professional gambler books

Phil Bull: The Revolutionary Thinker Behind Timeform’s Betting Success

Early Life and Background:

Phil Bull, a man who reshaped the way betting was approached, was born on April 9, 1910, in Hemsworth, West Yorkshire. Despite his lifelong atheism, Bull once humorously remarked, “I was bred to be a saint, you know.” His father, William Osborne Bull, worked a variety of jobs, from the Salvation Army to coal mining, and eventually as a sanitation engineer, while his mother, Lizzie Jessop Watson, served as a Sunday school teacher.

Bull’s academic journey led him to Hemsworth Grammar School and Leeds University, where he earned a degree in mathematics in 1931. It was a modest qualification, but one that laid the groundwork for his future achievements. Upon graduation, he moved to London to teach mathematics, but he didn’t entirely give up his teaching career when he later delved into professional gambling. Instead, he combined both worlds until gambling became his full-time pursuit.

Bull’s Introduction to Betting:

Phil Bull’s connection to betting began early in life, with anecdotes suggesting his mother taught him about odds and gambling concepts in childhood, though these stories are likely exaggerated. However, what’s undeniable is that he started placing bets during his school years. While studying at Leeds University, Bull’s love for horse racing merged with his aptitude for mathematics, prompting him to develop a unique approach to evaluating horse racing form—his analysis incorporated race times alongside finishing positions, which was unheard of at the time.

After graduating, Bull continued honing his betting strategy, which he called “Temple Racetime Analysis.” By betting on the conclusions of his formula, Bull saw significant success. In 1938, he decided to share this method with the public by offering his insights via mail order under the alias “William K. Temple” to protect his teaching job. The system, named the “Temple Time Test,” was so effective that Bull eventually left teaching to gamble full-time.

Phil Bull’s Betting Principles:

In 1970, Bull condensed his experience and philosophy into his famous “Ten Commandments” for betting. These were a mix of wisdom and caution, which are summarized below:

1) Value First: Bet only when you believe you’re getting value for money.
2) Luck is an Illusion: Rely on skill, not luck or staking systems.
3) Stake Wisely: Adjust your stakes based on the likelihood of your selection’s success.
4) Avoid Large Field Each-Way Bets: Only bet each-way if the place offers value.
5) Shop Around: Always seek the best odds.
6) Be Cautious with Ante-Post Bets: Only bet ante-post if you’re sure your horse will run.
7) Don’t Buy Systems: If you discover a profitable system, keep it private.
8) Multiple Bets are Fine, but Not on Protests: Bet in multiples if desired, but not on objections.
9) Patience is Key: Be patient, but act boldly when circumstances call for it.
10) Never Bet Beyond Your Means: This can lead to disaster.

Phil Bull’s Notable Betting Wins:

Throughout his career, Bull meticulously recorded over 30 years of betting activity from 1943 to 1974, providing a window into his remarkable success. His journey into serious gambling started even earlier, though, when he won enough betting on Pont L’Eveque in 1940 to purchase a five-bedroom house in Putney, London. His biggest single win came in 1944 when he backed Dante in the New Derby, collecting £22,000—worth nearly £1 million today.

Other standout wins included a lucrative season in 1952, where he won £38,000 after betting on Zabara and Nearula, and a famous wager in 1963 when, after a string of losses, he recouped his previous losses by staking £1,000 on Partholon to win the Ebor at 20/1.

Between 1943 and 1974, Bull’s total profit stood at just under £296,000, equivalent to over £3 million today, cementing his status as one of the most successful professional gamblers in history.

Timeform and Bull’s Publications:

Phil Bull’s legacy wasn’t just built on his betting prowess but also his contribution to the broader horse racing world. Under his pseudonym William K. Temple, he initially published his insights in “The Mathematics of Betting” in 1942. The following year, he introduced “Best Horses of 1942,” which evolved into what would later become the renowned Timeform series.

Timeform revolutionized the evaluation of racehorses, providing objective numerical ratings that analyzed each horse’s performance. The first annual Timeform publication, “Racehorses of 1947,” demonstrated the accuracy of Bull’s methods when the four top-rated horses in his book filled the first four places in the 2,000 Guineas—exactly in the order he had predicted.

Timeform’s influence continued to grow, with Bull publishing the first edition of “Chasers & Hurdlers” in 1975/76, extending his analysis to National Hunt racing.

Phil Bull’s Legacy:

By the time of his death, Phil Bull was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in horse racing. His revolutionary methods of analyzing form by assigning performance figures changed the sport, and his approach became part of the official handicapping methodology.

