The Pros & Cons of Bitcoin Investment

Bitcoin is a digital currency that was first introduced in 2009, and it has since gained a lot of popularity. Bitcoin investment has become a hot topic as many investors see it as a new way to diversify their portfolios. However, as with any investment, there are pros and cons to consider before investing in bitcoin.

Pros: 

Decentralization: One of the main advantages of bitcoin is that it is decentralized. This means that it is not controlled by any government or financial institution, which can be a positive for those who are wary of centralized control. Decentralization also means that transactions can be made without the need for intermediaries, which can result in lower transaction fees.

Limited supply: Bitcoin has a finite supply, with only 21 million bitcoins in existence. This limited supply can result in a potential increase in value as demand for the currency grows...... Accessibility: Bitcoin is easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection, and transactions can be made from anywhere in the world. This accessibility makes it an attractive investment for those looking for a global currency. 

Potential for growth: Bitcoin is a relatively new currency, and its value has been known to fluctuate dramatically. While this volatility can be seen as a risk, it also presents an opportunity for potential growth.

Cons: 

Volatility: While volatility can be seen as a pro, it can also be a con for bitcoin investment. The value of bitcoin has been known to fluctuate dramatically, which can result in significant losses for investors.

Security risks: Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, which means that once a transaction is made, it cannot be reversed. This can make it an attractive target for hackers and scammers, as there is no way to recover lost or stolen bitcoins.

Lack of regulation: Bitcoin is not regulated by any government or financial institution, which can make it difficult to protect against fraud and other illegal activities.

Limited use: While bitcoin is becoming more widely accepted, it is still not as widely accepted as traditional currencies. This limited use can make it difficult to use bitcoin for everyday transactions.

In conclusion, bitcoin investment can offer several advantages, such as decentralization, limited supply, accessibility, and potential for growth. However, it is not without its risks, such as volatility, security risks, lack of regulation, and limited use. As with any investment, it is important to do your research and carefully consider the risks and potential rewards before investing in bitcoin. It is also important to remember that bitcoin should not be the sole focus of your investment portfolio and should only make up a small percentage of your overall investments.

Photo: Pixabay (free) 

Why Is Betting on Horse Racing Different to the Stock Exchange?

Horse racing and the stock exchange are both forms of investment, but they are vastly different in terms of how they work, the risks involved, and the rewards that can be gained. While both can offer the potential for profit, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two before deciding which is the right choice for you. 

First and foremost, horse racing is a form of gambling, while the stock exchange is a form of investing. While both involve risk, the level of risk is very different. When you bet on a horse race, you are essentially making a wager on the outcome of an event that is outside of your control. There are many variables that can influence the outcome of a race, such as the weather, the track conditions, and the performance of the horse and jockey on the day. Even the best handicappers can be surprised by the outcome of a race, and it’s not uncommon for longshots to win and favorites to lose.

In contrast, investing in the stock market is based on more tangible factors such as company performance, earnings reports, and economic indicators. While there is still a degree of uncertainty involved, there are more tools and resources available to help investors make informed decisions.... 

Another key difference between horse racing and the stock exchange is the level of control that investors have over their investments. When you invest in stocks, you have the ability to research and choose which companies to invest in, and you can monitor your investments over time to make adjustments as needed. You can also choose to hold onto your investments for the long term, which can help to mitigate short-term fluctuations in the market.

In contrast, when you bet on a horse race, you have little to no control over the outcome of the event. While you can study the form and try to make informed bets, there is always a level of unpredictability involved. You may win big one day and lose everything the next, and there is no guarantee of long-term success.

Finally, the potential rewards of betting on horse racing and investing in the stock market are also very different. While it is possible to make a lot of money betting on horse racing, the rewards are generally short-term and limited in scope. In contrast, investing in the stock market offers the potential for long-term growth and compounded returns over time.

In summary, while both horse racing and the stock exchange offer the potential for profit, they are very different in terms of how they work, the risks involved, and the rewards that can be gained. Horse racing is a form of gambling that offers short-term, unpredictable rewards, while the stock exchange is a form of investing that offers the potential for long-term growth and stability. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences, risk tolerance, and investment goals.

