I vaguely remember my first steps in the betting industry, stepping foot into a local bookies during a family holiday in Greece. Grand National Day and a big slate of Premier League action to dip my toes in. A four-fold acca, including my own team, Man United, was a loser before the 3pm kick-offs even got underway. But, Red Marauder’s success at Aintree at an SP of 33/1 pulled me back in.

Over 20 years have passed since that first glimpse at what a winning feeling looks like, and now I’m more invested in making money betting than ever. Odds are like a second language, as countless hours are spent dissecting the lines and assessing the movements on prices; understanding why they are changing and how I can implement them into a money-making opportunity.

Chasing losses and ignoring the obvious value in markets were mistakes I made at a younger age, but they are very much a thing of the past when it comes to the disciplined bettor I have become in this modern day.

Understanding what I was looking for when betting was always one of the first issues, but let’s face it, it’s all about winning and getting the best price for the hard work. Finding the niche markets betting on soccer or choosing the obvious three or four-fold parlays are now commonplace on the weekend for me.

Celebrating the wins and quickly getting over the losses that feel like a gut punch are just parts of the game, but that’s why we love sport, and why we love betting. Having the passion for sport is something that gambling has had a direct impact on.

Whether that be the week-long trips following England for the EUROs or World Cup, traveling hours to events such as the Breeders’ Cup and Kentucky Derby, or just spending money to see live sport in the NBA or NHL up close. Betting is at the heart of the passion.