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Thursday 18 July 2024

Which Professional Darts Player Won The Bronze Bully on TV Programme Bullseye

Darts is popular. 

I'm sure many readers can remember Bullseye a TV game show television programme based, not surprisingly, on a darts theme. 

Originally made for ITV network by Associated Television in 1981. Later, by Central Television from 1982 - 1995. It was hosted by Jim Bowen, a stand-up comedian who was influenced by Ken Dodd and television personality. 

Bowen was a straight-faced comic known for his bad jokes, who used to make fun of guests on the show. 

The animated mascot named Bully wore a red/white striped shirt and blue trousers. 

The show also featured Tony Green who helped with scoring the dart games and sideman for Bowen. Green was an amateur player who became BBC's lead commentator when showing the annual World Professional Darts Championships staged at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green, Surrey. While reading this post, check out australian online gambling sites. He worked alongside Sid Waddell, a talented Geordie entertainer and well respected within darting circles and known as ''The Voice of Darts''. He was also a gifted writer, comedian and nicknamed the ''Theif of Bad Gags''. Waddell wrote 11 published books including autobiographies of John Lowe, Jocky Wilson & Phil Taylor. 

He also wrote a racy novel in 1973 named Bedroll Bella (about a Georgie groupie) that was banned by W. H. Smiths. 

Back to Bullseye. 

In total there was 16 series of Bullseye and an incredible 354 episodes. The run time for the programme was 30 minutes. The programme was created and owned by Andrew Wood and comedian Norman Vaughan who had a successful career in television and theatre. 

The game show was based on three pairs of contestants with one person the darts player and the other answering questions. Unlike usa casino Prizes included a car, speedboat, holidays in addition to a tankard and silver goblet alongside a Bendy Bully (the show's mascot). 

The show was originally on Monday evening before being moved to its popular spot on Sunday. Later it was to be shown on Saturday afternoon. The show was planned for 1996 but cancelled after the network pressured Wood to modernise the programme which he deemed unsuitable. 

One part of the show saw a professional darts player throw nine darts and their total score would give a pound a point for the given charity chosen by the contestant. If the professional dart player scored over 301 the money would be doubled. Alongside this, the highest score of the series would win the Bronze Bully Trophy. This was based on series 5 - 13 (1985 - 1994).

Interesting that the highest charity points scorer was Alan Evans in 1984 with a score of 401. Truly fantastic darts from the Welshman. Those first six darts I couldn't believe my eyes. 

However, the Bronze Bully Trophy started in 1985. 

Here is a list of the winners:

1985 - 86 : John Lowe (380)
1986 - 87 : Lionel Smith (365)
1987 - 88 : Ray Farrell (340)
1988 - 89 : Mike Gregory (380)
1989 - 90 : Eric Bristow (380)
1990 - 91 : Bob Anderson (380)
1991 - 92 : Mandy Solomans (363)
1992 - 93:  Mike Gregory (340)
1994 -    :   Kevin Painter (380)


   



Tuesday 2 July 2024

The Millionaire Betting System

I'm surprised more people don't ask this question: ''Why do you bet on the horses?''

This can be specific to you, me, or the bustling crowd at the Cheltenham Festival. 

I'm far from a natural gambler. In fact, I don't really like gambling. I don't bet for fun, the buzz, which is different from online casino usa real money or all those things many gamblers do from day to day. 

Each to their own. 

If it makes you happy, doesn't lead to the wolf knocking on your door, or affects your life, family, or lead you to suicide you are onto a winner. 

That probably sounds a bit flippant - but you know what I mean. You have to be responsible for your actions and if you can't you need to find an answer.

Anyway, you meet all sorts of people under the umbrella of the gambler. To be fair, you see some very sad sights, especially fixed to the betting terminals in the local bookmakers. 

For many gamblers, betting gives a live hope of making a killing. That's winning cash not holding up a bookmaker's shop with a gun. 

The good side of finding a winning betting angle is that you can easily outweigh the cost of living. You simply bet more money and win a grand a day! Well, you can if you know something the majority of the population doesn't. 

Namely, you win money long term. 

The holy grail is finding a system that gives a regular income. If you attach this to a bot that places your bets automatically, you have a passive income. 

You could be sitting on the beach in the Bahamas, living the life most can only dream. 

