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BetCris.com Opinion on Price Per Head Explored

2005-06-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Featuring Dalton Wagner, Founder V.O. Group, S.A.

The concept of Price Per Head Agency or Outsourcing Bookmaking to an Offshore Sports book has become popular recently. By using software written by offshore sports books, agents or illegal credit bookmakers have the ability to outsource the writing of their business to companies like www.BettorsNet.com. Therefore, the agent or bookmaker simply points their clients to a phone number and/or website and allows them to bet with a simple Pin/Password system. The agent or bookmaker then pulls reports at the end of the week, and pays or collects what the client won or lost. The only money that trades hands between the agent or bookmaker and the service provider is a simple Price Per Head service fee.

This new system is a departure from the way it used to work in which the agent would split the winnings or losings with the offshore sportsbook.

Obvious benefits of the Price Per Head Agency relationship are (i) improved earning potential for the agent, (ii) decreased legal exposure for the agent, (iii) increased customer service for the agent’s clients, and (iv) ability for the agent to do something other than answer wagering calls (they actually get time to enjoy the money they are earning).

There has been much debate over which of the two methods is better for the partner agent or bookmaker. In an effort to get to the bottom of this, we attempted to contact the dominant player in each of the models:

Revenue Split Model: The owners of www.BetCris.com (Costa Rica International Sportsbook is a well known offshore credit bookmaker who operates only on a revenue split model) were contacted but refused to return our call or comment;

Price Per Head Agency Model: Dalton Wagner, proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A. and BettorsNet.com (one of the largest offshore gambling operators who only operates on a Price Per Head basis when dealing with credit agents) was contacted and agreed to be interviewed.

Unfortunately, since only one of the persons contacted agreed to participate, our interview will show mostly his view. However, we did our best to probe the positives and negatives of each model.

Post-Up Newsletter: The Price Per Head model appears to be the most appropriate model for an agent or bookmaker to maximize his revenue. Why then are companies like www.BetCris.com so against them?
D. Wagner: The answer is simple dollars and cents. If you have a client that loses $10,000 in a week and you have a Price Per Head Agency relationship with www.BettorsNet.com, you will simply need to pay your service fee of $25-$30 for that client using our service. However, if you are using a revenue split relationship, you will have to fork over $5,000. So, in the example you provided, companies like the one you mentioned are in danger of losing $4,970 in revenue if their agents find out about PPH.

Post-Up Newsletter: Yes, I understand the math, but when speaking to companies like www.BetCris.com they act as if the PPH industry is putting the offshore industry in danger. They speak of people like you as if you had the plague. Why?
D. Wagner: I know the gentleman that owns Bet Cris. I know the guys who run Bet Cris. They are the best in the world at what they do. There is no way I would dispute that and no way anyone would dispute that. But, BetCris.com can not exist by taking all of their revenue split relationships and having them converted to PPH. So, if I had to guess, they act that way because I am endangering their way of life. I have actually had conversations with the owner of BetCris.com and he firmly feels that he provides his agents a better opportunity to earn more, therefore he feels his much higher price is warranted. I don’t know if I agree, but I think it best for my reputation to speak for itself. The fact is that I have NEVER had an agent or bookmaker come to me who switched to PPH from revenue split EVER GO BACK. 100% of the people who have tried my service are still with me from day 1. That shows me that agents do not agree with BetCris.com. They think the service is comparable and they think the earning potential is greater with www.BettorsNet.com.

Post-Up Newsletter: I am lost. Why does the owner of BetCris.com feel he provides his agents a better opportunity to earn more? The math seems obvious.
D. Wagner: Actually, I agree with him in one way and one way only. If an agent is weak and is booking ‘over his head’ (an industry term that implies the bookmaker or agent is taking more risk than they can afford in the long term), then a partnership with www.BetCris.com can be a positive thing. Not only do you share 50% of your revenue with them on a revenue split relationship, but you also share 50% of the risk. So, if you are an agent that has a bettor that wants to bet $5,000 a game, and you can only afford to book $2,500, then a partnership with Bet Cris is a good thing and will allow you to stay in business longer. You should never ever book over your head.

Post-Up Newsletter: Oh, I see. So that is an example of an agent you would tell to use a revenue split model, right?
D. Wagner: Yes. And, No. Yes, if the agent plans on booking over his head for the long term. No, if he can cut his client down to an acceptable level and keep all the profit for himself. Then, when the agent or partner bookmaker has a large enough bank roll, he can open the client up to the larger wagers. I still believe, and I believe the math proves that PPH is always bettor for the agent.

Post-Up Newsletter: Are there any other Price Per Head agency companies that you would recommend?
D. Wagner: Absolutely NOT. Please print that in big bold letters. It is difficult for any company in our industry to survive. The overhead is huge. Most Price Per Head companies have come to Costa Rica or Panama or Antigua to try and compete with just Price Per Head revenue. Trust me, I have been doing this for 7 years, and PPH does NOT generate enough for survival. You have to build a relationship with a company that has a huge staff, technical know-how, tri-dundant phones, tri-dundant internet service, millions of dollars in investment in hardware and software – and, we are the only ones that have it at the current time. Why? Because we have been operating major post-up brands for years. We are one of the most successful operators offshore and we are able to write PPH as a sideline business. We could NEVER survive on PPH alone. And, anyone who says they can, is lying to you. The guys who say they can write business at $17or $20/head are on their way out – they just don’t know it yet.

Post-Up Newsletter: So how does a bookmaker or agent learn more about this?
D. Wagner: Simply go to any of the V.O. Group, S.A. sites to learn more. I suggest starting at www.BettorsNet.com or calling 1-877-512-1001 or emailing agents@bettorsnet.com to get more information.

Additional Information on the Companies Mentioned Above:

As Founder and Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A., Dalton Wagner has survived multiple buyout attempts and maintains one of the largest privately held offshore gaming companies in the industry. While the rest of the industry is going public and being required to provide more and more information in a public format, Mr. Wagner’s privately held company is a favorite associate and partner for bookmakers and agents onshore. Privacy is one thing you never have to worry about when dealing with Dalton and V.O. Group, S.A. With formidable competition, Mr. Wagner founded V.O. Group, S.A. in 1998. While most companies formed that late failed, V.O. Group, S.A. has become one of the top 10 most admired offshore companies (as measured by Online Gambling Magazine; Post-Up Newsletter; Offshore Operator Industry Magazine; and Many other Publications). If you are looking for a Price Per Head Agency relationship, there is no place better online or offshore.
BetCris.com is considered the undisputed leader in offshore credit bookmaking. The owner of the company has been called the Godfather of the Offshore Bookmaking Industry in many publications. It is estimated that 90% of Costa Rica International Sportsbooks revenue is generated via revenue splits with Partner Agents and Bookmakers. If you are looking for a Revenue Split relationship, there is no place better online or offshore.

Benefits of Price Per Head (PPH) Exploration & Quantification

2005-06-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

Q & A with
Dalton Wagner, Founder V.O. Group, S.A.

Dalton Wagner, Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A. has found a great deal of success by tripling his bottom line profit numbers with the addition of what has been called the Greatest Price Per Head Offering online. While his Board of Directors and Investors are thrilled, we wanted more than vague statements – we wanted facts. We recently caught up with Dalton in San Juan, Puerto Rico while he was on vacation at El Conquistador Hotel and Resort. Our goal was to Explore and Quantify the actual benefits that a Price Per Head (PPH) Agency Relationship offers the bookmaker, agent or entrepreneur.

As Founder and Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A., Dalton Wagner has survived multiple buyout attempts and maintains one of the largest privately held offshore gaming companies in the industry. While the rest of the industry is going public and being required to provide more and more information in a public format, Mr. Wagner’s privately held company is a favorite associate and partner for bookmakers and agents onshore. Privacy is one thing you never have to worry about when dealing with Dalton and V.O. Group, S.A. With formidable competition, Mr. Wagner founded V.O. Group, S.A. in 1998. While most companies formed that late failed, V.O. Group, S.A. has become one of the top 10 most admired offshore companies (as measured by Online Gambling Magazine; Post-Up Newsletter; Offshore Operator Industry Magazine; and Many other Publications).

The Offshore Operator: We have heard about all of the success you have found with the best Price Per Head (PPH) offering in the offshore gambling industry. However, we are not hearing actual numbers. Can you tell us how many clients you are now writing business for?
Dalton Wagner: As you know, the answer really depends on the season you are speaking about. In football season, we are now writing about 7,500 PPH clients a week (7,500 clients of our partner agents which outsourced the writing of their bets via our service and software). And, in baseball season we have historically written only half of that number. But, there is a very favorable trend occurring for our Agent and Bookmaker Partners. Since the addition of our Horse Wagering at over 300+ tracks and Two Casino Platforms with over 35 games, we are now seeing an increasing number of clients playing year-round. This, as you know, makes our Agent and Bookmaker Partners very, very happy.

The Offshore Operator: 7,500 PPH clients clearly makes you the largest PPH provider offshore. What do you attribute your success to?
Dalton Wagner: I am not sure we can find one distinct reason for our success. But, I can tell you what our Agent and Bookmaker Partners tell us. On average an Agent or Bookmaker partner doubles his revenue when he switches his clients to our service. The reason for this is access to 24-hour wagering online or via our call center, about 700% more wagering options when you look at our period wagering and propositions, and the addition of two casinos and horses has not hurt either. So, if you are a bookmaker or agent making $200k a year, you can reasonably expect to make $400k a year using our service. It is virtually guaranteed.

