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How to Pick a Price Per Head Provider

2005-06-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

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

The number of Price Per Head providers has grown exponentially over the last twelve months with entrants to the marketplace almost daily. With so many choices, the big question is: “How do I know which Price Per Head provider or sports book to choose?”

When evaluating an offshore operation, it is often difficult to sort through the facts, for this reason, you must rely on the following to make a sound choice:

Years In Business: Make sure you choose a Price Per Head operator that has been in business for at least 6 years. A proven track record is a must. You can not afford to risk your clients or your sports season to a fly by night operator or ‘wanna be’ operator. Avoid new sportsbooks. Avoid anyone with an unreasonably low price (<$25/head/week) who may be attempting to gain entry into the market (sign of a new company).

Dalton Wagner Commentary: I invented the concept of PPH in 1999. I have the largest economies of scale and I write more PPH clients than anyone offshore. And, this is in addition to my sportsbook business, my casino business, my racebook business and my poker business. The fact is I make very little money at $25/head/week. It scares me to see new operators entering the market with prices as low as $25. I can tell you that unless they are writing over 15,000 head, they can not make it. Let me re-phrase that…if they are quoting prices as low as $25/head/week there is no way that they have enough employees to service an agent, there is no way they have tri-dundant phone service, there is no way they have tri-dundant internet service – in short, there is no way they can service an agent’s business well enough to help the agent grow. Secondly, PPH companies will lie to you about their company’s age. You must be able to verify the companies age. This is a must. Use Internic, use OSGA.com, and use ThePrescription.com. You must verify the facts.

Location: Check to make sure that the PPH provider you will outsource your clients to is licensed and legally able to service clients world-wide.

Dalton Wagner Commentary: There are only two locations that we know of that allow the outsourcing of bookmaking. The two locations are Costa Rica and Panama. The UK and Dutch Antilles to NOT allow this activity in their licenses. The only one you can trust at the current time is Costa Rica (as evidenced by the recent blow up of www.BetPanAm.com in Panama).

Reputation/Integrity: One of the best ways to make sure that your clients and your business will be safe with a provider is by checking their reputation. Use verifiable and known sources of information like the Off Shore Gaming Association, The Prescription, Bettors World, etc.

Dalton Wagner Commentary: If your outsourcing your business to someone, you expect them to treat it as their own. The person accepting the outsourcing better have a reputation as strong as or stronger than yours. This is the only way you should trust your business to them. One additional note, if the PPH Company also has a post-up division, check the reputation of the post-up side of the company. This will tell you volumes about the company. Rather, if the PPH company is tied to a loser post-up sportsbook or one that has a negative reputation, you know what to expect for your clients.

Service and Offerings: Reputable PPH companies are open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year. They offer quarter lines, half time lines, game lines, money lines, propositions, multiple casinos, horse betting, and more. You are outsourcing to better service your clients – therefore service is one of the key deciding factors on who to go with.

Dalton Wagner Commentary: Simply put, the more accessible the service is and the more wagering options that exist, the more money the agent will make. You should consider the service mentioned above to be the minimum acceptable. Rather, if they have one casino – you should NOT work with them. If they do not have horses – you should NOT work with them. If they are not open 24-hours a day – you should NOT work with them, PERIOD!

Security: A PPH company must have safeguards and must keep your information and clients secure and anonymous If the company you are considering is publicly held, then your security is compromised (it CAN BE accessed via the government). If the company you are considering has integrity issues, you can assume your data will be passed on to the wrong people.

Dalton Wagner Commentary: Security is the ultimate issue. Our company has had the opportunity to be purchased or taken public on multiple occasions. We decided not to do so because it would put our clients/agents/bookmakers in a compromised situation. Partner agents and bookmakers use our service because our integrity and the security of their data is complete.

Additional Information on a Price Per Head Agency Relationship (also known as outsourcing, outsourced bookmaking, sportsbook agent, sportsbook service, call center outsourcing, etc.):

The concept of Price Per Head Agency or Outsourcing Bookmaking to an Offshore Sports book has become popular recently. By using software written by offshore sports books, agents or illegal credit bookmakers have the ability to outsource the writing of their business to companies like www.BettorsNet.com (owned by V.O. Group, S.A. one of the largest and most respected offshore operators in the world – contact is 1-877-512-1001). Therefore, the agent or bookmaker simply points their clients to a phone number and/or website and allows them to bet with a simple Pin/Password system. The agent or bookmaker then pulls reports at the end of the week, and pays or collects what the client won or lost. The only money that trades hands between the agent or bookmaker and the service provider is a simple Price Per Head service fee.

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

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

BetCris.com Opinion on Price Per Head Explored

2005-06-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Information on the Companies Mentioned Above:

As Founder and Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A., Dalton Wagner has survived multiple buyout attempts and maintains one of the largest privately held offshore gaming companies in the industry. While the rest of the industry is going public and being required to provide more and more information in a public format, Mr. Wagner’s privately held company is a favorite associate and partner for bookmakers and agents onshore. Privacy is one thing you never have to worry about when dealing with Dalton and V.O. Group, S.A. With formidable competition, Mr. Wagner founded V.O. Group, S.A. in 1998. While most companies formed that late failed, V.O. Group, S.A. has become one of the top 10 most admired offshore companies (as measured by Online Gambling Magazine; Post-Up Newsletter; Offshore Operator Industry Magazine; and Many other Publications). If you are looking for a Price Per Head Agency relationship, there is no place better online or offshore.

