Annus horribilis – but I'll get over it

Ihave had plenty of ups and downs in my sports betting career but 2017 is going to go down as the one in which I lost my discipline and a whole lot of cash. After a solid enough start I got greedy in Super Rugby and after a couple of horror weekends I tried to bet myself out of trouble. Never a good move. I chose the Sharks v Rebels game and went high on points and tries in the spreads markets. The game, if I recall, finished 9-9.

Before I go on (and in case my motherin-law reads this) I must point out that I bet with a bankroll which was set aside many years ago and it had grown nicely during a very successful 2016. So I am not playing with the grocery money – but a knock to the bankroll hurts nonetheless.

I felt a strange sense of relief after the Sharks game because I was forced to take a break from betting. I laid low for almost three months and when I returned I had a more disciplined approach.

But just as I was gaining momentum I got greedy again. I started increasing my stake and often had bets riding on multiple games taking place at the same time. I was no longer treating sports betting as a game of skill and I paid the price.

As 2017 draws to a close I have to reflect on what has been a poor punting year and one in which he I broke many of my own rules and lost my discipline. I must focus on getting things back on track in 2018.

Brent Graham is a sports betting blogger at To get on his free weekly e-mail list, just send a message to

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