The Offshore Operator: Dalton, you are famous for making that kind of statement. But, can you back it up with quantifiable numbers?
Dalton Wagner: Absolutely I can. Ask me what you would like.

The Offshore Operator: OK. Let’s start with examples of how you can guarantee a 200% increase in earnings for Partner bookmakers or agents?
Dalton Wagner: Easy enough. In the United States, Mexico and Canada the typical credit bookmaker offers lines on games and totals. Sometimes they offer money lines too – but, rarely. And, these same bookmakers do not offer period betting or propositions. Furthermore, they take wagers only over the phone and only 2-4 hours a day. If you use our Price Per Head Software, you offer spreads, money lines, totals, half-time spreads, half-time money lines, half-time totals, quarter lines, propositions, and we allow access to betting 24-hours a day; 7-days a week; 365 days a year. In summary, I can safely say we offer 600% of the access time a normal credit bookmaker would provide as we are opened 24 hours compared to 4 hours. And, I can safely say we offer 700% more wagering options. These increases of 600% in access and 700% in wagering options easily equate to 200% more revenue for the partner bookmaker or agent.

The Offshore Operator: I understand, but I don’t necessarily agree. For example, if I am a credit bettor and I have $200 to lose, does it matter that I can access your site 24-hours a day?
Dalton Wagner: That question shows that you are not a bookmaker or agent. The reason is, the answer is ABSOLUTELY YES. If you compare a post-up client to a credit client, the credit client will typically lose 3-5x what the post-up client will. The reason is access. If you give a client access to credit, and access to use the credit, he will use it. Heck, forget about that example…if you are married and your wife has a credit card, you know that. The fact is as you allow more access to betting options and credit, the client will lose more. And, my current partner bookmakers and agents report to me that they typically double their earnings within weeks after joining my service.

The Offshore Operator: OK. That makes more sense to me. How about the casino, how does that affect the partner bookmaker or agents earnings?
Dalton Wagner: The online casino is relatively new to partner bookmakers and agents. The fact is that in the past, agents were scared to open up their clients to online casinos. The reason is that when clients lose in sports – they know they were treated fairly. However, when they lose in an online casino, for some reason their first reaction is “I was cheated”. However, as integrity in online gaming has risen over the years, so has trust in online casinos. For this reason, you are starting to see partner agents and bookmakers open their clients up to our two online casinos. And, boy, when they do – they are very happily surprised. An online casino allows wagering 24-hours a day. This means revenue potential for the agent or bookmaker 24-hours a day. It’s nice to run your reports in the morning and realize you made an extra $20,000 while you were sleeping! We estimate that when a partner agent or bookmaker opens up his clients to our casino, they will make an extra 15%-20% a year. This is purely earned off casino winnings.

The Offshore Operator: Fifteen to Twenty percent a year is nothing to laugh at. What about the horses?
Dalton Wagner: The horse product we have offers 300+ tracks including harness, thoroughbred and dogs. It is not just horses. Typically when the partner bookmaker or agent opens it up, adoption is slow. But, people who bet horses and dogs, love to bet horses and dogs. It is not rare to see a client who likes the ponies to double his daily action. And, as any bookmaker knows, in sports you hope to hold 6% on turnover. Well, in horses you hope to hold 20%. The difference in expected hold is where the value is in horses.

The Offshore Operator: Wow! So, having all the offerings really does matter doesn’t it?
Dalton Wagner: What I am selling is access – pure and simple. My goal is to take a partner agent or bookmakers clients and put them in the candy store 24-hours a day surrounded by all of their favorite treats. And, as you know, when any of us are put in that situation, we will indulge. And, they do.

The Offshore Operator: Have you ever had anyone become a partner Agent or Bookmaker and leave because they did not like what you had to offer?
Dalton Wagner: That is a very interesting question. The fact is, and I should have used this in the past know that I think about it, the answer is NO. As a matter of fact, every single person to use our service or try our service has been with us since initiating trial. We really are, without exaggeration, at 100%. Thank you for pointing that out to me.

The Offshore Operator: How could you not have known that?
Dalton Wagner: Embarrassingly, I never thought about it. I have always said “try it, you’ll love it”. But, I guess I never looked at the quantifiable fact – NOBODY HAS EVER TRIED OUR SERVICE AND LEFT OUR SERVICE they’re clients love it, the agents love it, and the agents make more than ever before – so they stay around!

The Offshore Operator: So how does a bookmaker or agent learn more about this profitable product?
Dalton Wagner: Simply go to any of the V.O. Group, S.A. sites to learn more. I suggest starting at www.BettorsNet.com or calling 1-877-512-1001 or emailing agents@bettorsnet.com to get more information. V.O. Group, S.A. sites include www.BettorsNet.com; www.MVPsportsbook.com; www.V-Wager.com; www.Players-SB.com; etc.

Success With Price Per Head (Small Sportsbook Success)

2005-06-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Case Study in Small Sportsbook Success via Use of Price Per Head (PPH) Software Written and Owned by V.O. Group, S.A., the most successful offshore sportsbook in Costa Rica.

Price Per Head vs. Small Sportsbook Operation

Featuring Dalton Wagner, Founder V.O. Group, S.A.

As Founder and Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A., Dalton Wagner has the reputation of being the most innovative operator in offshore gaming. His most recent innovation has allowed small sportsbooks to outsource their complete operation to V.O. Group, S.A. while focusing completely on marketing. With formidable competition, Mr. Wagner founded V.O. Group, S.A. in 1998. While most companies formed that late failed, V.O. Group, S.A. has become one of the top 10 operators offshore (as measured by AnteUp; Gambling Online Magazine; Poker Player Magazine; and Many other Publications).

Playing Poker Online Magazine: Recently we have been told that V.O. Group, S.A. is now allowing small sportsbook operations to outsource the complete writing of their business to your organization. How is this possible?
Wagner: The situation you speak about is 100% true. However, has only happened one time in our history.

Playing Poker Online Magazine: Can you be more specific?
Wagner: When an offshore sportsbook starts, in 99% of all cases it will fail in the first 24 months of operations given the current market conditions. Examples are everywhere from The Dunes, Platinum, Super Sports Book, etc. It happens every single year. In the past, large sportsbooks like MVP Sportsbook or V-Wager.com would swoop in and try to save the books via financial help or simply buy them at a low price. Well, V.O. Group, S.A. now offers another more innovative solution.

Playing Poker Online Magazine: OK. You’ve got me, explain!
Wagner: We write business for onshore bookmakers and agents charging them a simple price per head per week. This price takes into consideration our considerable economies of scale and a small profit margin. In the case you are speaking of, instead of buying the sportsbook for a low cost that basically sent the owners home broken hearted and with empty pockets, we cut them a deal where they could focus on marketing and leverage off of our economies of scale. Simply put, we took over writing their business for them, and they now focus their limited resources on marketing 100% of the time.

Playing Poker Online Magazine: That sounds like snake oil. How exactly would that work?
Wagner: We don’t sell snake oil. The facts speak for themselves. When V.O. Group, S.A. opened it’s doors in 1998 the market was different. You could recruit players, write their business, and make a profit in years one, two and three. With the current market conditions, there is NO WAY a start up credit or post-up book can be profitable in year one, two or three without 2,000 head a week in business. That is the theoretical breakeven point. If you are writing less than 2,000 head a week, you can double or triple your net earn by letting V.O. Group, S.A. write your business.

Playing Poker Online Magazine: OK. That makes sense because in 1998 and 1999, it was cheaper to find a new client. Is that where the difference in earnings comes from?
Wagner: The fact is yes, that is where the difference is. But, that is not our selling point. Our selling point is that if you stop worrying about writing business and let us do it, you can focus on marketing – which is the key to the success of an online sportsbook. And, that is the simple fact for credit bookmaking, post-up bookmaking and future success in this industry. As long as you think ‘beating the clients’ is the key, you are limiting your business. Let our company worry about that – and, you find clients. Spend your time finding clients and you will make money.

Playing Poker Online Magazine: The theory is sound, but what about the facts?
Wagner: The owners of the sports operation in question do not want me to be specific about whom they are. But, let me simply say that when we took over their operations, they could not even make the post-up money good. Now they have $1.4 million in the bank. So, yes, the facts do follow the theory.

Playing Poker Online Magazine: Wow! That is incredible. Can any poker room, casino, racebook or sports book do this with V.O. Group, S.A.
Wagner: Yes. We have programs for all online products except for bingo. And, by 2006 we should be able to offer options for even bingo operators..

Playing Poker Online Magazine: So how does a bookmaker or current operation learn more about outsourcing their operations to V.O. Group, S.A.?
Wagner: Simply go to any of the V.O. Group, S.A. sites to learn more. I suggest starting at www.BettorsNet.com or calling 1-877-512-1001 or emailing agents@bettorsnet.com to get more information.

Article Note: The situation in this Case Study is a true case, however may not be representative of your situation. All situations are different and therefore may result differently.

Success With Price Per Head (One Agents Story)

2005-06-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Case Study demonstrating one agents success via Use of Price Per Head (PPH) Software Written and Owned by V.O. Group, S.A., the most successful offshore sportsbook in Costa Rica.