BetCris.com is considered the undisputed leader in offshore credit bookmaking. The owner of the company has been called the Godfather of the Offshore Bookmaking Industry in many publications. It is estimated that 90% of Costa Rica International Sportsbooks revenue is generated via revenue splits with Partner Agents and Bookmakers. If you are looking for a Revenue Split relationship, there is no place better online or offshore.

Benefits of Price Per Head (PPH) Exploration & Quantification

2005-06-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Success With Price Per Head (Small Sportsbook Success)

2005-06-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

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

Price Per Head vs. Small Sportsbook Operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Success With Price Per Head (One Agents Story)

2005-06-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

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

Price Per Head vs. One Agents Old Operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Should a Bookmaker Expect to Make with PPH

2005-06-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

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

Dalton Wagner, Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A. has recently found himself one of the most popular interviews in the offshore sportsbook industry. The reason is his new Price Per Head Agency offering for Onshore Credit Bookmakers. We had an opportunity to catch up with Dalton Wagner and discuss the issue on his last visit to St. Kitts.

Vegas Offshore: Last time we talked you mentioned that your Price Per Head offering was growing beyond your wildest dreams. How is it doing now?
Wagner: Our Price Per Head software allows onshore bookmakers to make more than they have ever dreamed. For this reason, the product is growing faster than we could have ever imagined.

Vegas Offshore: Can you be a little more explicit?
Wagner: We wrote the software offering with input from two bookmakers 24 months ago. Today, we have over 500 bookmakers using the software writing business for over 20,000 clients a week, generating over $500,000 in revenue on a weekly basis in football season.

Vegas Offshore: That is incredible. For you to grow that fast, bookmakers must simply love the product.
Wagner: Yes, bookmakers love the product. Not only does it take the burden of answering phone calls and doing accounting away, but it also allows bookmakers to insulate themselves from legal issues and market their product more aggressively. We have literally 50+ examples bookmakers that are writing hundreds of clients with our software. Can you imagine how they could have done that without us?

Vegas Offshore: The largest onshore bookmaker I have ever met wrote 300 clients and had a staff of 10 clerks on football Sunday. Who is your largest onshore bookmaker?
Wagner: I obviously can’t reveal identities, but I can tell you that she is writing 750 head a week on average and employees nobody.

Vegas Offshore: You have a bookmaker working with you that writes over 750 head a week, what do you think she makes annually?
Wagner: I know exactly what she makes. Let’s just say it is well over a million a year.

Vegas Offshore: How many bookmakers do you currently work with?
Wagner: We are writing business for over 250 bookmakers now. Some represent groups as small as 2 or 3; and others represent groups as large as 750.

Vegas Offshore: Anything else you would like to add?
Wagner: Sure. If you’re a bookmaker onshore, call us or visit us online to learn how to save money and/or grow your business beyond your wildest dreams. The service is modestly priced, and we have never had a disgruntled user. The value proposition is simply huge for any bookmaker.

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

Revenue Share vs. PPH Agency

2005-06-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Revenue Share vs. PPH Agency
Q & A with
Dalton Wagner, Founder V.O. Group, S.A.

Dalton Wagner, Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A. has recently found himself in the middle of a controversy between Revenue Sharing Sportsbooks and his Price Per Head Agency Concept. We had an opportunity to catch up with Dalton Wagner and discuss the issue on his last visit to Curacao.

Vegas Offshore: We hear that the Price Per Head offering you launched several months ago has landed you in some hot water?
Wagner: Yes, it appears that my Price Per Head Software offering has been a little too popular with onshore bookmakers and it is making my competition a little upset.

Vegas Offshore: Can you be a little more explicit?
Wagner: Several offshore bookmakers have lost relationships with their agents because my Price Per Head offering has lured them away and toward my offering. Specifically, several of the largest credit sportsbooks in Costa Rica have lost packages to me in the range of 500-1000 head apiece. And, they are not happy about it.

Vegas Offshore: Why are so many people leaving their agency relationships with credit sportsbooks?
Wagner: Well, in the old days an offshore sportsbook might partner with an onshore bookmaker. The deal was based on the onshore bookmaker finding the business and the offshore operator writing it and doing the accounting for a fee. The deal was typically 50%/50%. However, with my Price Per Head offering, I can offer the same offerings, but only charge the onshore bookmaker a nominal fee for using my service. The fact is that 50% is simply too much to charge an onshore bookmaker. I charge bookmakers a flat fee based on the number of head I am writing and let the bookmaker keep the rest of the money.

Vegas Offshore: Wait a minute. How can you afford to write the business for a simple fee when it historically cost 50%.
Wagner: The simple fact is that 50% of the revenue is ridiculous. I can charge a fee as little as $25 per head, per week and allow a client to have access to sports wagering, casino wagering and horse wagering – and, make a profit. Furthermore, we have written a software interface that allows agents onshore to manage their clients limits, run reports, etc. from any computer in the world. The offering is robust, efficient and simple to use. And, unfortunately for offshore sportsbooks that share in revenue, agents and bookmakers simply love it.