Photo: Pixabay (free)

A Quick Review About Gambler Harry Findlay

Harry Findlay on life, gambling, prison and Denman! Watch here >>> https://t.co/tONmKx0uKx pic.twitter.com/9X9Xhw6FOA

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 11, 2020

Harry Findlay is a well-known and controversial figure in the world of gambling. Findlay, who was born in Scotland in 1963, rose to fame as a successful gambler and horse racing tipster, building a reputation as one of the UK's most successful and colourful gamblers.

Throughout his career, Findlay made headlines for his high-stakes betting and flamboyant lifestyle, which included lavish spending and a love for fast cars and women. He was known for betting large sums of money on a single horse race, and was said to have made millions of pounds through his successful betting strategy.

However, despite his success and wealth, Findlay's gambling habits eventually caught up with him. In 2008, he was declared bankrupt after losing a substantial amount of money on the stock market. This financial setback, combined with his high-stakes betting and extravagant lifestyle, left him in dire financial straits and forced him to sell many of his assets.

In the years that followed, Findlay struggled to regain his financial footing and rebuild his reputation as a successful gambler. He made several attempts to bounce back, including launching a new betting service and offering tips on horse racing, but these endeavours were ultimately unsuccessful.

It's worth noting that Findlay's bankruptcy was not solely due to his gambling habits. The 2008 financial crisis had a significant impact on the stock market and many investors, including Findlay, were hit hard as a result. However, it's clear that his high-stakes betting and lavish spending also played a role in his financial difficulties.

Despite these setbacks, Findlay has remained a prominent figure in the world of gambling, and is often sought after for his opinions on horse racing and betting. He has also written several books about his life and experiences as a gambler, offering insights into his approach to betting and the challenges he has faced along the way.

In conclusion, Harry Findlay is a fascinating and controversial figure in the world of gambling. While he is known for his successful betting strategies and flamboyant lifestyle, he is also remembered for the financial difficulties he faced in later life. Nevertheless, Findlay remains a respected and well-known figure in the world of betting and continues to offer insights and advice to those interested in the world of gambling.

Did Clive Brittain Train A Derby Winner?

On this day in 1972 Clive Brittain saddled his first winner courtesy of Vedvyas at @DoncasterRaces pic.twitter.com/qNxYRIzDcw

— bettrends (@bettrends) April 1, 2016

Clive Brittain is a British horse trainer who made a name for himself in the world of horse racing. He is best known for his incredible feat in the 1989 Epsom Derby, where he trained the runner-up horse, known as Terimon, at odds of 500/1. This unexpected result made headlines and solidified Brittain's place as one of the most talented horse trainers in the world.

Brittain's passion for horse racing started at a young age. He was born in London and grew up in the countryside where he developed a love for horses. At the age of 18, he became an apprentice jockey and worked his way up the ranks to become a trainer. His first big break came in 1970, when he trained the winner of the prestigious Ascot Gold Cup, the first of many successes to come.

Over the years, Brittain established himself as one of the top trainers in the UK and his horses won numerous races, including the 1,000 Guineas, the 2,000 Guineas, and the St Leger Stakes. He trained some of the greatest horses of his time, including Ardanann, Tolomeo, and Lord Grimthorpe. However, his greatest moment came in 1989, when he took the racing world by surprise with his runner-up horse, Troy, in the Epsom Derby.

The Epsom Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world and is held annually in Epsom, England. It is a 1-mile, 4-furlong race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses and attracts the best horses and trainers from around the world. In 1989, the race was expected to be dominated by the favourite, Nashwan, who was heavily backed by the bookmakers.

However, Brittain's horse, Terimon, who was given 500/1 odds by the bookmakers, surprised everyone by finishing second to Nashwan. This unexpected result made headlines and put Brittain in the spotlight. Despite the long odds, Brittain believed in his horse and had faith in its abilities. He had trained Troy meticulously and knew that it had the potential to do well in the race.

After the race, Brittain was hailed as a hero by many in the horse racing community. His success with Troy was a testament to his skills as a trainer and his ability to identify and develop talented horses. He went on to train many more successful horses, including Relational, who won the French 2,000 Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes in 1990.

