In this latest episode I had the pleasure of being joined by Johnny Dineen, one half of the popular Upping The Ante show from the Racing Post.

Originally a bookmaker by trade and one with quite the reputation for doing things differently, Johnny is now a professional punter and he talks with me about what the reality of that is like, both in terms of getting on and how the work/life balance of this suits him.

Johnny also speaks candidly about his time bookmaking, the highs and lows, why it appealed to him and ultimately why the growth of Betfair alongside the recession in Ireland saw him shift to being a professional punter.

He also has plenty to say on other topics that many bettors will nod in agreement about, from affordability limits to the black market and the terrible way bookies treat many of their customers these days.

We also round things off with a chat about his media work, including his very popular stint on Upping The Ante - which won Silver in the Best Betting Podcast category in the 2023 SBC Awards. Johnny also won Silver in the Best Betting Expert category too - just being pipped by his Racing Post, stablemate, Steve Palmer.

All told its a fascinating chat with a man working at the heart of betting and bookmaking for many years and someone always willing to do things differently. 

Discover More:

• Learn more on the Smart Betting Club and how we help winning bettors at https://smartbettingclub.com/ 
• Watch Upping The Ante on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiwkrPXPGzgnAxAV3zYJWGrRZMB45sfSm
• Johnny on Twitter: @johnnydineen
• Podcast feedback - contact SBC on twitter @sbcinfo
• Read more about each SBC Podcast episode: https://smartbettingclub.com/the-smart-betting-club-podcast/