Price Per Head vs. One Agents Old Operation

Featuring Dalton Wagner, Founder V.O. Group, S.A.

As Founder and Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A., Dalton Wagner has the reputation of being the most innovative operator in offshore gaming. His most recent innovation involves the direct attack upon the Onshore Bookmaking market via the unique value proposition of actually partnering with Bookmakers and Agents onshore (as opposed to attempting to steal their business). With formidable competition, Mr. Wagner founded V.O. Group, S.A. in 1998. While most companies formed that late failed, V.O. Group, S.A. has become one of the top 10 operators offshore (as measured by AnteUp; Gambling Online Magazine; Poker Player Magazine; and Many other Publications).

Sports Betting Business: The ‘buzz’ in offshore gambling appears to be focusing on only two subjects as of late, including: Poker and Your Price Per Head Offering. What exactly is Price Per Head and Price Per Head Agency?
Wagner: As you know, one market that a post-up sportsbook has historically been unable to attack is the huge market of bettors that have been betting with their local guy for years (local guy = agent or corner bookie). The reason this market exists is the personal relationship that an onshore bookie or agent has with his clients. Sportsbooks have attempted to educate the player and lure him away from the local bookie, however V.O. Group, S.A. has decided to take another tact. Via our Price Per Head software written by Matthew Wilson, we have been able to PARTNER with onshore bookies or agents with our Price Per Head Agency Relationship.

Sports Betting Business: You called us with a specific Success Story that you said Had To Be Told Immediately! What in the heck could be so important?
Wagner: As the industry knows, we have been pushing Price Per Head Agency for a while now. We have a story that has to be told…it is that simple!

Sports Betting Business: OK. Go ahead and tell the story!
Wagner: The story starts with a gentleman named Paul Harris in Austin, Texas who is was a small town bookmaker making $250,000 a year in income.

Sports Betting Business: I already see where this is going. Now you are going to tell me of how V.O. Group, S.A. leveraged your PPH software and relationship with Paul to make him 30% or 50% more. Right?
Wagner: No, that is not the story at all. While 50% would truly be something to celebrate, it does not compare to this story!

Sports Betting Business: Stop already. Tell the story.
Wagner: Mr. Harris contacted V.O. Group, S.A. through our BettorsNet.com brand in August 2004, right before football season. After three phone calls we switched his 75 players from playing through his cell phone to playing via our website and call center. And, with the increased availability to the product, more offerings, and all the other items BettorsNet.com brings, guess how much Paul made?

Sports Betting Business: Well, since you did not bite on 50% more, I will say 100% more. But I doubt it!
Wagner: Yea, I doubt it too. How about 350% more. That’s right! I just ran the reports for Paul Harris and up to February 1, 2005, Paul has made $750,000.00.

Sports Betting Business: Wait, $750,000 is a hell of a lot more than 350% more. Isn’t it?
Wagner: Actually, if you take into consideration the decline we will see after the end of March Madness, he should easily make $1,200,000 this year. But, I didn’t want to overstate the facts!

Sports Betting Business: Are you telling me that by having you take the phone calls and do the accounting for Mr. Harris you made this difference in his life?
Wagner: That is exactly what I am saying!

Sports Betting Business: Was he that bad of a bookmaker?
Wagner: Well, I think we are better – but, he was fine. The increase doesn’t come from us beating his players more than he did. The increase comes from the product being available 24 hours a day and our company having more offerings. And, the secret ingredient helps too!

Sports Betting Business: Oh, I see. Instead of having his cell on for a few hours a day, you put the product in front of his clients all day and night for the buying. I see. But, what is the ‘secret ingredient’?
Wagner: The availability will make a person 100% more over night. But, the secret ingredient made the difference for Mr. Harris. And, the secret ingredient is TIME.

Sports Betting Business: OK, I am lost again. What does that mean?
Wagner: Paul Harris used to set lines, answer phone calls, watch games, grade wagers and keep figures. He did it so well, and so often he already lost his girlfriend. He simply spent all of his time operating as a bookie. When we took over, he became a RECRUITER. All Paul does now is sit in bars and recruit business. We write the business, and Paul grows his business daily. That is the secret ingredient.

Sports Betting Business: Ah, I see. He no longer spends time on the items that cost time and money…he spends his time on what makes him money – recruiting players!
Wagner: Christ! Your brilliant! It typically takes a bookmaker or agent about 3 months to figure that out. But, you, like Paul Harris already figured it out. You recruit, and I will beat them. Therefore the only thing that matters is getting more clients. The more you get, the more you will make.

Sports Betting Business: Of course I get it. That’s the Las Vegas model. Build in an edge and then find as many people to bet against the edge as possible. It’s simple!
Wagner: You sure make it sound simple. But, most bookies are stuck in the mode of trying to ‘beat the players’. The fact is that all you have to do is get a new client or two every day and you will be a millionaire over night. Simply ask Paul Harris who is on campus at University Of Texas recruiting players on 6th Street right now.

Sports Betting Business: So how does a bookmaker or agent learn more about this?
Wagner: Simply go to any of the V.O. Group, S.A. sites to learn more. I suggest starting at www.BettorsNet.com or calling 1-877-512-1001 or emailing agents@bettorsnet.com to get more information.

Innovation In Bookmaking

2005-06-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Innovation In Bookmaking
Q & A with
Dalton Wagner, Founder V.O. Group, S.A.

As Founder and Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A., Dalton Wagner has the reputation of ferreting out new markets and attacking while other companies sit on their hindquarters and watch. One market that has always eluded offshore bookmakers is the ‘guy who likes dealing with his credit bookmaker’. Typically this market has been untouchable for the offshore bookmaker, but NOT for Dalton and V.O. Group, S.A. We had an opportunity to catch up with Dalton Wagner on his last visit to Panama.

Vegas Offshore: Tell us about this new product that you are calling your Price Per Head Agency Relationship.
Wagner: As you know, one market that a post-up sportsbook has historically been unable to attack is the huge market of bettors that have been betting with their local guy for years. The reason this market exists is the personal relationship that an onshore bookie has with his clients. Sportsbooks have attempted to educate the player and lure him away from the local bookie, however we have taken another tact. We have partnered with local bookies around the world to make their offering better and more valuable.

Vegas Offshore: So instead of attacking the local guy, you actually approach him with your offer?
Wagner: Exactly. The fact is that the relationship is the last thread holding clients to a local guy. Yes, there is the fact that the local guy extends credit, but with bonuses and promotions we can overcome that offering. The key is the relationship.

Vegas Offshore: I’m confused, please explain.
Wagner: As you know, the onshore bookmaking market has lost steam to the offshore providers like V.O. Group, S.A. The reason is that the offerings that I can provide are far superior to those that any onshore bookmaker can offer. The PPH concept is based on allowing the onshore bookmaker to provide his clients my offerings on a purely anonymous basis via an online automated tool. Rather, by signing up with my PPH service, an onshore bookmaker can compete with all offshore sportsbooks on equal footing offering 24-hour wagering, 365 days a year. All the bookmaker does is use an online system to assign PINs and PASSWORDs and pay me a small fee per week for the service.

Vegas Offshore: Wait a minute. So, this means that a small time operator in Cleveland, Ohio can offer all the same things that V.O. Group, S.A. does without making the multi-million dollar investment?
Wagner: Now your catching on. For as little as $25 per head per week, a guy in Ohio can compete with the biggest sportsbooks in the world. And, better yet, never answer another wagering phone call again.

Vegas Offshore: OK, I get it. They use your automated tool to drive their clients to your software online, and they simply pick up the figures at the end of the week.
Wagner: Exactly correct with one exception. Their clients can bet on the phone via our call center staffed with 250 people OR bet online. Again, they have access to all of the offerings V.O. Group, S.A. provides including call center access, client services and technical support.

Vegas Offshore: Is the PPH product only based on sports wagering?
Wagner: Very good question. The answer is no. We actually have the ability to offer clients two (2) casino products including blackjack, baccarat, slots, 3 card poker, roulette, etc. And, clients may also bet on horses at over 350 tracks worldwide.

Vegas Offshore: Wow! That truly is incredible. So, a bookie that has one client can compete with the likes of MVPsportsbook.com on equal footing?
Wagner: Exactly correct. But, there are two keys to the success of the product launch. The first is being able to compete head to head with the biggest sportsbooks in the world. But, arguably the most important factor is that since the onshore bookie no longer has to answer phones or track plays, he can spend all of his time picking up new clients, NOT writing bets.

Vegas Offshore: I remember that in a prior interview you had stated that the key is not winning, but finding more losers.
Wagner: An embarrassing quote, but true. Amateur bookmakers think that the key is to beat the clients you have. That is a huge mistake. The key to getting rich as a bookmaker is finding a new client every single day of the year. The numbers take care of themselves, the key is to get more and more people playing. That is the TRUE BEAUTY of the PPH software and agency relationship.

Vegas Offshore: Do you have any success stories to tell?
Wagner: I have many, but will tell you one that emphasizes what the PPH program can do. I have a bookmaker that has been working out of San Antonio, Texas for 10 years. The guy has historically made $200,000 a year from his 25 or 30 players. He was introduced to our product in July 2004, and today he is writing over 185 clients. The ability to outsource answering calls and writing tickets to us has allowed him to grow his business 600% and his revenue over 1000%.