Clive Brittain retired from training in 2016 after a successful career that spanned over four decades. He trained over 2,000 winners and won numerous races, including the 1,000 Guineas, the 2,000 Guineas, and the St Leger Stakes. Despite his many successes, his runner-up horse in the 1989 Epsom Derby remains one of his greatest achievements and is a testament to his skills as a horse trainer.

In conclusion, Clive Brittain is a legendary horse trainer who has left a lasting impact on the world of horse racing. He is best known for his incredible feat in the 1989 Epsom Derby, where he trained the runner-up horse, Terimon, at odds of 500/1. This unexpected result solidified his place as one of the most talented horse trainers in the world and will always be remembered as one of the greatest moments in horse racing history.

How to Win Playing Roulette at Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth

I'm sure you read this post title and thought...

One of these statements: 

What a lot of rubbish...

Tell me more...

Is it possible?

Where is Great Yarmouth? What's roulette?

For all I know, you may have had all of those thoughts in that order. Mumbo jumbo, hey. We all know that you can't win playing roulette, hey? You can't beat fixed odds because the casino is guaranteed to win long term. 

I can't see how you can win playing roulette. It's the truth. However, it's a fact that I have been to the Grosvenor Casino at Great Yarmouth at least 10 times in the last few years and I am well in profit. So why is that? What is the reason? Have I just got lucky? I think, for the most part, I have been lucky. But there may be some reason why I have increased my chances. 

Compared with all other games you can play at any UK casino, roulette gives you the best odds of winning. I think the casino edge is 2.7% which compared with the likes of pair plus on three-card poker you are a winner without trying. I think pair plus takes about 6%, which is hard work. 

Anyway, let's get back to roulette. 

I figure the only way you can win at playing roulette is by using these three variables (if you can actually call them variable):

• Luck
• Playing for a couple of hours
• Betting on a single number and corner
• Betting level stake 

Yes, you need to be lucky to win. If you are unlucky you will play and not see a number come up once. 

My approach is simple. I look to see which number has come up a couple of times in the last hour or so and bet on that religiously. There is no logic to why the number should come up again but for whatever reason it often does. 

In addition to the single number, I will bet on a corner which includes the single number. This helps to give a few wins along the way (if you are lucky). 

Bet for a couple of hours. If you bet all day and all night the casino rake will gradually take its toll and you are sure to lose. But short term your odds are not that different from the casino. In fact, they often give free bets, drinks vouchers and incentives to get you through the door which can mean when betting £20 - £50 you are pretty much betting on a level playing field. 

Just keep betting on your single number and corner and hope you get lucky. 

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

Why Betting at Speculative Odds Gives Punters a Winning Edge

My uncle was a favourite backer. 

He loved his racing but it kind of saddened me to think he would never have a big priced winner. That 33/1 shot, which clambered home by a nose, would never be part of his conversation over a pint. The winners came thick and fast but he was never in profit. He was the reason for the post I wrote: He's Backed Every Favourite Since 1973. 

But who is to say betting on the favourite is wrong? If you enjoy going to Great Yarmouth racecourse you may well have a fighting chance of winning money as it is very much a favourites track. 

Each to their own. 

From betting on two-year-old horses for decades I have learnt a few things. The act of betting isn't something you should do for fun. True, the majority of punters bet for recreation. 

They want to win, but their actions don't mirror this.

I rarely bet at odds below 11/4. I would never say never because the true marker of a talented gambler is knowing when to bet. 

Over a short period of time, even the best gambler can lose. 

Very few punters can avoid losing runs although, to be fair, if you bet selectively you should keep a steady pace rather than the ups and downs of those dreaded peaks (the good part) and troughs (shock horror). A favourite can be a great bet. It is crazy to say I would never bet odds-on even though my general assessment would state this is (and probably should be) a rare bet. It is all about value. And, yes, even a horse priced 1/10f can be value. 

But what about speculative bets?  How do they figure in your betting? Have you ever had a 33/1 winner? 

If you never bet on a big price horse you will never have a big priced winner. It's stating the obvious but it is true. 

