The short answer is yes.

But is it something a successful gambler should consider doing as a way to make additional money?

Over the years I have given tips away. I have also had the odd service which sold tips. In truth, it seemed like a thankless task because as with many subscription services when someone joins it can bring varying results. For example, one punter buys a membership and the next five horses win, while another purchases a month later and the first five horses lose. On loves you and the other hates you. The person who joined somewhere in between is making their mind up.

And that’s the trouble with giving tips.

Not to say people haven’t done well with this kind of service.

Membership sites have terrible conversion rates. You are lucky to have a new member last more than a few months and then you have the cost of attracting a new one. This is neither easy or cheap. In a world of increasing costs of advertising (on all platforms) it is imperative you retain customers. It really isn’t likely to happen. When you consider that most subscription services or membership sites in the UK probably charge £30 a month it isn’t a great deal of money to earn. Not for the work you have to put in. You’re talking about 33 customers a month to make £1000. It sounds a fair sum but in realistic terms it is next to nothing. You aren’t going to get rich and at best you will be just about keeping your head above the water. I’ve seen a few TV pundits who charge a £1000 a year. It’s still not a great deal of money. In truth, you need to be making an upfront sum of £3000 from punters and a monthly subscription of £97. That isn’t going to happen.

Other problems exist.

How do you detail the tips in a timely fashion and make it fair for all?

If one of those punters spreads the word about your tip or lumps on you have a problem. The price vanishes within minutes and the majority of your customers are irritated. Some of the more professional tipsters whould give their selection a matter of minutes before the off. But what happens in the mean time if the selection is substantially backed? They will view you with suspicion or question what is happening.

Trying to give tips in advance brings about problems.

What if the going changes? A fancied horse is a non runner? It is temperamental and looks like it has lost its race before the start?

All these aspects eat into your profits. From what on paper looked a great profit is chipped away to nothing much if not a loss.

People are rightfully paying for winners and a profit.

However, there really isn’t an easy way to make your betting pay selling tips.

I have thought about this subject for a long time and if you have a level of ability and success I can’t see how you can do this as a business and make money or feel pressured by the losses which might happen over one or two months. This added to the problems of running a business you will question why you bothered.

If you specialise in big price selections it seems impossible that someone isn’t going to take the price.

I would suggest to anyone thinking about selling horse racing tips to thinking again. It isn’t an easy way to make money. And if you get on a losing run or someone is having a bad day/loss don’t be surprised if you receive some feedback which includes a few c-words. Coping with those kinds of situations can be very stressful. It’s all sunshine and roses when the winners are firing in but unless you are exceptionally consistent you will not live in the world of calm waters. You will regret ever getting involved.

By far the better solution would be to bet on your own selections and keep yourself to yourself.

If you have a decent points profit, confident in your ability and like a quiet life, bet more money and just smile to yourself that you don’t have to hear the hard luck stories of all and sundry.

Selling horse racing tips is a hard way to make money.

A thankless task.

Photo: Pixabay (free)

Would have I been a betting man if it wasn’t for my Dad?

I honestly don’t know. Perhaps I wouldn’t have even given it a thought. It’s possible. You may be thinking it would have been a blessing if I had side stepped the whole subject.

I don’t regret it for a moment. It has been a blessing.

Gambling can mean many different things to many different people.

It’s made me a living, built knowledge and allows me future ambition.

In truth, it’s a hobby which turned into a business. My Dad was a businessmen and motor mechanic. To be fair, it was hard work. I am sure if he could have gotten by, as I do now, his life would have been much more pleasurable. Every winter, he used to work in a freezing cold garage. There was no fun about. He deserved so much better but sadly, like so many, he was stuck in a rut, and there wasn’t any quick way to change.

Dad passed away at the age of 62. A good, kind, wonderful and generous man. He deserved so much more. If I could go back in time I would have said stay at home, potter about, and forget about the crap. It was one hard slog. If you are reading this and want to change your life because it’s not what you want now or in the future, follow your passion and look to change.

I have no idea if my Dad’s father was a gambler. It wouldn’t surprise me because I do believe these things are generational. It’s like the doctor, vet or lecturer. It’s in the blood. Nature and nurture. 

For some, to be introduced to gambling from a young age is possibly a curse.

With opportunity comes responsibility. Gambling is a tricky subject matter. You don’t know what you are dealing with until you get there. It can be a rude awakening. It can be a problem.

No one wants to fall victim of being an addict.

My Dad wasn’t a big bettor. He liked to go for speculative priced selections in an each-way Yankee. For those who know about their bets it is 11 bets, doubles, trebles and accumulator. It used to be a long time between drinks but he had a few memorable winners. One time while on holiday at Great Yarmouth he won £800 from the bookmakers round the corner from the house we stayed. It was a lovely time. Dad just watched and smiled. He didn’t cheer but enjoyed the win in his way.

Gambling was a pastime for my father. It was a hope, chance opportunity to get luck and get away from the reality of life. In so many ways Dad’s life was good. But in so many ways it wasn’t what he wanted. I often feel I could have been a better son, done more, tried harder to change his life. Perhaps if I had he would still be here today.

Dad was a smoker all of his life. I know as long as I could remember he smoked cigars. His father was a smoker too and sadly passed away in his 50s. My mother still smokes to this day.

Perhaps of all the influences we have in life we need a little bit of luck, insight or wisdom to which crosses we bare. I don’t smoke, which is a blessing. I often wake up now and don’t feel so healthy at 52 so I can only imagine how I would feel if I had smoked for forty years. Perhaps I would be heading towards the last ten years of my life. It’s possible it would be even shorter. There is no saying that still won’t happen now. I think in life we often need a little bit of luck which helps us on our way. Most successful people make money because they have been mentored by someone who is successful themselves. They are living and breathing that environment which helps build knowledge and ambition. They have first-hand experience of what it takes to make money.

I don’t drink to excess, don’t smoke but I bet.

One out of three isn’t bad especially when that one thing has brought wisdom and wealth.

Work to learn. Follow your passion and make it your career. Perhaps, you will never work another day in your life.

Photo: Pixabay (free)