If you get to that level you are well and truly a winner. Because let's face it, very few people make their gambling pay. They simply don't know enough to separate the wheat from the chaff. 

Is there a system, simple or complex, which guarantees you will make a profit? Better still, is there a system which shows hundreds if not thousands of points profit every season?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. 

I'm saying no names because these things are private but I've heard something incredible.

There could be a Millionaire Betting System out there. What I mean by this, is a system that can take let's say £100 and in a year, two, three or four and turn that small sum of money into one million pounds profit. 

Many of you reading this will be thinking it's pie in the sky. It can't be possible. How can it be possible?

In fact, by the end of this Flat turf season, I will be in a position to detail whether or not this is fact or fiction. 

Unfortunately for me, and you, I don't understand how this system works. But I imagine it won't be sold for any amount of money. (Even two million pounds!)

It's interesting to consider what goes on behind the scene of the betting exchanges. You see a bet and you have no idea who is behind that transaction. It could be a little old lady down the road placing her first bet. It could be a trader looking to make an easy £5 here and there. Some may suggest you'd be better off playing best online pokies australia. It could be a professional gambler with his finger on the pulse. It may even be Harry Findlay recouping his losses lumping on the next odds-on shot. The stories behind each and every bet and gambler are unknown. 

But consider for a moment the next bet you place could well be a plus or minus for this new gambler on the block as he puts the Millionaire Betting System through its paces. 

This time next year, he'll be a millionaire.

Update: 'Unsurprisingly, the system I was told about didn't work. But that doesn't mean someone, somewhere, doesn't hold the key to the kingdom.'

Tuesday 25 June 2024

How Did William Hill Get Started As A Bookmaker?

How Did William Hill Get Started As A  Bookmaker?
William Hill is one of the most well-known bookmakers in the world and has been a household name in the gambling industry for over 80 years. The company was founded in 1934 by William Hill himself, who started as a small-time bookie and went on to build a successful and enduring business.

Hill's journey as a bookmaker began in the early 1920s, when he started taking bets on horse racing and other sports events. He quickly realized that he had a talent for picking winners and his reputation as a reliable and trustworthy bookie grew. By the early 1930s, Hill had established himself as one of the leading bookmakers in London and was attracting a large and loyal following.

The company's continued success can be attributed to a number of factors, including Hill's entrepreneurial spirit, his commitment to providing excellent customer service, and his willingness to embrace new technologies and innovations. Throughout the years, William Hill has been at the forefront of the industry, introducing new betting products and services and expanding into new markets.

One of the key moments in the company's history was the launch of its telephone betting service in the 1950s. Little did we know how the future of gambling would progress with brand new online casinos. This allowed customers to place bets from the comfort of their own homes and was a major step forward in the evolution of the betting industry. The company has continued to innovate over the years, launching online betting services, mobile betting apps, and in-play betting options.

Another important factor in William Hill's success is its commitment to responsible gambling. The company has always placed a strong emphasis on promoting responsible gambling practices and has implemented a number of measures to help customers stay in control of their betting habits. This includes setting limits on the amount that can be wagered, providing information and support to customers who may be experiencing difficulties, and working closely with responsible gambling organizations.

In recent years, William Hill has expanded its reach and now operates in a number of countries around the world. The company has a strong brand recognition and is well-regarded for its sports betting expertise and customer service. In addition to sports betting, the company also offers a range of online casinos for real money and other gaming products, including online slots, table games, and live dealer games.

Despite facing competition from other bookmakers and online gambling companies, William Hill continues to thrive and maintain its position as one of the leading bookmakers in the world. The company has a proven track record of success and has demonstrated its ability to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.

In conclusion, William Hill is a true success story and a testament to the power of hard work and determination. From humble beginnings as a small-time bookie, Hill went on to build a business that has lasted for over 80 years and continues to thrive today. The company's continued success can be attributed to its commitment to innovation, responsible gambling, and excellent customer service, and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Photo: Canva

Tuesday 11 June 2024

Can You Remember Klute? (The World's Fastest Horse)

I know what you are thinking... 

That name sounds familiar. If you love your horse racing - it's there, trust me, dancing about the grey matter. Synaptic nerves firing like an old Ford Escort on a frosty morning. The popping sound of the exhaust: Klute, Klute, Klute...

