professional gambler books

The Life and Times of Professional Gambler Alan Potts

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The Life and Times of Professional Gambler Alan Potts Alan Potts is one of the most renowned figures in professional horse racing betting, respected for his analytical approach, deep understanding of form, and contrarian mindset. His journey from a traditional corporate job to full-time professional punter exemplifies the discipline, patience, and knowledge required to succeed in the betting industry. Potts’ legacy extends beyond his own success, as he has shared his wisdom through books, interviews, and public discussions, leaving a lasting impact on the world of gambling.

Early Life and Career Shift

Before becoming a full-time professional gambler, Alan Potts worked in computer operations at Hambro Life, a Swindon-based company. However, his career took a drastic turn in late 1991 when he was made redundant. Rather than seeing this as a setback, Potts recognized an opportunity. He had already been betting seriously for years, and with a combination of his redundancy package, betting profits, and an additional £20,000 from cashing in shares, he set up a dedicated betting bank.

This financial cushion allowed Potts to transition into full-time gambling without immediate pressure, a crucial factor in his success. Unlike many who dive into professional betting unprepared, Potts had a well-thought-out strategy and the discipline to follow it rigorously.

The Contrarian Approach to Betting

One of the defining aspects of Potts’ betting strategy is his contrarian approach. In his influential book, Against The Crowd, he argues that the majority of bettors tend to follow the same patterns, often leading them to make poor value bets. Potts, on the other hand, built his success by going against popular opinion, seeking opportunities where the market had undervalued certain horses.

His method relied heavily on extensive form study, watching races closely, and maintaining a meticulous database of past performances. He believed that successful betting required deep knowledge and analysis rather than intuition or gut feeling. By identifying horses that had been overlooked or underestimated, he was able to find value where others saw none.

Speed Figures and Data-Driven Betting

A crucial part of Potts’ methodology was the use of speed figures. He was one of the early adopters of this technique in the UK, at a time when the concept was more prevalent in the US. Speed figures helped him assess a horse’s ability based on objective data rather than relying solely on public opinion or bookmaker odds.

However, Potts was not blindly reliant on numbers; he combined data analysis with experience and an understanding of how different race conditions affected performance. He was particularly cautious with all-weather racing, finding that his speed figures were less effective on synthetic tracks. This selective approach to betting is another key reason behind his long-term success.

Discipline and Money Management

Unlike many casual bettors who chase losses or bet impulsively, Potts emphasized discipline and money management. He understood that even the best punters would face losing streaks, and having a structured approach to bankroll management was essential.

Potts advocated for calculated betting, where every stake was based on expected value rather than emotion. He was also a firm believer in patience, often waiting days or even weeks for the right betting opportunity rather than forcing bets.

His disciplined mindset extended to record-keeping as well. Potts maintained detailed logs of his bets, reviewing them regularly to refine his strategies. This practice helped him adapt to changes in the racing landscape and avoid common pitfalls that plagued less meticulous bettors.

Challenges in the Betting Industry

Despite his success, Potts was not immune to the challenges that come with professional betting. One of the biggest hurdles he faced was dealing with bookmakers who limited or closed the accounts of successful punters. As a result, he often had to find creative ways to place his bets, including using betting exchanges and working with trusted contacts to get his money down.

Additionally, Potts was vocal about the flaws in the UK’s handicap system. He believed that the system was outdated and often led to unnecessary penalties for certain horses, distorting the betting market. His critiques were not just theoretical; they were based on years of real-world experience in spotting inefficiencies in the system.

Alan Potts’ Influence on Modern Betting

Through his books and interviews, Potts has had a lasting influence on aspiring professional gamblers. Against The Crowd remains a must-read for serious bettors, offering valuable insights into how to develop a winning mindset and strategy. His emphasis on value betting, discipline, and contrarian thinking continues to shape the approaches of modern-day punters.

In a series of interviews with #BettingPeople, Potts reflected on the evolution of betting, sharing his thoughts on how the industry had changed over the years. He discussed the increasing difficulty of staying ahead of the bookmakers, the role of technology in modern betting, and the need for adaptability in an ever-changing landscape.

