Betphoenix's Blog

Covers Members Q & A...Anything you ever wondered about from our side of the counter?

By Betphoenix | View all Posts
Posted Thursday, October 28, 2010 06:02 PM   259 comments
Feel free to ask away.  Please nothing abusive .  Just good and conducive questions for all that may make for good reading.
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Betphoenix says:
10/28/10 07:03PM
we are good  

These questions are open to public record, so I have to be a bit careful with certain disclosures.
tlml1899 says:
10/28/10 07:19PM
How much money does it take for you to move a line .5 of a point in the NFL?
Betphoenix says:
10/28/10 07:25PM
That depends on how critical the number is, and also who is betting it.  May take 10k from a player with a poor winning % and let it sit until further action determines the direction.  We may have another guy hit it for $500 with a great winning %, and adjust because he is always ahead of the market.  If it is just a straight number, I would say 5K...but there are always other factors involved.
MRSARATOGA says:
10/28/10 09:51PM
Hi Richard....great idea!   I have several I picked out of the million I have, lol....1) How many people make the decision in your answer to number 5 and 2) is there someone watching the action 24 hours a day as it is coming in to make those decisions. 3) I asked you this before but maybe you didn't see it. Did you know Steve Budin and did you read his book. If so what did you think of it. Are there amicable relationships between the competing books in Costa Rica, do you talk to each other? Do you try to recruit A list high worth bettors from the US like actors and athletes?  nuff for now, thanks!
Chaka26 says:
10/29/10 12:20AM

what is the $$$ amount threshold of winnings before you cut a players limits?  If winning limits are set- do you also limit the losses a player can have?

why are lines not triple checked before posting to eliminate any so called "bad lines"? with todays technology, books should be able to check every line being offered to its clients with lines from competition before making lines "live"---a simple program should red flag the bad lines allowing any typos/human error to be corrected before any $$ is accepted for either side.

cancelling accepted wagers for bad lines dings credibility of books

 

Betphoenix says:
10/29/10 11:26AM
MRSARATOGA,

I will take these 1 at a time per post for easier reading .

1) If the right guy hits it, we will move it on one player.  How much we move it depends on how many of those right guys are on the same side.  Then you just have many games that may not have anyone i particular touch it.  In those cases you look at the pulse of the plays being made and let them run their natural course with slight adjustments over large volumes to keep the play 50/50.
Betphoenix says:
10/29/10 11:29AM
2)  There are a few different systems employed.  We have overnight workers, some do not.  Some companies systems also use automation.  In most cases, overnight limits are placed to make sure nothing gets too out of hand in any one direction during the wee hours of the morning.
Betphoenix says:
10/29/10 11:40AM
3)  I am not familiar with Steve Budin.  I know very few figures in the business actually.  I work, then I go home like the rest of the normal world.  Sometimes people think it is more glamorous than it really is.  I have not read the book, but will pick it up.  I have seen some wild things in my tenure for sure.  I have heard about much wilder times.  I think a lot of it is more closely associated to Urban Legend, and creative license, but who knows.  Either way it makes for good entertainment.  I think there is a relationship between books, just hard to describe it.  It is cordial, but competitive.  Maybe you could call it co'opetition.
Betphoenix says:
10/29/10 11:46AM
4)  We have seen a few come and go.  A list types etc.  They are generally not recruited in any special way.  Marketing has moved into relative normalcy these days with no real over the top placement, or concepts that may have drawn in the more Hollywood type of client (like the GP ebay bids on the Jesus image grilled cheese sandwich, or the offers to pay for Lindsay Lohan's rehab etc.)  I have seen some European companies step into Hollywood/Music a bit though.  I have seen Lil Wayne, Kanye, and Lady Gaga use vidoes to pitch gaming companies.
Betphoenix says:
10/29/10 11:57AM
Chaka26,

Sometimes we limit losers too.  It is not always about the win/loss, but more about what was played.  Ex:  Lets say big player comes in and takes Yankees 4 times in a row and wins them all.  Those things happen from time to time.  On the other hand a player comes in and is on the right side of every market move but loses 4 times in a row, that does not happen all of the time.  Not the loss part, but the fact that he knows which way the steam goes each and every bet.  No matter how you shake it out, nobody wins all of their plays, even the best lose 45% of the time, so variance does happen.  So I guess my answer there is that we are looking for conditions, not win/loss.

The other condition for limits relates to volume we receive on any given product...especially the more obscure items.
Betphoenix says:
10/29/10 12:04PM
Bad lines are created from manual movement, and key tap errors usually.  There are thousands of lines to be adjusted manually, and that still needs to happen even with certain automation programs.  You see these things occur from time to time especially on smaller market items that get less attention and less volume.  The markets are moved "live", so a one minute long mistake can result in a bet on a mistype. 

Also, there are many bettors out there using programs to detect scalps, and when a mistyped line goes up, it is like sending a flare for bets to come in immediately.

I think if the cancellation is handled with the right communication, it is not a bad thing for both parties.
islandpacket49 says:
10/29/10 03:19PM

What handicapping services are you most afraid of ?

sparty444 says:
10/29/10 03:32PM

How much money did betphoenix make/lose last year...and who is the majority shareholder?

Lippsman says:
10/29/10 03:37PM

BOL on getting a response to those questions.

sparty444 says:
10/29/10 03:44PM

The guy moderating this might not even know

Betphoenix says:
10/29/10 04:22PM
ip49,

Ed Golden I would say destroyed NCAA hoops totals for everyone.
Betphoenix says:
10/29/10 04:23PM
Sparty,

Both good questions, wish I knew too.
sparty444 says:
10/29/10 06:03PM

I would find out if I was you....  I wouldn't work for a company if i didn't know what their financials looked like and who was running the show

Betphoenix says:
10/29/10 07:14PM
Some answers I obviously can't place here.  This is more for how things function or why things are done a certain way type of questions.
sparty444 says:
10/29/10 08:05PM

What percentage of players are actually winners in a 5 year window?

MRSARATOGA says:
10/29/10 08:44PM

"Steam" gets a lot of talk on forums and I have seen you talk about it also. In Budins book he had no issue with steam coming from what he called "recreational players" as it is not necessarily the sharp side and he didn't care about uneven action on a game as he said even action never happens. I have seen you post against steam play when you have been asked about it. With so many customers in a books database how are you determining who falls into the "recreational steamer" versus the "pro steamer". Is it nothing more than a players win percentage over time? As It doesn't appear a balancing act can occur when steam is on.

Betphoenix says:
10/30/10 10:58AM

Sparty,

Used to be about 6% from published figures years ago.  I would say that due to the internet and availability of information, that the number is up to 8% that can actually earn year over year.  There are many more players that go back and forth winning this year, losing next year etc.  Remember that these are long term statistics of course.

Betphoenix says:
10/30/10 11:11AM

MRSARATOGA,

That goes back to what I was saying on the line moves earlier.  A low % bettor is going to hit the right side of steam on occasion, and you just let him play at full limit.  Even action rarely happens, but we look at each game as a data point, and across enough time and data points 50/50 action does happen to fall into place.

When you see someone referring to a steam player, it is a direct reference to guys on your database who hit everything that moves.  They really don't care what the game is, they are just trying to beat your line adjustments over and over again.  It becomes a cat and mouse game with some players.  For example, 3 games get released by DR. Bob or RAS, and the board lights up, steamers will try to get every moving number at the old number if it is still there, and sometimes will duck the game number, and try to hit the first half because it is the second adjustment after the full game.  In cases like that, we just limit the bet amounts from those players, as they are of no real value.

Some steam happens from pure volume from a given capper, the other steam happens from syndicates and movers.  The second type can get you hurt if you do not keep it in check.  College football and hoops steam can go nuts at tuimes based on the sheer number of games out there.

Lippsman says:
10/30/10 01:39PM

I think the services are such scammers.  But I tell ya, RAS just seems to nail those College Basket Totals.  They bought Stanford Wong's sports board a few months ago.

Betphoenix says:
10/30/10 06:29PM
I almost agree, as most are as you say, but there are some out there that still move the numbers though.
mikesparks7 says:
10/31/10 05:58AM
What do the sharps do that makes them sharp?
4degreeswarmer says:
10/31/10 03:48PM
Is the concept of reverse line movement  for real? Today, the lakers and golden state total opened at 221. It looks like the money was coming in on the over at a 2 to 1 rate yet the line keeps going down and  down to 218. It seems clear the books dont care about equal action on this one. It seems clear they are taking a side. True?
Lippsman says:
10/31/10 04:01PM

Very good question.  This should be an interesting response.

Betphoenix says:
10/31/10 04:37PM
Mikesparks7,

They win and manage money well.  Some are mathematically modeling the games themselves etc.  Some just know info that others don't.  A guy close to a professional sports or college team trainer dealing with injuries may know a few useful things.
Betphoenix says:
10/31/10 04:41PM
4degree,

I would say maybe someone or a few someones of importance hit that total hard. 
vanzack says:
11/01/10 07:32PM

Richard -

Thanks for doing this.

Without getting in to specifics, can you elaborate on what books do to come up with innovative ways to deposit and withdraw money?  How much effort is put in to this, and is there anything new on the horizon?

I think this is the biggest barrier to entry for the recreational player, and I am always curious how much weight this has on your side of the fence.

vanzack says:
11/10/10 03:40PM

Thanks again for this thread Richard.

Really great.

LRM704 says:
11/08/10 12:09AM

Richard, I've said it before and I'll repeat it again. You are a very good salesman. I think you hit a homerun with this idea.

 

MRSARATOGA says:
11/08/10 05:15PM

Got it....but using my 2K winning everytime theory in "major sports", if I an giving my $2200 you should be able to find the other side $2200 thus keeping your natural hold and 50/50 scenario where you want them. Assuming I am not giving my play to everyone else which would create a hold disparancy, know one knows what I am doing except you so the balance should stay proper. In major sports isn't that assisting in your hold volume?  I guess what I am saying is that in "major sports" at a certain price point, the other side should always be there barring a play just before kickoff. That is why I always questioned guys being limited who bet $100 or so a game and win and they get limited to $25. Makes no sense at all to me. Appears to be a no brainer to create a natural hold with such miniscule amounts.

MRSARATOGA says:
11/10/10 05:20PM
Thanks, that underscores then that some places aren't managing their hold and volume as well as others and that is what is probably precipitating much of this.  Ironically the book is affecting their own bottom line as they aren't adjusting as well as they could thus costing themselves both on the top and bottom line by eliminating guys like the one above from the equation. Interesting.
MRSARATOGA says:
11/10/10 08:56AM

I apologize as I am not trying to gobble up the thread but here below is a perfect example of what I am referring to.  I copied this from another recent thread on here that you may have already seen. The poster has been posting for a handful of years and seems legit. I know you can't speak for Beted but if we assume this is true and he looks to be wagering maybe $25-$100 a game, how does this happen? Using the 50/50 scenario he isn't tilting anything and is having no further effect on the balance sheet and shouldn't even be on the radar with those wager denominations.

I opened an account with BetEd based on advertising here on Covers.  Was lucky in some wagers but they weren't for large amounts.  My account shows a balance of less than $1000 but when I signed on today I received a message that said my wager limit was now only $1.00.  I have only been with them for a couple of weeks.  Seems strange and unfair.  Has anyone else had this happen to them. 

MRSARATOGA says:
11/10/10 09:16AM
It clearly looks to me that the angle many posters use that books don't like winners is true.
MRSARATOGA says:
11/10/10 10:40AM
I agree with you but how do you explain the situation above? Guy goes on a two week roll for small money and suddenly he is viewed as Joe Sharp.  That has yet to be explained logically to me. Anyone betting $25 - a couple hundred dollars a game should never ever be limited if just betting away with no fraud. Limiting appears often in threads and there has to be more to the story.
MRSARATOGA says:
11/10/10 11:11AM
...and the more I read your comments in post 81 another reason may be that you seem to perform the business at a more sophisticated level than perhaps others are. Where you are able to get sharper via winners others may not have the brain power or technology to make that adjustment and are just better off dropping anyone on the borderline.  The answer probably lies somewhere in there.
MRSARATOGA says:
11/02/10 10:16PM

On horses, do you book all action or does it go directly into the track pools. Sometimes a track offers a pick 3 and you don't so I assume you are taking it all. If it goes into the track pools, do all shops go in through the same hub? I know American tracks have simulcast agreements with certain betting outlets. 