Vegas Offshore: Why did his revenue grow more than his business? Is it because your lines are sharper than his?
Wagner: There you go again. That is the obvious mistake that everyone makes. Again, don’t worry about beating the clients. Worry about getting more clients to play. But, to answer your question directly, the ability for his clients to play in the casino, play 24 hours a day, play games/halves/quarters, props, etc. is where the extra revenue comes from. Our lines might be sharper, but the advantage is more clients betting more often.

Vegas Offshore: How many bookmakers do you currently work with?
Wagner: We are writing business for over 250 bookmakers now. Some represent groups as small as 2 or 3; and others represent groups as large as 500. Again, remember the key is finding as many clients as possible. If you get to where you are writing 15 clients or more, it is almost impossible to lose for an extended period of time.

Vegas Offshore: So how does a bookmaker learn more about this?
Wagner: Simply go to any of the V.O. Group, S.A. sites to learn more. I suggest starting at www.BettorsNet.com or calling 1-877-512-1001 or emailing agents@bettorsnet.com to get more information.

State of the Offshore Gaming Industry

2005-06-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

State of the Offshore Gaming Industry
Q & A with
Dalton Wagner, Founder V.O. Group, S.A.

As Founder and Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A., Dalton Wagner has the reputation of making one-dollar work like three in online marketing. With formidable competition, Mr. Wagner founded V.O. Group, S.A. in 1998 and has quickly risen to be one of the largest offshore operators in the world with over 50,000 active clients. We had an opportunity to catch up with Dalton Wagner on his last visit to Antigua.

Vegas Offshore: This year has been interesting for V.O. Group, S.A. and the offshore industry as a whole (advertising changes, etc.). How do you feel about the industry at the current time?
Wagner: I feel the industry is as strong as it has ever been. We are still finding that our advertising is bringing us new clients at an ever-growing rate. Some competitors are complaining that the crimp on advertising is affecting the industry, but we are not seeing this trend. Consolidation within the industry has begun, and I am sure you will continue to see smaller competitors gobbled up, and medium to larger companies merging. The weaker will go by the wayside.

Vegas Offshore: What about the rumors of V.O. Group, S.A. being bought?
Wagner: I am glad you used the term 'rumors'. The fact is that in July 2004 three suitors approached V.O. Group, S.A. because of our record-breaking profit year. In two of the cases we did see 'value' in a merger/relationship. However, at the end of the day, we could not come to terms that were agreeable on both sides. At this time V.O. Group, S.A. stands independent. And, we are happy being independent, profitable and growing.

Vegas Offshore: It is rumored that Bet On Sports (PLC; BSS.L) was one of the suitors. Is that true?
Wagner: There were three suitors that approached V.O. Group, S.A. And, in all cases confidentiality agreements were signed. For this reason, I cannot confirm or deny who any of the potential suitors were. What I can tell you is that one was a major sportsbook player, one was a major casino player and two were PLCs. I doubt that helps.

Vegas Offshore: Well, if Bet On Sports was involved, I bet you are happy you weren't involved in their November 24, 2004 stock debacle.
Wagner: The Bet On Sports stock debacle was an over-reaction by the market in my opinion. In one day you saw their stock drop 50% in value. And, the reason was poor performance in a very short period. If you looked at the other publicly held offshore gaming companies, you saw the same thing, just not as drastic as with BSS.L. Simply put, I know the founder of Bet On Sports, I know the management of Bet On Sports, I know the staff at Bet On Sports and I would not hesitate to invest in Bet On Sports. They were, and still are, undervalued in my opinion. They are a great competitor and a great company. I wish I had some of their stock at the new adjusted price. I just don't see how you can lose.

Vegas Offshore: It is rare to hear the 'competition' speaking so highly of a major competitor. Why would you do so?
Wagner: Simple. Bet On Sports is a great company. And, I am sure they would tell you the same about V.O. Group, S.A. The fact is, that there are companies out there that make our industry stronger. And, ones that make it weaker. Bet On Sports and V.O.Group, S.A. strive to make our industry stronger and more legitimate on a daily basis (as do BetCris.com; BoDog.com; etc.). What kind of ambassador for the industry would I be if I downplayed a 'good' competitor like Bet On Sports for my own benefit?

Vegas Offshore: If Bet On Sports did approach you, would you consider a merger?
Wagner: I like being independent. But, simply put, NEVER say NEVER.

Vegas Offshore: What of the rumors that you are looking at Panama as a potential relocation site?
Wagner: Our operation currently has offices in Costa Rica, Antigua and Belize. In Costa Rica we currently have over 400 employees. With employment costs in Costa Rica on the rise, the burden of Caja and the ever-changing political climate, we have looked at several alternative locations. One of the most desirable is/was Panama. However, due to the massive failure of BetPanAm.com and the political debacle involving their past gaming commission, we have decided to stay put for the current time. I think it is very safe to say that our primary location will be Costa Rica for the next 5 years. Pending any crazy licensing or governmental changes.

Vegas Offshore: I have visited your office in Antigua, however had no idea that you employed 400 individuals in Costa Rica. Why do you need such a large staff?
Wagner: Our industry has a reputation for being lazy and getting by on a shoestring budget. Most sportsbooks, casinos, racebooks and poker rooms answer phones when it is convenient and buy computers when the ones they are operating blow-up. Most are simply embarrassing to the legitimate operators. To run an operation like ours, servicing 50,000 bettors, you need lots of space, a 1st rate phone system, fiber and satellite phone and Internet backups, IT professionals, accounting professionals, etc. V.O. Group, S.A. is currently located in 35,000 square feet of space, operating 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, and we are busting at the seems. At the current time, we are negotiating to buy the building next to us for future expansion. I think we will employ 600 people come this same time next year.

Vegas Offshore: I have noticed that you are still branching into other products. How has this strategy worked for V.O. Group, S.A.?
Wagner: In 1998 we started with our sports product. We then branched into the casino product. In 2001 and 2002 we opened several major race books and poker rooms. The fact is that we are profitable in all products. However, our core product, and hub for our advertising, is focused on the sports product. The strategy has worked, but we will not desert our core product. You can look for our re-launch of interactive betting in early 2005 and bingo in mid 2005.

Vegas Offshore: What other changes do you see in 2005 for V.O. Group, S.A.
Wagner: I think you will see V.O. Group, S.A. work more on our Internet interface to make it more gamer-friendly; you will see our company move into land-based gaming; and you will see us acquire two or three smaller competitors. Rather, you will see what you have always seen, expansion.

Vegas Offshore: What other changes do you see in 2005 for the industry as a whole?
Wagner: The strong will get stronger. The weak will get weaker. And, the acquisition race will be on.

BOOKMAKERS!

2005-03-15T05:11:00.000-08:00

Read Below To Earn More Cash Than Ever

Are you a onshore bookmaker that wants to Minimize Legal Exposure, Increase Potential Profits, Spend More Time Enjoying the Money You Are Making, and Grow Your Business Beyond Your Wildest Dreams? If you answered ‘YES’ to one or all of these questions, then you need to look at a Price Per Head Agent Relationship with our company.

The concept of a Price Per Head Agent Relationship is based on you, the onshore bookmaker, paying our company a service fee to offer the same services that we offer to thousands of clients (on an anonymous basis).

For the first time, you will be able to offer Internet and Phone access to Sports, Horse and Casino (2 casinos) wagering to all your current clients (via a simple PIN and PASSWORD betting system). No longer do you have to compete with offshore sportsbooks and lose clients. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER EVERYTHING THAT THEY OFFER!

We are Licensed to offer bookmaking services.

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Take advantage of our $5,000,000 USD investment to make your services better than ever. No longer will you have to answer calls all Saturday and Sunday. No longer will you have to lose clients to the offshore bookmakers. No longer will you have to worry about having your door kicked in by the authorities. Now you can compete with the Big Boys! You will simply sit back, watch the games, and earn more than ever before.

To learn more, go to our website, and click on ‘Agents’. If you prefer to use a white-labeled site without bonus and promotional text, visit www.BettorsNet.com for more information.

We look forward to being your service provider.

Call 1-888-333-6914 for more information.

Innovation In Bookmaking

2005-03-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

Q & A with
Dalton Wagner, Founder V.O. Group, S.A.

As Founder and Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A., Dalton Wagner has the reputation of ferreting out new markets and attacking while other companies sit on their hindquarters and watch. One market that has always eluded offshore bookmakers is the ‘guy who likes dealing with his credit bookmaker’. Typically this market has been untouchable for the offshore bookmaker, but NOT for Dalton and V.O. Group, S.A. We had an opportunity to catch up with Dalton Wagner on his last visit to Panama.

Vegas Offshore: Tell us about this new product that you are calling your Price Per Head Agency Relationship.

Wagner: As you know, one market that a post-up sportsbook has historically been unable to attack is the huge market of bettors that have been betting with their local guy for years. The reason this market exists is the personal relationship that an onshore bookie has with his clients. Sportsbooks have attempted to educate the player and lure him away from the local bookie, however we have taken another tact. We have partnered with local bookies around the world to make their offering better and more valuable.

Vegas Offshore: So instead of attacking the local guy, you actually approach him with your offer?

Wagner: Exactly. The fact is that the relationship is the last thread holding clients to a local guy. Yes, there is the fact that the local guy extends credit, but with bonuses and promotions we can overcome that offering. The key is the relationship.

Vegas Offshore: I’m confused, please explain.

