Odds course – with 20 years of experience

“If you can't beat them, join them”, they say. And for many of us who love sports and gambling, the biggest dream is to actually beat the bookies. But if that's not possible, joining them is a good alternative.

From More to Malta

But few are fortunate enough to actually be allowed to work at the really big and serious foreign players. But our friend, Geir Erstad, has been there. And done so. For over 20 years. And getting to sit down and chat with Geir is a truly interesting experience. Finally, we got an insight into what goes on behind the scenes. The hour with Geir was a look through a crack in the curtain, into a mythical and very exciting world. But what did Geir actually do during his years at the various bookmakers?

"Actually, I did everything you can imagine ," the sensible Sunnmøren answers.

"I placed odds on everything from football and winter sports to the Grand Prix and interest rate decisions. And although it taught me a lot about odds and odds setting, the dynamics and mindset of a bookmaker were just as important. Now I know what they think, and how everything works," he says with stoic calm. Because you might think that someone who placed their bets on the answer would get carried away, but not Geir. He keeps both feet firmly planted on the ground. And instead of exploiting this knowledge to his own advantage, he has summarized it all in an online course, so that more people can take part in what he knows.

"That's right. And my course is divided into two parts. The first part is an introduction and covers the very basics. In the second part we go a little more in depth ," he says, before going into more detail;

"I go through important topics like money management, value bets, what to bet on, and generally a bit about how a bookmaker thinks. Because I have a past from the other side of the table, and it is therefore easier for me to know where and when the bookmaker makes mistakes," he says, and we are sold. But we still wonder why. Why doesn't he just sit on this valuable knowledge, instead of spending his time on an online course?

"My goal with the course is simple and straightforward; to improve the odds results of a completely ordinary Norwegian oddsmaker," he says with conviction. And we believe him.

Knowledge in the fight against gambling addiction

"There are several hundred thousand people who bet on odds in Norway, and unfortunately around 98% probably lose in the long run. Making a profit over time on odds is definitely not easy, but by learning some very basic principles, an ordinary odds bettor will probably be able to save several thousand kroner a year. The goal is also to prevent gambling addiction, and to show how one can have odds as a fun hobby - without it affecting other important areas of life. Too many people bet for more than they can afford to lose. And thus they lose control. And when control is lost, the serious consequences occur. Odds should be a healthy and fun hobby - and if we become skilled enough together, it is entirely possible to make a profit, and thus operate odds in a sustainable way."

There is silence for a few seconds. Long enough for us to reflect on our own lives and networks. We know that we are possibly among the 98% that Geir is talking about, and we know how serious gambling addiction is. We all know someone who either struggles with gambling addiction, or is in the risk group. Because with 23,000 gambling addicts in Norway, with their 138,000 relatives, it is easy to support Geir's work. And perhaps even more importantly; 93,000 Norwegians are categorized as moderate risk gamblers. And it is these, with their 558,000 relatives who can still be saved. Not necessarily by a monopoly, but perhaps rather with the help of knowledge about sensible use.

The value hunt

But now that the self-examination is underway, we want to know more about our mistakes and shortcomings. What can we do differently?

“Typical mistakes the average oddsmaker makes are betting on too many games, almost always choosing the favorites, and – perhaps most importantly – playing without considering whether there is actually value in the game.” So simple, yet so difficult.

"Odds are so 'simple' in theory that if you bet on games with value, you will make money over time. If you bet without value, you will lose in the long run," he says, and the information hits us like a clenched fist in the diaphragm. But how do you find games with value?

"I have dedicated an entire module in the course to this, because the challenge for most people is of course being able to put the correct percentage ratings on a match, and thus find out if there is value in the game. But with a little simple training, and a generous dose of interest, most people can learn a lot about uncovering value plays," he states, before continuing;

"With a few simple tips, most people can significantly improve their results and gain a more conscious relationship with odds. I believe it is unnecessary for so many Norwegian oddsmakers to lose as much as they do.".

Again, seriousness takes hold of us. Silence fills the room, and we ponder the possibilities. But we are quickly interrupted, as Geir has saved a real treat for last;

"I also offer a tips service," he almost shouts out in childish joy. "A tips service in addition to the course itself. And while the course is designed for those of you who want training and want to learn more about odds, the tips section is tailored for those of you who want to get betting tips straight to your inbox," he says, before continuing;

"I broadcast between 50 and 100 games each month – mainly from the biggest leagues – and only on games where I think there is value.".

Odds + 90minutefamily = true

We've gotten what we came for. And actually more than that. But we can't help ourselves, so we dare to ask why he chose us?

"I chose to market myself through 90minutefamily because it is a very good website with skilled tipsters, useful information and lots of solid tips. Plus, they take odds very seriously," he explains, and we feel honored.

"I hope that Oddskurs – together with 90minutefamily – can eventually become among the leading betting sites in Norway, and that these will become places that many betting players check daily before placing their bets.

We hope so too.

And if you're curious about what Geir has to offer, as a member of 90minutefamily you have the opportunity to get very good prices. Just look here;

Course: Large and comprehensive odds course in value betting