I think one thing you have to have to assume in this industry is that if you are placing big bets or you are a well known figure, then there is a high chance that people will talk about you and the bets you have been placing. Privacy doesn’t exist.
I have had one example that sticks in the mind. It involved a school friend who I had recently touched base with after almost 20 years. They had been talking to someone who worked at one of the big 3 at the time. My name was mentioned and my betting history was talked about. Particular bets were mentioned. It didn’t overly bother me as the main crux of the conversation were fortunately some winning bets. However, it’s not good. The situation and bets placed could have been very different. It shouldn’t happen.
We saw it in a slightly different context with the Phil Mickelson and Billy Walters dialogue. It is the betting partner revealing all the various bets that were placed. Rather than an employee of that bookmaker revealing it all. None of the details of the bets placed should have made it into the public domain. It feels incredibly petty and something borne out of revenge.
I also don’t think it is a good look for the industry at all. Front page news for all the wrong reasons. The last thing gambling needed is more bad publicity. Mickelson could afford to lose the quoted $100m. Who knows what the real numbers are though? The problem is that he demonstrated all the signs of not being remotely in control of what he was doing. The bookmakers were more than happy to facilitate it though. The United States will have so much scrutiny in the coming years about responsible gambling. These types of stories do not help. I guess Billy Walters doesn’t care. He got his revenge.
Even on a much smaller scale we had the issue between Icyestretro and Ley Keys over a £240 balance being owed. I am absolutely stunned that it made it onto Twitter and the big spat that followed. Icy has never been my biggest fan but I did feel sorry for him here. You never know what is going on behind the scenes but there is no way he wouldn’t/couldn’t have paid it. Trying to damage someone’s reputation is not good. Particularly someone who has done you favours in the past by going on your podcasts etc. Bizarre.
I have heard so many betting stories about England footballers, PL footballers, International cricketers, major winning golfers. You name it. They have to realise that a lot of people will talk about where they bet and what they have been betting on.
Be aware that privacy doesn’t exist like it should when it comes to betting. Pick your betting outs really carefully if it matters to you. Whether that be bookmakers or betting partners. People just can’t help themselves. They love to talk in this game.
ProPunting 