Wagner: As you know, the onshore bookmaking market has lost steam to the offshore providers like V.O. Group, S.A. The reason is that the offerings that I can provide are far superior to those that any onshore bookmaker can offer. The PPH concept is based on allowing the onshore bookmaker to provide his clients my offerings on a purely anonymous basis via an online automated tool. Rather, by signing up with my PPH service, an onshore bookmaker can compete with all offshore sportsbooks on equal footing offering 24-hour wagering, 365 days a year. All the bookmaker does is use an online system to assign PINs and PASSWORDs and pay me a small fee per week for the service.

Vegas Offshore: Wait a minute. So, this means that a small time operator in Cleveland, Ohio can offer all the same things that V.O. Group, S.A. does without making the multi-million dollar investment?

Wagner: Now your catching on. For as little as $25 per head per week, a guy in Ohio can compete with the biggest sportsbooks in the world. And, better yet, never answer another wagering phone call again.

Vegas Offshore: OK, I get it. They use your automated tool to drive their clients to your software online, and they simply pick up the figures at the end of the week.

Wagner: Exactly correct with one exception. Their clients can bet on the phone via our call center staffed with 250 people OR bet online. Again, they have access to all of the offerings V.O. Group, S.A. provides including call center access, client services and technical support.

Vegas Offshore: Is the PPH product only based on sports wagering?

Wagner: Very good question. The answer is no. We actually have the ability to offer clients two (2) casino products including blackjack, baccarat, slots, 3 card poker, roulette, etc. And, clients may also bet on horses at over 350 tracks worldwide.

Vegas Offshore: Wow! That truly is incredible. So, a bookie that has one client can compete with the likes of MVPsportsbook.com on equal footing?

Wagner: Exactly correct. But, there are two keys to the success of the product launch. The first is being able to compete head to head with the biggest sportsbooks in the world. But, arguably the most important factor is that since the onshore bookie no longer has to answer phones or track plays, he can spend all of his time picking up new clients, NOT writing bets.

Vegas Offshore: I remember that in a prior interview you had stated that the key is not winning, but finding more losers.

Wagner: An embarrassing quote, but true. Amateur bookmakers think that the key is to beat the clients you have. That is a huge mistake. The key to getting rich as a bookmaker is finding a new client every single day of the year. The numbers take care of themselves, the key is to get more and more people playing. That is the TRUE BEAUTY of the PPH software and agency relationship.

Vegas Offshore: Do you have any success stories to tell?

Wagner: I have many, but will tell you one that emphasizes what the PPH program can do. I have a bookmaker that has been working out of San Antonio, Texas for 10 years. The guy has historically made $200,000 a year from his 25 or 30 players. He was introduced to our product in July 2004, and today he is writing over 185 clients. The ability to outsource answering calls and writing tickets to us has allowed him to grow his business 600% and his revenue over 1000%.

Vegas Offshore: Why did his revenue grow more than his business? Is it because your lines are sharper than his?

Wagner: There you go again. That is the obvious mistake that everyone makes. Again, don’t worry about beating the clients. Worry about getting more clients to play. But, to answer your question directly, the ability for his clients to play in the casino, play 24 hours a day, play games/halves/quarters, props, etc. is where the extra revenue comes from. Our lines might be sharper, but the advantage is more clients betting more often.

Vegas Offshore: How many bookmakers do you currently work with?

Wagner: We are writing business for over 250 bookmakers now. Some represent groups as small as 2 or 3; and others represent groups as large as 500. Again, remember the key is finding as many clients as possible. If you get to where you are writing 15 clients or more, it is almost impossible to lose for an extended period of time.

Vegas Offshore: So how does a bookmaker learn more about this?

Wagner: Simply go to any of the V.O. Group, S.A. sites to learn more. I suggest starting at www.BettorsNet.com or calling 1-877-512-1001 or emailing agents@bettorsnet.com to get more information.

Texas Hold'em Rules Online Poker Gambling and Casino Poker Gambling

2005-03-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

Texas Hold'em

Rules:

Texas Hold'em is arguably the most popular form of poker. It is widely considered to have the most strategy of all poker games, yet the rules are quite simple. Here is how a hand of Texas Holdem is played:

1. Hole Cards. Each player is dealt two cards face down.

2. The Flop. Three cards are dealt face up on the table.

3. The Turn. A fourth card is dealt to the table.

4. The River. Finally, a fifth card is dealt to the table.

The five cards on the table are community cards. Your hand is formed by taking the best poker hand you can by using any five out of the seven cards (5 community + 2 hole cards). But remember, all the players have access to the community cards. When played for money, there is a round of betting after a round of cards is dealt (so four rounds of betting in total).

Omaha Hold'em

Rules:

Omaha Hold'em is similar to Texas Hold'em. The difference is that the hands in Omaha are usually much better, since you get to choose from 9 cards total.

1. Hole Cards. Each player is dealt four cards face down.

2. The Flop. Three cards are dealt face up on the table.Online Poker Gambling and Casino Poker Gambling

3. The Turn. A fourth card is dealt to the table.

4. The River. Finally, a fifth card is dealt to the table.

The five cards on the table are community cards. Your hand is formed by taking exactly two hole cards and exactly three community cards, and forming the best poker hand possible. But remember, all the players have access to the community cards. When played for money, there is a round of betting after a round of cards is dealt (so four rounds of betting in total).

Pineapple

Rules:

In pineapple, players are dealt 3 cards instead of two. There is a round of betting. Then the flop comes (3 cards just like hold'em) and there is another round of betting.

However, after the betting after the flop, each player must discard one of their cards, so they are back down to the traditional two cards. Play is then the same as a hold'em game.

The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

Rules:

This is a fun variation on Hold'em.

Players are dealt two cards down and one up, three cards are placed in the middle face down (the community).

Round of betting, then the first card in the community is flipped face up. This is 'The Good'. All cards of the same rank are now wild (but The Good card is not shared and may not be used to complete someone's poker hand...it is merely an indicator of the wild card).

Another round of betting, then the middle card in the community is flipped face up. This is 'The Bad'. All cards of the same rank (face up or face down) must be discarded.

Another round of betting, then the final card in the community is flipped face up. This is 'The Ugly'. All players who have an upcard of the same rank must fold.

Another round of betting, then each player is given one more card face down. One last round of betting, then show. High hand wins the pot.

Guts

Rules:

Each player antes and is dealt three cards face down. They then decide if they will "Play" or "Fold". If they decide to Play, they put in another ante (usually of the same size of the original ante).

The dealer then says "1-2-3 Drop" and players who do not wish to remain in the hand any longer drop their cards to the table.

Of the players who are still in the hand, they show their cards. The hierarchy is:

1. Three of a Kind

2. Straight Flush

3. Straight

4. Flush

5. Pair

6. High Card

The winner takes the pot, anyone who loses at this showdown matches the pot for the next round of play (all players re-ante into the next pot too).

There is another variation on this in which all players pass one card to the left immediately after they are dealt their hand, then the game continues as described.

Church (or Iron Cross)

Rules:

Each player is dealt 5 cards down, and then 5 cards are placed face down in the center in the shape of a cross. The cards are revealed one by one, starting with the top and moving clockwise with the center card being revealed last. There is a round of better after each card is revealed.

After all 5 cards are revealed, each players makes the best 5 card poker hand possible, using their 5 hole cards in combination with one of the arms of the cross. That is, they can only use 3 of the cards from the community that form a straight line.

The winner is the person with the highest 5 card poker hand.

Elevator

Rules:

Each player is dealt 2 cards down, 2 cards up, and then 7 community cards are placed face down in the center in the shape of an "H"; 3 cards down one column of the "H', 3 cards down the other column of the "H" and 1 card in the middle forming the horizontal bar across the "H". The cards are revealed one by one, starting with the left column, then the right column, with the center card being revealed last. There is a round of better after each card is revealed.

After all 7 cards are revealed, each players makes the best 5 card poker hand possible, using their 4 hole cards in combination with 3 of the 7 community cards. A player can only use the center card and a card from each column that form a straight line across. The games gets its name "Elevator" from figuratively sliding the center card up or down to form a 3-card row that a player can use as the community cards.

The winner is the person with the highest 5 card poker hand.

Cincinatti

Rules:

Each player receives 5 cards in the hole. There are 5 board cards, which are shared by the players. The board cards can be laid out in a flop, turn, river or they can be dealt out one by one. Players can use any combination between their 5 hole cards and 5 board cards to win.

Omaha Hi-Lo

Rules:

Omaha hi-lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is played like standard Omaha except the best high hand splits the pot with the best low hand. The low hand must be 5 different cards less than 8. Straights and flushes do not matter for low, and an ace can be used for low. Thus, the best low hand is A2345.

If someone has the best high and low hand, they scoop the pot, meaning they win the full pot. Another way for someone to scoop is if they have the best high hand and there is no qualifying low hand. For example, if John holds KKQJ and Tim holds TT23 and the board is KT998, then John would win both halves of the pot. There is no possible low, so John would win the whole pot with kings full of 9's.

Spanish Poker

Rules:

This game is also known as Synthetic Poker. It is popular in Spain and generally played with a no limit structure. I played it once when I was at the Casino de Barcelona.

