche. It will give you a huge advantage over the opposition. 

4) I followed that horse off a cliff.

We've all been there. I bet on that horse the last three times so I can't afford to let it go by today. You probably didn't realise but this is psychology at work. You are much more likely to bet on an old favourite horse that n new name because of this previous relationship. However, you need to keep this point in mind as all too often this type of horse disappoint and become very costly to follow. 

5) The Contrast Theory.

This is worth noting. How many times have you seen one horse beat another only to see them re-oppose next start. Take a look at the betting. The beaten horse is likely to be a bigger price. Not a surprise you might say. But how big are the odds? The human condition details that we often make mistakes in this area and favour the previous winner much more than we should to a level where the outsider of the two horses is a value bet. If the horse looks to have a reason why it could improve: going, distance, jockey it may be the bet. 

The next time you place a bet, take a moment to consider how psychology may have helped or hindered your chance of winning.

Pixabay: Free for commercial race and no attribution but given

World Record Slots Winner Takes £13.2M

You need to be brave to fight in a war. But perhaps you need a brave, strong heart to cope with this amazing winner on the slots. 

That's what happened to 26-year-old Jon Heywood from Crew, Cheshire when he became an overnight multi-millionaire picking up £13.2M for a ridiculous 25p stake. 

Who says playing online slots doesn't pay? This Afganistan war hero couldn't believe his luck when he struck gold. 

He said: ''After a tough year seeing my grandad die, the first thing I'm going to do is buy the best possible medical treatment for my father who is waiting for a heart and lung transplant.''

He is also going to spoil himself buying a yellow Bentley Continental GT. 

He drives a Fiat Punto!

Jon continued: "I couldn't believe that I'd won all this money at the time - and it still hasn't sunk in.

"It's amazing. The first thing I will spend it on is the best possible medical treatment for my dad. "That's more important than anything. Family comes first and I'd give all this money back for him to be healthy again."

His good fortune means he's paying for his relatives to go on a Mediterranean cruise.

The win is a world record for the largest jackpot payout in an online machine game. 

Take a look at Slots Verse  - Top Slots UK. If you want to see the best of the action then fairy tale slots is a great starting place for newbies or experienced players. 

This website is great as it details the best casino offers from leading bookmakers. For example, Leo Vegas give £1500 welcome package and 120 free spins. 

If you are looking for the best free spins deal one of their operators gives up to 300. 

Want all the info? Well, you can find it easily by exploring the Top 10 Fairy Tale Slots.

As they say: ''Enter the enchanting world of princesses and princes, dragons and ogres, fairies and elves. While not what one would initially expect as an online slots theme, fairy tale inspired games to appeal to the whimsical, nostalgic side of players, taking them back to a time of castles in the sky and pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. Developers quickly picked up on the trend, realising that players yearned to be transported to a world of fantasy and away from their harsh realities, hence casinos like Mr Green offer more and more fairy tale slots. Let’s explore the top 10 fairy tale slots out there.''

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Man Eats Cheeseburger to Win $10,000 Bet

There are some amazing sport betting stories. 

The type of story where some bloke goes to the races with a few pounds in his pocket and comes back a millionaire. Sure we know that isn't the scenario for your average Joe Bloggs. In fact, it's odds-on that more punters have lost millions than won. However, isn't that the thrill of the gamble? There's always someone who knows a friend of a friend who has the Midas touch. Some people make a fortune without even placing a bet. Read more...

Take a look at this great website for all your Sports promo codes and enjoy these stories to see which punters tick your box. 

The Lucky Punter Wins £44,000 with £10 Bet

Stephen Kelly shouted: 

''Yeeeeeeeeeees!''

as the final leg of his astounding golf bet came in. The Aberdeenshire man's double added to the sum of 4363/1. 

The 30-year-old, now living in London, placed the wager online with Bet365. 


