If you follow this blog, you know I’m passionate about gambling books, whether they’re classics or new releases. I enjoy sharing my thoughts and reviews, and I particularly love uncovering forgotten tales from the betting world’s past—stories from an era when bookmakers were more concerned with survival than with being giants of the stock market or making it into the Top 500.
Recently, I’ve been delving into Ron Pollard’s autobiography, Odds & Sods: My Life in the Betting Business, published by Hodder & Stoughton in 1991. Sadly, Pollard passed away in 2015 at the age of 89, but his book remains a treasure trove of information. It offers a fascinating look at his career, from his early days as a clerk for William Hill to his time as an odds-maker and PR Director for Ladbrokes. It’s one of the best gambling books I’ve ever read, packed with insights that are both entertaining and enlightening.
Despite the passage of time, this book hasn’t lost its relevance. Many of the names mentioned were new to me, while others were familiar, including celebrities, athletes, and high-stakes gamblers. Pollard’s account is filled with secrets that might still make some people at Ladbrokes and William Hill uncomfortable. Every word rings true, with some revelations leaving a bitter aftertaste.
Ron Pollard was a true gentleman—honest, trustworthy, and deeply committed to his work. His role as PR Director at Ladbrokes was pivotal in the company’s success. He had a knack for getting Ladbrokes into the media spotlight, whether on TV, radio, or in newspapers. While other bookmakers were focused on traditional markets like horse racing, dogs, and golf, Pollard was pushing Ladbrokes into new, uncharted territory. One of his first major successes was creating odds for the General Election after the Jack Profumo scandal, a move that significantly boosted Ladbrokes’ profile.
Reading this book, you get a real sense of Pollard’s deep love for Ladbrokes and his passion for politics. He even had ambitions of becoming an MP, a dream he put aside to prioritize his family and job security. The stories he shares about the betting industry—the good, the bad, and the ugly—are all laid bare across these 195 pages.
Pollard doesn’t hold back.
You can still find this hardback gem for less than a fiver on Amazon, postage included. It’s a fantastic deal for such a worthy read.
I would have loved nothing more than to chat with Ron about the sports he adored and the remarkable people he encountered along the way.
God bless.
Here are five key points about William Hill bookmakers from the article:
1) Early Career: Ron Pollard began his career in the betting industry as a clerk for William Hill before moving on to more prominent roles.
2) Insights into the Industry: Pollard’s autobiography offers a wealth of information and anecdotes about his time at William Hill, shedding light on the inner workings of the company during his tenure.
3) Historical Context: The book provides a historical perspective on the betting industry, including the challenges William Hill faced during the earlier days, long before the company became a major player in the stock market.
4) Industry Secrets: The book contains several secrets and behind-the-scenes stories about William Hill, many of which might still cause discomfort for those involved at the time.
5) Personal Connections: Pollard’s work at William Hill helped him form connections with various prominent figures in the industry, including celebrities and big-time gamblers, enriching the narrative with personal stories and encounters.
Photo: JC
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