When looking through the racing results have you noticed that every favourite wins every race? 

No. Becuase they don't. Mingled between the favourites which may bookend a card, there are horses winning at all odds. 

The Grand National has seen five 100/1 winners over the years. 

I have found the day my betting bank jumped up significantly it is when one of those ''no-hopers'' find their way to the winner's enclosure. 

£50 on a 20/1, and a lovely £1,000 bumps it up nicely. My brother has seen a few exceptional betting days where he won £4,000 for a bet of £20. Yes, the horse won on debut at odds of 200/1. This came from betting on the exchanges. I think the filly [Puggy] was priced 50/1 or 66/1 with the bookmakers. 

To win at gambling you have to know that little more than the rest. The good thing about betting on outsiders is that you are bucking the trend of the crowd. That in itself is a wise move when it comes to gambling. 

If you are a favourites man then you are far from wrong in your thinking if your betting pays. But take note that not every favourite wins and that big priced winner could have been yours if you had been looking in the right direction. 

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

Eric Winner - The Best Horse Racing Tipster in the World

So you can't win at the races!

That's what people tell you, hey. I tell you who those people are, should I? They are people who have never won at betting at the races, betting on horses, or betting on anything, to be honest. 

The fact of the matter is that people do win at betting. And I can prove it to you. Take, for example, Eric Winner has been tipping racing tips January 2014. True, he has his good and bad months. That's what happens to tipsters. The price of gold has gone up and down over the decades. That's life! However, Eric Winner knows his sprint racing. For those who have no understanding of thoroughbred horse racing, that means racing over 5 & 6 furlongs. 

Anyway, I guess you want to know what has made me write this post and state this fact. May proved a brilliant month for Eric. He had 14 winners, 14/1, 18/1 & 25/1 winners, a total of 117 points in winners. True, you have to take off a few losers throughout the month but very few horse racing tipsters tip winners of those prices in a year let alone a month. Certain tipster would never tip such big-priced winners in their life. Far too many favourite-backers out there. 

If you want a fair bet then I would suggest you take a closer look at Eric Winner (Sprint King). 

Who else do you know has tipped a 100/1 winner? What about the day he gave a Trifecta worth £628.99. 

Eric Winner has done exactly that. 

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

Grand National List of Winners

It's the 6th of April 2019. 

Time: 5:15pm 

Place: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. 

I'm studying the form for this year's runners and riders, searching for the best betting odds because I'm looking for a speculative bet.

The Grand National is one race that stops people in their tracks. A household institution. ''Get ready for the Grand National 2019'', are the words I hear come that exciting Saturday. My uncle Alan comes round and asks me to place a few bets for him. ''Not a problem.'' 

In preparation for my speculative bet, I search on Google for the following keywords: List of Grand National winners. Click on the link to Wikipedia and ''BOOM'' the info is at hand. Why should I research past winners? Because I want to see the winning price for the contest over the last few years. There's no lack of data as the records go back to that elusive first win of Lottery who won the inaugural race at odds of 5/1f. It's quite astounding to think that the first race was dated 1839.

From that historic day, the Grand National story has been written like a rich tapestry with covers a million honest, hard, gritty and emotional words. 

Searching the list of Grand National winners, I realise that five horses have won at odds of 100/1. 

''Perhaps my speculative bet is alive and kicking''

Is there a fighting chance we can beat the favourite? 

The last favourite to win was back in 2010 when Don't Push It prevailed. The long-awaited win for Tony McCoy and legendary trainer Jonjo O'Neill. A popular victory, particularly memorable for connections of the 10/1f. 

Interesting to note that in the last 20-years just three favourites have won. A select list including Hedge Hunter 7/1f (2004), Comply Or Die 7/1f (2008) & Don't Push It 10/1f (2010).

So 17 jollies were beaten. 

The shortest price winners over that time being 10/1. Nine winners were priced over 20/1. So that's almost an even money chance of a 20/1+ winner over this period. In fact, the last ten years have seen a number of incredibly priced successors. 

