Insight from a pro punter: misconceptions, strategy and adapting to survive

The battlefield has long since moved from the racecourse to online. And due to the advent of Betfair the war is no longer waged purely between bookmaker and punter. However, despite the wildly different surroundings, one constant remains in that there are sharp minds able to make a comfortable living through betting on sport.

"One of the big things I would say about pro-punting is having the ability to adapt," says Neil Channing, 50, who has held a variety of roles in the betting industry – from odds-compiler, to on-course bookmaker, to tipster – but has always described himself as a professional gambler and been flexible in his approach to stay a step ahead.

He adds: "Don't listen to anyone who says the game's gone. The game's not gone – it's just changed.