Handicapping Seminar

[sportshobby]

I went to one of those VI hancicapping seminars a few years ago, both for a fun trip to Vegas and some player curiosity. It was actually fulfilling on both counts.

Although the Stardust was a major disappointment (I checked out after the first day and went across the street to the Desert Inn), it was fun in Vegas. Downtown is also a scream if you've never been there.

The seminar was really interesting also. We heard from bookmakers (Vegas ones, of course), touts, and line service personnel.

If a player had a profit to report, it might be argued that this trip and seminar was tax deductible.

But as the center of sportsbetting gravity shifts offshore, maybe it's time to put on one of these each year somewhere offshore. One of the sportsbooks could play host, and invite speakers. We could invite David Malinsky and others who could talk pointspreads, and we could hear from offshore BMs. Maybe even a tour of some sportsbook facilities.

Let's talk it up.

[Ronbets]

Sportshobby,

Just when I thought you were becoming a full fledged sharp you initiate this crazy post.

A couple of friends of mine are speakers at these cash cow seminars. Every year there are atleast two Feds in attendance to keep up, or further their education. I'm sure they have access to the manifest. Maybe Reno's "buddy" Andy Iskoe was there to announce the latest successful trends to the linemakers.

As far as offshore seminars go, I don't think so. Many of these gentlemen don't need the notoriety. Damn, after all that's why they moved offshore.

Finally, "Lets talk it up". You sound like my old American Legion manager trying to get our infielders to encourage our struggling pitcher.

Other than that, everthing else is fine.---Ron

[AussieVamp2]

so you can play spot the cop if you go?

[sportshobby]

Ron, you're right. It was just a brain fart after too many glases of wine, late at night.



Sometimes I forget that all this fun may not pass the Big Brother test.


[This message has been edited by sportshobby (edited 07-24-2000).]

[AussieVamp2]

Well, actually going to go to this one.

Tax deductions depends on your job, too, I guess.

Now, who's in Vegas from August 23rd-30th?
(bit far for just a weekend trip )

[PerpetualCzech]

AV,

I'll be there. I have a buddy who writes for Vegas Insider and last year's was fun (It did get a little boring at times though)

Shall I bring my chess set?

[AussieVamp2]

cool

I dunno if Vegas is conducive to chess

99c margaritas aren't

seriously, on the chess front, haven't played for ages, so would be easy prey

especially if you have some talent

if I had have played seriously, I'd probably be in the 1200 range I reckon, probably would have got better than that with work, but never got that interested, so take a bit off that now for sure.

Not too many openings and endgame techniques stored in the head now, has been displaced by soccer geography currently

Writer friends? I think you are scaring us more now PC.

[Ronbets]

AV2,

Save your money on this event. Better off listening to the Morman Tabernacle Choir. You are over qualified here. Lead speaker RC is not a fan of the offshore industry.

Yes, Vegas is very conducive to chests.

[AussieVamp2]

Hmm, can always heckle.

From my point of view, Vegas *IS* part of the offshore industry

[reno]

Handicapping seminars, like investment seminars, are a joke. Anyone who pays for these types of events is a sucker. All they are is one sales pitch after another. Each
so-called "guru" tries to convince you to enlist his services. In reality, these type of events should pay you to attend.

[sportshobby]

Reno, you're right. But I had to try one a few years back to find out. Actually, I enjoyed seeing all these Vegas personalities and touts in person. But I doubt that there was a professional handicapper in the crowd.

Now it is even more of a joke, because Vegas continues to decline as the sportsbetting center of the U.S. But I suppose it is the only place in the world where they call their phone customers just to check on them. That's hospitality.

[AussieVamp2]

of course, anyone that plays roulette, craps, slot machines, etc., is a sucker as well

[PerpetualCzech]

Hey, don't be too quick to prejudge everybody. If you're using the seminar to just chat with and maybe meet some new contacts in the industry, and just a general excuse to go to Vegas for the weekend I think it's more than worth the $. I'm looking forward to it.

[Ronbets]

P/Czech,

My advice and I'm sure Renos as well, is intended to "smarten up" younger fellows such as yourself. Scoff at or ignore it is your option. Or you may treat the "seminar" as a gaming convention if you dont mind being hawked and scrutinized. Finally, you're picking up the tab!

[PerpetualCzech]

Agreed, and actually your comments have been very useful to me. No offense taken, I just hope there isn't an impression that everyone that goes to these is some kind of a loser.