Value bet explained by a punter

Yoann, how do you find value bet ?
I observe the bookmakers’ odds using an odds comparator. When particular odds seem high to me, I analyse the stats for the match in order to determine my own probabilities and the odds to go with it. If my odds are lower than the bookmaker's, I bet.

On what sports do you bet?
Snooker, table tennis, cricket, horse racing and bit of tennis. Mainly the less media-friendly sports on which the bookmakers find it harder to set the odds. But they’re sports on which I can find information easily and which I can follow on cable TV channels.

How much money do you have on account with bookmakers?
Around 50,000 euros divided between 10 bookmakers. You have to bet large stakes to make it pay.

How is your day structured?
I’m an employee but I have quite a flexible job which allows me to find out the odds as soon as they are published. This is important because after all, the bookmakers keep an eye on each other and adjust their odds according to what the others are offering. Then I place the bets that appeal to me and I wait and see.

How much do you wager each month on average?
It varies. It can range between 50,000 and 500,000 euros.

How much do you earn each month on average?
It can be as high as 3% of what I wager. On average, around 1,500 to 2,000 euros.

What are the downsides to this activity when carried out professionally?
I do it semi-professionally and believe that it is difficult to take it much further. You must constantly transfer money from one account to another with Moneybookers or Neteller. And then certain bookmakers stop you from betting large amounts when you win. There are also times when you lose 5 or 6 bets in a row. And that really hurts! No, for now, it’s a little extra money every month and that'll enough!

In your opinion, what is the main quality that a trader must have?
Discipline.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start out?
Choose a sport that you know better than anyone else and be super-disciplined in your selection of bets and stakes. You need to find a strict method and stick with it!

Yoann, thanks for sharing all this valuable information with our readers!