Yes, I have a vivid imagination. 

However, do you remember? I must admit I had to turn right at the traffic lights of the frontal lobe (images of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest) to recall this story that hit the headlines about a racehorse called Klute. Something to do with him/her (I can't remember the beasts sex at the time) being, wait for it, the fastest horse to ever set foot on God's earth since Adam & Eve. 

We are going back in time to dig up the remnants of this story. It was 1988. The venue Haydock Park. 

The event was billed - 


The World Speed Challenge 


The background to Klute being the ''fastest horse in the world'' had been sneered at by trainers. It was understandable. Why? Because Klute was raised as a pet and never raced officially except for fun on the beach. However, he had seemingly run a remarkably fast half furlong at Haydock Park clocking a world record of 44.91mph. This beat the former record set by a Mexican quarter horse back in 1945. That Speedy Gonzales went 43.26 (miles to the gallon). 

Whether people liked it or not, Klute had his name in the Guineas Book of Records. Official. His proud owner and trainer, Lesley Bruce, was confident Klute could stand his ground against the best racehorses and she wasn't frightened to take them on. 

So the contest was on!

12th August 1988 - 

5:15 Haydock -  Philip Cornes Match (The World Speed Challenge) 

Distance: 5f 

Going: Good

Klute would race against his sole rival So Careful, trained by Jack Berry, famous for wearing his lucky red shirt (pictured). 

Betting: 

So Careful - 1/9f 
Klute - 9/1 

Jockey: John Carroll
Jockey: Lesley Bruce

Race comments: So Careful: ''made all, soon clear, unchallenged. Klute: speed 2f, soon ridden and outpaced.''

Klute was beaten 25-lengths. 

A tearful Miss Lesley Bruce said: 


There was something wrong with him. He's been ill. 

Whether Klute had run a world record pace for the first half furlong (I'm not sure) but he was humiliated by So Careful who had an official rating of just 71. 

So Careful was a hard-as-nails horse who ran 38 times in her in a four-year career which saw her win 6 times. She achieved total earnings of £42,973. An all-time high official rating of 80 detailed a capable horse. 

The story of Klute made the headlines around the world. 


Whether Klute had been ill rumbled on for the next year. Klute and his reputation were left in tatters. But he wasn't done!

''In 1990, Klute would fight to save the day''


2:15 Catterick - Philip Cornes World Speed Challenge Match 

Venue: Catterick Bridge 
Distance: 5f
Going: Good to Firm 

Once again, Jack Berry would prove a worthy challenger in the shape of Valldemosa. The bookies had given up all hope on a Klute victory with Valldemosa 1/33f. Klute showing no support in the betting at 16/1. 

Race comment: Valldemosa ''Made all, ran on final furlong, easily''

Klute's title ''World Fastest Horse'' made a mockery. 
   
What about these two America speedsters: Secretariate (exceptional)


Did you bet on Klute?

Tuesday 21 May 2024

Do You Need to Smoke Cigars to be a Professional Gambler?

Both my parents smoked. 

One loved a pint and Castella while the other a vodka and cigarette. 

I told my mum many times that it just wasn't lady like to smoke a cigar. 

That's obviously a joke. 

However, I would love to meet a woman who could afford to pay £500 for a box of 20 cigars. For her personal use. A good, heavy smoker. 

I get the feeling she'd have a story to tell. 

I think they must be a rare breed.

My Dad loved a cigar. He always smoked Castellas. A box of five back in the day cost £5. So that's a quid a piece. I have no idea and need more information what they cost these days. If he was feeling flush he would upgrade to a King Edward. I wish I had bought Dad a box of Cuban cigars. It might have taken me a year to save the money to buy such exotic refinery. 

I know on the box of each cigar it says: ''Smoking kills'' but I know my father would have killed for a good cigar. 

I'm pretty sure smoking did him no favours and may have cut his life short. A sad loss at the age of 62. 

If anyone deserved a long life it was this good, kind man who did his best for all. 

It's a strange thing that all those years Dad smoked his cigars I couldn't smell that distinctive aroma. 

However, years later, if I got a waft of cigar smoke down the street or at the races it would catch my senses and memories of my Dad. 