The game is played with a stripped deck- only with cards 8-A. An ace is high or low; it can also act as a 7. All players ante and each player is dealt two hole cards. Then one card is dealt face up. There is a round of betting, followed by revealing another card on the board. There are 5 total cards placed on the board and theoretically 5 rounds of betting. However, in reality almost all of the money goes into the pot when the first card is laid on the board.

Each player must use both of his/her hole cards and 3 board cards to form his/her hand. The hand rankings are the same as normal poker rankings except a flush beats a full house. This game is very wild and has a strong luck component.

Double Board Super Crazy Pineapple

Rules:

Each Player receives 5 cards. Before the flop, each player must make 2 2-card hands, with 1 card being left out. As usual, there is the preflop round of betting. The flop comes like texas, except there are two boards (board 1 and board 2). Each player chooses which of the two hands he made preflop will play for board 1 and which one for board 2 by putting 1 chip on top of the hand for board 1 and two chips on top of the hand for board 2. However, before he does this, he has the option of substituting the 5th card into either of the two hands as long as he also removes one card from that same hand. Then a round of betting follows, followed by one turn card for each board, a round of betting, then a river card for each board, and the last round of betting. The pot is split between the highest hand for board 1 and board 2. Once you decide which board your hands will play on, you cannot use those cards for the other board.

Texas League Baseball

Rules:

The dealing and betting is the same as Texas Hold 'Em. The only difference is, as in baseball, 3's and 9's are wild.

Double Flop Hold'em

Rules:

Double flop hold'em is played in similar fashion to regular Texas hold'em with a twist. There are two boards. There is a flop, turn, and river for each board, and they are dealt at the same time.

Players make the best hand for each board. They do not declare which board they inted to win, but their hand is evaluated only for each board. For example, if you hold AA and the boards are:

Board 1: A2345

Board 2: K8875

You have a straight, ace to five for board one and a two pair- aces and eights for board two. You do NOT have a full house (using the A from board 1 and the 88 from board two).

Double flop hold'em is often played as a split-pot game. The player who wins one board wins half the pot and the player who wins the other board wins half the pot. However, it can also be played where the best hand from one board wins the entire pot.

Poker Movies Online Poker Gambling and Casino Gambling

2005-03-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

strong>The Big Blind (2003)

Cast

Scotty Nguyen .... Scotty Nguyen

Kathy .... Jennifer Harman

Bob Scott .... Ray William Smith

Darrin the Narrator .... Blake Adams

Sly .... Landry Barb

Debbie .... Elizabeth Burr

Queen Mama .... Angela Wright

Synopsis

This movie is a low budget film about the lives of about a dozen people who play poker at a California cardroom. The movie is set in the 90's and paints a very dreary picture of poker. Most of the characters are either losers or crooks. The movie does not have much of a plot and it is only truly enjoyable to people who have played an extensive amount of brick and mortar poker.Online Poker Gambling and Casino Gambling

Poker Action

There are numerous scenes that feature poker playing. Since this movie was written and directed by a poker player, the vast majority of the poker scenes are realistic. They are not necessarily

The Cincinatti Kid (1965)

Cast

Eric Stoner (The Cincinatti Kid) .... Steve McQueen

Lancey Howard .... Edward G. Robbins

Melba Nile .... Ann-Margret

Synopsis

The Cincinatti Kid (Steve McQueen) is a professional cardplayer. He journeys to New Orleans to play in the high stakes poker game of his life against Lancey Howard (The Man).
Poker Action

The game throughout the movie is five card stud and it is fairly realistic. It is interesting to watch how poker was conducted in a totally different era. The type of game, types of people involved, and the location of the poker games were totally different compared to today's modern poker scene. However, even back then, poker was considered a 'sport' because people were gambling on who would win the poker match like they would a basketball game.

Gremlins (1984)

Cast

Billy Peltzer .... Zach Galligan

Randall Peltzer .... Hoty Axton

Lynn Peltzer .... Frances Lee McCain

Ruby Deagle .... Polly Holliday

Kate Beringer .... Phoebe Cates

Synopsis

An inventor buys an odd pet, a Mogwai named Gizmo, for his son, Billy. There are three rules associated with owning a Mogwai, and Billy accidentally violates all of them. This results in his small town being overrun by a vicious mob of Gremlins. The town is left helpless against the Gremlins' onslaught. Only Gizmo, Billy, and his girlfriend can save the day.

Poker Action

Okay, this movie has absolutely nothing to do with poker. However, there's this one scene where the Gremlins are playing poker, and it's just hilarious. With a little training, the head Gremlin could be the next Doyle Brunson.

Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)

Cast

Tommy Korman .... James Caan

Jack Singer .... Nicholas Cage

Betsy/Donna .... Sarah Jessica Parker

Synopsis

Jack Singer (Nicholas Cage) is a man afraid of commitment. However, he finally decides to tie the knot with his girlfriend in Vegas. Unbeknownst to him, a wealthy gambler (James Caan) falls in love with Cage's girlfriend (Sarah Jessica Parker) because she reminds him of his ex-wife. The gambler arranges for Singer to lose $65k to him in a poker game and makes a deal with Singer to erase the debt provided he is allowed to have a weekend with his fiance.

Poker Action

There is one major poker scene. It is a game of five card draw, Cage's character loses $65k. The poker scene is completely ridiculous. First, they are playing no limit five card draw, which is rarely, if ever played. Furthermore, Cage is allowed to rebuy during the hand. This is a clear no-no in poker, which is always played at table stakes. Any serious poker player will clearly find the poker scene revolting, so take it with a grain of salt.

Maverick (1994)

Cast

Bret Maverick Jr. .... Mel Gibson

Annabelle Bransford .... Jodie Foster

Marshal Zane Cooper .... James Garner

Synopsis

Bret Maverick (Mel Gibson) is a professional cardplayer traveling to a major poker game. The buyin for this game is $25,000, and Maverick is $3,000 short. During his quest to raise the money for the game, he joins forces with Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster). There are many comical scenes as Bret proceeds on his quest to the winner take-all poker tournament.

Poker Action

All of the poker scenes are five card draw. They are not realistic, though it is unlikely they were meant to be taken seriously anyway. They are fairly humorous meaning, do you know when you'll magically draw a royal flush?

Rounders (1998)

Cast

Mike McDermott .... Matt Damon

Lester 'Worm' Murphy .... Edward Norton

Teddy KGB .... John Malkovich

Jo .... Gretchen Mol

Abe Petrovsky .... Martin Landau

Synopsis

Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) stars as a law student who was a former rounder. Mike quits playing poker after he loses his entire bankroll in one hand of high stakes no limit hold'em to Teddy KGB. After his friend Worm (Edward Norton) is released from jail, it becomes apparent that Worm is indebted to Teddy KGB due to former poker loans. Mike takes up Worm's debt and must earn $15k in one week to save him and his friend from the wrath of Teddy KGB.

Poker Action

There is a lot of poker playing throughout the movie. Most of the times it is very realistic, though there are points where we are led to believe that Matt Damon is just some sort of poker diety. In general, the poker playing is enjoyable to watch.

Shade (2003)

Cast

The Dean .... Sylvester Stallone

Charlie Miller .... Gabriel Byrne

Tiffany .... Thandie Newton

Vernon .... Start Townsend

Eve .... Melanie Griffith

Synopsis

This movie is about a group of card hustlers working in Los Angeles. The plot reaches its climate when a group of three hustlers (Miller, Tiffany, and Vernon) attempt to con "The Dean," a legendary cardplayer.

Poker Action

This movie is NOT a poker movie; it is a movie about con artists. It is a bit repugnant that they portray poker as simply the means for con artists to work their magic. They make it seem like the skill in poker is conning the other players by cheating. All of the scenes revolve around no limit games that are hardly ever played anymore. They also make a reference to Texas hold'em but of course never show a Texas hold'em hand. They also make a cardinal sin by allowing the players to rebuy during the hands and making it act like their hand is folded if they cannot match another player's bet.

The Sting (1973)

Cast

Henry Gondorff .... Paul Newman

Johnny Hooker .... Robert Redford

Doyle Lonnegan .... Robert Shaw

Lt. William Snyder .... Charles Durning

Synopsis

Johnny Hooker is a con man operating in Chicago during the 1930's. One day, he and his partner, Luther, pull off one of their best cons. However, it turns out their victim is a courier for a huge mob boss, Doyle Lonnegan. A hit is ordered on Hooker and Luther. Hooker finds out but can not warn his partner in time. Luther is murdered and Hooker wants revenge. In order to get even with Lonnegan, he sets out to perform the con of the century. The Sting won seven Academy Awards.

Poker Action

The poker was limited to five card draw. There was not that much poker playing shown, and most of it revolved around cheating.

