professional gambler

Professional Gamblers: Who is Barney Curley?

Professional Gamblers: Who is Barney Curley? Barney Curley is a name that evokes a mixture of respect and fear among bookmakers and is celebrated as one of the most skilled and influential punters in modern history. His reputation, both as a relentless gambler and a man of principle, can be traced back to a pivotal moment at a Belfast race track over forty years ago.

Curley’s journey into the world of gambling began under tragic circumstances. His father, a grocer by trade, placed a significant bet on one of his own dogs at a race. Tragically, the dog fell and broke its neck at the first bend. The sight of his father walking back up the track, cradling the dead dog, left an indelible mark on Barney, shaping his future in the world of betting. This event, while devastating, fueled Curley’s drive to become one of the most formidable punters in the industry.

Following the incident, Curley’s father took drastic measures. He pulled Barney, the eldest of six children, out of school and took him to Manchester, where they both worked double shifts in a plastics factory for 15 months to pay off the debts incurred from the lost bet. This experience instilled in Curley a deep understanding of honor and pride. “My father wouldn’t come back to Ireland until everyone was paid,” Barney recalled, a lesson that, despite its harshness, became a cornerstone of his betting philosophy. Every winning bet Curley made thereafter was, in a way, retribution for the suffering he and his family endured during those tough months.

Curley did not initially start his career as a professional punter. At the age of 24, he ventured into the entertainment industry, managing bands, and later expanded into owning pubs and betting shops. However, his true passion lay elsewhere, and he eventually moved south of the border to focus solely on his punting career. “I wanted to prove myself,” he said. “You have to be out of the ordinary to make money.” His first major win of about £80,000 vanished quickly due to excessive drinking, a lesson that taught him the incompatibility of alcohol and gambling.

One of Curley’s most famous exploits was the ‘Yellow Sam’ coup in Ireland. In this meticulously planned operation, he and his team managed to net nearly £300,000 from a single race at the Mount Hanover Amateur Riders Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown on June 25, 1975. The small country track had only one phone line, and Curley’s team ensured it was occupied, preventing bookmakers from communicating with their on-course representatives. Yellow Sam, a horse that had shown little promise in previous races, started as a complete outsider at 20/1 and won by a full 2½ lengths, making Curley a fortune.

Curley’s success in racing allowed him to live comfortably. He owned a seven-bedroom mansion near Newmarket, complete with an indoor swimming pool, and his driveway is graced by a Mercedes with the number plate “I BET.”

When asked what advice he would give to the average punter, Curley was characteristically candid. “It’s very difficult to make racing pay in the bookmakers’ shops with their computerized tracking systems and expert analysts. Always go to the course if you can. You will invariably get better prices by shopping around. The important thing is to control your emotions and don’t chase your losses. There’s always another day. I know my judgment of form is sound enough to pay off in the end.” This pragmatic approach sets Curley apart from many of his peers, as he recognizes that even the most seasoned punter can never guarantee a win.

Barney Curley Epic Rant

In conclusion, Barney Curley is a man of remarkable skill and determination. He was brought up to value hard work and integrity, and he used these principles to carve out a successful career in the challenging world of professional gambling.

Barney Curley passed away on the 23rd May 2021 (aged 81)

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The Fascinating Story of Kid Delicious: The Legendary Pool Hustler

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The Fascinating Story of Kid Delicious: The Legendary Pool Hustler In the world of professional pool, few names resonate as strongly as Kid Delicious. Born Danny Basavich in New Jersey, Kid Delicious earned his nickname and reputation not just for his impressive skills on the pool table but for his unexpected journey into the world of pool hustling. Despite battling personal challenges, his story is one of determination, triumph, and a passion for the game that led him to become one of the most well-known figures in the pool community.

Early Life and the Birth of Kid Delicious:

Danny Basavich didn’t have the typical start of a sports prodigy. Overweight and often bullied as a child, he found solace in the game of pool at a young age. The game provided an escape, a way to channel his frustrations and insecurities into something productive. His natural talent for pool quickly became apparent, and by his teenage years, he was already turning heads at local pool halls.