Picking (Up) Winners Without Placing a Bet

This gambler was flat broke but that didn't stop Jesus Leonardo from winning bundles of cash. Better still, he didn't even need cash. How come? Well, this canny soul makes a living from searching the rubbish bins at betting parlours in search of winning betting tickets thrown away by mistake. Jesus realised the worth of checking old betting slips after losing a winning ticket worth $900. So desperate was he to locate his ticket that the manageress said he could take home bags of ''losing'' betting tickets home in the vain hope of finding his wonga. 

In a bizarre twist of fate, he didn't find his ticket but two other winners worth $2,000. 

It was the start of a new career earning more than $45,000 a year. 

When you consider uncashed winning tickets in New York totalled more than $4.2 million a year there's plenty enough money to go round if you can find those elusive winning (lost tickets). 

I Bet you Can't Eat this Cheeseburger for $10,000

Heavy weight pro poker player Howard Lederer was told to lose some pound by his doctor and took the advised by losing almost 80lbs. With poker earnings of almost $6M, there was only one thing he loved more than gambling and that was food. However, even a strict diet couldn't stop him from taking advantage of a stupid bet made by his good friend David Grey.

He bet $10,000 that he couldn't demolish [eat] a big cheeseburger.  

Lederer finished the meal and pocketed an easy $10,000.   

Photo: Pixabay free no attribution 

Pie-eating Goalkeeper Investigated by Gambling Commision

Old story revisited...

The Gambling Commission are to investigate the pie-eating stunt of Sutton United goalkeeper, Wayne Shaw, during their FA Cup defeat by Arsenal on Monday night.

The reserve goalkeeper was spotted in the club bar at half-time among the fans, before returning to the dug-out  - with his infamous pie, flavour unknown - for the second half as 12-time FA Cup winners, Arsenal eased to a 2-0 victory.

Shaw was seen by BBC cameras tucking into a sumptuous pie in the dug-out before the final whistle.

Shaw confirmed that he had been informed about a bet surrounding himself eating a ''chicken'' pie live on television, Sun Bet offered and publicised a pie-eating stunt bet. They, coincidentally, became Sutton’s official shirt sponsor in a one-off deal. 

Sun Bet is being investigated and could face action after they paid out a five-figure sum to gamblers who backed an 8-1 offer that Shaw would be seen live on camera eating a pie during the match.

The Gambling Commission enforcement and intelligence director Richard Watson said: “Integrity in sport is not a joke and we have opened an investigation to establish exactly what happened.

“As part of that we'll be looking into any irregularity in the betting market and establishing whether the operator has met its licence requirement to conduct its business with integrity.”

The FA are also believed to be considering disciplinary action. 

Shaw said after the match: “A few of the lads said to me earlier on what is going on with the 8-1 [bet] about eating a pie. I said I don't know, I have eaten nothing all day. So I might give it a go later on.

“As I say what is that, Sun Bet had us at 8-1 to eat a pie. I thought I would give them a bit of banter and do it. All the subs were on and we were 2-0 down.

“I went and got it at half time from the kitchen, I had it all prepared and ready to go. It was meat and potato.”

Asked if anyone he knew backed the offer, Shaw answered: “I think there were a few people. Obviously, we are not allowed to bet. I think a few of the mates and a few of the fans. It was just a bit of banter for them. It is something to make the occasion as well and you can look back and say it was part of it and we got our ticket money back.”

Banter it may be - a hot pie may well get some people in hot water.

John Virgo: My Autobiography, Say Goodnight, J V

I used to be a big fan of snooker. 

The good, old days of Steve Davis, Ray Reardon, Jimmy White, Alex Higgins et al. 

Plenty of characters in the game where snooker heralded a top position within the sports calendar, especially the Crucible. One of the more familiar names was John Virgo. He was as well known for his impersonation of other snooker stars, the TV programme Big Break, as well as his ability to play the baize to a high level. These days, he is a snooker commentator. 

Virgo's early professional career started in 1973 American Pool Tournament where he lost in the semi-final. 