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

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

Vegas Offshore: Anything else you would like to add?
Wagner: Sure. If you’re a bookmaker onshore, call us or visit us online to learn how to save money and/or grow your business beyond your wildest dreams. The service is modestly priced, and we have never had a disgruntled user. The value proposition is simply huge for any bookmaker.

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

Innovation In Bookmaking

2005-06-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State of the Offshore Gaming Industry

2005-06-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bookmakers!

2005-03-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

Read Below To Earn More Cash Than Ever

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

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

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

We are Licensed to offer bookmaking services.

We have been in business for 7 years.

We write business for 15,000 clients daily.

We are open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365 days a year.

We have over 500 operators standing by to make you money!

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

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

We look forward to being your service provider.

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

Innovation In Bookmaking

2005-03-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegas Offshore: I’m confused, please explain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Casino Glossary Casino

2005-03-11T14:59:00.000-08:00

Action - The amount of money wagered (put into action) by a player during
an entire playing session.
Active Player - In poker, one who is still in play.
Banker - In card games, the dealer. In some card games, each player becomes
a banker/dealer in turn.
Bankroll - A player’s total gambling money.
Barred - Same as Banned. Not allowed to enter the casino premises permanently.
Bet - Wager.
Betting Limits - In a table game, the minimum and maximum amounts of money
that a player can wager on one bet. You cannot wager less than the minimum
or more than the maximum amount posted. Some casinos, in special cases, may
extend the maximum limit at a table on request by the player.
Black Book - The list of undesirable people who are forbidden to enter any
casino in Nevada.
Break-Even Point - The break-even point is the point at which if you played
forever, the bets you made would approximately equal the payoffs you would
receive.
Buck - A $100 wager.
Bug - A joker.
Bump - To raise.
Burn Cards - Remove cards from the top of the deck, not to be dealt, and
place them in the discard tray after a shuffle and cut.
Capping - Referred to capping of bets. Placing extra chips on top of initial
bet after the deal has begun. It is a serious form of cheating by a player.
Card Counting - Used in blackjack game. Recording (in memory) played cards
(usually high cards) so as to establish a conditional probability advantage
on the remaining cards against the dealer.
Card Sharp - A person who is an expert at cards.
Carousel - A group of slot machines that are positioned in a ring, enabling
a change person (to change bank-notes into coins) to stand in the center.
Carpet Joint - US slang for a luxury gambling casino.
Cashier’s Cage - The casino cash desk for cashing in the chips.
Casino Advantage - The edge that the House (casino) has over the players.
Casino Rate - A reduced hotel-room rate (price) that the casinos offer to
good customers.
Catch - In keno, to catch a number means that a number you have marked on
your keno ticket has been drawn.
Check - In casino gambling, a check is another term for a chip. In poker,
a player can 'check' in order to stay in the game but not bet.
Chip Tray - The tray in front of a dealer that holds that table’s inventory
of chips.
Chips - Round tokens that are used on casino gaming tables in lieu of cash.
Cold - A player on a losing streak, or a slot machine that is not paying
out.
Color up - When a player exchanges smaller denomination chips for larger
denomination chips.
Combination Way Ticket - In keno, a ticket in which groups of numbers are
bet several different ways, allowing the player to spread money over more
combinations.
Comps - Complimentary gifts given by the casino to entice players to gamble.
Typical comps include free hotel room, meals and beverages.
Copy - In Pai-Gow Poker, when a player and the banker have the same two-card
hand, or the same five-card hand. The banker wins all copies.
Craps - Casino dice table-game.
Credit Button - In slot machines or video machines, the button that allows
players to bank coins in the form of credits.
Croupier - French word for Dealer, used in the games of baccarat and roulette.
Cut - In card games following a shuffle before the start of a new round
of play, when the dealer or player divides a deck into two parts and inverts
them, using a cut card (see below).
Cut Card - A faceless card of different color that is used to cut a deck
of cards.
D'Alenbert System - A staking plan where one unit is added for a losing
bet and one deducted for a winning bet.
Deal - To give out the cards during a card game.
Deuce - A two in dice.
Dice - Two identical numbered cubes. (see Die below)
Die - Singular for dice, a cube with numbers on each side, 1 to 6.
Dime Bet - A $1,000 wager.
Discard Tray - A tray on the dealer’s right side that holds all the cards
that have been played or discarded in card games like Baccarat, Blackjack
and Poker.
Dollar Bet - A $100 wager.
Doubling-up - The basis of some widely used systems. After a loss the player
doubles the size of his previous bet hoping to win back the money lost and
make a profit. Also known as the Martingale System.
Down Card - A face down card.
Down to the Felt - Totally out of money, broke.
Draw - In draw poker, the second round of cards that are dealt.
Drop Box - On a gaming table, the box that serves as a repository for cash,
markers, and chips.
Edge - An advantage over an opponent.
En Prison - (French word) The stake left on the table in roulette for another
spin after backing an 'Even-money' bet and the outcome was zero or double
zero. It is like a bonus, offered in some casinos.
Even Money Bet - A bet with odds of 1:1. A bet that pays you back the same
amount that you wagered, plus your original wager.
Expected Win Rate - In slot machines, the percentage on the total amount
of money wagered that you can expect to win back over time.
Eye in the Sky - Slang for video surveillance cameras used by casinos, usually
placed on the ceiling above the gaming area.
Face Cards - The Jack, Queen, and King of any suit of cards.
Fifth Street - In seven-card stud, the third round of betting is called
fifth street because players have five cards. In Texas Hold‘em poker, fifth
street is the fifth card on board and the final round of betting.
Firing - Betting a lot. A player who is Firing is wagering large sums.
First Base - At the blackjack table, the position on the far left of the
dealer is considered to be first base and is the first position dealt with.
Flat Top - A slot machine whose jackpot is always a fixed amount, as opposed
to a progressive.
Foul - In Pai-Gow Poker, a hand is fouled when the two-card low hand is
set higher than the five-card high hand, or when the hands are set with the
wrong number of cards. A fouled hand is a losing hand.
Fourth Street - In Seven-card Stud poker, the second round of betting is
called fourth street because players have four cards. In Texas Hold‘em poker,
fourth street is the fourth card on board and the third round of betting.
Front Money - Cash or bank checks/cheques deposited with the casino to establish
credit for a player who bets against that money.
Hand - Refers to the cards that you hold, or to everything that happens
in a card game between shuffles of the deck.
Hard Hand - In blackjack, any hand that does not contain an Ace valued at
11. (You can value an Ace 1 or 11 to suit you).
High Poker - Standard poker, as compared to low poker or lowball. In high
poker, high hands win.
High Roller - A player that wagers big bets.
Hit - In blackjack, to take another card. The card received is also called
a hit.
Holding Your Own - Neither winning nor losing, just breaking even.
Hole Card - In blackjack, the facedown card that the dealer gets. In stud
and hold‘em poker, the facedown cards dealt to each player.