Do all books gather half time lines from a similar source? I find it interesting that lines are quite close to each other when they come out. Why is it that half time lines don't steam as much given a 10-15 minute window of time?

MRSARATOGA says:
11/03/10 11:09PM

You shouldn't be limited with 1K wagers in the casino.  Even if you were just have some friends go place them for you. MGM has a 10K window so I doubt 1K raises any suspicions.

MRSARATOGA says:
11/04/10 05:16PM

 

I never understood the concept of limiting if someone is betting away and winning. Theoritically even if I never ever lost betting 2K a game on major sports that should be easy to even off so what is the purpose of limiting?  I could see if someone is chasing steam, abusing bonuses, saying they called in different than what the teller put in etc. (or the classic......"my son got on my computer and lost my money").  I know forum posters go overboard with "sky is falling" posts but I will often see "I have been limited" and even Lou has acknowledged people being limited if they start winning. There has to be more to the story as offshore books have to have a little more in the kitty than Louie the barber down the street who won't let you bet more than $100 on an event and has no till.

goterps5050 says:
10/31/10 04:49PM
RIchard,

could you please PM me.?   or respond to my post in the free play thread..

serious issues with your book and received no answer other than they would fix it.. 


Thanks




goterps5050 says:
10/31/10 05:24PM
Thanks Richard.. 

i emailed you.  they fixed the original issue and that is fine but to hear that it was a glitch, ive never heard that b4 with other books.  

i just want some assurance that i dont have to babysit my bets and have some confidence in depositing money in to your book..  right now i dont feel that way after what i saw today. 
runnershane14 says:
11/05/10 03:39AM
How do money transfers work? Does every sportsbook just have guys running around all over the place picking up MGs and WUs?
josbran says:
11/04/10 07:59PM
I enjoy betting horses so I was wondering would you limit me if say I hit 6 or 7 big numbers in a row betting $200 per bet? These would be win only bets. About 2 years ago I hit 8 win bets in a row with the average price of $25.00. Each bet was for a minimum risk of $200 the online book I was dealing with cut me off from betting horses for more than $20 in the win pool.granted I took them for more than 16k but as you know horses are the hardest bet in gaming so I was a little pissed that they cut me down. They did pay me what they owed and I stopped using them. What would your company do in this situation. Thanks
josbran says:
11/10/10 03:23PM

The answer you gave me about being limited on horse betting was not what I expected. maybe I didn't give you enough info. I said I hit 8 races in a row betting $200 to win with a payoff of at least $25. The races I hit were at three different tracks over a two week period.  Before that run I never won more than two races in a row and probably lost 6 out of ten bets before that. I love betting horses and since I live in the USA I can't use betting exchanges so it's important to me that I can get good action online.by the way the two three tracks I used were Belmont, Laurel and Calder.These tracks are top tracks with lots of betting handle so I should never be limited on my betting on those tracks.

                          Thanks again

pjrez says:
11/05/10 07:23AM

Great question.  Thought about this the other day.  WU money to 5 dimes for the first time in years...
Chaka26 says:
11/11/10 11:23AM

can BP add a rollover tracking to their site so clients can see how close they are to meeting bonus requirements?

side note- my email to you from 11/1 must've ended up in your spam filter i can send pm if you add me as friend

K2BLADER says:
11/03/10 05:17PM
any sign up bonus? I'm interested
Betphoenix says:
11/03/10 08:57PM
K2BLADER,

We usually have 100% for new accounts.
Betphoenix says:
11/03/10 09:03PM
Mikesparks7,

All businesses are looking to manage risk all the time.  That being said, there can be great divergence in how that is accomplished.  In one case it may be laying off big numbers into the market, in other cases it may be strict limits.

Sharps in Vegas used to have to use beards/runners to lay for them.  I hear that is changing, or at least Cantor Fitzgerald is looking to change that at the M.  Offshore sharps also use beards as well.  That is the ones looking to lay hundreds of thousands per game.
Betphoenix says:
11/04/10 03:05PM
Mikesparks,

You need to diversify your shops to get that done.  Once limited to 1k or $500 etc, you will need multiples to get off your desired amounts. Also, hen you play, you need to be quick, because if your the guy moving the number based on your skill set, you may not get the line at the same value 7 bets/shops down the road.

Not to mention, if you have a system that works, you will want to bet 1,000,000, not 1000.

A lot of mid sized sharp bettors who do not have beards etc moved to laying teasers and round robin parlays as well, as they are traditionally seen as sucker bets and fly under the radar.

Others have moved to using robots/programming to lay wagers at certain prices.  Again, you need to diversify shops for all of the aforementioned activities.
Betphoenix says:
11/04/10 03:07PM
MRSARATOGA,

I think all places take big bets, but who places them might change that scenario.  I could be wrong though, haven't bet on a sport in Vegas for a decade.  I did hear the M is taking up to 300k at times though.  That is a nice limit :-).
Betphoenix says:
11/04/10 03:15PM
I have seen a guy win 200k in parlays in a day with us.  I have seen a guy win a 15 team parlay years back like 2002ish for some ridiculous amount over 1/2 million.  I would say not many hit those type of plays...you can kind of see how many should hit a particular type of parlay based on the odds given on the payout of that parlay.

Of course bet size matters as well ie. a two teamer for 100K :-).
Betphoenix says:
10/31/10 05:13PM
Already responded in the other thread.  I need your account number to take a look.
Betphoenix says:
11/03/10 05:05PM
Horses from offshore are not based in parimutuel relationships.

I think most books wait for other businesses to post their numbers, then stay close to market.  Those lines do move, but it goes so quick in a 15 to 20 min time frame, that they do not move too far.  Roughly 1 to 1.5 points or juice equivalent.
Betphoenix says:
11/03/10 05:08PM
ww,

All BP members have always been paid.  In the majority of cases same day.
Betphoenix says:
11/03/10 05:10PM
Burg2vegas,

FF/youwager is a good business.  You are in good hands there.  Actually you are in good hands with all of the businesses you mentioned.
Betphoenix says:
11/02/10 06:59PM
Mikesparks7,

Yes there are people who earn well to this.  Maybe funny timing with your question as I just had dinner with one of those guys last night :-).

Remember 1 important thing about lines.  Public perception is a fix added to every number on games in order to attempt to achieve 50/50 betting from the start.  That perception is not related to the actual game its self, but to the bettors themselves.  In essence, we are all part of the opening number.  That can help certain guys to find soft spots in numbers and create earning opportunities.
Betphoenix says:
11/02/10 07:05PM
Vanzack,

It has been a tough year in that regard for all.  This is also the largest barriers for new businesses in our market.  It is hard to elaborate without giving up company IP and MC.  I can tell you that all the majors go to great lengths though.  There are some new things supposedly on the way, but I guess we will see as they unfold.  Sorry I cant be more direct with this answer.  I could probably write a novel on this topic though.

In the simplest of terms, without it you simply don't compete.
Betphoenix says:
11/02/10 07:09PM
Mr_bollocks,

We will do business as normal.  I think it (legalization) will happen, but it will not be overnight for sure.  I guess we all have to see the full plan unveiled to get a better understanding about the future for both onshore and offshore alike.
Betphoenix says:
11/02/10 07:14PM
willywagtail,

All rollovers are calculated based on three factors: Cash vs freeplay, amount given, and product hold.  I am not sure how Betjam makes their decisions on that.  We allocate an amount to be given to players as benefit over total expected acquisition, and apply the rollover accordingly to that budget.
Betphoenix says:
11/02/10 07:44PM


Here are my questions:

-

How deep/complex/informative is your tracking software? Is it

unique/specific to BetPhoenix or is a standard program across the

industry? How accessible is this software to the general public or

aspiring entrepreneurs?

All the data is collected, the outputs are created on our end based on what we are looking for.  I think most businesses in our market use either of 2 main softwares with a few independent softwares in use out there.  We all manipulate the software to our own liking and needs for both UI (user interface) as well as for internal risk management.

- How much action ($$$) do you take in on an average weekend? What is the hold? How much is in escrow at any given time?

Hold is easy to figure with straights=  110+110/10
or 105 +105/5.
The hold gets better with parlays and teasers involved.
I can not directly answer all of this here though...apologies.


- How many of your customers are betting over $1000 a game (on average)? Are most of these players up or down?

We have quite a few, and there are both winners and losers at every level.  They are however more closely balanced at the higher amounts. 

- Do you have in-house linesmakers or do you outsource that? Which company is the industry leader for setting and moving lines?

We have both Internal and External guys handling this.

We all respect Pinny, Bookmaker/DSI, Greek, Grande, Del Mar to name a few.  They also move off of us at times as well, so we do get a bit of our own respect as well.

- Are sports markets more economically safe than financial markets? Why is all the real money on Wall Street?

Good question.  I see them the same, and at the end of the day, sports teams are really nothing more than just another business.  The last few years have shown us that stocks and investments are not always exactly safe either ie. Madoff, Enron, and many others.  The market can be manipulated as easily as a game can be, and a few people seem to get the inside info as they do in sports. 

If gaming was legal, I think wall street would get beat.  Looking at Betfair as an example, they were quoted at taking in more transactions per month than the entire European stock markets combined.

"Key Betfair statistics:"

"• Betfair handle more transactions than all of Europe's stock exchanges combined, an average of over six million a day."




- What sports is most/lease profitable for the books?

Most: Football based on sheer volume, Horses based on pure hold.

Least: Baseball due to dimelines.  Other sports like WNBA/Arena Football etc due to sheer lack of volume.

I'll likely have more to come once I've had some time to think... Thanks!

My pleasure


Betphoenix says:
11/11/10 11:25AM
The better question is why would someone who could walk into a betting shop on any street corner or play legally in his jurisdiction play with an non-regulated business.  The answer is usually fraud, or the player is no longer allowed to bet with any decent limit at the Euro books due to his skill set.  As far as ewallets are concerned, Moneybookers is an easy platform for multiple account holding and bonus abusing.

I am sure there are a lot of legitimate Euro players, but we have taken to lowering the risk factor on the way in the door to ensure we don't get burned.
Betphoenix says:
11/10/10 12:23PM
Any player can go on a two week roll.  What, where, when, why, how he plays is the much more relevant info.  Sharp does not always mean winning player.  Even the sharpest are only 57% which means stringing together a few losses is definitely in the deviation.  We find sharp bettors who lose every bet the first two weeks they are here.

Anyone sharp betting $25 to $200 per game should never be limited IMO.  Actually, they are more like a gift.
Betphoenix says:
11/10/10 10:14AM

Nope, we love winners.  Sometimes winners are your best employees so to speak.  They definately let you know when our odds compilers are off.  But like any business, if you graph performance you see the peaks and valleys and use them for the measurement of dynamics.  We earn off of hold, so the valleys can be nudged up by limiting the amount won versus the amount wagered (hold).  That valley can be raised a touch via the use of limits.  There is no us versus them mentality on our end.  Only when it comes to dealing with fraud etc, then it does become an us versus them item.

Betphoenix says:
11/10/10 07:03PM
Josbran,

Horses are a delicate area.  If you hit 8 races at high odds I could see them thinking something was off.  That also depends on your history as well.  a guy can go 10 for 10, as it is in the number out there to do so.  If you were a net loser before, the move seems a bit over the top, but I can only make that assessment looking at the real bets you made.