However, his journey was far from straightforward. Struggling with obesity and the emotional toll of bullying, Basavich dropped out of high school and turned to the world of pool hustling to make a living. It was during this time that he earned the nickname “Kid Delicious,” a tongue-in-cheek reference to his size and love of food. The moniker stuck, and soon, Kid Delicious became a feared name in pool halls across the United States.

Rise to Fame:

Kid Delicious’s rise to fame in the pool world was as unconventional as it was meteoric. Unlike many professional players who enter tournaments and compete on the circuit, Delicious took a different route. He traveled the country, hustling in pool halls, and making a name for himself by taking on local champions and seasoned players alike. His approach was simple but effective: he would often downplay his abilities, lulling opponents into a false sense of security before unleashing his full potential and taking their money.

This approach made him a legend in the underground world of pool hustling. His ability to consistently win, even against the odds, garnered him a reputation as one of the best in the game. Eventually, his success on the road caught the attention of the broader pool community, and he transitioned to playing in professional tournaments.

Interesting Points About Kid Delicious:

1) Unexpected Journey: Kid Delicious’s path to professional pool was anything but ordinary. From being bullied and dropping out of high school to becoming a legendary hustler, his story is a testament to resilience and the power of passion.

2) Television Appearances: Kid Delicious gained wider recognition when he was featured on ESPN and the Discovery Channel. These appearances helped bring his unique story and talents to a larger audience, further solidifying his status as a pool legend.

3) Heartwarming Story: Despite his tough exterior as a hustler, Kid Delicious is known for his generosity and kindness. He has often been described as a gentle giant, with a heart as big as his talent for pool.

4) Autobiography: In 2006, Kid Delicious co-authored an autobiography titled “Running the Table: The Legend of Kid Delicious, the Last Great American Pool Hustler.” The book details his life, struggles, and rise to fame, offering readers an inside look at the world of pool hustling.

5) Retirement from Hustling: After years on the road as a hustler, Kid Delicious retired from hustling and focused on playing in professional tournaments. His decision to step away from the hustle was motivated by a desire for a more stable and healthier lifestyle.

Legacy:

Kid Delicious’s legacy in the pool world is one of both skill and character. He is remembered not just for his extraordinary abilities but also for his humility and the unique path he took to achieve success. His story continues to inspire aspiring pool players and fans of the game, proving that with talent and determination, even the most unlikely individuals can achieve greatness.

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Professional Gamblers: Clive Holt

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Professional Gamblers: Clive Holt Clive Holt is a legendary figure in the world of professional gambling, known for his sharp insights and successful betting strategies. His words of wisdom are highly regarded, and his approach to horse racing is both disciplined and methodical. Unlike many punters, Clive prefers betting at the racecourse rather than in betting shops, attending races at least four times a week, particularly during midweek meetings. His success in betting has been so significant that major bookmakers like William Hill and Coral closed his accounts in 1978, finding it difficult to accommodate his winning streaks.

Clive’s journey into professional gambling began in a rather unexpected way. More than 30 years ago, a friend advised him to back a horse named “The Holt” running at Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally). That simple suggestion sparked a passion that would lead Clive to make a comfortable living from betting. His interest in gambling can be traced back to his father, who owned a couple of greyhounds in the 1960s and showed Clive that betting could be profitable. One of the first principles Clive learned was that betting on singles was a relatively straightforward way to make a profit.

By March 1975, Clive was ready to commit to full-time punting, leaving behind his regular job. At first, his betting approach was somewhat haphazard, placing bets based on what his pockets could afford. He primarily bet on doubles and trebles, but he soon realized that this method was not yielding the best returns.

When Clive started out, he didn’t keep proper records of his bets. Operating on a week-to-week basis, he often found himself breaking even, with no way to accurately track his profits or losses. This lack of oversight bothered him, leading him to start treating betting as a business venture. He began meticulously recording his bets, analyzing his figures, and tracking his returns.

Reflecting on this period, Clive remarked, “It probably had the greatest influence on my future success. As the figures and percentages built up before me, it was clear that I was becoming more and more analytical.” With detailed records, Clive discovered that he was making nearly a 50% profit on his outlays. By focusing more on single bets, he could have increased that margin to over 60%. This insight prompted him to increase his stakes on singles, leading to shorter losing streaks and better money management.