Hot - A player who is on a winning streak, or a slot machine that is paying
out.
House - A casino or gambling center/centre. Also the operators of a gambling
game.
House Edge - The casino in-built advantage, usually gained by paying less
than the odds.
Inside Bets - A roulette bet placed on any number, or small combination
of numbers.
Insurance - In blackjack, a side bet that the dealer has a natural. Insurance
is offered only when the dealers up card is an ace. The insurance bet wins
double if the dealer has a natural, but loses if the dealer does not.
Jackpot - A big win on a slot machine.
Joker - The 53rd card in a deck, sometimes used as a wild card.
Kicker - In a draw poker game, an odd high card held that doesn’t contribute
to a straight or a flush, usually an ace or a king.
Load up - To play the maximum number of coins per spin that a slot machine
or video game will allow.
Loose - Referred to slot machines that have a generous payout.
Low Poker - Also called lowball, is poker in which the pot is awarded to
the hand with the lowest poker value.
Marker - A check/cheque that can be written at the gaming tables by a player
who has established credit with the casino. An IOU.
Martingale - Betting system based on doubling-up.
Mechanic - Slang meaning a dealer who cheats.
Mini-Baccarat - The scaled-down version of baccarat, played with fewer players,
dealers, and formality but following the same rules as baccarat.
Natural - In blackjack, a natural is a two-card hand of twenty-one points.
In baccarat a natural is a two-card total of eight, or nine.
Number Pool - The range of numbers from which you select the ones you want
to play. A typical lottery pool ranges from 1 to 60, and the keno pool is
1 to 80.
Nut - Either the overhead costs of running a casino, or the fixed amount
that a gambler decides to win in a day.
Odds - Ratio of probabilities. The casino's view of the chance of a player
winning. The figure or fraction by which the casino offers to multiply a bettor's
stake, which the bettor is entitled to receive (plus his or her own stake)
if they win.
Open - In poker, the player who bets first.
Outside Bets - Roulette bets located on the outside part of the layout.
They involve betting 12 or 18 numbers with one chip.
Overlay - A good bet where the player has an edge over the casino.
Pass - In card games, to not bet, to fold.
Pat - In draw poker, a hand that does not need any more hands. In blackjack,
an unbusted hand worth at least 17 points.
Payline - The line on a slot machine window on which the symbols from each
reel must line up. Slot machines can have as many as 20 paylines, although
most have only one.
Payoff - The return or payback the player receives for his or her wager.
Payout Percentage - Also referred to as the payback percentage, the percent
of each dollar played in a video or slot machine that the machine is programmed
to return to the player. Payback percentage is 100 percent minus the house
edge.
Payout Table - A posting somewhere on the front of a slot or videopoker
machine that tells you what each winning hand will pay for the number of coins
or credits played.
Pigeon - An uneducated, naive, or unsophisticated gambler.
Pit - An area of a casino in which a group of table games are arranged,
where the center area is restricted to dealers and other casino personnel.
Pit Boss - A supervisor who oversees a gaming area. Usually supervises more
than one table at the same time.
Pot - In a poker game, the amount of money that accumulates in the middle
of the table as each player antes, bets, and raises. The pot goes to the winner
of the hand.
Press a Bet - Adding the winnings over the current bet, to 'let it ride'.
Pressing - A player is pressing the bet when they let winnings ride by wagering
them along with the original bet.
Probability - A mathematical calculation that establishes the likelihood
that an event will occur. Probabilities are expressed as numbers between 0
and 1. The probability of an impossible event is 0, while an event that is
certain to occur has a probability of 1.
Progressive - A slot machine whose potential jackpot increases with each
coin that is played. When the progressive jackpot finally hits, the amount
resets to the starting number.
Push - A tie hand between a dealer and a player.
Quads - In poker, four of a kind.
Qualifier - In poker, the minimum ranking a hand must have in order for
it to be eligible to take part of the pot.
Rack - A plastic container in which you can transport and count large-denominational
coins, slot machine tokens, and casino plastic chips.
Rake - The money that the casino charges for each hand of poker. It is usually
a percentage (5-10%) or flat fee that is taken from the pot after each round
of betting.
Rank - In poker, the worth of a set of cards.
Rated - Determination by the casino that a player's skill level is above
average or on a professional level. A player's rating may be stored on computer
and referred to the pit.
RFB - Comped with free Room, Food, and Beverages.
River - In poker, the final card dealt in a hand of stud or hold‘em. In
seven-card stud, staying in until the fifth and final round of betting is
called going to the river.
Sawdust Joint (US) - A term for a non-luxury gambling club.
Session - A period of play or a table sitting at any gambling game.
Set - In Pai-Gow poker, players set their seven cards into two separate
hands of two and five cards each.
Seventh Street - In seven-card stud, the fifth and final round of betting
is called seventh street because players have seven cards.
Shoe - Device, usually a wooden box, used for holding and dispensing playing
cards to be dealt.
Showdown - In poker, after the last betting round, the players who remain
in the pot must show their hands in the showdown to determine the winner.
Shuffle Up - Premature shuffling of playing cards by the dealer.
Shutter - A window covering a number on a reusable bingo card. The shutter
can be pulled down to mark each number as it is called.
Single - A Straight bet on one selection, also known as a straight-up bet.
Singleton - In poker, a card that is the only one of its rank.
Sixth Street - In seven-card stud, the fourth round of betting is called
sixth street because players have six cards.
Soft Hand - In blackjack, any hand that contains an ace counted as eleven
is called a soft hand.
Spooking - Used in blackjack game. The act of standing behind the dealer
to peak at the hole card and then secretly convey the information to a partner
player sitting at the table. An illegal form of cheating.
Spot - Any number from 1 to 80 that a player selects on a keno ticket. It
also refers to the number of numbers that are marked on a ticket.
Stiff - In blackjack, a hand that is not pat and that may bust if hit once.
Stiffs include hard twelve through sixteen.
Straight Keno - The basic keno game, played by marking individual numbers
on a keno ticket.
Surrender - In blackjack, to give up half your bet for the privilege of
not playing out a hand. In roulette, you effectively lose only half on an
even-money bet when the ball lands on 0.
System - A method of betting, usually mathematically based, used by a punter
or bettor to try to get an advantage.
Tell Play - Observing the dealer's body language and expressions to determine
his hand of cards.
Third Base - In blackjack, the spot nearest the dealer’s right hand, which
will be played last before the dealer’s hand is played.
Third Street - In seven-card stud, the first round of betting is called
third street because the players have three cards.
Three of a Kind - In poker, three cards of the same rank.
Toke - A tip given to the dealer in the form of money or chips.
Touch Wand - A pointing device used on some video keno machines to select
numbers.
True Odds - Actual odds taking into account the casino edge. The ratio of
the number of times one event will occur to the number of times that it will
not. The odds posted in a casino are usually not the true odds.
Underlay - A bad or unfavorable bet. An event that has more money bet on
its happening than can be justified by the probability of it happening.
Upcard - The face up card of the dealer's initial hand in blackjack.
Vigorish - (Also abbreviated Vig.) The casino edge, fee or commission taken
by the house.
VIP - A Very Important Person. Usually a big bettor or a high roller.
Wager - Any Bet.
Wild Card - A joker or other card that can be used as any other card to
complete your hand in card games.Casino