Despite his success, Bull always maintained a level-headed view of gambling. He once claimed, “I’m not a gambler. Betting as such doesn’t interest me,” though he quickly added, “Racing is different; it’s a continuing play with a fresh set of individual characters every year. Not a who-done-it, but a who’ll do it.”

From his meticulous records to the creation of Timeform, Phil Bull’s contributions to betting and horse racing have left an indelible mark that continues to influence the sport to this day.

Photo: Freepik (Doesn’t depict Phil Bull)

5 William Hill Bookmaker Secrets

5 William Hill Bookmaker Secrets 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

by gambling books professional gambler books Ron Pollard William Hill Bookmakers 0

5 Professional Gambler Books You Cannot Live Without

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5 Professional Gambler Books You Cannot Live Without

Who is your gambling superhero?

The world of professional gambling is a labyrinth of strategies, instincts, and experiences that few can truly master. For those looking to delve deeper into this intriguing world, these five books offer invaluable insights, each penned by a gambling legend. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting out, these titles are essential reads. Here, we present them in chronological order of their publication.

1. “Alex Bird: Life & Secrets of a Professional Gambler” by Alex Bird (1986):

Alex Bird is a legendary figure in the gambling world, and his autobiography, published in 1986, offers a fascinating insight into his life and methods. Bird was one of the first gamblers to take advantage of the photo finish in horse racing, turning it into a lucrative source of income. In “Life & Secrets of a Professional Gambler,” Bird shares not only his story but also the techniques he used to gain an edge over bookmakers. His disciplined approach to betting, combined with his deep knowledge of horse racing, makes this book a must-read for anyone serious about making money from gambling. The book is also peppered with anecdotes from Bird’s illustrious career, making it as entertaining as it is informative.

2. “Betting for a Living” by Nick Mordin (1992):

Nick Mordin’s “Betting for a Living” is a groundbreaking book that opened up the possibilities of professional gambling to the everyday punter. Published in 1992, it explores the strategies and systems that Mordin used to turn betting into a full-time profession. The book is particularly noted for its innovative approach to horse racing analysis, with Mordin emphasizing the importance of speed ratings and statistical data over traditional methods of form study. This was one of the first books to treat betting as a science rather than mere intuition, and its influence can still be seen in the way modern punters approach their craft.

3. “A Bloody Good Winner” by Dave Nevison (2007):

Dave Nevison’s “A Bloody Good Winner” is a candid and often humorous account of his life as a professional gambler. Published in 2007, the book chronicles Nevison’s journey from a stockbroker to a full-time punter, detailing the highs and lows of his career. What sets this book apart is Nevison’s honesty about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with professional gambling. He doesn’t shy away from discussing the losses and mistakes he’s made along the way, making this a relatable and down-to-earth read. Nevison’s insights into the psychology of betting, along with his practical tips, make “A Bloody Good Winner” an invaluable resource for anyone looking to follow in his footsteps.

4. “Enemy Number One: The Secrets of the UK’s Most Feared Professional Punter” by Patrick Veitch (2009):

Patrick Veitch’s “Enemy Number One,” published in 2009, is a thrilling account of how one man became the UK’s most feared professional punter. Veitch’s story is one of determination and resilience, as he managed to win millions from bookmakers while constantly staying one step ahead of them. The book delves into the strategies Veitch used to outsmart the bookmakers, including his in-depth analysis of horse racing and his ability to spot value bets. What makes “Enemy Number One” particularly compelling is the way it captures the cat-and-mouse game between Veitch and the bookmaking industry, offering readers a glimpse into the high-stakes world of professional gambling.

5. “Gambling for Life” by Harry Findlay (2017):

Harry Findlay is one of the most colorful characters in the world of gambling, and his autobiography, “Gambling for Life,” published in 2017, is as larger-than-life as the man himself. Findlay is known for his fearless approach to betting, often staking vast sums of money on a single outcome. In “Gambling for Life,” he shares his philosophy on gambling, emphasizing the importance of having the courage of your convictions. The book is filled with stories of Findlay’s big wins and losses, giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of high-stakes gambling. Findlay’s passion for betting and his unorthodox methods make this a compelling read for anyone interested in the psychology and thrill of gambling.

Conclusion:

These five books provide a comprehensive look into the world of professional gambling, each offering unique insights and lessons. From Nick Mordin’s scientific approach to Alex Bird’s disciplined methods, Dave Nevison’s candid experiences, Patrick Veitch’s strategic brilliance, and Harry Findlay’s fearless betting, these books are essential reads for anyone serious about mastering the art of gambling.

Photo: Freepik