To be fair, I don't think there are many people who can afford to smoke these days let alone a cigar with a touch of class. 

I've never smoked but for some reason I have this feeling if not need to buy a sample of pricey cigars and smoke them while attending Great Yarmouth racecourse. This was in the days before online casinos but the seaside racecourse fills my heart with joy with the fondest memories and feeling of family, hope and love which I never really thought much about until the passing of my Dad. 

I actually bought a couple of cigars which are still awaiting the day and this has been several years. I'm sure they must have dried to a crisp and if lit would burn like a fuse rather than a pleasant smoke. 

There has always been an association with professional gamblers and smoking cigars. I guess because you need a fair wedge to even buy a cigar. Something tells me that someone who buys a cigar that costs £25 a time isn't going to Honest Joe Turf Accountant and bet five pound each-way on number ten. 

Dad would be at the races, smoking his cigar, and betting. To be fair he was betting ten, twenty or a little more cash if he was on a winning day.   

I'm going on our merry pilgrimage to the Eastern Festival this September at Great Yarmouth races. We go as a family to remember those who are sadly no longer here. I really need to buy my box of Cuban cigars and walk around the racecourse and light a cigar and say: ''Thank you, Dad.'' 

For all those good times I took for granted. 

I just wish we could go to the races once more and I say: ''I've got you a little present.'' 

And offer him the best Cuban cigar that money can buy. 

For all those people who saw my Dad smoking his cigars at the racecourse he wasn't a professional gambler but the kindest most decent man you ever could meet who loved a cigar. 

God bless.

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

Saturday 27 April 2024

How Did Betfair Get Started As A Bookmaker?

Betfair is a leading online bookmaker that was established in 2000. Based in the United Kingdom, the company is well known for its innovative approach to sports betting, which includes a wide range of betting options and a strong online presence. Over the years, Betfair has become one of the most recognizable names in the industry and is one of the largest bookmakers in the world.

One of the key strengths of Betfair is its exchange model, which allows customers to bet against each other instead of betting against the bookmaker. This model offers customers greater control over their betting experience and provides more opportunities for them to win. In addition to this, Betfair offers a wide range of betting options, including sports betting, live betting, casino games, and more. The company's sports betting offering is particularly extensive, with a wide range of sports and events covered, including football, basketball, tennis, golf, and more.

Another key feature of Betfair is its user-friendly website, which makes it easy for customers to place bets, manage their accounts, and access the wide range of betting options that the company offers. The site is available in multiple languages and offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring that customers can get help and support whenever they need it. Betfair also offers a mobile betting app, which allows customers to place bets on the go, making it even easier and more convenient to enjoy the company's betting services.

In addition to its innovative exchange model and extensive range of betting options, Betfair is known for its commitment to responsible gambling. The company has implemented a number of measures to help prevent gambling addiction and promote responsible gambling, including setting deposit limits, providing information on the risks of gambling, and offering self-exclusion options. This commitment to responsible gambling is one of the reasons why Betfair has become such a trusted and respected brand in the industry. 

Betfair is also known for its competitive odds and high-quality customer service. The company's experienced team of professionals are available 24/7 to provide customers with support and assistance, ensuring that they have the best possible betting experience. This high level of customer service is a major factor in Betfair's success and has helped the company to establish a strong and loyal customer base.

In conclusion, Betfair is a leading online bookmaker that offers a unique exchange model, a wide range of betting options, and a commitment to responsible gambling. With competitive odds, high-quality customer service, and a user-friendly platform, Betfair is a bookmaker that is definitely worth considering for anyone looking to place bets online. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to the world of sports betting, Betfair is a bookmaker that is sure to provide you with an enjoyable and rewarding betting experience.

Friday 5 April 2024

How Did Mansion Bet Start As A Bookmaker?

Mansion Bet is a well-known online bookmaker that has been in business for over a decade. The company was founded in 2003 by the Mansion Group, a company that was already established as a leading online casino operator. The goal of Mansion Bet was to provide sports betting fans with a safe and secure environment in which to place bets on their favorite sports and events.

The early days of Mansion Bet were marked by rapid growth and expansion. The company quickly established itself as one of the leading online bookmakers in the UK, and it soon expanded into other countries in Europe. Mansion Bet’s success was driven by its commitment to providing customers with a high-quality betting experience. The company was one of the first to offer live streaming of sports events, and it was also an early adopter of mobile betting, which allowed customers to place bets from anywhere, at any time.