Casino Safe Gambling

2005-01-25T05:59:00.000-08:00

Casino Safe Gambling
The curiousity of people to gamble online is often hampered by concerns about the safety of placing bets over the Internet.
In some instances, those concerns are justified. While the majority of online casinos are regulated , there are some which aren't. It is because of these that online gambling has been given a bad rap in some corners.
But that doesn't mean you should never place a bet online. A little research and posing the right questions will go a long way toward making your online gambling experience a safe one.
Here are some simple guidlines to follow before you make a wager online:
-Check the posted rules, policies and FAQ (frequently asked questions) pages on the sites you are considering.
-If you're betting on sporting events, compare the odds with the numbers printed in the newspaper.
-Check if a site is a member of the Interactive Gaming Council, an association set up to instill consumer confidence in online gambling, or if it has the blessing of its government.
-Consult an embassy to find out whether a country licenses gambling sites. If a gambling site is part of a publicly traded company, you can examine its financial statements.
-Call the toll-free numbers and try the e-mail addresses listed at gambling sites and steer clear of sites that don't have them.
-Get a feel for the customer service people. Is someone available around the clock?
-Read what customers have to say about gambling outfits at Internet forums and newsgroups. Check to see if a site lists it's auditor.
-Marketing may also give you a clue about a site's legitimacy. A company that's invested a lot of money in advertising is more likely to be a reputable business than one that has not. But pay attention to the ads and keep your distance from sites that advertise pornographic links.
-Test your gambling skills before betting. Some of them, lets you practice playing blackjack, poker and other games before purchasing online gambling credits.

