I agree with you. The bookies probably always win, if nothing really unexpected happens, since they provide the odds, so they can control their book, but If the player is good, they could also win. They can even find good value in the bets sometimes.
Finally there is always the promotions, which is an amazing way to add value to your bets, and that could work in the player favor.
Take the example of the Tipster Championship, sponsored by directbet. We are now in our XI, edition, and you keep your profit, and you win prizes (100mBTC are actually almost guaranteed, as long as you fulfill the requirements of the competition). So it's really a great value, meaning that the house wins as they should, it's their business, but the player can win to.
Dear member of direct bet,
if house doesnot win then players will never be paid and never such competitions will be there.Ofcourse in small time spam player can win and promotions are only attractive to wager and for creating addiction to gambling but in long run house has to win and it always wins so only house provides free giveaways through competitions... to players.And that is one of the reason why directbet is alive and expanding after 3-4 yrs.
Directbet started with only sportsbook with few sports then poker then dice and now even the casino all this possible only because house always wins