One of the key factors that has contributed to Mansion Bet’s success is its commitment to responsible gambling. The company has always placed a strong emphasis on promoting safe and responsible betting practices, and it has invested heavily in developing tools and resources to help its customers manage their betting behavior. For example, Mansion Bet offers a range of deposit limits and self-exclusion options, and it provides its customers with access to resources such as gamblers anonymous and other support groups.

Over the years, Mansion Bet has continued to expand and diversify its business. The company has acquired several other online betting companies, and it has also launched a number of new products, including a casino, live casino, and poker platform. Today, Mansion Bet is one of the largest and most successful online bookmakers in the UK, and it is widely regarded as a leader in the industry. 

Despite its success, Mansion Bet has faced several challenges along the way. One of the biggest challenges was navigating the complex regulatory landscape in different countries. In some countries, online betting is heavily regulated, while in others it is virtually unregulated. Mansion Bet has had to work hard to ensure that it complies with all relevant regulations in the markets in which it operates, while also ensuring that it is able to offer its customers a high-quality betting experience.

Another challenge has been maintaining its position as a leader in the industry. The online betting market is highly competitive, and new entrants are constantly entering the market. Mansion Bet has had to stay ahead of the curve in terms of technology and innovation, while also ensuring that it is able to offer its customers a wide range of betting options and competitive odds.

In conclusion, Mansion Bet is a true success story in the world of online betting. The company was founded by a visionary entrepreneur who saw the potential for an online platform that would provide a safe and secure environment for sports betting fans. Over the years, Mansion Bet has continued to grow and evolve, and it is now one of the largest and most successful online bookmakers in the UK. Despite the challenges it has faced along the way, Mansion Bet has always remained committed to providing its customers with a high-quality betting experience and promoting responsible gambling practices.

Monday 11 March 2024

What Happened to the Traditional Bookmakers?

Can you remember Honest Joe your local bookmaker?

You may have to ask your uncle, dad or grandfather. I remember my dad use to like a bet and there was an independent bookmaker at the top of the road next to the corner shop. It was a tiny place, a prefabricated building, most likely a remnant of the Second World War. It was run by one of the Scotney's. I will have to ask my cousin whether it was Fred or Michael, although I know it wasn't Joe (and I'm not sure if he was honest or not). 

I wasn't old enough to place a bet, and by the time I was, it had gone. Fell by the way like many independents. 

As I have said before, we live in a competitive world. And the idea of thinking every bookmaker is guaranteed a life of luxury off the back of numpty gamblers isn't quite as common as the public may believe. 

The mentality of the general public that the bookmaker always wins isn't true. Although most bookmakers shrivel up and die because of competition from other bookmakers rather than a comical scene from the film Carry On at Your Convenience  which differs from online casino australia for real money where Sid Plummer's pet budgie gave him a string of winning tips and luckless turf accountant Benny The Bookie swiftly closed his account. Sid Plummer [played by Sid James, who was a problem gambler in real life] said to Benny The Bookie: ''What kind of sportsman are you?'' 

He replied: ''If I was a sportsman I'd be riding the horse!''

Perhaps my view of the good, old, honestly bookmaker is just built on nostalgia. Isn't it always the case those bygone days were much better (even in times of war). I'm sure such a nostalgic view is sickly sweet in response to the bitter pill of the modern reality of online casino us. I'm talking about bookmakers but it could be anything. Talk to a football supporter about the olds days they remember with pride. Passion, truth & loyalty have been superseded by money and profit and loss. 

I know that was probably the score back in the day but the funneling of where all the money goes is a different story. We have only to see the proportion of sponsorship/advertising which goes to the Premier League compared to the lower divisions to see the truth. It is the same with the Premier League for PDC Darts. But that's another story...

Perhaps I have got it wrong but my thought of the old-time bookmakers contrasts greatly with today. 

Today's bookmakers remind me of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Or perhaps that should be that mass of gooey jelly The Blob, the villain in the 1958 independent science fiction-horror film.