Blackjack Basics casino

2005-01-24T11:44:00.000-08:00

Blackjack Basics
casino
The game of casino blackjack, or 21, is by far the most popular table game offered in gambling establishments. If you are unfamiliar with the rules of casino blackjack, or simply need some clarification on the finer points, you've come to the right place! This page will tell you everything you need to know to play the game, and describe the various rules that can differ from one casino to another.
Object of the game
The basic objective of the game is that you want to have a hand value that is closer to 21 than that of the dealer, without going over 21. Other players at the table are of no concern. Your hand is strictly played out against the hand of the dealer. The rules of play for the dealer are strictly dictated, leaving no decisions up to the dealer. Therefore, there is not a problem with the dealer or any of the other players at the table seeing the cards in your hand. Indeed, if you're playing at a shoe game, the player cards are all dealt face up. In any event, when you're just learning to play, don't hesitate to show the dealer or other players your cards and ask questions.
Choosing a table
Before playing the game, you'll need to find an appropriate table at which to play. If you're a newcomer to this process, there are a few items to keep in mind. You'll want to pay attention to several details about each table that you approach. The most important item is the sign declaring betting limits. Both the minimum and the maximum allowable bets should be clearly posted on a sign on the tabletop. Look around to find a table that suits your bet sizes. Often, you'll find that the lower limit ($3 or $5) tables are quite crowded. In most casinos, the signs are color coded to match the minimum bets posted on them: Next, you'll want to make sure that the table you have selected is actually for blackjack, and not another of the various table games offered at the casino. Blackjack tables will almost certainly have the phrase "Blackjack pays 3 to 2" printed on the table felt. The next item to observe is the type of game being dealt. Beginners are usually better off playing the "shoe" games where 6 or 8 decks are used. The advantage for beginners in this game is that all of the player's cards are dealt face_up in front of each player, and the dealer can help with playing questions and decisions.
Buying chips
Once you are seated at a table, you'll need to purchase some chips from the dealer for your bets. Wait for a break in the action, and place your cash out in front of you on the table felt. (Some casinos might make you wait until the dealer shuffles to join the game.) An appropriate buy_in amount is anywhere from 10 to 20 times your average bet. Don't try to hand your cash to the dealer. For security reasons, he can't take anything from your hands. Simply lay the cash on the table; he'll pick it up and change it for an equal value of playing chips. You won't be getting any change back either. He'll change the entire amount, push the chips across the table to you. Take a quick look at the chips to make sure that you know the values, and that you were given the correct amount for your cash. If you have any questions, just ask the dealer. Part of his job is to help players learn the game.
Values of the cards
In blackjack, the cards are valued as follows: An Ace can count as either 1 or 11. The cards from 2 through 9 are valued as indicated. The 10, Jack, Queen, and King are all valued at 10.
The suits of the cards do not have any meaning in the game.
The value of a hand is simply the sum of the point counts of each card in the hand. For example, a hand containing (5,7,9) has the value of 21. The Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11. You need not specify which value the Ace has. It's assumed to always have the value that makes the best hand. (A hand that contains an Ace is called a "soft" total if the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 without the total going over 21.)
Making a bet
On the table felt in front of your position, you'll find a circle or box for your bets. Before each hand begins, place your desired bet into the circle in one stack. If you are betting multiple denominations of chips, place the larger valued chips on the bottom of the stack, and the smaller value chips on top. Once the cards have been dealt, you aren't allowed to touch the bet in the circle. If you need to know how much you have bet for doubling or splitting , the dealer will count down the chips for you. Once the hand is over, the dealer will move around the table to each position in turn, paying winners and collecting the chips from losing hands. After the dealer has paid you, you can remove your chips from the circle, and place your next bet. If you want to let your winnings “ride”, you'll need to form one stack of chips from the two or more stacks on the table after the dealer pays you.
The deal of the cards
Once all the bets are made, the dealer will deal the cards to the players. He'll make two passes around the table starting at his left (your right) so that the players and the dealer have two cards each.
In the shoe games, the players cards will be dealt face_up, and the players are not allowed to touch the cards. If you're just beginning, you'll probably want to start at the shoe game where you don't have to worry about handling the cards.
In the hand_held games, the player's cards are dealt face down, and the players pick up the cards. When handling the cards in a hand_held game, here are a few important things to remember. You are only allowed to touch the cards with one hand. You must keep the cards over the table. Any cards that the dealer subsequently deals to your hand must be left on the table, not added to the cards in your hand. Once the cards are dealt, play proceeds around the table, starting at the first seat to the dealer's left, also called first base. Each player in turn indicates to the dealer how he wishes to play the hand.