Also, It seems like it was all done at A rated tracks, not B and C tracks where things can get a bit funny at times. 
Betphoenix says:
11/10/10 07:11PM
MRSARATOGA,

Each business has a method to their madness for sure.  I have seen some get mad at people for winning period.  I guess to each their own.  Truth is, people have to win sometimes for your business to grow and be successful.
Betphoenix says:
11/10/10 07:15PM
Revisiting the WU and MG question I passed on earlier.  I can say that when I first saw the process it was hilarious.  I think Jack Daniels and Ben Dover may have received more money transfers via WU and MG than any other human on the planet.
Betphoenix says:
11/08/10 06:39PM
Most people bet at a very close period to a game, so at times it is hard to direct the traffic.  If there are 1000 guys like you that all hit the same number for 2k right before the bell it can be hard to overcome for balance purposes etc.  Limits help keep that in check.  Sometimes when someone plays is as important as what he plays.

Really the number of variables are great.  Also, you sometimes have to look at moving out of range to get the buyback which hurts hold.  Especially if games are moving across several points.
Betphoenix says:
11/08/10 09:54AM

Most books will limit you if you won every bet.  If you win every time, you will hurt hold versus volume, when the objective is to create better hold versus volume.  If the natural hold is 4.5% on a 50/50 scenario, you can see how 100/0 would affect that position.

For those looking for theoretical hold: Hold = earnings / volume as an example:  earnings / bet 1 + bet 2 adding some numbers

 Hold = 10 (earnings) / 110 (steelers bet) +110 (bengals bet)

= 10 (earnings) / 220 (total amount bet in this example)

= 4.54% hold

 

Betphoenix says:
11/08/10 09:54AM
BTW, most of the limiting is done with steam players who give you no valuable info to work with.
Betphoenix says:
11/08/10 09:56AM
If you win that many races, we would think maybe you knew something going on at that track. 
Betphoenix says:
11/08/10 09:58AM
We had a router failure on the coast, that cut one of the pathways in to our site. 
Betphoenix says:
11/08/10 10:00AM

Runner,

Sorry that I can't answer that...apologies.

Betphoenix says:
11/08/10 10:05AM
Best way to get involved in my opinion now is to go to Europe.  It is considered a great job over there.  Some positions require math aptitude, some require just work experience other specialized positions require degrees of variable types.  Gaming businesses there run as would any standard company, Human Resources, Accounting, Management, and so on.
Betphoenix says:
11/08/10 10:07AM

LRM704,

It is good to have a presence at the places you fly your flag.  As long as it is handled professionally of course.  Thank you for the kind words.

dj_destroyer says:
11/08/10 02:21AM
What's the best way to get involved with a book? What kind of education/training/background/experience do you need?
dj_destroyer says:
11/02/10 01:14PM


Is this a serious question?

1. Who cares about bonuses? 2. I think betjam has 6x rollover so it's not that much of a difference. 3. Use this opportunity to ask intelligent questions.

Here are my questions:

- How deep/complex/informative is your tracking software? Is it unique/specific to BetPhoenix or is a standard program across the industry? How accessible is this software to the general public or aspiring entrepreneurs?

- How much action ($$$) do you take in on an average weekend? What is the hold? How much is in escrow at any given time?

- How many of your customers are betting over $1000 a game (on average)? Are most of these players up or down?

- Do you have in-house linesmakers or do you outsource that? Which company is the industry leader for setting and moving lines?

- Are sports markets more economically safe than financial markets? Why is all the real money on Wall Street?

- What sports is most/lease profitable for the books?

I'll likely have more to come once I've had some time to think... Thanks!
gangeriver says:
11/11/10 09:07AM
Richard, what do you think about Europan bettors and Europan market?
some of off-shore books don't offer bonus them, even some of off-shore books don't accept customers from Europa (justbet,betmania) it seems there are some problems about fraud,bonus hunting etc..
maybe  majority of europan bettors are honest guys.
In fact we may use europan books but there are a lot of problems.British books don't accept customers from some of countries, France and some of Germany states have strict rules, meanwhile using e-wallets is problem.
 Neverthless offshore books don't interested in Europan market.just curious why dont offshore books want to get new clients from europa? iare we sharper than Americans?  (I don't think so)
maybe we don't take nfl bets 
vanwilder21 says:
11/03/10 09:32PM

Great thread Richard!!! 

 

Very Interesting Read!

BURG2VEGAS says:
11/03/10 02:16PM
this isnt really a question ,just a comment if u guys lookin for bonuses arent interested in rollovers and want to cash out winnings please use you wager they are a ff co.,and even though bet jam,5dimes are great books there bonus programs cant touch you wager, some books are great even though they dont have good bonus structure,you wager good book same daypayout, i have only used bet phoenix for free money i turned my bonus into the max i was aloud to cash out it wasnt much 200 or 300 ,i did not cash out i chose to play off ,bet phx dosent seem like a bad book as far as navigating through site, but the most important thing to me is fast payout options, amount of money through mg w.u, customer service, and site traffic, bet jamaica has the best cs, youwager cs very good also, 5dimes great site payouts fast but not as fast a youwager,bet jamaica,5dimes cs has holes in it
willywagtail says:
11/02/10 03:23AM
Why does BetPhoenix have such a huge rollover(x8 if i am not mistaken) on bonuses compared to other sites like Betjamaica?
willywagtail says:
11/03/10 07:07AM
Why are there so many complaints about Phoenix's payout issues at Sbr?
mr_bollox says:
11/02/10 12:04AM
this is a great thread, kudos to betphoenix for being so open and answering questions here.

a question i have is if the US legalizes online gaming what will betphoenix's response to that be, will they try and compete with the harrahs, sands's etc.
Big_Red_Machine says:
11/04/10 10:03PM
I have a question for you.

What is with all the technical difficulties lately? 2nd time in a week I couldn't log in to make a play.
michael550 says:
11/04/10 02:56AM

I see your max parlay payout is $140,000. Has anyone ever won a parlay that paid the max amount? and if so how many people have done so?

mikesparks7 says:
11/03/10 08:05PM

Do sports books try to stop or limit sharps, and if so how do sharps get their bets in,particularly if living in Vegas. Are they barred from phone accounts so they have to travel every day to several different books to get a high number of bets in?

mikesparks7 says:
11/03/10 10:54PM
It seems like even if a guy figured out a way to win consistently, implementing it would be as daunting as figuring out how to win was. Could you or the sharp you dined with give some advice on how to bet without encountering problems? I'm talking about $1000 a game on half a dozen games a day, maybe as many as 20 or so games a day on college.
mikesparks7 says:
11/04/10 10:02PM
Thanks for your time. Are there any books or other reading materials you would recommend?
mikesparks7 says:
11/01/10 07:06PM
Are there sharps that make a living solely from sports betting?
pat_d says:
11/12/10 08:29AM
good thread Richard and Covers
pat_d says:
11/23/10 09:40AM
richard what is your opinion of bonus hunters
do you welcome them?
vanzack says:
11/22/10 04:11PM

Thanks again Richard - still reading every post....

vanzack says:
11/12/10 11:36AM

Richard -

What percentage of your book (or books as a whole) players bet an average of 1k or more per game?  3k or more per game?

Always wondered if you were a dime player, if that meant you were in the high 10% of gamblers at a book, or 90% bet a dime or more.

I realize this changes from book to book, but just a rough estimate would be great.

vanzack says:
11/12/10 12:56PM

And I assume you would rather have 10 one hundred dollar bettors than 1 dime player?  Is that right?

vanzack says:
11/12/10 02:42PM

I had heard somewhere that BP was working on an exchange.

Is that true, and if so - what is an update and what can we expect?

Flutiemaniac341 says:
12/04/10 04:20PM

hit the nail on the head. hardly anyone wagers pucks so the books cant lift a finger.

would be a great feature for a book as im sure it would attrack a ton of puck bettors (leafs fan)

tep says:
11/16/10 03:44PM
When dealing with NFL totals is it a stronger move when a total moves off a key number (ie 37 to 39) compared to one that moves from one key number to the next key number (42 to 44)? Do the "key" numbers change from year to year? Do you consider any "key" numbers in college totals?


Thanks


Gilberto says:
11/30/10 12:16AM

Damn dude, 2 posts in 7 years and thats the best stupid question that you can come up with?

JCtS says:
11/11/10 05:26PM
When I refer my friend to sign up at Betphoenix - Do I get a bonus for it ? at what percentage ? How long will it take to have that bonus in my account ?
RelentlessD says:
11/11/10 04:56PM
what are your thoughts on the future viability of matchbook?  and of betting exchanges in general?

would you welcome US legalization/regulation of sports betting or would that mean a serious dent to your business?
RelentlessD says:
11/11/10 05:05PM
It seems to me that Full Tilt and PokerStars payout quicker and for larger amounts than the online sportsbooks, and this is despite the fact that the poker sites have much more volume of players.  What are your thoughts on this?
RelentlessD says:
11/15/10 02:34PM
Has business dropped with the recent UIGEA enaction this year?

What do you think are the long term prospects for the sports betting industry offshore? 
RelentlessD says:
12/09/10 06:34PM
Back when i first start betting offshore with Bowmans in the mid 90s, a primary method of deposit was to sending a cashiers check via FedEx offshore.

Is this method still viable?  It seems some books dont have this option anymore.  It seems like this would always be a great option.
MRSARATOGA says:
12/04/10 10:50AM
Lipps---isn't the goaltender aspect inherent in the line already though?  As hockey is low scoring in general, a platoon situation would just change the juice somewhat unless you were talking about a super top notch goalie changing to a mediocre one.
MRSARATOGA says:
12/06/10 08:46PM

I think the reason why BoDog gets away with it is like Richard said on another answer.......marketing. Ayre did a superior job getting the name out and one could legit argue they were the priority name book at one point in time because of that marketing. Same reason as why is Brandon Lang a name tout and Ted Sevransky isn't the same name even though both may have similar batting averages......marketing.  Also, we here are hard core "book know it alls" if you will. How many players have the "good book bad book" exchanges that we do on a regular basis on Covers etc. I would venture to say that most "players" don't hang on sites like Covers like we do and most are googling for an offshore site or responding to a random mailing they may have received or an ad in a sports magazine.

Would be interested in Richards take on where most players come in from over time.

MRSARATOGA says:
11/13/10 12:58PM

 Your other post was just as equally unimpressive.

MRSARATOGA says:
11/12/10 10:23PM

1) Why do most books use the $850 max number on MG and WU?  Why not $1000 or some other number?

2) Isn't it advantageous to books to develop relationships with other books to discuss the possibility of laying off plays when deemed necessary to limit risk?  Along this same path if team A is getting legit heavy action over team B in a major sport, is the line most likely projecting that same scenario  at all books?

3) Is there a service that books look at that shows what other books are doing odds wise?  When lines move everyone seems to move at a similar time.

MRSARATOGA says:
11/11/10 12:18PM
Getting true even action is almost impossible. As the volume rises though your vig or hold is rising to help compensate any big imbalance (steam) on one side. If no steam your vig or hold should cover a minor gamble and still give some profit. After reading all of Richard's comments I feel confident that places just don't balance well and this is why you see quick limits on people like the guy above. That guy is really like any one of us. We will hit two week rolls but we will also hit three weeks where we couldn't pick our noses. They lost him when in reality they need him.
MRSARATOGA says:
12/01/10 07:37PM
BostonKen.....Good Post. 
MRSARATOGA says:
12/04/10 09:12PM
After further thought.....why bother with a goaltender line anyway? The hold on hockey probably doesn't fill the tank of Richard's SL 500.  
MRSARATOGA says:
11/16/10 08:11AM

A couple of BP questions......

I know early season college basketball totals are controversial. Some books have them up. Why couldn't you put them up with low limits?

How come you can't "parlay" or "if bet" individual team totals as long as they don't correlate or go over the given limits? Is this just something the software can't recognize? When team A is playing team B and team C is playing team D, you can't parlay individual A total with individual C total for example.

