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 EDGEFrom on-course bookmaker to running William Hill Australia to launching his own VC fundWhy Waterhouse VC backs technology suppliers instead of operatorsThe option-based model Tom uses to limit downside while chasing outsized returnsSuccess stories: turning small options into multi-million-dollar exits SYNDICATES – WHAT PROS DO DIFFERENTLYInside Waterhouse VC’s investments in tennis and blackjack syndicatesSpotting the difference between scalable edge and short-term varianceHow Tom’s father, with 45 years of unbeaten syndicate betting, helps evaluate opportunitiesWhat everyday bettors can copy from syndicate discipline and structure DISCIPLINE, MINDSET & SHARP PLAYWhy betting less often is often the key to winning long termTom’s blueprint for knowing when to strike and when to sit tightAdvice on finding overlooked markets like challenger tennis or smaller cricket leagues where edges still exist REGULATION, MINIMUM BET LAW & THE BLACK MARKETAustralia’s minimum bet law: why some syndicates love it and others hate itHow restrictions and affordability checks are pushing punters away from licensed firmsThe surge of crypto-based black-market betting and why it’s so hard to policeWhy Tom believes regulation moves in cycles and what might trigger the next reset NEW TECH & WHERE THE GAME IS MOVINGHigh-frequency betting, crypto products, and contract markets shaking up the industryHow platforms are bypassing regulation and partnering with giants like Robinhood and XWhy 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