How the dealer plays his hand
The dealer must play his hand in a specific way, with no choices allowed. There are two popular rule variations that determine what totals the dealer must draw to. In any given casino, you can tell which rule is in effect by looking at the blackjack tabletop. It should be clearly labeled with one of these rules: "Dealer stands on all 17s": This is the most common rule. In this case, the dealer must continue to take cards ("hit") until his total is 17 or greater. The dealer has no choices to make in the play of his hand. He cannot split pairs, but must instead simply hit until he reaches at least 17 or busts by going over 21. If both a player and the dealer make blackjack, the hand is a tie or push. The dealer will usually pay your winning blackjack bet immediately when it is your turn to play. In the face down games, this means that you should show the blackjack to the dealer at that time. .
Surrender
One of the least common decisions, but it is appropriate to begin with surrender, because this decision must be made before any other choice about playing your hand. Surrender offers you as a player the choice to fold your hand, at the cost of half of the original bet. You must make that decision prior to taking any other action on the hand. For example, once you draw a third card, or split, or double down, surrender is no longer an option.
Hitting/Standing
The most common decision a player must make during the game is whether to draw another card to the hand ("hit"), or stop at the current total ("stand"). The method you use to indicate your decisions to the dealer depend on which kind of game you are playing.
In the face_up shoe game, you indicate that you want another card by tapping the table behind your cards with a finger. You'll be required to make the hand signals, rather than just announcing "hit" or "stand" to the dealer.. If you go over 21, or "bust", the dealer will collect your bet, and remove your cards from the table immediately. When you decide to stand, just wave your hand in a horizontal motion over your cards. The descriptions are a lot tougher than the actual play. Just pay attention to what other players are doing and you'll fit right in.
Doubling Down
Among the more profitable player options available is the choice to "double down". This can only be done with a two card hand, before another card has been drawn. Doubling down allows you to double your bet and receive one, and only one, additional card to the hand. If you are playing in a face_down game, just toss the two cards face_up on the table in front of your bet. In either type of game, add an additional bet to the betting circle. Place the additional bet adjacent to the original bet, not on top of it. The dealer will deal one additional card to the hand. Players are allowed to double down for any amount up to the original bet amount, so you could double down "for less" if you wanted.
Splitting Pairs
When you are dealt a matching pair of cards (remember, ignore the suits), you have the ability to split the hand into two separate hands, and play them independently. Let's say you are dealt a pair of eights for a total of sixteen. Sixteen is the worst possible player hand, since it is unlikely to win as is, but is very likely to bust if you draw to it. If you get additional pairs (in the first two cards of a hand), most casinos will allow you to resplit, making yet another hand. The most common rule allows a player to split up to 3 times, making 4 separate hands, with 4 separate bets. If double after split is allowed, you could have up to 8 times your initial bet on the table if you chose! Some casinos restrict resplitting, and some allow unlimited splitting. Splitting Aces is a very strong player move, so the casino restricts you to drawing only one additional card on each Ace.
Insurance and Even Money
Insurance is perhaps the least understood of all the commonly available rules for Blackjack. This is not necessarily a bad thing because the insurance bet is normally a poor bet for the player, with a high house advantage. However, that's not always the case.
If the dealer turns an up_card of an Ace, he will offer "Insurance" to the players. Insurance bets can be made by betting up to half your original bet amount in the insurance betting stripe in front of your bet. The dealer will check to see if he has a 10_value card underneath his Ace, and if he does have Blackjack, your winning Insurance bet will be paid at odds of 2:1. ) This is why the bet is described as "insurance", since it seems to protect your original bet against a dealer blackjack. Of course, if the dealer does not have blackjack, you'll lose the insurance bet, and still have to play the original bet out. The basic strategy player should simply never take the insurance bet, even the "even money" variety. “Card counters” on the other hand can often detect situations where more than one_third of the remaining cards are ten_valued, and the bet is then a profitable one. So, unless you know the bet is favorable, just ignore it.
Cashing in
When you're finished playing, you'll want to take your chips to the cashier to exchange them for cash. If you have groups of smaller denomination chips in front of you, the dealer will probably want to "color up" your chips. This simply means exchanging groups of smaller denomination chips for larger valued chips. Wait until the end of a hand, then simply push your chips out in front of you between the betting boxes, so it can't be confused for a bet. The dealer will count down the chips, and return to you a smaller stack of chips of equal value. You can take these to the cashier for cash, or to another table for more play.
That's really all there is to know. If you've never played the game before, it can be a little intimidating at first. Just sit down at a table with a friendly looking dealer and give it a try. After 10 minutes, all these details will be easy.