Take a look at the list:

2009 - Mon Mone 100/1 

2012 - Neptunes Collonges 33/1 

2013 - Auroras Encore 66/1

2014 - Pinea Du Re 25/1

2015 - Many Clouds 25/1 

2016 - Rule The World 33/1 

So if you fancy a big price selection don't be put off by those jolly favourite-backers. If they spout on about this, that and the other them ask them how many favourites have won in the last twenty years?

I bet odds-on they have no idea. 

When the Grand National starts, I'll be cheering for a speculative to show the way. 

Good luck. 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution

Wednesday's 2yo Horse Racing (10th August)

2:00 Salisbury - 

Magical Merlin is a high stat horse if 13/2 and less sp (41%) win and (73%) place. Not too much value at the odds at the moment but could be if an ew price. Celtic Champion has run well and looks a decent horse and must run a race. Another ew hope if prices allow. Once More For Luck is a fair horse too. It doesn't look like there is much value at the top of the market unless something drifts in the betting. 

2:10 Beverley - Turbo Tiger is a high stat horse if 13/2 and less sp. 2:20 Yarmouth - No value at the head of the market with two sport priced favourites: Seeking Gold & Modern Dancer. Lion Kingdom is unlikely to hit the mark but Fanshawe has fair stats at Yarmouth and may be backed. 

2:40 Beverley - No real opinion. 

5:30 Ffos Las - I think Tuddenham Mill will go well but no price. 

5:40 Kempton - Quantum Light is short priced but respected. Creative Style has high stats if 13/2 and less. Cell Sa Beela has a group entry and would have claims if 9/2 and less. Sir Michael Stoute does well at Kempton although can be hit and miss but respected. 

6:15 Kempton - Heavenly Breath has fair stats but no value. So Chic would be a high stat horse if 11/2 and less sp. Cochin has fair stats if 11/1 - 14/1. Need to look at the race in more detail.

Tuesday's 2yo Horse Racing (2nd August)

1:55 Ffos Las - 

Lord Bertie sets a decent standard but no price. Elraad has a group entry and Owen Burrows is a very good trainer. However, his debutantes are generally placed rather than winners at at relatively short odds something to consider. Acotango was a high stat horse last time out but put in his place the winner. Not without ability but can't help feeling the favourites will take the beating. Frequent Flyer hails from a stable who are in form and can go very well sto. If 9/1 and less has decent ew claims. 

Conclusion: With two short priced favourites there may be value elsewhere. Acotango ran pretty well last time out and should appreciate this greater test of stamina. May have ew claims but may well be up against Lord Bertie. 

2:10 Catterick - 

Kyeema ran well last time although slightly disappointed as an odds-on shot. Tired in the closing stages which may be a worry here. I can't say I would be rushing out to bet at short odds but each to their own. Tango Man cost a fortune and comes from a stable and owner that can do very well on debut. Could go well but at short odds may give little value. Think First would need to be priced 11/4 and less to have high hopes. Very few from this stable win at double-figure odds on debut. Mahalik was relatively fancied on debut when doing little. Always worth noting Burke's horses sto in case they are substantially backed. Would have a live chance if priced 13/2 and less. 

Conclusion: Interested in seeing how Tango Man goes.

5:40 Chelmsford - 

No great opinion. Be nice to see Julia Feilden get a win.

6:20 Kempton - 

Ferrari Queen is short priced to defy the penalty. Fariba has size and scope for a filly. Ran pretty well on debut and should improve. Not giving much away on the price. Interesting if Harry Dunlop's Bingley Crocker comes back to form after disappointing last time when the trainer's rep said the going was too fast. Difficult to know what to think. Ninetynineproblems has a class 2 entry which gives hope but the trainer doesn't seem to have much in the way of winners so best watched unless you fancy a speculative punt. 

Conclusion: Not giving anything away on the two favourite who should go well. Ninetynineproblems may have aglimmer of hope at giant odds but looks unlikely. Bingley Crocker may have a hope if showing debut form but may have been flattered that day. Can't help thinking the favourite will go well. 

6:50 Kempton - 

Two short priced favourites. The only hope from a stat point of view would be Ed Walker's Amichi if 13/2 and less sp. Looks unlikely to happen but not impossible. 

Conclusion: Can't see much hope of a bet here.