MRSARATOGA says:
11/23/10 08:27AM

Can you explain how "partner" or "franchise" situations work. Logans and others for example work under sportsbook.com. Is it nothing more than something like Kentucky Fried Chicken where someone pays a franchise fee, uses all the parent platforms and gets a cut of the action? If such is the case why wouldn't they go out on their own?  Is it nothing more than having the resources (ie, money, software, tech staff, support staff, building etc). Also, when I have seen these situations, the lines mimic each other on all the sites. Is the parent basically booking all the action under one umbrella and dividing out the hold cut accordingly to what comes in through each respective window or site?

stormy7777 says:
11/29/10 12:57PM
Hi Richard. I currently belong to your book and have heard that BetPhoenix as well as several other reputable books are having financial difficulties this year but managed to survive long enough to make it to the NFL season. Is this true?


stormy7777 says:
11/30/10 10:03AM


Not that i owe you a response, but i had numerous posts when my account was registered with Wagerline. The posts were reset when Covers took it over.
stormy7777 says:
12/11/10 10:02AM
Richard,

I requested a withdraw on Nov 30th. I was told 8-10 business days just to process the withdraw. As of today it has not been processed and i realize there are still 2 business days remaining. Compared with other books this is a rather long time to wait just to process a withdraw request. Do you have plans to shorten the wait time to compete with other books? 1-3 days for processing seems to be the norm for a check request.
RogueScholar says:
11/11/10 11:39PM
Ed Golden is the guy behind Right Angle Sports.
ejplace says:
12/07/10 03:38PM
Great thread. Appreciate your time and great detail BP.

As a side note, for the goalie situation in hockey...the biggest reason betters need a goalie option like baseball is back to back games. Many times a goalie may be hot so he starts b2b, other times when he is hot the coach decides he needs rest, or wants to get the backup some work. But that decision is never a given and makes a great deal of difference. For instance say I wanted to bet on Detroit on the 2nd night of a b2b as a -140 road fav in St. Louis. Jimmy Howard started the night before and has been very hot and when he is hot usually plays on b2b. However, Coach Babcock does not tilt his hand and name a starter before the game. Then the backup Osgood starts because of the b2b. In all due respect, this is much more common than I believe you are giving it credit for. It is better related to the catcher in baseball who may start 2 of 3 in a series, but as important to the wager as the pitcher.... As a player would flock to a book that offered that protection. Thanks again sharing your insight. 
daLOCKSMITH says:
11/20/10 05:31PM
Lippsman says:
12/09/10 01:24AM

BK,

Of course they can, but they don't want certain people and bots cleaning thier clocks.

Lippsman says:
12/04/10 12:34PM

Just as the starting pitcher aspect inherently in the line when it's made.

As I mentioned before, some goaltenders have much better numbers against certain teams and in certain arenas than other ones.

Also there are times that a supernotch goaltender is supposed to start and a mediocre one has started.  Prime example this is the Caps.

How damn tough would it be to have listed goalenders listed like they do pitchers.

Again, becuase the hold is so low for pucks books just don't care.

Lippsman says:
11/30/10 12:09PM

Here's one for ya.

Why can't you make wagers on Goaltenders in hockey like you can with pitchers in baseball. The starting goaltender is just as important as a starting pitcher in baseball ?

 

Lippsman says:
12/04/10 10:11AM

Goaltenders are picked as a stratgetic option also.  Some have better numbers against certain teams than others. And your starting goaltender is not always your starting goaltender.  Some teams platoon thier goaltenders. And some coaches will not release thier starting goaltender ahead of time.

I suspect where there is such low wagering on hockey, the books really don't give a crap about it. So why waste your time on letting your players wager on a goaltender.

Lippsman says:
12/07/10 01:30AM

Boston, we have some very good and sharp cappers on the board here.  But the masses of newbies and just plain uneducated cappers overwhelms them.

The thing is every year more gamblers are born and all the advice and tips that are given is always new to a crop of them.  You will always have gamblers that think taking huge juice and laying points is the way to go. You will always have ones that buy picks from touts. You will always have 6 and 8 team parlay players.

We are the most popular gambling...err.....information exchange board on the net.  But we just get a small percentage of the players.  As Saratoga said there are tons that never find us and type in gambling in the search box and the highest advertising books come up.  Type in sports gambling and sportsbook.com and betus are right at the top. 

Just wait till the goverments, local and federal get desperate enough for this horrible, kill out lives gambling to actually make them some tax money.  We will see states fall inline in the next couple of years.  Yeah, no way we would play it. I imagine after taxes and such we will be paying at least 15% vig.

 

Lippsman says:
12/07/10 09:49AM

Who said I stopped. This was my remote location this weekend for the 2nd half thread.

Lippsman says:
12/10/10 09:06PM

Richard,

I just took a look at your live blackjack rules and would like a couple of better details.  How many of the 8 decks are delt before shuffle and you can double down.  But can you double down on any two cards ? or just 10 or 11 ?

Bling says:
12/08/10 05:33PM
Richard, it is every game that takes slow.  Sure, main stream are graded faster than others, but both are still relatively slow when compared to other sites. 
Bling says:
12/07/10 08:30PM
Richard, I've noticed that your site grades wagers much slower than other sites and a few times I've had to ping somebody on chat to get something graded..  How is your grading system set up and is there any discussion on improving it? 
pjrez says:
11/30/10 11:01AM
Post more often...One of these times your avatar is gonna move her hands
walby26 says:
12/01/10 10:37PM

I got screwed over on a contest that BP was sponsoring for the tune of $825, well make that $1025 after I sent the required $200 deposit to enter the contest. Nothing like losing a dime to a scam operation like BP, don't know how these guys still have business.

Thanks BP.

walby26 says:
12/02/10 06:44PM

A two part question:

Does upper management instruct CS Reps. to push all complaints to email? And is this done because your company does not even bother replying to emails from customers?

This seems the case, just wanted confirmation on it.

Thanks

walby26 says:
12/10/10 04:15PM

To make public:  BP (Richard) resolved this issue and credited the full winning amount to my BP account.

Thanks again.

BostonKen says:
12/07/10 05:42PM




BostonKen says:
12/07/10 06:11PM


I like live betting, some times it reaffirms what I already thought I knew or gives me a chance to correct a mistake.

I am just learning the nuances of the gig, but I can see where that could be profitable for the books. I've made some rookie mistakes myself, and I kind of know what I'm doing. You can definitely catch people overreacting, they got me a few times early on. So, I can imagine to the casual bettor sitting home, drinking brews and hitting live bets all day=mucho profits.
BostonKen says:
12/08/10 10:14PM



The online casino is a cash cow. You guys are leaving so much money on the table, Blackjack in particular.If people thought they were getting a fair game, with the same odds, why would they go to the casino?   IMO, It should be the number one money maker for books if they could figure it out.Just to begin with, how can anyone play with an infinite deck, it's silly. Why can't you you have set number of decks with a reshuffle? There isn't someone who can design fair random deck penetration software? Would the player have an unfair advantage with access to software via their computer no matter how many decks? People would be playing all the time, more importantly for the books, losing all the time if they could get the same game at home as the brick and mortor. Does being somewhat limited in the tech/software market due to the unique nature of your business hurt the expansion of the online casinos? A million people smarter than me must have thought about this situation before me? What am I missing?  I know live blackjack is out there, but there must be a more convenient way to deliver the product?
BostonKen says:
12/09/10 03:26PM



It really is that obvious.    It ust seems like they could deliver a better product. Maybe a 5 person table here you could play with a few buddies.Add a chat box. Like a poker table?  
BostonKen says:
12/09/10 03:32PM


I believe you. Like I stated in a previous post, the books really have no reason to cheat.An honest game is profitable. Even more so with the infinite deck. I will check out the one you guys ofer. I have never seen it before. 
BostonKen says:
12/07/10 01:51AM



BostonKen says:
12/07/10 02:34AM


I have seen the light, I get it now,. I think I have been on Covers too long and have tunnel vision with this subject. Like you stated above, there are a lot of bright people on here that are very good cappers. I don't discuss gambling much outside of Covers, so my perception is probably off. I agree, the Government cash grab is right around the corner. The frustrating part is the way things are now, it's a total pain in the ass and if the Gubermint gets involved, it will still be a total pain in the ass but more expensive.  15%   That is one way to get us to stop investing. You'll have to go back to counting cards.
BostonKen says:
12/06/10 11:53PM



You are 100% right with  regards to Calvin and Bodog's marketing. I opened my first online account with Bodog almost 8 years ago. Why? I didn't know any better and their name was everywhere. At the same time, I think I would make a different choice today if I was in the same situation, although that isn't a fact. Like you stated, if I didn't hang on Covers and hadn't gained a little experience betting, I might be interested and actually read Book A's direct mailing offers rather than throw it in the trash like I do now. Valid point. I may be looking at this through just my eyes and not the average gambler who lays -200 on the Yanks because they are due to win. I'm curious how many bettors like us there are compared to the average guy who has no clue what Covers is or it's purpose?  What do you think? 4-1? 5-1?

" Same reason as why is Brandon Lang a name tout and Ted Sevransky isn't

the same name even though both may have similar batting averages.."  

You're on a roll, I was under the impression Teddy was a decent capper and Lang is the worst.

BostonKen says:
12/06/10 07:11PM
" Next up, is that most gamers do not

only bet straight wagers.  They bet parlays and teasers with a slot

machine mentality.  What advantage does Pinny give them on that end?"


Excellent point, I figured you would reference that scenario. That would be the only reason to not use an exchange or Pinny if all things were equal. That leaves a lot of books fighting over scraps. How many books could survive with just parlay and teaser money coming in? Unless books can convince the majority of people that their casinos aren't rigged, that isn't going to keep the lights on. I'm sure if you took a Covers' Poll asking members if they would leave their current book for Pinny,75% would take that option.Maybe they keep their old book for their lottery teasers and parlays? I like to use Bodog as an example, since they are the perceived poster child for the casual bettor. How do they survive with their juice and late lines if bettors have options? Even their limited poker take would be crushed by the big poker sites.Plus, I can't even fathom how much money they have tied up in tech overhead?
They would be out of business in 6 months.

"
What it comes down to is business

model.  Pinny will be the business of choice for smarter bettors, but

will have to compete with exchanges more and more along the way.  The

rest of the businesses you mentioned seem to fall somewhere in-between,

or are built for the smaller high risk gambler looking to make $100 turn

into a $1,000,000.  Would you rather book 2 BN at 2%, or 1 BN at 7%

becomes the question.


 I hope Pinny is competing with smaller exchanges in the future, that is great for the player. Who are the rest of the books competing with? Bankruptcy? In that scenario, you have 20 books fighting over the 25% of parlay and teaser players left over. Can a book like Bodog offer reduced juice and stay open with their clientele? Deposit bonuses? I think even the clueless bettors have slowly figured out the trap that is the " free  bonus" with the introduction to the roll over requirement.A book like Bodog must be horrified by any talk of regulation with their business model.  

I never took into consideration that books would have greater access to better technology with regulation. That explains a lot with regards to my position that the books are slow to evolve. I do like your idea where a player could customize their account if they so choose.That is smart, well played.

I have one other question that I will post in another thread.

Thanks for time, Richard.

BostonKen says:
12/06/10 07:43PM
As the system is currently set up, using the most common ways of being paid, it basically takes 5 days to receive your check after everything has been pushed through. If the system changed so that we went  back to instant pay/deposit ( I know some books offer it now-I mean widespread use again), how do you think that will affect the books bottom line?.I assume there is a financial advantage being able to hold onto a players money for a few extra days or more if you so choose? Furthermore, you would lose all the built in excuses the books use when there is a payment issue ( there never seems to be many deposit issues-go figure). The more I think about this industry, why would the books want anything to change? You guys hold every advantage right now.
 