Roulette Strategy casino

2005-01-24T07:59:00.000-08:00

Roulette Strategy

Casino

How to play Roulette ?

Roulette tables normally have place for six to eight players, each player has a different colored chips to make it easy for the dealer to track the bets. Playing Roulette is really easy you pick a number or field and place your bet on it, the dealer then spins the roulette wheel and places a ball inside the wheel and as the wheel stops the ball lands on a number and if the ball lands on your number or the field containing your number you win.

There are two types of roulette tables. The American Roulette table that has 38 numbers including zero and double zero. And then there is the French or European roulette table has 37 numbers (missing the double zero).

Bet	Pays
Any one number	35:1
Red/Black/Odd/Even	1:1
1-18 and 19-36	1:1
"1st 12"	2:1
"2nd 12"	2:1
"3rd 12"	2:1
Two number combo	17:1
Three number combo	11:1
Four number combo	8:1
Six number combo	5:1
0,00,1,2,3 combo	6:1

00	3	6	9	12	15	18	21	24	27	30	33	36	2 to 1
	2	5	8	11	14	17	20	23	26	29	32	35	2 to 1
0	1	4	7	10	13	16	19	22	25	28	31	34	2 to 1
	1st 12				2nd 12				3rd 12
	1 to 18		EVEN		RED		BLACK		ODD		19 to 36

The wheel

The numbers on the wheel does not appear to be organized they seem to be distributed pretty much randomly. The only obvious patterns are that red and black numbers alternate and that usually two odd numbers alternate with two even numbers. However the distribution of numbers was carefully arranged so that the sum of the numbers for any given section of the wheel would be roughly equal to any other section of equal size. Most numbers are part of a pair, with one number between them. These pairs add to either 37 or 39.

En prison rule:

This is an even money bet (Red, Black, Odd, Even, 1–18, 19–36) that results in a spin of 0 becomes imprisoned. If this imprisoned bet wins on the next spin, the original bet is released and returned to the player. Used mostly on European Roulette tables.

En prison surrender rule:

Also an even money bet, player will only lose half of his bet on a spin of 0 or 00. Used mostly on 00 Roulette wheels in Atlantic City.

Baccarat Terms casino

2005-01-24T05:38:00.000-08:00

Baccarat Terms
Baccarat – A count of zero (0).
Burning the top cards –The practice of dealing the top 3 to 6 cards and discarding them after shuffling before starting play.
Caller – The croupier at the baccarat table that handles the cards.
Commission – The cut (usually 5 percent) that the house takes on winning bank bets.
Coup – bet.
Croupiers – Casino employees who deal the cards, and supervise the betting.
Fading – Placing bets.
La Grande – (“the big one”) a natural with a total of nine (9).
La Petite – (“the little one”) a natural with a total of eight (8).
Loss bet – A bet against the house.
Muck – The 416 cards (8 decks of 52 cards) used, at the beginning of the shuffling process.
Natural – A count of eight (8) or nine (9).
Palette – A long thin wooden paddle that enable thee seated croupiers to transact business at the far reaches of the table.
Pass – Win.
Push – A bet on a hand that ends up a tie. Such bets neither win or lose, and the money simply sits there for the next hand. (unless tie bets are allowed)
Shills – Employees of the casino (usually young good looking women) who play at a table only to attract other players to the table.
Shoe – An automatic dealing device that eliminates any accidents in the dealing.
Shooter – Another term for the bank.

PLAY ROULETTE ONLINE casino

2005-01-21T10:53:00.000-08:00

PLAY ROULETTE ONLINE

Roulette is one of the oldest and most popular casino games in the world. It is also one of the simplest to play. The game of Roulette consists of a wheel with either 37 or 38 stops, and a ball that can land with equal chance in any of those stops. Players make wagers by placing chips in the betting areas of the Roulette table. After all bets are placed, the ball is spun and eventually lands on a number. Wagers placed on the winning number or on groups that include the winning number are paid a multiple of the bet. The house collects all other wagers.

Game Play

To place a bet you put chips on the corresponding area of the Roulette table. On online casinos you have as much time as you like to place bets and usually have to click a "spin" button to proceed. There are 16 types of bets. Below is a table summarizing the possible bets and their payout. Most are self explanatory and example combinations are usually placed by putting the chips on the corners of the corresponding numbers or to the sides where the table indicates in American Roulette.

Bet Type	Payout
Even	1:1
Odd	1:1
Red	1:1
Black	1:1
1-18	1:1
19-36	1:1
1-12	2:1
13-24	2:1
25-36	2:1
Any Column	2:1
Any Number	35:1
Two-Number Combination	17:1
Three-number combination	11:1
Four-number combination	8:1
Five-number combination	6:1
Six-number combination	5:1

Slots Playing Strategy casino

2005-01-21T06:54:00.000-08:00

Slots Playing Strategy in casino
Here are some King approved strategies for playing the slots. Print these out and tack them to your wall:
a) Know what you are playing. There will be a payoff chart on or near the machine. Make sure that you read this before playing.
b) Always make sure that you insert the correct amount of coins into a machine.
c) Always cash out your credits before leaving a machine. Sounds obvious, but oftentimes people will forget, and there are always people lurking nearby looking to capitalize on this.
d) Just have fun. Slots should be fun, not stressful.
e) Use money management. Don't blow all of your money in one or two pulls of the machine. Increase your bets when you are winning, and decrease your bets when you are losing.

Blackjack History casino

2005-01-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

Blackjack History
Blackjack came to fruition roughly the same time as roulette did, starting in back rooms in the early 20th century. Like many other games, blackjack went through various variations of the rules, most of which were to benefit the casinos and make their edge a little greater. Many early casinos offered larger payoffs if the players hit a blackjack, but gradually toned down the payoffs.
Blackjack remains such a popular game because the casino has such a small edge over the player, compared to a game like roulette. Blackjack is also a game of skill; a game of skill in which a knowledgable player can actually obtain an advantage over the casino.

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2005-01-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

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casino

2005-01-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

casino fun

2005-01-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

casino fun first post