He turned professional in 1976 in the days of Ray Reardon, John Spencer and Eddie Charlton (Steady Eddie). By modern standard, he was a late developer being 30-years-old. Strangely, he was one of the youngest pros in the game at that time. 

In 1977, he reaches the semi-finals losing to eventual winner Patsy Fagan. 

His professional ranking peaked in 1979 when reaching the semi-finals of the World Championships. He reached the top 10 rankings in 1980. 

However, in 1991 he dropped out of the top 16. 

In 1995 John Virgo retired from professional snooker. 

His best ranking was 10th in the world. Nicknamed Mr Perfection, his career winnings amounted to £293,472. His highest break 139 in the 1987 English Professional Championship. With 39-century breaks to his name. 

The main reason for buying this book is to detail a few stories about Virgo's gambling. Readers may remember his interest in horse racing and owner of a few thoroughbreds in his time.

I can't say I knew much about this side of him but by all accounts, it became a problem and a costly affair. Interestingly, he wanted this autobiography to be about gambling so we can guarantee he has a lot to say on the subject. I will write a few posts as I read this tome so look out for plenty of good reads.    

If Albert Einstein Was a Professional Gambler

Professional gambler stories are a great topic of interest for would-be punters with big ambitions.

I wonder if Albert Einstein had been a gambler (he did lots of hypothesizing) what would he have achieved? 

I'm pretty confident he would have been a winner with such a disciplined, methodical mindset. Who on earth would doubt a man of such great intelligence? 

We can learn a lot from talented people. I mean, who would you want as a tutor? Einstein, Plato, Aristotle or some old bloke who sits in the corner of the bookies?   

Firstly, I would never, ever, limit someone without getting to know them. Some of the richest, most intelligent people, walk about looking more like a tramp. 

Even Einstein was influenced by his peers: Bertrand Russel, Sigmund Freud, Baruch Spinoza...

A man of many quotes, one which sticks in the mind:

''Any fool can know. The point is to understand''

I question if many gamblers know. They know something but not a high percentage of winning. That's why most don't understand. And to win you need to understand lots of many and varied things which often, strangely, don't look to have anything to do with gambling at all. You need to learn about yourself, too. 

It's like a journey without a map. You have to assess the situation, location, experience as it comes along. This leaves many gamblers falling by the way.  

Nothing wrong with losing as long as you learn. It is a great mindset to improve your knowledge, find an angle and make your betting pay. With time, experience and discipline, you may well make a big-time gambler. You shrug off the shirt of the ordinary man in the bookies to one who is wholly confident in their ability to find winners and know how to cope with those losing runs. 

A diamond only shines because it has 58 facets 

What have I noticed about most gamblers?

I hate to say it, but a huge lack of learning. It's like someone learns basic French, just to order fish and chips: ''poisson et frites'', but not interested in showing off a little with the venison in red wine jue. 

As Del Boy would say: ''creme de la menthe''. 

In my opinion, you cannot afford to stop where you start. With gambling, you need to be an expert to achieve any standard and then some. 

Psychologists say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert. That doesn't mean 10,000 hours of that first hour's learning. Gamblers can be very frustrating. In fact, I am astounded by how little the majority of bettors understand. I've chatted with someone who ''talks the talk'' about horse racing and within 5 minutes realise they have little chance of bashing those bookies.

Do not lack in your opportunity to win. 

Linford Christie won the Olympics because he wanted it. No f***er was going to take his medal or make him question his time and dedication. It's not where you start - but where you finish. The opportunity is still awaiting you.

I've studied many and varied professional gamblers: Dave Nevison, Harry Findlay, Alex Bird, Jack Ramsden et al. 

You know what I have discovered about them?

They all had their own very different approach. One loved an each-way bet, while another considered them a joke. Who wins at multi bets? Jack Ramsden made a fortune. While Phil Bull relied on his trusty stopwatch. 