Another key to Clive’s success was setting up a betting bank, a decision that took him seven years to feel confident enough to quit his day job. He recalls his first day as a full-time punter, heading to Chester on May 6, 1975, in a new Ford Ghia Capri, wearing a new suit, ready for his new career. His first bet of £67 to win £30 on a horse named Western Jewel paid off, with the horse winning by two lengths, setting the stage for a successful streak that followed.

In the six weeks after that bet, Clive made more money than he had in a year working for the Electricity Board. Despite his modest start, Clive has grown into a skilled and successful punter, though he never considers himself a big-time gambler. He typically bets no more than £1,000 at a time but has enjoyed a very rewarding career nonetheless.

Clive’s success is evident in his lifestyle, which includes luxury cars like Lotus, Jaguar, De Tomaso Pantera, and BMWs. His betting career has also afforded him and his family winter holidays in exotic locations such as the Caribbean, Africa, Australia, America, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean. His success in betting has provided his wife and four children with a Listed Georgian Country House complete with a Coach House and Stables, set in acres of parkland near a major northern training center.

Clive acknowledges that had he not quit his job jointing electricity cables to pursue full-time betting, his life would have been very different. Interestingly, Clive has never felt the need to bet simply for the thrill of it. He believes he could stop betting altogether if he found another equally rewarding and challenging career.

When asked for advice to new professional punters, Clive emphasizes the importance of confidence in one’s selections. He says, “One vital ingredient for successful punting is that you’ve got to be confident that your selection can win. Horses with good recent form, preferably winning form, running against limited opposition within their class, when at their peak, progressing or improving, do win the majority of races all year round. They are a constant source of winners for anyone to exploit.” He further broadens this category with what he calls the “four Pros”: PROVEN, PROGRESSIVE, PROMISING, and PROFITABLE.

Clive Holt’s story is a testament to the power of discipline, record-keeping, and strategic thinking in betting. His success has allowed him to enjoy the finer things in life while proving that with the right approach, professional punting can indeed be a profitable and sustainable career.

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Professional Gamblers: Sidney Harris

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Professional Gamblers: Sidney Harris Sidney Harris is a notable figure in the world of professional gambling, known for his remarkable transition from the stock market to horse racing. His journey into the world of horses began in his mid-forties, following a successful career as a stock market trader. One of his most famous moments occurred on Black Monday, October 19, 1987.

While many financial advisors were paralyzed by the market crash, watching their fortunes evaporate on their screens, Sidney saw an opportunity. During a lunch break, he placed a bet predicting that the market would continue to fall amidst public panic. His bet paid off handsomely, netting him over £60,000 on that chaotic day. Sidney was among the few who could spot a profitable opportunity in the midst of adversity.

After retiring from the stock market, Sidney dedicated his life to horse racing. Over time, he built a network of valuable contacts within the industry. By the time he penned his book, Horse Racing: The Essential Guide to Backing Winners, Sidney had been a professional gambler for seven years. He recalled how his journey as a professional punter officially began on August 26, 1993, just one day after one of the world’s largest bookmakers decided to suspend his accounts, citing concerns that he was winning too much.

Sidney Harris’s approach to gambling is methodical and strategic, far removed from relying on luck alone. He believes that while each punter’s journey is unique, common mistakes and misguided beliefs can lead to repeated failures. According to Harris, having a well-defined strategy is crucial to recognizing and correcting errors. Developing a sound, common-sense approach is vital.

Fundamental Rules for Gambling: Sidney Harris’s Suggestions for Professional Gamblers:

Never back a horse unproven on the going.
Never back a horse from an out-of-form stable.
Never back a horse unsuited to a track.
Never back a horse ridden by a jockey with a poor track record.
Never back a horse whose trainer has a poor track record.

Bookmakers often promote horses that meet one or more of these conditions as “favorites,” but Sidney warns that these are usually losing bets. By filtering out horses that fall under these categories, punters can significantly narrow down the field, saving themselves time and money. Statistically, it is rare for a horse with such detrimental characteristics to win a race. Harris advises that your potential selections must pass these fundamental rules.

What to Look for When Picking a Horse:

Back trainers who are in form. You can check this in the “today’s trainers” section of the Racing Post or on their website.

Support trainers with a strong record at familiar tracks. The Racing Post’s Top Trainers section for a particular track will show which trainers are likely to be contenders.