The Blob was a growing, corrosive alien amoeboidal entity that crashes to Earth from outer space inside a meteorite. It devours and dissolves citizens in a small community, growing larger, redder and more aggressive each time it does so, eventually becoming larger than a building. 

I think The Blod was, in fact, Bet365. You may think it is Ladbrokes, Coral or umpteen other bookmakers who have a corrosive approach to punters - winners and losers. 

Bookmakers have changed to be monster, tarted up with make-up and expensive spin doctors and fancy ad campaigns to portray the image of Mother Mary who is giving in all ways until you are met by the truth which lurks behind a curtain something akin the Wizard of Oz who spoke through a voice machine, with smoke and flashes of light to make him seem important compared to a small man with a big mustache and a love of emeralds. 

I have a growing hatred of bookmakers. Their cynical ads that pollute every sporting event, contaminating the minds of naive gamblers who ''really need that free bet'', or the spin that ''somehow'' having a bet on a game makes it more fun, interesting... I mean, why don't you buy a pair of Harry Potter glasses to look more intelligent, too. 

The sad fact of the modern bookie is that they are like a filter system to weed out the winners, close their accounts, or stitch them up by saying they are betting for someone else or money laundering to, basically, make up a reason not to play fair and actually payout a winner. Instead, they nurture losers, in a manner that's akin to a drug dealer giving away free drugs to get someone hooked and then taking all their money thereafter because they have morphed into a zombie-like being who doesn't have very deep pockets but a suitcase full of problems. 

Let's nurture the losers, steal all their money, we know its immoral, but we can make it ok because we have a disclaimer which says ''when the fun stops - stop!'' and we will be the good samaritan by telling them to go home when they have run out of cash. 

Thank you (fill in space with your corrosive bookmaker name). 

Like smoking advertising and promotion used to be plastered over every snooker match back in the day. Bookmakers need to tread carefully and start acting in a manner which befits a true gambling experience with a touch of heart and soul. What will be the benefit if their greed destroys their own business? 

Gambling, in my opinion, isn't about having fun and I would advise anyone not to bet unless they view it as a business. 

That may seem a bit strong but the truth is that most punters are taking a journey which isn't a pleasant saunter through an idyllic forest filled with magic and wishing wells. 

In truth, they will be met by The Blob. It doesn't care about you, your life, your family, hopes, dreams... 

It is a corrosive ball of goo that will keep you alive but suck every last penny out of your pockets, bank account and challenge every aspect of your life including loved ones who will, in truth, never have an answer to your problem.

God bless.

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution 

Wednesday 21 February 2024

Understanding Why Paddy Power Closed My Betting Account

Understanding Why Paddy Power Closed My Betting Account
Introduction

If you're a regular punter, you may have encountered the perplexing situation of having your betting account closed by a bookmaker. Paddy Power, a prominent name in the world of sports betting, has been known to take such actions. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind why Paddy Power might close your betting account.

Responsible Gambling Concerns

One of the most common reasons for the closure of a betting account, not just at Paddy Power but across the industry, is concerns related to responsible gambling. Bookmakers like Paddy Power have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure that their customers gamble responsibly. If you exhibit signs of problem gambling, such as chasing losses, excessive betting, or requesting frequent self-exclusions, the bookmaker may close your account to protect you from harm.

Suspicious Activity

Bookmakers are vigilant about detecting suspicious betting patterns. If they suspect that you are involved in match-fixing, insider trading, or any other form of cheating, your account may be closed immediately. Suspicious activity not only harms the integrity of the sport but also the bookmaker's reputation.

Violation of Terms and Conditions

Paddy Power, like all bookmakers, has a set of terms and conditions that every customer must adhere to. If you violate any of these terms, your account may be closed. Common violations include using multiple accounts, sharing account information, or engaging in fraudulent activities.

Bonus Abuse

Bookmakers offer various bonuses and promotions to attract new customers and retain existing ones. However, abusing these bonuses can lead to the closure of your account. Bonus abuse can include creating multiple accounts to claim the same bonus, using arbitrage betting techniques, or exploiting loopholes in the terms and conditions.

Identity Verification Issues

Paddy Power, like other reputable bookmakers, has strict identity verification procedures in place to comply with anti-money laundering regulations and ensure the security of its customers. If you fail to provide accurate and verifiable identification documents when requested, your account may be suspended or closed.