BostonKen says:
11/30/10 06:22PM
Richard,
           I noticed in another thread that Parlaymakers sent their customers a confirmation email after you placed your bet and also when the bet had been graded. Not a bad idea, huh? Would it be a monumental understatement if I declared that your industry has been slow to evolve? Just a simple procedure like emailing a confirmation bet is a big advancement in the booking industry. Not much has changed in the last 10 years. In the future,how do you see BP or any book separating itself from it's competitors? If the issues with money changing hands ever gets rectified, the majority of books will be on equal footing. How will BP/BJ?Bodog/5 Dimes, etc..  keep their players in the future if you lose that leverage. If/when the leverage shifts to the player ( forgone conclusion in my opinion once the money issue is dealt with) how do you see that changing the industry? Lets be honest, if Pinnacle excepted US players they would crush Bodog,BetJamaica, etc..10 years ago, most people weren't educated about betting online. I know I wasn't. We are now.


Richard, thanks for starting this thread.
BostonKen says:
12/04/10 12:58PM



I think it's a great idea. Just added protection against a last minute change. If it makes your customers happy, and there isn't any inherent extra risk, why not offer it? Maybe books should start giving a crap about hockey, Once us players gain back some leverage back, some of these books may need to pick through the hockey scraps just to survive after Pinnacle destroys them.
yamutha says:
11/22/10 04:14PM

Richard, you almost make me want to open an account with BP!

D_Unit says:
12/08/10 01:44PM

BetPhoenix,

Why doesn't your site offer sports propositions? I wanted to bet on the Heisman Trophy and other various player props.  Or do you offer it and im just not seeing it.  Thanks.

AfterEight says:
11/17/10 01:22AM
Can you consider adding instadebit as a payment method for depositing/withdrawing for Canadian members?


ValueforRent says:
11/18/10 11:58AM
1.)  How are you combating bots that are able to essentially sit there and pick off lines?  Do you deny these people action after you've discovered their methods?

2.)  Where do you think sports betting is headed in the next five, ten years?  What do you think the major changes will be?

3.)  Do you think things will ever return to pre-uigea?

4.)  How much do you shade lines, if at all, for subjective factors (i.e. motivation) or is it just a purely computer generated number? 

5.)  How sophisticated have the markets gotten over the last five years?  Do you ever see things reaching a point where there are simply too many smart people betting that value will be virtually non-existent?



Droxside says:
12/09/10 04:35PM
This is the best thread regarding Sports Betting I have ever seen. What separates you guys from say Bet Jamaica, Bookmaker or 5 Dimes among others when someone is looking to actively market one or two of you as an affiliate?
Droxside says:
12/09/10 05:00PM
Let me add on to my question and ask you a few more things. (1)Do I have to worry about someone hi jacking my banners or code and getting credit for the customers that sign through my banners on my website or am I safe as a rule. (2)Also, I am seriously considering marketing to people in my area face to face but not sure how to do this and make sure that I get credit for the people who join the book. Any thoughts on the best way to do this? (3) Realistically speaking, how would you characterize associating with Sports Betting affiliates as a potential way to earn a decent living to making a very nice living if approached properly?  Thank you for taking the time and I look forward to hearing your responses...
Michfan15 says:
11/29/10 09:10PM
How popular is 2nd Half wagering? how big of a $ maker is it for BP and other books, i feel like books either clean up or can get wiped no inbetween
Betphoenix says:
11/25/10 03:29PM
Those types of white label deals are usually predicated on a company with marketing prowess looking to move traffic to a base platform.

The marketing company benefits from avoiding the high barrier to entry costs, and also avoids the business practice pitfalls post set up ie. hiring the right people, tech side issues, processing competency, and so on.  These deals are usually less than 50/50 splits and require upfront cash from the marketing arm, as well as a funding plan for continued marketing of the product.  Something kind of equivalent to a glorified affiliate at the end of the day.

In most cases the lines are clones, but there are situations where the marketing group does have a say in the line movement activity and uses the parent more for resources and low level staffing.

Each of these types of deals have their own dynamic though.  You can be rest assured that the parent is always getting the better of the cut though.
Betphoenix says:
11/25/10 03:40PM
Pat,

Bonus Hunter is a loose term.  I think most players should look for as much advantage as possible.  Bonus abuser is different.  The objective of a bonus is to provide "value added" for the member.  However, at times people try to look for angles on those added values making it a bit cat and mouse at times which for lack of a better term "blows" for all involved.  It can take the idea out of what a bonus is meant to be which is really a basic casino comp at the end of the day.

In the casino, a pit boss looks at your volume, and throws you a coupon for a buffet, a free bet, or a room in correspondence to that volume.  What we do is opposite of that.  We hand a coupon related to the size of the deposit, and require the volume after the fact in order for you to collect it. 

In a nutshell, I don't mind guys looking for a good added value that we are using to establish a solid relationship for both parties involved.  I don't really care for guys looking for angles to punish you for doing so.
Betphoenix says:
11/22/10 04:35PM
Thanks Van...yamutha lol.  It would be my pleasure to have you on as a member.
Betphoenix says:
11/18/10 11:42AM
I will look into that option for sure.
Betphoenix says:
11/22/10 04:06PM
??
Betphoenix says:
11/20/10 04:56PM
Your bounced check from Bodog is not an uncommon item that occurs when the processor has money routing issues.  It is not Bodog having the issue, it is the group they are working with that is.  Be patient, and help where you can.  Bodog will get you paid.
Betphoenix says:
11/20/10 05:08PM
1.)  How are you combating bots that are able to essentially sit there

and pick off lines?  Do you deny these people action after you've

discovered their methods?

They have to parse numbers from an ip address, when you see those IP's too long, you can black hole them as needed.  We also have a disclaimer on the use of bots for betting purposes.

2.)  Where do you think sports betting is headed in the next five, ten years?  What do you think the major changes will be?

I think exchanges will lead the way for the wise/semi-wise bettors.  You will still see the standard books offering more frills for parlays. teasers, etc.  In 10 years I think it will be legal in North America.

3.)  Do you think things will ever return to pre-uigea?

No, it will never go back to the way it was.  It will be turbulent until it is regulated.  There will always be a way to play, but it has become and will become more interesting to get action down along the way.

4.) 

How much do you shade lines, if at all, for subjective factors (i.e.

motivation) or is it just a purely computer generated number? 

We take openers from our odds makers in combination with the market position.  Your wiser members will let you know if your number is off in a hurry. 

5.) 

How sophisticated have the markets gotten over the last five years?  Do

you ever see things reaching a point where there are simply too many

smart people betting that value will be virtually non-existent?

There really isn't a bad gambler anymore as was true in the past.  We live in the information age, and now we all know who is hurt, the weather, other factors, and so on.  We all get that info pretty much at the same time now as well.  Back in the day players were betting the big teams and totals without much info.  That is no longer an automatic. 

Betphoenix says:
12/03/10 11:14AM
Stormy777,

Sportsbooks are like any other business and will have ups and downs depending on business cycles, and sports and casino dynamics.  For example, it is not uncommon to see publically traded land based casinos have a bad quarter due to high roller baccarat action, or sportsbooks have a bad time due to popular teams, favorites and overs covering in excess.  Regardless, the house always has margin and it is a long term position.  We are not booking today's game, and then its over etc.  The larger businesses are in it for the long run, and will make sure you are always taken care of.  BP is, and the other large businesses you are alluding to I am sure are fine.  Will we have ups and downs...yes.  Will you be left out in the cold as a member...no.
Betphoenix says:
12/03/10 11:22AM
Michfan,

Second halves have become much closer to full game action over the years.  The ease of making wagers online and via mobile will only push it closer to full game action amounts moving forward.  Live wagering in Europe has made that leap, and it will in North America as well.

Last year BP lost our odds maker Ferny to a heart attack.  He was considered the best second half lines setter in the industry.  He passed away while playing poker which was a great passion of his.  He went out doing something he loved.
Betphoenix says:
12/03/10 11:30AM
Lipps,

Goaltenders are included into the number on both totals and game lines.  The goalie in hockey has historically not been as much of a   game time decision as it has in Baseball.  Pitchers are selected as a strategic option versus variable teams, and based on the rules on number of starts in rotation etc.  In hockey, your starting goalie is always your starting goalie unless injured or under performing.
Betphoenix says:
12/03/10 11:41AM
Boston,

Need a lot of time for your question, so will move to Walby for now and come back to you in a bit.

Walby,

Can you send me specific info to richard@betphoenix.com please.  I have no clue about the contest you are referring to.  I am sure there is a very simple answer to this, but need your help to sort through your complaint.

Question number two:  We do not ignore emails, or instruct clients on how they have to communicate with us.  In cases of escalation you may need to communicate with a specific person though.  FWIW, we do receive and send thousands of emails on a daily basis. 
Betphoenix says:
12/05/10 03:39PM
No Mercedes here sir.  Hockey teams don't interchange goalies unless due to injury.  Baseball teams change pitchers every game.  Star pitchers can not play ever game and remain healthy and effective.  They start roughly every 5 games.  This is not the case in the NHL.  I am not saying it is a bad idea, but maybe an extra step being that the same goalie starts almost every night they play. 
Betphoenix says:
12/06/10 03:32PM
BostonKen,


I noticed in another thread that Parlaymakers sent their customers a

confirmation email after you placed your bet and also when the bet had

been graded. Not a bad idea, huh?


We already send thousands of mails

daily, and we take a much larger number of wagers than that easily. 

That does create some issues for server IP blacklisting based on number

of mails sent within a particular time frame.  Also, all wagers are

stored if finalized and readily accessible if needed.  Auto mailing

tickets is also a privacy issue, as most people may not want a wagering

ticket in their inbox as proof of gaming to a work place, or to the

significant other.  I don't think it is a necessity, and most probably

do not want it as gaming is seen as a negative in North America. 

However, would be a good option for those to push a send email button to

get that service if they really wanted it post confirmation.

Betphoenix says:
12/06/10 03:34PM
Would it be a monumental understatement if I declared that your industry has been slow to evolve? Just a simple procedure like emailing a confirmation bet is a big advancement in the booking industry.

I don't see emailing tickets as advancement, but rather a preference.  That does however lend to your question in that we need to learn how to program our sites in a way that allows the members more customization and preference settings.  Basically, letting them set up the site in the way they see most conducive to themselves.  Right now most sites globally across every industry are a bit to rigid in that sense.  I think Grooveshark.com is a perfect example of pure harmony between simplicity, technology, and allowing for customization and preference setting.  That site is easy enough for my non-computer using father, but complex enough to engage my highly computer literate nephew in a way that they can both get the job done.  On the technical and programming side I would say we are no longer 10 years behind…maybe about 1 year.  If this was a regulated market and we could depend on first world resources for support and application, it would definitely make things evolve both quicker and better.  On the marketing side, we are ahead of the curve in most cases and only slightly behind the adult industry there.
Betphoenix says:
12/06/10 03:35PM
Not much has changed in the last 10 years. In the future,how do you see BP or any book separating itself from its competitors?  If the issues with money changing hands ever gets rectified, the majority of books will be on equal footing. How will BP/BJ?Bodog/5 Dimes, etc..  keep their players in the future if you lose that leverage.

For me it is purely about utility and service.  That is why we work on both CRM functionality and account management principals.  We are looking to make members more than a number and password at BP.  I think we have had some success there, but we could also use a lot of improvement there still.  I am looking at programming to lead that charge, as well as the user experience upgrades covered in the previous questions.
Betphoenix says:
12/06/10 03:37PM
oops, flipped the font color...my apologies .
Betphoenix says:
12/06/10 03:42PM
If/when the leverage shifts to the player ( forgone conclusion in my opinion once the money issue is dealt with) how do you see that changing the industry? Lets be honest, if Pinnacle excepted US players they would crush Bodog,BetJamaica, etc..10 years ago, most people weren't educated about betting online. I know I wasn't. We are now.

