Ryan Murphy

Managing Editor Years of Experience Icon

26+ years experience

Managing Editor

26+ years experience

Ryan Murphy began his love affair with sports journalism at the age of nine when he wrote his first article about his little league baseball team. He has since authored his own weekly column for Fox Sports and AskMen and has created successful campaigns for some of the biggest and most trusted brands in the world including Walt Disney, HBO, the WWE, the NHL, and the NFL.

“Murph,” as he’s known to friends, began his journey in sports betting in 2017, and enjoyed a highly rewarding tenure at Churchill Downs, where he oversaw the creation of the TwinSpires Edge and served as the publication’s first editor-in-chief. His nose for news and ability to find and nurture talent helped turn the site into a major player within the online gambling industry.

Although Ryan loves examining odds movement and breaking down matchups, he’s also a prolific creative writer whose critically acclaimed stories have been published in 21 books and have been featured on more than 170 radio stations and 40 newspapers. His latest book, My Life’s a Joke, is a laugh-out-loud memoir about the epic fails that thickened his skin and paved the way for a successful 15-year career as a touring stand-up comedian.

Ryan’s top piece of advice to sports bettors: “Bet with your head, not your heart. It pains me to be pragmatic, but blind loyalty has no place in sports wagering.”

Favorites

Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Sport to bet on: NBA
Sports movie: Bull Durham
Sports snack: Wings
Covers feature: League Trends

I’d be lying if I told you I jumped on Blake Snell’s 2018 Cy Young odds when they were parked at +28,000. I’d be writing this passage from my own private island if I had. However, I did recognize his value early on when he got off to a 4-1 start and nabbed him at +5,000. By the time Snell picked up his hardware in November, most books had the lefty listed at -400.

Best Betting Memory

I hate to admit it, but I was one of the few people in Canada that picked the Philadelphia 76ers to win Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals straight-up over the Toronto Raptors. The betting gods punished me for my lack of patriotism that evening when Kawhi Leonard’s game-winner bounced off the rim an excruciating four times before settling into the basket. I’m still recovering from the heart attack.

Worst Beat