Lessons from Alan Potts

There are several key takeaways from Alan Potts’ career that remain relevant for anyone interested in professional gambling:

Value is Everything – Potts consistently preached that successful betting is about finding value, not just picking winners. Even a horse with a lower chance of winning can be a good bet if the odds offer a positive expected return.
Discipline is Key – Impulsive betting leads to losses. Potts’ strict money management and patience allowed him to survive and thrive in a tough industry.
Data Matters, but So Does Experience – While speed figures and form analysis were crucial to his approach, Potts also relied on years of watching races and understanding subtleties that data alone couldn’t capture.
Adaptability is Crucial – The betting world is constantly evolving, and those who fail to adapt get left behind. Potts understood the need to refine his strategies based on changing market conditions.
Contrarian Thinking Pays Off – Following the crowd rarely leads to long-term profitability. By identifying market inefficiencies and going against conventional wisdom, Potts was able to stay ahead of the game.

Conclusion

Alan Potts’ story is one of intelligence, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the craft of betting. His journey from corporate redundancy to becoming one of the most respected professional punters in horse racing is an inspiration to those who aspire to make a living from gambling.

His approach, centered around value betting, meticulous research, and unwavering discipline, provides a blueprint for success in an industry where so many fail. Even as the betting landscape continues to evolve, the core principles that Potts championed remain as relevant as ever.

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, his books and interviews serve as invaluable resources, offering timeless lessons on what it truly takes to win in the world of professional gambling. Alan Potts was not just a bettor—he was a strategist, a thinker, and above all, a pioneer in the field of horse racing betting.

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Did Pro Gambler Harry Findlay Have A Mentor?

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Did Pro Gambler Harry Findlay Have A Mentor? Harry Findlay is a renowned figure in the world of professional gambling, celebrated for his audacious betting strategies and significant successes in horse racing, notably as the co-owner of the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Denman. His journey through the highs and lows of betting has been well-documented, but the question of whether he had a mentor guiding him through this tumultuous path remains intriguing.

Early Influences and Self-Driven Pursuits

Findlay’s initiation into the gambling world was largely self-motivated. From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in betting, frequenting race tracks and immersing himself in the culture of wagering. His early experiences were characterized by a hands-on approach, learning through direct involvement rather than formal mentorship. This autodidactic method allowed him to develop a unique perspective and strategy in gambling, relying heavily on personal intuition and analysis.

Collaborations and Peer Learning

While Findlay may not have had a traditional mentor, his career was significantly influenced by collaborations with other notable figures in the gambling community. One such association was with Tony Bloom, a distinguished football bettor known for his analytical approach and use of data-driven algorithms. Their partnership, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was mutually beneficial. Bloom’s innovative betting techniques, especially in in-play football betting, complemented Findlay’s bold wagering style. This alliance not only enhanced Findlay’s financial standing but also introduced him to advanced methodologies in sports betting.

Influence of Industry Professionals

Throughout his career, Findlay interacted with various industry professionals whose insights and experiences contributed to his understanding of the gambling landscape. Figures like Sir Mark Prescott, a respected British racehorse trainer, and the late John McCririck, a prominent racing pundit, were among those he encountered. While these interactions may not constitute formal mentorship, they provided Findlay with diverse perspectives and knowledge, enriching his approach to betting.

Mentorship in Later Years

In his later years, Findlay has taken on the role of a mentor himself, sharing his wealth of experience with aspiring gamblers and enthusiasts. Through interviews, public speaking engagements, and his autobiography “Gambling For Life: The Man Who Won Millions And Spent Every Penny,” he offers insights into the complexities of professional gambling, emphasizing both the exhilarating victories and the cautionary tales of losses.

Fascinating old documentary of Harry Findlay in his hayday

Conclusion

Harry Findlay’s journey in the gambling world was largely self-directed, characterized by personal initiative and a willingness to learn through experience. While he did not have a formal mentor, his collaborations with peers like Tony Bloom and interactions with industry professionals played a significant role in shaping his career. Today, Findlay embodies the role of a mentor, imparting his knowledge to others and contributing to the broader understanding of professional gambling.

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by Harry Findlay professional gambler 0

Gambler Clive Holt ‘Easy Money’

Gambler Clive Holt 'Easy Money' I found an old copy of The Sporting Life – Weekender. It was printed in 1994. I remember reading it all those years ago and kept it for a very good reason. My brother, Tony, had sent 5-years’ of research to Nick Mordin because he loved reading his Systems. After a phone call or two, talking with Mordin, the research was in this actual publication. The article titled: In a class of their own. How to spot and back potential top-notch two-year-olds. For those who have no idea about anything, we are talking about horse racing and not children. The piece was very well received and Mordin followed it up the next week with another worthy read.