That question is being answered as we speak, and it is all about the marketing.  I can tell you that Pinny is a great site, one of the best period, but falls way behind to player count versus the likes of a few other sportsbooks I know.  The old marketing adage Build a better mousetrap etc etc.  You still need to go out and get clients period.  Pinny gives reduced juice, which is an advantage if and only if you lose.  My question becomes, when a new member signs up for $100, do you really think he is thinking about losing?  Does anyone go to Vegas thinking they are going to lose?  Maybe 10% might think about the savings via losses as a great deal.

Next up, is that most gamers do not only bet straight wagers.  They bet parlays and teasers with a slot machine mentality.  What advantage does Pinny give them on that end?

What it comes down to is business model.  Pinny will be the business of choice for smarter bettors, but will have to compete with exchanges more and more along the way.  The rest of the businesses you mentioned seem to fall somewhere in-between, or are built for the smaller high risk gambler looking to make $100 turn into a $1,000,000.  Would you rather book 2 BN at 2%, or 1 BN at 7% becomes the question.


Ultimately, I really don’t see the industry changing a lot very soon unless regulated quickly via Cali or Jersey.  I also think that simplified exchanges will play a major part in the not so near future.

*note...Interesting fact about our market is that we center shelve the lowest margin product we have, I think the future will and needs to see a redistribution of product placement as well.

Richard, thanks for starting this thread. http://images.covers.com/covers/emoticons/Peace_5.gif


My pleasure, I hope it is informative and entertaining.
Betphoenix says:
11/11/10 02:44PM
DJ...when you get enough data points it flattens out and you get back to theoretical hold.  It just doesn't work like that from game to game.  You can try to go to the extreme to get balance, but you then compromise hold% greatly by moving certain distances.  Especially when the lines are dynamic on certain games.

more than 50% are losers, because most do not bet straight wagers alone, or at all.  The hold is higher in those situations.  Once you get thousands of games under your belt the numbers are more fluid, and the natural expectations kick in.
Betphoenix says:
11/12/10 01:49PM
Depends on the players product selection, but the general answer to that question is yes.

Bankroll dynamics are a large contingency in understanding the effectiveness of a gambler.  Range = no bankroll vs infinite bankroll.  Also, taking into consideration amount per play versus bankroll.
Betphoenix says:
11/12/10 12:34PM
Last count the average bet size for the post up industry was just under $100.

Credit is higher than that...between $200 to $300 ave. 

Ave deposit size is about $280.

Of course some specialty stores are different, but I would say those numbers are close.

Dime bettors are in the top 10% for sure.


Betphoenix says:
11/12/10 09:35AM
I Got 5 On It,

First off...great song.

Tell you what I will do.  I will run the promo and see how it goes.  I can report back real data to you on its effectiveness in roughly 60 days time.  I like the idea though.  I will look at putting this together for Covers users.
Betphoenix says:
11/12/10 09:54AM
Relentless,

I think exchanges are the future.  We are at an interesting impasse in the marketplace where the mix of older and younger members is still very technically defined.  I think you will see the exchange venues grow with the new breed of members who are not confused by the use of the internet exchange software platforms.

Beyond that, the value is a given, and you need seed volume (deals with market makers) for it to make sense.  I think you will see a "more volume dictated" price take over the exchanges as well, rather than a flat commission structure.  I think in 10 years exchanges will rule.  I think exchanges need to work out how to add specialty bets (parlays, teasers, props, inrunning) via bookmakers seeding those very same specialty markets as well.


I don't think regulation will change much of the landscape in all honesty.  It is going to happen, just seems a long way off for sports in particular.
Betphoenix says:
11/12/10 10:01AM
On the payment side, I am not sure what or how they pay.  I have not been so fortunate as to collect playing online poker yet.  .  I can't seem to stop getting beat by inside straights and flush draw chasers.
Betphoenix says:
11/12/10 10:07AM
JCtS,

You do get a referral bonus...$100 for every referral you send that deposits $200 or above.  If your friend listed you, then it should be taken care of after the deposit is confirmed.  Always good to follow up though, as sometimes the referred member does not list the referral source.
Betphoenix says:
11/12/10 10:21AM
escoot,

Ed Golden is RAS.  I did not want to mention that here out of respect for the Covers Experts relationship.  Rouges answer is correct.

Good modelers can find holes in the math that dictates opening numbers.  Everyone always makes a big deal about beating closing numbers, and how important the closing number is.  Truth is, you can really earn much more if you beat the opening number, to me the opening number is the fulcrum.  I may stir some people with that comment, just my personal opinion there.  I can tell you that if an opening number is beaten down by a modeler who found a 3 point margin...he can bet through 5 half point moves with confidence getting a huge value along the way.  Remember that public perception influences the number, and what happens on the field does not always follow suit. 

A perfect example of this was Last years Super Bowl with the Saints and Colts.  The game was modeled at PK to Saints - 1/2 by some competent people I know.  The line was placed at Colts -5 1/2 based on the fact that at the modeled number of PK, 99% of the bets would have gone to the Colts, and maintaining some semblance of balance of the books would have been impossible.  For the modelers there, they could hit that number over and over
-5 1/2, -5, -4 1/2, -4, -3 1/2, -3, and so on and so on.

In the case of college hoops totals, RAS found the hole in the opening number math and exploited it successfully.  Now most people only take $250 on those totals as a max bet.  I have seen those totals move 16 points lol.
Betphoenix says:
11/12/10 10:22AM
Thanks Pat...hope it answers at least a few questions for posters here.
Betphoenix says:
11/12/10 07:09PM
The issue here is that one would like to do this on most products at the same number which is where it gets tricky to do it as a business model.  I understand the concept loud and clear, it is just not an easy application in real time.  Plus, what you see and what you get on most line services is not always the same.  You would need to parse all spots to lay out the business competently .  The other issue is the segregation of what is real money and what is reimbursed fees and bonus money with roll tied to it.  Those dynamics make it an interesting feat.  Finally, you would need to double staff to do this with any semblance of confidence.  I could probably come up with more reasons for and against the suggestion putting more thought to it.  These are just a few hurdles that come to mind quickly.
Betphoenix says:
11/12/10 03:40PM
It is in the overall plan, but nothing you will see any time in the very near future.  Hard to quote a when and what at this time, but it is the future, and we recognize that.

Betphoenix says:
11/12/10 05:05PM
You see this happen more on the exchange level, but yes some books do lay off the heat to offscreens or Asia, and keep the gravy. 

I don't see -110 to -105 as a business practice, but it does happen in the form of aligning their numbers thanks to the help of sharp players and originators.  They pass that risk along, and then book behind it.  As I had mentioned before, some businesses limit, some lay to the market, some combo those two things.
Betphoenix says:
11/13/10 02:09PM
cuben2006,

We went into the weekend above hold expectations, Sat hold was excessively high, Sunday hold was moderately low.  All in all it was a decent week. 
Betphoenix says:
11/13/10 02:16PM
On long term straight bets from losing bettors I say yes they do lose more than 50%.  The reason for that falls into the public perception area, and fixed value opening number items.  Ex: betting the public inflated colts over and over.  Another example:  home field value is about 3 points in the NFL, so sometimes the better team on the field is getting points based on an averaged number.  Another thing of course is poor management of bankroll.
Betphoenix says:
11/13/10 02:18PM
Forgot...they are paying 10% vig.  When the coin gets tossed they lose 11, so at 50/50 you are at -ev (expectation value) from the start.
Betphoenix says:
11/13/10 02:23PM
MRSARATOGA...we all use Don Best and Sports Options for North American sports.  For Euro sports we use Betradar for lines monitoring and Kelly for info on potential line changing events.

I think many books use the exchanges to lay out at this point.  Some decent sized credit accounts work as well.  Or, you can have an agreement to lay off.  All of them or one of them depending on your needs I guess.
Betphoenix says:
11/13/10 02:24PM
I think its best to leave the other question on person to person transfers alone.  We have spoken though, and I can cover that offline with you.
Betphoenix says:
11/15/10 03:34PM
There has been a fair amount of growth.  Seems to be good growth in all areas except due to the recession it seems as if we have lower player value per member.  What I mean there is that a member who bet $500 last year is betting $250 this year.  We have more members and more transactions than ever though.  Processing has been challenging as well. 

On the legalization end, I say in two more years of recession, and not a lot of outs left for the government they may push it out of necessity.  Poker/Casino go first, sports will take a bit longer.  The NFL needs to get cut in, as we know they are the biggest lobbyist versus betting due to the affect it will have on the $BN per year Fantasy Sports industry that they dominate.
Betphoenix says:
11/16/10 06:33PM
MR...we put up totals on TV and Major Conference about two hours before the games tip.  We don't carry them all due to volatility.

The team total parlays is simply a software item.  There is no way for us to block correlations there.  We got hit a few times on that and hadto pull it off.  Our clients are good at finding those types of things .  We can block the correlations on sides to totals at this time, but not the correlations on team totals without getting into core software upgrades which we do everything to avoid during these months.
Betphoenix says:
11/16/10 06:44PM
If the price is correct it is ok to move off of a key number, and you have to do so.  You do see the price get broken first though before the actual first half point movement.  It is not a good idea to move from one key number to the next key number based on the value given away to the movement across the key position.

Total key numbers are affected mostly by rules changes such as instant review, or the no contact rule with receivers.

College has some numbers which may seem targeted more than others, but there is no large value difference overall.  A few cents here and there.  Good cappers love those totals BTW.  Just by the very nature of the line versus the total, there are a lot more variations to deal with.
Betphoenix says:
12/09/10 01:42PM
We have Live Dealer games including Blackjack...you should take a look. 

In regulated markets, casino random number generators are audited and underwritten by law.  The BP virtual casino rng's are audited and underwritten by TST. 
Betphoenix says:
12/08/10 04:04PM
BostonK,

This one is for you:

In a surprise move Tuesday, lawmakers in the US capital passed an

amendment to the Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental budget Support Act which

would allow the Washington DC lottery to offer skill games and games of

chance via the internet to District residents.

They might move quicker than expected.  Games of chance opens poker and online casino doors.

Betphoenix says:
12/07/10 03:47PM
In all honesty, I am Hockey illiterate and appreciate the insight.  I went to a few games back in the day, and it is by far the most exciting sport I have seen live.
Betphoenix says:
12/06/10 08:48PM
I

hope Pinny is competing with smaller exchanges in the future, that is

great for the player. Who are the rest of the books competing with?

Bankruptcy? In that scenario, you have 20 books fighting over the 25% of

parlay and teaser players left over. Can a book like Bodog offer

reduced juice and stay open with their clientele? Deposit bonuses? I

think even the clueless bettors have slowly figured out the trap that is

the " free  bonus" with the introduction to the roll over requirement.A

book like Bodog must be horrified by any talk of regulation with their

business model.  

You are greatly underestimating a few things that the current market place has proven: 

1. The number of those Parlay and Teaser plays and players are much greater than 25%.
 
2. Reduced Juice is great when you lose, you save 5%.  However, most people feel they are not going to lose.  It is selling a negative.  Look at Europe's Legal environment and you see reduced shops there, but yet they are not really grasped by the casual punter.  However, Bwin, Ladbrokes, 365, Willhill, Skybet, etc are a staple in their betting lives.  All of those businesses are being basically carbon copied by our markets Bodog's etc.  Reduced juice shops are a great tool for the smart bettor for sure, I just think that they fall on deaf ears for the ave gambler betting his team is all.  Again, this is my opinion only.

3. You are also under-estimating the power of bonuses, and marketing prowess.
  Type in variable key terms for betting on Google for instance.  You find nothing on most reduced juice shops, and a ton on other businesses.  You do not see some businesses on any team Jerseys, and other businesses on many team jerseys.  Again any business whether reduced juice or not need to establish greater reach to compete with more the aggressive and effective marketing companies.