Aim to back jockeys with a good track record. The Top Jockeys section provides insights into jockeys who consistently perform well at specific tracks.

Consider horses with multiple future entries. This indicates that a trainer is actively seeking the right race for the horse. Horses with multiple entries deserve extra attention, especially if they’ve been withdrawn from higher-grade races to compete in lower-grade ones.

When asked for advice to amateur or semi-professional punters, Sidney Harris emphasizes the financial dangers of horse racing. He warns that it is possible to lose everything, including your home, by betting on racehorses. The key to finding winners, he says, is awareness. Every decent-priced winner starts with a clue among hundreds of possible indicators. Once you identify these clues, you are on your way to uncovering profits.

In conclusion, Sidney Harris is a highly educated, self-made success in the world of professional gambling. By applying his business acumen to punting, he has turned it into a profitable venture. Following his guidelines could lead others to similar success.

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The Story of Simon Nott: A Professional Gambler’s Journey

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The Story of Simon Nott: A Professional Gambler's Journey Simon Nott is a name that resonates within the world of professional gambling, particularly in the realms of horse racing and greyhound racing. With a career spanning decades, Nott has carved out a reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate gambler, bookmaker, writer & You Tuber with his very popular Betting People which has interviewed the great and good of the professional gambler world. His story is one of dedication to the craft of betting, with a deep understanding of the betting markets and a love for the sport that goes beyond mere profit. Here’s a look at his journey and five key points of interest that define his career.

1. Early Beginnings and Passion for Betting:

Simon Nott’s journey into the world of professional gambling began with a deep-seated passion for horse racing. As a young man, he was drawn to the excitement of the racecourse, where the thrill of betting quickly became a lifelong pursuit. Unlike many who dabble in gambling, Nott took the time to study the intricacies of the sport, learning from experienced bettors and bookmakers. His early experiences laid the foundation for a career that would see him become one of the most respected figures in the industry.

2. Transition to Bookmaking:

One of the key turning points in Nott’s career was his transition from punter to bookmaker. He became an on-course bookmaker, a role that allowed him to immerse himself in the betting community and gain a deeper understanding of the odds-making process. This experience not only honed his skills but also gave him insights into the psychology of bettors. Nott’s time as a bookmaker helped him develop a balanced perspective on gambling, understanding both the risks and the rewards from both sides of the fence.

3. Writing and Media Contributions:

Simon Nott is not only known for his betting acumen but also for his contributions to the media as a writer and commentator. He has written extensively on the subject of gambling, with his articles appearing in various publications. Nott’s writing is marked by a combination of deep industry knowledge and a relatable, down-to-earth style. His work often provides insights into the life of a professional gambler, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of betting. Nott’s contributions have helped demystify the gambling industry for many and have earned him a loyal following among readers and bettors alike.

4. Focus on Greyhound Racing:

While Simon Nott is well-versed in horse racing, he is also a passionate advocate for greyhound racing. He has been involved in promoting the sport and has written extensively about it. Nott’s dedication to greyhound racing is evident in his efforts to raise awareness and appreciation for the sport, which often doesn’t receive the same attention as horse racing. His work in this area has highlighted the unique aspects of greyhound racing and has brought the sport to a broader audience.

5. Resilience and Adaptability:

One of the defining characteristics of Simon Nott’s career is his resilience and adaptability. The gambling industry is one that is constantly evolving, with changes in technology, regulation, and market dynamics. Nott has managed to stay relevant by adapting to these changes, whether it’s through embracing new betting platforms, adjusting his strategies, or sharing his insights with a new generation of bettors. His ability to evolve with the industry has been key to his longevity and success as a professional gambler.

Conclusion:

Simon Nott’s story is a testament to the dedication and passion required to succeed in the world of professional gambling. From his early days as a bettor to his roles as a bookmaker, writer, and advocate for greyhound racing, Nott has left an indelible mark on the industry. His journey is one of continuous learning, adaptability, and a genuine love for the sport, making him a respected figure in the gambling community.

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professional gambler

Professional Gamblers: Who is Barney Curley?

The Fascinating Story of Kid Delicious: The Legendary Pool Hustler

Professional Gamblers: Clive Holt

Professional Gamblers: Sidney Harris

The Story of Simon Nott: A Professional Gambler’s Journey

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