Can you briefly describe your educational background?
Alexander Thomas Coleman.”I graduated from Boston University with a BA in journalism before moving on to obtain an MS in investigative journalism from Columbia University”
Do you feel that these degrees have influenced your views on sports betting?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “Without a doubt. They taught me that statistics alone don’t always provide the big picture when it comes to sports wagering.”
We know that you’re a big fan of statistics. Why do so many bettors fail to analyse these figures?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “Frankly, data can be scary. Those without the proper skills will often overlook important factors in favour of the ‘big picture’.”
However, you’ve also said that data alone is only one facet of the equation. Can you elaborate?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “I often stress on Instagram that information is of little value if not paired with the psychology of the bettor in question. Emotions play a critical role.”
Are you referring to the mindset of the wagering enthusiast?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “That’s exactly what I mean. Those who don’t have the right perspective will often make wrong decisions. Data points alone can only go so far.”
We’ve heard the same thing about investing. Do you feel that this is a correct statement?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “I also specialised in financial management, and I can tell you that emotions can often cloud trades. As the expression goes, the markets rise and fall on greed and fear.”
Have you ever made a snap wagering decision that you’ve come to regret?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “I can think of one instance. I once allowed my favouritism to supersede the so-called ‘writing on the wall’ when wagering on a Major League Baseball game. After all, we’re only human.”
So, you’re saying that psychology is just as important?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “I can’t stress enough the role that mindset plays when it comes to sports wagering. Unfortunately, this is often glossed over for odds, fixtures, and data that can be interpreted in many different ways.”
In other words, you’re talking about the eye of the beholder?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “That’s one way of putting it. Emotions represent a pair of tinted glasses. We might see the same image in different colours; leading to a bet that’s flavoured more by perspective than logic.”
How has your background in journalism shaped this belief?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “As a journalist, it’s my job to listen. I’ve come to appreciate how perspective can influence the outcome of any wager. The followers of my TikTok profile have also reinforced this point.”
Why do you think that relatively few journalists have covered this topic?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “We need to remember that psychology is highly subjective. This is why there is no set of ‘rules’ that can be used to create a sure-fire wagering road map.”
You’re once again referring to the “greed and fear” analogy?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “One hundred per cent. For instance, some bettors love the long shot, while others are highly conservative. I think of these as wagering ‘fingerprints’ in many ways.”
Taking this to the extreme, do you think that some individuals aren’t suited for sports wagering?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “Not at all. I feel that they simply lack the proper psychological skills needed to accommodate their discrete strategies. This is when experience comes into play.”
Why has journalism largely overlooked this observation?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “People are often stuck in their ways, even if this mindset isn’t conducive to positive outcomes. Journalists are also hesitant to broach the subject.”
Might we ever see this attitude change?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “I believe that we already are. The younger generation is more open to innovative approaches to betting, and they’re naturally keen to take advantage of the latest strategies.”
So, you’re saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “This might be painting the picture with overly broad strokes. Bettors must first realise that their mental approach isn’t producing results. If they’re willing to change, the sky is the limit.”
How would you like to see the field of sports journalism evolve?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “When it comes to betting, I feel that journalists should report with emotion as opposed to simply stating the facts. This may cause the reader to take a similar approach, and to appreciate the role that psychology plays.”
Do you think that the sportsbook community will be open to this strategy?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “I’ve discussed the same subject with my X followers. The vast majority feel that personal insight is one of the best ways to honehttps://x.com/AlexanderTCol successful betting techniques, and to correct any weaknesses.”
What about the role that online sportsbooks play in terms of bettor psychology?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “Online bookmakers aren’t generally concerned with psychology, and I believe that this is a shame. If we have already included statistics, why not the psychology of the bettor in journalism? I’d really like to see these platforms include blog posts highlighting how emotions are just as important as the odds themselves.”
Does the future of sports journalism include a greater emphasis on bettor psychology?
Alexander Thomas Coleman. “This is what I’m hoping for. Human emotion plays an integral part of the big picture, and the entire sports community would benefit as a result.”