Perhaps if it tells us one thing, that it pays to be different, specialise and find your niche. I think winner-finding helps you follow a certain path. In the sense that if you knock on the head everything that doesn't work, it is logic you will find that seam of gold and then with more work you may well find a giant nugget (of info) that literally affords all the money you need. 

So the question:

What do professional gambler's bet on? 

It is anything and everything. But they specialise. Why? Because there aren't enough hours in a day to do everything. And let's face it, if you could bet on 50 exceptional tips a year why would you stretch yourself to bet on 100? You'd be better off doubling your bet and putting your feet up with time on your side.

Professional gamblers at work 

A pro gambler often works long hours, especially in the early years, but they are always looking to work smart, save time, make positive changes but in a way that polishes the stone. Confidence is the key to any gambler and they are or should be, careful not to destroy this fragile creature. 

Emotion is a killer for many pro gamblers. 

For sure, making money gambling isn't easy. Learning the skills to do your daily job didn't come easy. I think the sad aspect of gambling is what I mentioned earlier, that so many people spend unending hours betting but these hours need to be spent on learning how to be a winning gambler. 

Don't just bet, invest your time and money wisely. 

Great article from Albert Einstein:

God doesn't play dice 

Betting For a Living - Discipline

Betting. For many, it's a disgusting word to be banished from all but the devil himself. 

An old mate says: ''I don't gamble, Buddy.'' 

Why are so many people scared to bet? They have seen how it has been a costly decision for friends, family or celebrities. Look at that football player who lost a fortune. That old bloke who lives in the bookmakers his family gone. 

To be fair gambling can be very deceiving. It lures people to the edge of the cliff when they think they are viewing a magnificent vista of meadows with flowers perfumed with a heavenly scent. 

It is all too easy to think you understand what you are getting into with gambling but a lack of experience can bring you to your knees. It is similar in many aspects of life. Without a doubt, hindsight is a wonderful thing. By the time many gamblers realise they have lost too much money they are hooked. They chase their losses to a point where all logic has gone replaced by a false hope that tomorrow will be different. It can be different. Few things are more saddening than seeing someone betting and losing time after time without ever accepting they will never win while others do. 

What makes them so different?

You may begin to question why. You should question everything you do. Like a betting psychiatrist. I'm sure Sigmund Freud had an explanation you would never have figured. 

What is the difference between winners and losers? 

DISCIPLINE 

Crucially, discipline in those early years of betting. It is the key to successful gambling. You need to have skill based on a disciplined approach.  

Is your betting governed by rules, guidelines, insight, knowledge & experience?

Let's look at a tradesman, dentist, athlete... Could you achieve more than a skilled person without experience? Unless you have honed your skills, your chance of achieving a better standard than a seasoned professional is slim.

Can a novice beat an expert? They may get lucky once in a blue moon but not longterm. 

A good chess player vs a seasoned professional. They would look at you with a knowing smile. Gambling is just the same. To win you need to outwit an experienced layer. Bookmakers are far from perfect but they are no fools.They use talented people to beat you up. It is a battle which you need to know the rules. 

To win you have to be confident in your ability. If someone looks you in the eyes and says: ''I'm going to win'' How would that make you feel? Threatened? Apprehensive? Or would you look back and think you have underestimated me. In fact, ''I'm going to win''. 

What I would say to any budding gambler is don't be in any rush to bet before you have learned those basic principles you need to be a successful gambler. It is difficult to define because each gambler has their own angle, niche, expertise. However, if you bet without understanding you will learn so many bad habits they may prove to be a curse you cannot escape. Learn from your mistakes without losing money. Get a grip with the subject matter. Build your knowledge and niche so you have your own approach. From there, build steadily. Be disciplined and work with reason. Without an answer to a question, you will likely make a poor decision. Even as a skilled gambler has days where they make the wrong call. Every winner or loser answers a question which longterm can help you be a success. Listen to what they say.