I know what you are saying: ‘Well, what’s this got to do with Clive Holt?’

Holt a well-regarded professional gambler, wrote a book or two about how to beat the bookies. And, no, that wasn’t the title of the book.

Anyway, I’ve been reading The Sporting Life Weekender and noticed how many adverts were plastered over every page. Clearly the publication was a Mecca (yes, that was a bookmaker of old) for punters looking to subscribe to tipsters such as Patrick Veitch, Alex Gorey, Ray Goldstein (ex-jockey) and books, one of which, penned by Clive Holt. The advert was on the back page. A bit of a blurb about the book, a couple of testimonials, and a little coupon to be filled out and sent to a given address in Morecambe. (no PO Box, to make it look above board).

I’ve purchased a lot of books in my time. In fact, I’m a sucker for a good pro gambler book. I’ve bought at least three of Nick Mordin’s, Dave Nevison, Patrick Veitch, Harry Findlay et al.

The title of Clive Holt’s book: Profitable Winners Always Back Winners. I think this was published in 1992. What’s interesting with so many of these old books is not only was the info worth good money (hopefully, I can’t say I ever read it but would like to) but with the fullness of time it actually proved to be a wise investment. How come? Well, you could have purchased the book for £20 (including P+P) but now on Ebay it costs £41.99. World of Books says it’s: ‘Very good condition’.

It was like backing 11/10 winner.

I’ve noticed a number of these old publications have increased in price. Being first editions, especially in decent condition, they are worthy investments. Have a look at your bookshelf or draws to find a book or two which may show a profit even if the info fell short.

Good to know these pro gamblers can still fill your pockets.

Photos: JC 2025

by clive holt Dave Nevison professional gambler books 0

5 Secrets of Pro Gambler Patrick Veitch

Professional gambler patrick Veitch.

A diminutive maths genius who detailed his astonishing winnings in his book published in 2010: Enemy Number One: Secrets of the UK’s Most Feared Professional Punter.

I’ve read this book from cover to cover and it’s been well received. I guess until Veitch found the publishing deal he was little known outside of racing circles. I can’t say I had ever heard of him. Books are a great vehicle for pro punters including: Dave Nevison, Harry Findlay and even bookmakers such as Stephen Little. All intriguing reads. If you like your gambling then its a subject matter that doesn’t disappoint.

But what are the main secrets about Patrick Veitch:

Maths Genius

Veitch was accepted into Cambridge University at Trinity College at the age of 15. However, the interesting part is that he didn’t finish his degree and dropped out following his passion for horse racing. In fact, he had a racing tips telephone service which made him £10,000. He considered gambling offered rich pickings. A similar story to other gamblers such as Tony Bloom although he did complete his studies.

2) Death Threat

The man who had the world at his feet also had another problem. A ‘friend’ introduced him to a nasty piece of work who decided someone with so much money could easily afford to give it to a crook. However, Veitch showed some backbone and informed the police. It meant he had to keep a low profile which seriously affected his life and heightened his stress level.

3) Big Winner

As detailed in his book, Veitch recorded a nine year stint as a professional gambler. Over this period of time, he won £10M. He had about 10 phones to contact a lot of betting agents so he could get the money down. By all accounts it was a time to make hay while the sun shined. He detailed one bet on a horse he owned trained by Stuart Williams, a two-year-old winning debutant backed from odds of 100/1.

4) Bookmakers Feared Him

Unsurprisingly, bookmakers did fear him. However, with many agents helping place bets it was more about having the right process to make the money. In fact, Veitch kept ahead of the game and said even in the future, if he wished, he could bet without restriction. It is interesting that he said he won a given amount of money from rails bookmaker Stephen Little. However, Little detailed in his book that Veitch didn’t win money from him or if he did it was nowhere near the amount stated. Who knows the truth.

5) Horse Racing Tipster

Horse racing was always a passion of Veitch. I am not sure if he loved it simply as a vehicle to make big money or simply racing for what it is. It’s interesting to read that he followed in the footsteps of Dave Nevison and tipster service The Winning Line who reputedly paid colossal sums. I think Nevison detailed he was paid £100,000 per year although his relationship and performance didn’t seem as lofty as Veitch.

If you like a good read then I would recommend the books of all professional gamblers mentioned.

Photo: JC 2025

by Dave Nevison Patrick Veitch professional gambler 0