Episode 91 - Tom Waterhouse - Smart Betting & Sharp Investing.

In the latest SBC Podcast episode, I sit down with Tom Waterhouse, Australian betting guru, ex-CEO of William Hill Australia, and founder of Waterhouse VC.

Tom lifts the lid on how professional syndicates really operate, where today’s biggest betting edges can be found, and what the rise of new markets like crypto and contracts means for sharp players.

He also shares how Waterhouse VC is investing in cutting-edge suppliers, betting technology, and even syndicates themselves, with a focus on option-based deals that limit risk but maximise upside.

HOW WATERHOUSE VC FINDS AN EDGE

From on-course bookmaker to running William Hill Australia to launching his own VC fund
Why Waterhouse VC backs technology suppliers instead of operators
The option-based model Tom uses to limit downside while chasing outsized returns
Success stories: turning small options into multi-million-dollar exits

SYNDICATES – WHAT PROS DO DIFFERENTLY

Inside Waterhouse VC’s investments in tennis and blackjack syndicates
Spotting the difference between scalable edge and short-term variance
How Tom’s father, with 45 years of unbeaten syndicate betting, helps evaluate opportunities
What everyday bettors can copy from syndicate discipline and structure

DISCIPLINE, MINDSET & SHARP PLAY

Why betting less often is often the key to winning long term
Tom’s blueprint for knowing when to strike and when to sit tight
Advice on finding overlooked markets where edges still exist

REGULATION, MINIMUM BET LAW & THE BLACK MARKET

Australia’s minimum bet law: why some bettors love it and others hate it
How restrictions and affordability checks are pushing punters away from licensed firms
The surge of crypto-based black-market betting and why it’s so hard to police
Why Tom believes regulation moves in cycles and what might trigger the next reset

NEW TECH & WHERE THE GAME IS MOVING

High-frequency betting, crypto products, and contract markets shaking up the industry
How platforms are bypassing regulation and partnering with giants like Robinhood and X
Why user experience and retention now matter more than sign-ups

Tom also explains why patience and selectivity matter more than constant action, how pros adapt to tougher markets, and why sharp players will always gravitate to where they can bet at scale.

You can also support the SBC Podcast by visiting our podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get 150 days commission free with them via this link: https://welcome.matchbook.com/SBC150

For those of you who would like to learn more about Tom Waterhouse:

X/Twitter: https://x.com/tomwaterhouse
Waterhouse VC: https://www.waterhousevc.com/