Some Information About Poker Online Poker Gambling

2005-02-07T06:12:00.000-08:00

Some Information About Poker

Developing a program to play a strategic game well often involves the application oftheoretical concepts to practical situations, and the relative success of that endeavour can be measured with quantiable results.The game of poker is logistically simple yet strategically complex, and oers many properties not exhibited by chess, checkers, and most other well-studied games. Most importantly, poker is a non-deterministic game with imperfect (hidden) information. Handling unreliable or incomplete information is a fundamental problem in computer science, and poker provides an excellent domain for investigating problems of decision making under conditions of uncertainty. Somewhat surprisingly, the potential benets of studying poker have been largely overlooked by computer scientists and game researchers. Online Poker Gambling

Why Study Poker? The area of computer strategic game playing has a history almost as long as computer science itself. Strategic games have proven to be a worthwhile domain for study, and many prominent gures in computer science have devoted time to the study of computer chess and other skill-testing games. Games generally have a clearly dened set of rules and a specic goal, and these proper-ties are highly desirable for research in computer science. Most games of skill feature simple logistics yet complex strategy, which allows many interesting experiments to be undertaken.The most basic question is how well a computer can be taught to play a given game. The fact that it is possible to accurately measure the degree of success of a particular approach, by comparing the results of many games played against programs based on rival ideas, is an important characteristic of games. Indeed, many areas of Articial Intelligence have greatly beneted from having such a well-dened metric for progress. The games with Perfect InformationChess is by far the most well studied strategic game in the eld of computer game playing. Many advances in computer science have resulted from this research, including developments in problem specication, exhaustive search techniques, parallel algorithms, and others. Con-sequently, interest in many other strategic games has grown dramatically over the past fewyears, with each new game oering new challenges and requiring novel approaches.

Slot Machine Game History Online Poker Gambling

2005-02-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

Slot Machine Game History

Charles Fey, an American citizen, invented the slot machine in the late 1800s. Slot machines have morphed quite a bit in the 20th century, mainly in response to cheaters. Slot machines these days are computerized, and therefore, much harder to cheat. Online poker gambling

Slot machines have also grown increasingly more complicated to satisfy a more sophisticated public. Machines can now have many different reels and many different symbols. A reel can contain as many as 20 symbols. Online poker gambling

Slot machines pay out varying amounts of the money that they take in, ranging from the high 70% to 99%. Looser machines, those that pay out 99%, are usually located in the outside ring of the casino, in order to draw people in. Tighter machines are located in the heart of the casinos, and are usually the machines that are played with higher amounts of money. Online poker gambling

Progressive machines are the tightest of them all, due to the high amounts of money that they pay out. Naturally, the loosest machines would be the ones that pay out the least amount of money.

Slot machines are popular because they are very easy to play; a game like poker requires quite a bit of knowledge, whereas in a game of slots, you can just sit down and start pulling the handle.

Position, A critical part of blackjack tournament strategy Online Poker Gambling

2005-02-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Position, A critical part of blackjack tournament strategy

When you take a seat at a tournament table, you should be armed with a basic strategy of how you plan to approach the game. But there's one unknown about your round that won't be settled until you sit down at the table. Seating position can have a big impact on your chances for success in a tournament round. Most tournaments assign seats in a random fashion, by having the player draw from a blind set of seating choices. However, some tournaments allow players to choose their seats. When available, this option can give you an extra edge if you know how to take advantage. Online poker gambling
Let's take a look at why some seats are better than others. There are two main areas in which position matters. First, there's the impact of the betting button. In tournament play, the first-base button moves around the table, and each player in turn must bet and act in sequence starting at the button. If you're "on the button", that means you're forced to choose your bet before the other players, and don't have the benefit of knowing what they will bet behind you. Also, during play of the hand, you'll have to play your hand before seeing any of your opponents play. By way of contrast, the player to your immediate right has a considerable advantage on this hand, being able to see all players bet amounts before making a decision. Online poker gambling
By rotating the button around the table, each player has a roughly equal number of bets "on the button" and "last to act", as well as everything in between. But, not all hands of a round are of equal importance. In particular, the last hand is usually the determining factor of who advances and who is eliminated. With that in mind, there's a big advantage to be gained if you manage to be last to act on the final hand.
If you'll have that edge on the last hand, you can afford to be a little more conservative in the rest of the round, knowing that you'll be able to fine-tune your bet at the end by seeing everyone else's bet. If you're last to act on the final hand, you don't necessarily have to be the chip leader to be the favorite to advance. On the other hand, if you're on the button for the last hand, being the chip leader is very important for your chances.
Of course, most tournaments choose the starting button position randomly, meaning you can't pick a seat that is more likely to have a favorable last hand button. There are exceptions. I've played some mini-tournaments where the button always starts at seat 1, to the dealer's left. If you're able to choose your seat in an event like that, it's well worth the effort to figure out the most likely final button position, and ask for the seat to the immediate right of it. For example, if there will be 6 players, and the round has 20 hands, I'd ask for seat 1. If all 6 players stay in for the entire 20 hands, the button will end up in front of seat 2 on the last hand. By asking for seat one, I have a better than usual chance of having last bet on the final hand. Of course, players often drop out before the end, causing the button position on the last hand to be unpredictable. Still, it's a nice opportunity to get an extra edge, even if it doesn't always work.
Much more commonly, tournaments have a random way of choosing the button position for hand one. In the Las Vegas Hilton Million tournament, all players are dealt a five-card poker hand, and the highest ranking hand gets the first button. Other tournaments roll a single die, or deal out cards to players until the first Ace. In these events, there's no advantage available by choosing a particular seat. However, once the random choice of button position has been made, it's still valuable to know where that puts you.
An example might help: Assume you're playing at the Las Vegas Hilton, where most of the rounds are 30 hands with 6 players. You're seated in seat 3, and you "win" the poker hand meaning that the button will start out in front of you in seat 3. If you figure out the final hand button position assuming all the players hang around until the end, you'll see that the final button will be in front of seat 2, making you second to bet on the last hand. So, "winning" the poker hand is not a lucky thing in this case. But, now that you know you'll likely have poor position at the end of the round, you can tailor your playing strategy to minimize the damage. Knowing you'll likely be second to bet at the end, you may want to try to accumulate a few extra chips along the way. A little extra risk may be worthwhile, because the extra chips you could win will be worth more from early position on the final hand.
If any players at your table lose all their chips in the middle of the round and are eliminated, you'll have to refigure your final position. Because this is pretty common, many players don't bother with the button position until late in the round when the final outcome is likely to be more predictable. Still, I like to know up front.
The second important aspect of position has to do with the players around you at the table. Players on your left are a bigger threat than players on your right. If a player on your left has a chip advantage over you, it's much tougher to catch him or her than a similar player on your right. A player to your immediate left is said to have position on you, because that player gets to see your wager and action on every hand but one per round of the table. In a 6-player format, the player to your left acts after you on 5 out of 6 hands. This gives him or her the ability to margin any of your attempts to catch up, and to easily guard any lead by matching your bets.
Because of this impact of position, it's helpful to pay extra attention to the players behind you. If you have opportunities late in the round to double or split and pass their chip totals, it's probably worth considering. If you find yourself trailing the players to your left, you might consider waiting until they are on the button before trying to catch up. By seeing the amount of their wager, you can size your bet more effectively. Since you only get the chance once every 6 hands, you don't want to miss the opportunity.
In events where you can choose your seat, it's useful to know something about your opponents. If you have a particularly strong tournament player at your table, it would be best to have them seated on your right, where they have less of an advantage over you. Also keep in mind that the player at third-base is considered to be to the right of first-base or seat 1.
Choosing a seat can be helpful when it is allowed, but being aware of your button position is important in every tournament round. Taking your opponent's relative position into account when deciding how to bet against them in the middle hands of a round can make the difference between advancing and being eliminated. Best of luck out there, and, please, don't sit to my left!

The Hold 'em online poker gambling

2005-01-28T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Hold 'em
online poker gambling

"Poker" is not like "chess" where a clear picture appears from just one word. Besides "video poker" and "poker runs", which hijack the word into unrelated territory, there are many forms of poker. These different games feature some cards face-up, some face-down; sometimes you get more cards all at the same time, sometimes you get one at a time; sometimes you share pots; sometimes you try to make high hands, sometimes you try to make low. Different poker games have many different features.It shouldn't be surprising then that different poker games value different skills, and even have different relationships with the concept of "skill".

Texas Holdem (or Hold'em or Hold 'Em) is the most common form of casino poker. But interestingly it is seldom the first game a player learns. Draw poker or stud poker usually come first. But draw and stud are both games where skill differences are so massive that new players would never have a chance against solid players. Newbies would go into casinos and get slaughtered. So along comes Holdem -- a fast, easy to understand game that has huge bucketfuls of short-term luck. To be blunt, Holdem is the most popular casino card game because most casino poker players don't play well. Holdem gives these players a reasonable shot at not just having winning days, but big winning days.So does Holdem's higher random luck mean it is an easier game to master? Nope. It doesn't work that way. The challenges of Holdem are very tough nuts to crack indeed. Holdem is all about exploiting small advantages over and over and over. Small advantages applied time and again do mount up. Most people simply don't have the discipline, let alone the true skill, to meet the challenges of the game. Let's compare Omaha Holdem (commonly just called Omaha) to Texas Holdem (commonly just called Holdem). Holdem is far easier to play instantly. You get two cards, you make Draw-type five card hands, and you normally end up with mundane hand values like one or two pair. At first glance, Omaha is much more complicated. You get more cards. You can play various combinations. You usually are playing a high-low split variety. The winning hand normally is a very strong one, often the "nut" hand possible. If you would ask many players, they would answer that they just don't "get" Omaha. They stick with the "simpler" game of Holdem. But looks can be deceiving.Holdem is like a skateboard, while Omaha is like driving a car. The first is easier to do instantly, but far tougher to excel at. Any physically fit person can roll along at a slow pace on a skateboard without even ever having seen one before. But driving a car requires multiple basic skills, and is nearly infinitely more dangerous. Almost everyone needs driver's education before they are fit to handle a car at even slow speeds.But after the basics, things start to turn around. Put most adults in even the hottest racecar and they could drive it. Now hand an adult a skateboard and ask them to do those loops and spins and extreme sports junk you see on ESPN late at night. Not only can't they do it, they can't come close to doing it. Performing above-the-rim excellence with a skateboard is a lot harder than with an automobile.