Regardless of all that, I agree that Pinny is a great bookmaking operation, and a credit to the Industry.  When they were here before though, and mixed with the rest of the Bdogs, Betjams, Sportsbooks, Betus's, and Bookmakers, of the world, they still were not the largest in the business.

By the way...great discourse here.

Betphoenix says:
12/06/10 08:58PM
As the system is currently set up, using the most common ways of being

paid, it basically takes 5 days to receive your check after everything

has been pushed through. If the system changed so that we went  back to

instant pay/deposit ( I know some books offer it now-I mean widespread

use again), how do you think that will affect the books bottom line?.I

assume there is a financial advantage being able to hold onto a players

money for a few extra days or more if you so choose? Furthermore, you

would lose all the built in excuses the books use when there is a

payment issue ( there never seems to be many deposit issues-go figure).

The more I think about this industry, why would the books want anything

to change? You guys hold every advantage right now.

I don't think it would hurt the bottom line in any way.  The excuses you are referring to have to deal with 3rd parties handling coin in both directions to get these tasks accomplished.  You would be surprised at the calamities of getting paid on deposit money as well.  Yes, it is easy to keystroke a transaction into a system.  A successful transfer may take quite a bit of time to receive.  Sometimes it is never seen.  It may not seem like it, but it is a two way street there.  We deal with deposit issues constantly.

Betphoenix says:
12/06/10 08:59PM
Enjoy the game tonight, and good luck if you got action.  Go Jets... :-).
Betphoenix says:
12/07/10 12:08PM
BK,

You are absolutely right on the player education end though.  In 1996 guys just bet with little or no info.  Had no clue on weather, injuries, just bet the teams they liked.  Today, even the squarest gambler in the world at least knows weather and injuries these days.  The world has gotten sharper on a per pick basis just due to the access of info, and also from many companies pushing that info in our faces whether we want it or not. 

In my opinion, the new way to get back to those 1996 days for our side of the counter is via high priced live betting.
Betphoenix says:
12/09/10 07:56PM
The Fed ex check is alive and well in most places...ours included of course .
Betphoenix says:
12/09/10 07:58PM
Drox,

I am about to step out right now, and your questions are great but require some depth in answer.  So, I will hit this topic manana.
Betphoenix says:
12/08/10 10:49AM

The grading could have been human error, or technical.  Was it a main stream game that you were waiting on?  Or something out of the normal like lower division soccer?  That will help me out a bit to answer this question.

Betphoenix says:
12/10/10 07:43PM
That would imply stacking a deck, or otherwise theft.  That would also mean I would risk an entire business to win a few bucks on the Live Black Jack table.  It makes zero sense to do that on something you have a house edge on.

I can give you an honest answer.  I would be more than happy to open game logs to Covers brass and one respected poster like MRSARATOGA.  You can have the cards analyzed for problems in deviation etc.  I have zero issues with that level of transparency. 

Also, Covers upper management has been in the live dealer room and has seen the shuffles performed live on location. 

Sometimes I find it curious as to why people would think that we are in the business of looking to cheat you?  Before making this type of claim,  was there any actual research done on card distribution that can be referenced to support such a claim?

Lastly, I think this very thread can act as a decent reference to my willingness to answer questions honestly.
Betphoenix says:
12/11/10 12:14PM
stormy7777,  If you requested at that time, the process has already been in motion, and your check should be arriving early this coming week.


Professional1 says:
12/10/10 07:02PM



because live bj is a scam and your observations are correct! that is how they increase their advantage by having more low cards.
Professional1 says:
12/10/10 07:04PM



you want an honest answer for Richard?

please give me your social security # and your bank account so I can wire you some money!
dj_destroyer says:
11/12/10 06:26PM
My provincial sports lottery deals out a typical pickem game at -140/-140 and you must parlay at least three games.

If I offered those players -130/-130 and allowed straight plays, they would eat it up. I could then just make all the plays at your book (charging -110) and make 20 cents on the dollar with no risk.

Let's say I only have 10 customers but they all usually bet to win $100. For any wager they want to make, I receive $130 but only lay $110 meaning I make $20 no matter what side they pick, win or lose. If the average bettor makes two wagers a day, that's $40 a customer. Multiply that through all the customers and I'm making $400 a day.

I always thought, If I had a book of BP's size,  I could charge my customers -110 but simply turn around and bet the same plays at Pinnacle for -104... If your handle was big enough, you could run a business like this.
dj_destroyer says:
11/11/10 11:34AM


You keep talking as if 50 percent of your clients aren't winners at any given time? Don't you need winners ALL of the time for your business to be successful? Because if there are winners, then there are losers. Without winners, it means you don't have any losers; that or you didn't balance the action properly.

So this begs the question, do books gamble too because they know they can't be beat in the longrun?

I figure most books do but why get greedy when you can make your handle by simply balancing the action?
dj_destroyer says:
11/30/10 01:46AM


I'm interested in the answer to the "best stupid question"...

Still trying to figure out what that means anyways.
I-Got-5-On-It says:
11/11/10 04:27PM

Hey Richard

What would you think of the idea that your book offers a bonus on all winning parlays ? UK based Bet365.com have this in place for NFL,NCAAF,NBA,NCAAB along with MLB spreads & totals both full time & half time plus runlines in baseball.It ranges from 5% all the way up to 50% bonus on winning parlays. Full details here

I think this is a great idea for recreational players who generally like to bet parlays.As you know yourself parlays are generally poor value and the sportsbooks usually make good profits on these types of bets.The bonuses offered take the sting out of the heavy house advantage on parlays whilst still allowing the book to make a decent profit on its parlay market,well in theory at least, there will be days when you have hundreds of winning 5 & 6 teamers come up for customers.
Having a parlay bonus system like bet365's (who don't take players from the USA) would be a good way for your book to increase it's market share and attract new customers from the States.It would also be seen as an innovative and customer friendly move as well.I don't know if any offshore books have something like this in place at the moment as I don't really use Caribbean or Costa Rican based sportsbooks as I've no need as sportsbetting is fully legal over here.

What do you think ?

escoot says:
11/11/10 08:37PM

Who is Ed Golden...a single guy destroyed an entire market for everyone? Is that why totals are only up on TV games thru the first two days of college basketball?
michael550 says:
11/13/10 02:08AM

Im pretty sure the answer to question 1 is that WU requires ID to both send and recieve anything greater than $1000 (including fees). Keeping the transactions at $850 ensures that even with fees tacked on the total amount wont exceed that $1000.

But richard can confirm whether im right about that.

littlegun says:
12/10/10 06:29PM


Can you explain why in live blackjack,,, there are a greater number of small cards in the deck,,,which of course would favor the house?  (especially when a player is doubling down or dealer not busting)  ...  This is only an observation on my part after playing many hours of your live blackjack.I've quit playing live blackjack,,,but would love an honest answer.  Anyone can log in and observe these live games,,and the decks rich in small cards...
cuben2006 says:
12/08/10 02:24AM
Who said pinny does not accept u.s player ? my friend rocky is pinny agent in los angeles and he is the boss , who does not know him ???   
cuben2006 says:
11/13/10 12:13PM
i have a friend who is betphoenix agent and he is getting 25 percent makeup and last week betphoenix lose alot of money is that right ?
inmyplums says:
11/13/10 11:52AM

From what you've written earlier in this thread, 5-8% percent of bettors might be considered "winning" over the long term, year to year. I'm assuming the other 92-95% would be largely losers because of vig.

My question is: Statistically, is there such thing as a losing bettor? In other words, over the very long term on straight bets, are there people who trend less than 50%? I'm guessing no, but you tell me.

If so, does a book try to identify and retain these bettors any more than usual?

inmyplums says:
11/12/10 03:43PM
Are there websites or bookies that you're aware of that take bets at -110 and offset them them with an online book offering -105? I'm assuming that this would be zero (or close to it) risk middling.

Is there a business case for this?
seahawker07 says:
11/18/10 09:50PM
has anyone had trouble with bodog bouncing payout checks?  I received a bodog payout check about 3 weeks ago and then yesterday I get notice from my bank that it bounced.  Working with them to resolve; but anyone had this issue?
Gilberto says:
01/20/11 10:47PM

Richard,

I've posted in the past but once again great job on your withdrawls. I put a request in at noon yesterday and it was available this evening.

Great Job to BP

Johny_Utah says:
03/13/11 10:01PM

If someone can consistently hit 73% betting half totals. How long before you cut them off ?

 

Gambling seems to be a no win situation. You lose when you first start due to ignorance. If you work hard and figure out how to beat it. Then nobody will let you play anymore and if they do it's for a $100.00 a game.

Johny_Utah says:
03/14/11 10:05PM

 

I was 0-2 on 2nd halfs last week. Hard to handicap the fouls at the end. You can get 20-25 points last minute easy.

 

It's 1st half's I crush. 20-5 on posted 1st half tourney plays last week. 4 of the loss's came down to last possesion or could of been a really sick week. I got so good by hardwork. Working on averaging for hours and hours. Finally figured it out.

MRSARATOGA says:
01/20/11 08:18PM

Ok, lets re light this candle...........

1) Can you comment on any of the Matchbook rumors out there ie, closing, being sold, not taking US players, lack of liquidity etc.

2) Did you see the Billy Walters piece on 60 minutes?  Interested in your take. I would assume if he is betting heavy he would get limited and if he has runners all over the place that limits would again come into play unless I guess if he had 10 guys in 10 different casinos playing 10G's on a game at the same time in push button fashion.

MRSARATOGA says:
12/23/10 12:20PM

I'm not questioning what you are going through per se but if your out is to stay with the sportsbook.com chain I would suggest you keep looking.

sevenout44 says:
03/10/11 02:31PM
i am wondering why you dont post all totals for ncaa hoops.it seems as if you are hand picking adjusted lines from other books.That is a little bogus if its the case.post them and make your adjustments as the money moves the lines.It is a pain to try and play totals with this book.Very bush league practice imho.
goterps5050 says:
12/19/10 08:55PM
RIchard,

i was always curious of why in some cases parlays and teasers are not allowed for a side and a total for the same game and what makes you determine which games.. ?  Thanks in advance. 
Blakejeff says:
12/28/10 01:51PM

Richard,

I'd like some money to gamble with in my account. I don't plan on taking it out but I'm getting the shakes without throwing money on these games. If I lose it then nothing happens, If I win, then take back your stake. I'm a $2-$5 a game bettor so I'm not a big time player.

Thanks

Lippsman says:
12/20/10 09:25PM

Richard,

Did you ever get a response on my blackjack question ?

Lippsman says:
12/12/10 01:56PM

Did you see my question about the number of decks delt before shuffle and exactly what cards can you double down on ?

Thanks

Lippsman says:
01/20/11 08:46PM
Hey.....I'm am still waiting on the rules for the live blackjack game. Must be in the safe with the Coca Cola formula.
sparty444 says:
12/12/10 11:08AM

Some solid questions regarding blackjack...just don't think its ever wise to ask questions where you probably won't get a straight answer in return.

Even if they were cheating...you can't expect the guy to admit it

One of the biggest outs is responses like he gave...why would they cheat for a small advantage?  I will answer this myself. Because small becomes large over time... a larger advantage in bj adds up in a hurry. Especially on the larger limit tables.  Which is why casinos are watched like a hawk by gaming commissions.

The other excuse sites use is standard deviation. Which often times can be a legitimate reason for seeing weird things. However... it doesn't confirm or disprove the fact that sites might be fixing decks.  Human nature shows greed is a strong and powerful feeling. Why settle for a 3% advantage when I can get 6% doing something that people won't even know about?

I hope I am wrong when it comes to online casinos... I know that regular casinos are often times caught cheating... and they have a stricter set of rules and regulations to deal with...so it would be hard to not expect online ones to do it or at least try to do it

wizardofroz says:
03/14/11 08:27PM

 Good points, but I would love to know how you do so well on second half totals, as that is some excellent handicapping by you. 