Inactivity

Some bookmakers, including Paddy Power, have policies regarding account inactivity. If you do not use your account for an extended period, it may be deemed inactive and subsequently closed. To prevent this, it's advisable to log in periodically and place a bet, even if it's a small one.

Legal Restrictions

Bookmakers operate under the jurisdiction of various countries and regions, each with its own set of laws and regulations. If you move to a location where online gambling is restricted or illegal, your account may be closed to comply with local laws.

Conclusion

Having your Paddy Power betting account closed can be frustrating, but it's essential to understand that bookmakers take these actions to ensure the integrity of their services and to comply with legal and ethical obligations. If your account has been closed, it's recommended to reach out to Paddy Power's customer support to clarify the reasons behind the closure and explore potential solutions. In the meantime, remember to gamble responsibly, adhere to the terms and conditions, and cooperate with identity verification processes to maintain a positive betting experience.

Footnote: My personal experience was somewhat different. I opened an account with £1000. Before I got a chance to bet, I received an email stating that ''due to the nature of my business'' (someone who is a professional gambler and has a track record for winning) that my account was closed before I could even place a bet.

Thursday 15 February 2024

Ron Pollard: The Man Behind the Odds at Ladbrokes Bookmakers

Ron Pollard: The Man Behind the Odds at Ladbrokes Bookmakers
In the fast-paced world of sports betting, there are individuals who play a pivotal role in shaping the odds and steering the ship of one of the most renowned bookmakers. Ron Pollard, a name synonymous with the betting industry, has left an indelible mark on the landscape, having served as an odds-maker and PR Director for Ladbrokes, a giant in the world of sports betting.

Ron Pollard's journey in the betting industry began decades ago when he joined Ladbrokes, one of the oldest and most respected bookmakers in the United Kingdom. His passion for numbers and sports made him a natural fit for the role of an odds-maker, a position that involves setting the odds for various sports events based on statistical analysis, expert knowledge, and market trends.

As an odds-maker, Pollard's responsibilities extended beyond mere number-crunching. He played a crucial role in gauging the pulse of the betting market, understanding the dynamics of different sports, and predicting the outcomes of events. His skill in balancing risk and reward became the linchpin of Ladbrokes' success in providing competitive and enticing odds to its vast clientele.

One of Pollard's notable contributions was his ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of sports and betting. With a keen eye for emerging trends and an understanding of the global sports ecosystem, he ensured that Ladbrokes stayed ahead of the curve. Whether it was a sudden surge in popularity for a niche sport or a major upset in a high-profile match, Pollard's expertise allowed Ladbrokes to quickly adjust its odds, providing a seamless and dynamic betting experience for its customers.

In addition to his role as an odds-maker, Ron Pollard made a significant impact as the PR Director for Ladbrokes. In this capacity, he became the face and voice of the company, responsible for managing its public image and relations. His charismatic and approachable demeanor made him an effective communicator, both with the media and the diverse community of bettors.

Pollard's tenure as PR Director saw Ladbrokes engaging in innovative marketing strategies, establishing a strong brand presence, and fostering a sense of trust among its customers. He understood the importance of transparency and fair play in the betting industry, working tirelessly to build Ladbrokes' reputation as a reliable and customer-centric bookmaker.

Beyond the boardrooms and betting halls, Ron Pollard's influence extended to the broader conversation around responsible gambling. Recognizing the social responsibility that comes with the betting industry, he actively championed initiatives promoting responsible gambling practices and advocating for the welfare of bettors.

As the years rolled by, Ron Pollard became a legend in the betting world, earning respect not only for his analytical prowess but also for his commitment to ethical practices. His legacy at Ladbrokes continues to shape the company's approach to odds-making and public relations, serving as a benchmark for excellence in the ever-evolving world of sports betting.

In conclusion, Ron Pollard's journey from odds-maker to PR Director at Ladbrokes is a testament to the indispensable role played by individuals behind the scenes in the betting industry. His impact on shaping odds, managing public relations, and promoting responsible gambling has left an enduring legacy, making him a revered figure in the annals of sports betting history.

I would recommend Ron Pollard's book: Odds & Sods: My Life In The Betting Business (1991) 

Photo: J.Coote (2023)