While Texas Holdem is easier to simply sit down and play, and is designed to have a high luck factor, truly mastering the nuances of the game is a much more difficult task than with Omaha. Where Holdem excellence involves dozens of miniscule skills, Omaha allows players to reach a high level of competence much easier. You only have to master a few Omaha skills (good starting hands, build pots early, exploit huge edges). This is due largely to the fact that most people play Omaha dreadful, much worse than they play Holdem. Much worse. You can be a successful Omaha player (given enough game selection) while on autopilot. Not so with Holdem. No easy shortcuts here. Holdem is work. Holdem is spotting an edge and pouncing.Okay, it's not really this cut and dried. Omaha has small skills to exploit too, and Holdem has a few major hurdles to jump, but the basic idea is valid. Omaha played among a group of outstanding players may again surpass Holdem on the complex skill front (Holdem is not played at the highest limits very often), but that's going to affect a lot less people.Next time you go into a casino, imagine all the Holdem players on skateboards. Most are just teetering along at a snail's pace. Some of the snails even think they understand the game. But then pick out the extreme sports equivalents -- doing loops and spins and running rings around the snails in a dozen ways every single hand. Now that is Holdem.

Lowball General Rules online poker gambling

2005-01-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

Lowball General Rules
online poker gambling
Lowball is draw poker with the lowest hand winning the pot. Each player is dealt five cards facedown, after which there is a betting round. Players are required to open with a bet or fold. The players who remain in the pot after the first betting round now have an option to improve their hand by replacing cards in their hands with new ones. This is the draw. The game is normally played with one or more blinds, sometimes with an ante added. Some betting structures allow the big blind to be called; other structures require the minimum open to be double the big blind. In limit poker, the usual structure has the limit double after the draw (Northern California is an exception). The most popular forms of lowball are ace-to-five lowball (also known as California lowball), and deuce-to-seven lowball (also known as Kansas City lowball). Ace-to-five lowball gets its name because the best hand at that form is 5-4-3-2-A. Deuce-to-seven lowball gets its name because the best hand at that form is 7-5-4-3-2 (not of the same suit). For a further description of the forms of lowball, please see the individual section for each game. All rules governing kill pots are listed in "Kill Pots.” RULES OF LOWBALL 1. The rules governing misdeals for hold’em and other button games will be used for lowball. [See – Explanations, discussion #7, for more information on this rule.]These rules governing misdeals are reprinted here for convenience. “The following circumstances cause a misdeal, provided attention is called to the error before two players have acted on their hands: (a) The first or second card of the hand has been dealt faceup or exposed through dealer error. (b) Two or more cards have been exposed by the dealer. (c) Two or more extra cards have been dealt in the starting hands of a game. (d) An incorrect number of cards has been dealt to a player, except the button may receive one more card to complete a starting hand. (e) The button was out of position. (f) The first card was dealt to the wrong position. (g) Cards have been dealt out of the proper sequence. (h) Cards have been dealt to an empty seat or a player not entitled to a hand. (i) A player has been dealt out who is entitled to a hand. This player must be present at the table or have posted a blind or ante.” 2. In limit play, a bet and four raises are allowed in multihanded pots. [See – Explanations, discussion #6, for more information on this rule.] 3. As a new player, you have two options: (a) To wait for the big blind. (b) To kill the pot for double the amount of the big blind. 4. In a single-blind game, a player who has less than half a blind may receive a hand. However, the next player is obligated to take the blind. If the all-in player wins the pot or buys in again, that player will then be obligated to either take the blind on the next deal or sit out until due for the big blind. 5. In single-blind games, half a blind or more constitutes a full blind. 6. In single-blind games, if you fail to take the blind, you may only be dealt in on the blind. 7. In multiple-blind games, if for any reason the big blind passes your seat, you may either wait for the big blind or kill the pot in order to receive a hand. This does not apply if you have taken all of your blinds and changed seats. In this situation, you may be dealt in as soon as your position relative to the blinds entitles you to a hand (the button may go by you once without penalty). 8. Before the draw, whether an exposed card must be taken depends on the form of lowball being played; see that form. (The player never has an option.) 9. On the draw, an exposed card cannot be taken. The draw is completed to each player in order, and then the exposed card is replaced. 10. A player may draw up to four consecutive cards. If a player wishes to draw five new cards, four are dealt right away, and the fifth card after everyone else has drawn cards. If the last player wishes to draw five new cards, four are dealt right away, and a card is burned before the player receives a fifth card. [See – Explanations, discussion #9, for more information about this rule.] 11. Five cards constitute a playing hand; more or fewer than five cards after the draw constitutes a fouled hand. Before the draw, if you have fewer than five cards in your hand, you may receive additional cards, provided no action has been taken by the first player to act (unless that action occurs before the deal is completed). However, the dealer position may still receive a missing fifth card, even if action has taken place. If action has been taken, you are entitled on the draw to receive the number of cards necessary to complete a five-card hand. 12. You may change the number of cards you wish to draw, provided: (a) No card has been dealt off the deck in response to your request (including the burncard). (b) No player has acted, in either the betting or indicating the number of cards to be drawn, based on the number of cards you have requested. 13. If you are asked how many cards you drew by another active player, you are obligated to respond until there has been action after the draw, and the dealer is also obligated to respond. Once there is any action after the draw, you are no longer obliged to respond and the dealer cannot respond. 14. Rapping the table in turn constitutes either a pass or the declaration of a pat hand that does not want to draw any cards, depending on the situation. 15. Cards speak (cards read for themselves). However, you are not allowed to claim a better hand than you hold. (Example: If a player calls an "8", that player must produce at least an "8" low or better to win. But if a player erroneously calls the second card incorrectly, such as “8-6” when actually holding an 8-7, no penalty applies.) If you miscall your hand and cause another player to foul his or her hand, your hand is dead. If both hands remain intact, the best hand wins. If a miscalled hand occurs in a multihanded pot, the miscalled hand is dead, and the best remaining hand wins the pot. For your own protection, always hold your hand until you see your opponent’s cards. 16. Any player spreading a hand with a pair in it must announce "pair" or risk losing the pot if it causes any other player to foul a hand. If two or more hands remain intact, the best hand wins the pot. ACE-TO-FIVE LOWBALL In ace-to-five lowball, the best hand is any 5-4-3-2-A. Straights and flushes do not count against your hand. 1. If a joker is used, it becomes the lowest card not present in your hand. The joker is assumed to be in use unless the contrary is posted. 2. In limit play, check-raise is not permitted (unless the players are alerted that it is allowed). 3. In limit ace-to-five lowball, before the draw, an exposed card of seven or under must be taken, and an exposed card higher than a seven must be replaced after the deal has been completed. This first exposed card is used as the burncard. [See – Explanations, discussion #8, for more information on this rule.] 4. In limit play, the “sevens rule” is assumed to be in use (the players should be alerted if it is not). If you check a seven or better and it is the best hand, all action after the draw is void, and you cannot win any money on any subsequent bets. You are still eligible to win whatever existed in the pot before the draw if you have the best hand. If you check a seven or better and the hand is beaten, you lose the pot and any additional calls you make. If there is an all-in bet after the draw that is less than half a bet, a seven or better may just call and win that bet. However, if another player overcalls this short bet and loses, the person who overcalls receives the bet back. If the seven or better completes to a full bet, this fulfills all obligations. DEUCE-TO-SEVEN LOWBALL In deuce-to-seven lowball (sometimes known as Kansas City lowball), in most respects, the worst conventional poker hand wins. Straights and flushes count against you, crippling the value of a hand. The ace is used only as a high card. Therefore, the best hand is 7-5-4-3-2, not all of the same suit. The hand 5-4-3-2-A is not considered to be a straight, but an ace-5 high, so it beats other ace-high hands and pairs, but loses to king-high. A pair of aces is the highest pair, so it loses to any other pair. The rules for deuce-to-seven lowball are the same as those for ace-to-five lowball, except for the following differences: 1. The best hand is 7-5-4-3-2 of at least two different suits. Straights and flushes count against you, and aces are considered high only. 2. Before the draw, an exposed card of 7, 5, 4, 3, or, 2 must be taken. Any other exposed card must be replaced (including a 6). 3. Check-raise is allowed on any hand after the draw, and a seven or better is not required to bet. NO-LIMIT AND POT-LIMIT LOWBALL 1. All the rules for no-limit and pot-limit poker apply to no-limit and pot-limit lowball. All other lowball rules apply, except as noted. 2. A player is not entitled to know that an opponent does not hold the best possible hand, so these rules for exposed cards before the draw apply: (a) In ace-to-five lowball, a player must take an exposed card of A, 2, 3, 4, or 5, and any other card must be replaced. (b) In deuce-to-seven lowball, the player must take an exposed card of 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7, and any other card including a 6 must be replaced. 3. After the draw, any exposed card must be replaced. 4. After the draw, a player may check any hand without penalty (The sevens rule is not used). 5. Check-raise is allowed.

Online Poker Gambling

2005-01-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

Online Poker Gambling