PatrickBateman says:
03/06/11 11:14AM
Awesome thread, thanks a bunch
BostonKen says:
12/11/10 02:17PM
I quickly looked at a live BJ game on YouTube,  Looks good, I want a deck of them big cards.I am curious what answers you have for Lipps? Any talk of having more than one person at a table in the future?


" That would imply stacking a deck, or otherwise theft.  That would also

mean I would risk an entire business to win a few bucks on the Live

Black Jack table.  It makes zero sense to do that on something you have a

house edge on." 



mynameken says:
12/16/10 01:47AM
what are the key numbers in football, basketball,what does it take to move off that number,how can avg joe see when sharps are moving a number?
mynameken says:
12/19/10 09:10AM
thanks for the info betphoenix I found it
Droxside says:
12/14/10 10:05PM
Thanks again, I really do appreciate your help...Best Of Luck...
Droxside says:
12/11/10 02:01PM
Did you have a chance to look over my questions...Thanks...
Droxside says:
12/13/10 01:55PM


I appreciate your candor and honesty, especially concerning your competition as I am not sure everyone would be so forth coming. It is very helpful and I most definitely appreciate it. For what it is worth your obvious concern for helping people like me is noticed and shines a great light on your company as I feel like I now know and trust you much more then if I had not seen this thread. I look forward to you responses concerning my other three questions and

thank you again for taking the time out of your schedule to help me get

off to an educated start...

Droxside says:
12/20/10 07:12PM


Thanks for recommending CAP, I am really learning alot. I had no idea BookMaker was so bad for affiliates. I was actually considering them until I read the long thread in their forum...Thanks again...
chris997 says:
12/14/10 09:08PM
Absolutely great thread that i happened upon, I know you can only answer certain things about the payment process but i figure i would ask since that is my main barrier to using online books.  Was surprised to see that 5dimes and other sites stop using the net-spend, any fix on the horizon or is that method done?  Also seems like every time i sign up for an internet bank account it eventually gets shut down from doing auto drafts do you know of any good ones that i could still use, (would maybe think about opening up an account with you if i can figure a good payment and withdraw plan out) send me a message if you know and can't post.
Betphoenix says:
12/21/10 04:00PM
Your question is coming up.  I am seeing what and why the rules we have exist etc.  Each casino usually has different rules, and I just want to get you a right and informed answer.  It will happen though .
Betphoenix says:
12/17/10 05:48PM
We have had that happen two times, even though it was not a board related issue (not an issue that made it to the forums).  In those cases we gave the processor the funds in advance, so we remitted on our end.  For whatever reason the processor bounced the check.  In those cases we have paid the clients in a different method, and had the processor stand responsible for the money since they were paid upfront.  I think almost every business in the market has had this issue at one time or another.  Usually when this occurs, it happens in a specific batch of checks and occurs to 3 to 4 clients.  This has occurred twice in our history and to about 7 people total.  Unfortunately, we depend on 3rd parties on these items, but working diligently to change that moving forward.  The worst part is, they will never send a check for us unless they have the cash in hand period.  We provide them the cash in hand, and they still bounce the occasional check.
Betphoenix says:
12/20/10 07:45PM


At a certain % between the spread and total, the two lines develop a correlation, or a larger number of positive instances of their collective occurrence.  That % is roughly 33% of the side making up the over point total. 

Ex:  -17 to a total of over 48.  This holds true for both directions, so +17 and under 48 also applies here.
Betphoenix says:
12/20/10 07:46PM


My pleasure.  Meeting with them this week as well, they do a good job overall.
Betphoenix says:
12/20/10 07:48PM


It is best not to speak about processing too much.  I am sure you will see a lot of options coming in and out over the next year.
Betphoenix says:
12/20/10 07:58PM


3 and 7 for football, pick through 4/5 for hoops.  If the number gets hit too hard one way we will break it, but on those numbers you will see the juice move first representing a fractional movement of the number rather than the full half point etc.

If a pro betting operation or individual hits a number the typical response is 1/2 point ending in 1 point.  Of course this can be more, but some of those movements are fake and need to seetle first.  They may push you with a slap, then come back with a sledgehammer the other way.  Identifying the moves from the outside looking in is hard, but typically (not always) the pro side happens much earlier.  Some movements happen upon releases from Cappers like RAS, Dr. Bob, etc.  Pure volume affects numbers closer to game time with recreational bettors showing up before the bell.

I hope that helps.  One could write a novel on this topic.


Betphoenix says:
12/20/10 08:03PM


We do focus on R&D, and look to hone the product.  What you see in the market is mostly due to the fact that it has worked well.  Unfortunately when things are good...great gets ignored.  "good is the enemy of great".  That is a fantastic read and quote.  I will say though that as an industry, 10 years has brought about some amazing results and great leaps forward in the technologies offered by our businesses.  I would be interested to hear your ideas though, as sometimes we are so far inside our own box, it is hard to see out.
Betphoenix says:
12/20/10 08:04PM


Because that is what we are charged.
Betphoenix says:
12/13/10 08:24PM


1- You are safe as a rule.  Cookie stuffing in a thread etc can be an issue to a site like this via forum use, but we consider you our partners, and work with you on those types of events.  The weasels of the world will always get more creative, but we have to work together on that end to protect one another.  I have never seen a case of banner and link theft though.
2-Use unique 800 numbers, url's, and promo codes to identify your direct business.  I would also look for odd promos like 89 for 89 bonus instead of 100 for 100 to be even more distinct from the offers that the book is giving out.  Use the same % bonus, but change the number to something odd for identities sake.
3-I have seen a few affs make 7 figures, and some nice six figures per year.  It takes time and commitment like everything else.  Done right, it can change your life.  You need to be in touch with the legalities of this in your jurisdiction though so you understand if you are in breach of your local laws.  How you proceed with that info of course is entirely up to you.

Take a look at CAP (Casino Affiliate Program).  They offer shows globally, and is a great source of information.  They are more closely related to Casino, but you will get a great education there.  They have a forum for questions as well.  Try to get out to an affiliate show if you can.  Subscribe to gaming magazines, and look towards Europe for ideas for your business.  It is 100% legal there, so they are able to push the envelope with very little fall out. 

Most of all...Good luck to you.  I hope you accomplish your goals.
Betphoenix says:
12/13/10 01:06PM
Yes I did, I have placed this question to the LC manager here though.  I am not real close to the Live Casino rules, who made them, and predicated on what knowledge base.  I am waiting on their support to provide you this answer.
Betphoenix says:
12/13/10 01:29PM


Each of the businesses you mentioned all have different appeals.  BetJam of course is the Greek, and as an affiliate you know you are going to get a lot of sharp lines and higher profitability because of that as well as higher juice product attention via market leading prop wagers.  Also, as an affiliate you know you are going to get paid.  Your potential clientele here can get off at larger limits as well.

Bookmaker is Bookmaker, they are one of the originals, and you know your players and you are going to get paid.  Astute bookmaking and their mobile platform both gives you and edge to earn better as an affiliate. 

5dimes just has so much product available, as an affiliate you have no choice but to earn .  They manage risk well, and akin to the Greek offer a lot of higher margin wagers on the front line.  Like the other two, you and your players will be paid.

We offer some nice things as well, with lots of product selection, reduced juice options, great bonus options, and the Live Casino is a solid peripheral product offering.  We have a personalized approach to CSD, so that does appeal to the members and increases retention allowing you to earn over longer time intervals.  We also do a good job on the bookmaking end, and offer higher earn products to assist in profitability.  As with the others, you and your members will get paid.  Almost forgot, we do have the ability to support the Asian languages as well.

As an affiliate it is important to diversify your product offered, and you should look for multiple businesses that carry varied specialties so that your site traffic can be optimized and monetized.
Betphoenix says:
12/12/10 01:35PM
Sparty,

That is why I said I have no issue opening up the hands for audit by Covers.  It would be my pleasure.  Also, if it helps you to make the leap, we can add a protocol to show all the cards as is done in Poker before the shuffle.
btrabosh says:
12/16/10 09:39AM

do you guys have an R&D department that looks at new and creative ways to seperate your book from others?  other than promos and giveaways all the books are the same basic structure.  what distinguishes your book from any others?  It seems people pick books by limits and pay-outs, don't you feel if you you had something to seperate yourselfs from other books you would get their business.  I have a few ideas that i know as a off shore bettor i would like to see in a sportsbook.

BigTenWatto says:
12/22/10 07:42PM
Must say, the outfit is a little amateurish. Was sent an offer to deposit money, get a free bonus with a free play, and a free parlay.
So, I log in and deposit, using my MC Gold card.
I get a confirmation number, transaction shows up on my gold card........but, no money in my BetPhoenix acct. No bonus, no money. Try to get help through on-line service (live chat) - we're talking 20 minutes. So much for making my bet on the game.
Sad state of affairs.

BigTenWatto says:
12/22/10 07:48PM
Just to follow up, guy on lie chat says, and I quote "Have to send in card info via scanner. Thats how this game works these days".
Wow, amazing customer service.
Sufficed to say, I'll stay at Logans. Much better service.
drose1 says:
12/23/10 12:10AM
How much does someone have to win before you limit them or cut them off?
drose1 says:
12/16/10 10:20PM
Has anyone ever received a "bad check" from BetPhoenix, or a "bounced" check and if they have, what have you done to make amends with the customer?
anbigoe says:
12/18/10 05:01PM
Hey Mr. Betphoeix why do you guys charge a $60 fee for a payout. Thank you
DT3324 says:
03/06/11 03:10PM
incredibly good thread and quite smart of you to do it...well maybe lol

1. Do you hold everything all the time? Is there ever a time when you need to lay off for one reason or the other?

2.How does a book deal with a guy who is most times on the right side of the over night number when getting down right away. If there is anything that can be down? I do realize overnights are circled but still wonder if you keep an eye of guys like this?

3. is it smart to put ones self in a position to have a 2-3 points spread on good numbers in a middle situation even if you might have to buy .5 of a point either way? Or should one just sit on the play at the good number.. say like getting down on  an opening number of 5  and closer of 7 in NFL or -2 and +4 NBA?

4. What the heck is the cause of the major line moves on NBA totals come between 6 and 6:45PM EST most nights? I have a pretty good idea but would like to hear your thoughts?


This is one the best threads ive run into out here...props for standing up and getting involved.

I will have many many more things to throw at you as Ive been in and around this business for almost 40 years now and that has been on very side of the fence possible ;)
DT3324 says:
03/06/11 03:53PM
wow major coincidence here as i just stumbled on this website today while shopping around for another sports book and its pretty ugly as far as BP goes..

 Bet Phoenix - Deposit Only Sportsbook

Read this on Bookies Forum

It is being reported, on many forums that, Bet Phoenix continues, to take deposits, while No pay and Slow pays continue to pile in. Bet Phoenix Players are being told, withdrawls coulds take up to 17 business day to get processed, if they get thier funds at all. Bookies Forum warned players 6 months ago, that Bet Phoenix had all the warning signs of a scam sportsbook destined to fail.
Last edited by The Runner; 08-06-2010 at 04:35 AM.

taken for this site...

http://www.askthebookie.com/sports_forum/showthread.php?256-Bet-Phoenix-Deposit-Only-Sportsbook

well at least you get a wide open chance to defend yourself......but dam what the heck is up here??
DT3324 says:
03/06/11 03:59PM
dam wish i had the delete or change post option here as i just noticed the old date of that thread...MY BAD BP AS THAT SITE MUST BE QUITE OLD CUZ THAT POST IS ON THERE FRONT PAGE...MAYBE YOU SHOULD GET IN TOUCH AND TELL THEM TO BURY IT BECAUSE IT REALLY IS ON THERE FRONT PAGE THERE...AND SORRY AGAIN MY BAD...
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