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Wednesday, June 22, 2005

How to Pick a Price Per Head Provider

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).

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Monday, June 20, 2005

Success With Price Per Head (Small Sportsbook Success)

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.

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Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Innovation In Bookmaking

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.

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State of the Offshore Gaming Industry

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.

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Innovation In Bookmaking

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.

0 comments

State of the Offshore Gaming Industry

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.

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Monday, March 14, 2005

Bookmakers!

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!

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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.

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

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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.

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Casino Basics Free Online Casinos

Gambling can be a form of entertainment if handled with the right attitude.
A good approach is to aim to win but to also be prepared to lose - and lose
only the amount you planned to risk on that day. In other words, you have to
accept the fact that you cannot force a winning outcome and you cannot win every
time.Free Online Casinos

There are many devised gambling systems or methods aimed at overcoming the
odds to give you an edge and make you a winner, but don't expect to systematically
play your way to riches at the casinos. Apart from card counting at blackjack
or applying the Martingale System with no maximum bet limit, all forms of gambling
are conditioned by luck, and an astute gambler should make allowance for that.

The casinos have an in-built mathematical advantage on virtually every game
and no mathematical betting system can overcome that. On the other hand, the
player practically makes all the playing decisions including when to quit. How
you make those decisions will determine how successful or otherwise you are.

The casinos are there to let you have a shot at their money and they will have
a shot at yours too at the same time. Have a planned betting strategy. Discipline
yourself too. Limit your losses and control your winnings. Stick to your planned
bankroll limit if you lose and don't be greedy if you win. Walk before you run.
Rather than aiming to win a specific amount of money, learn how to be a winner
first by a small margin - any small margin. Not easy.

But don't despair. Help is at hand. This is the gambling site with lots of
resources as well as helpful advice to help you succeed and frequent updates
thanks to your helpful feedback. Stay tuned!

This is your resource for online gambling information and guidance, including
casino game and online gambling strategies, free casino games, casino and sports
book reviews, and much more.

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Monday, January 24, 2005

Craps Basics online casinos

Craps Basics
online casinos
In casino craps, the players place their bets and the casino bank "covers" them. In addition to covering every player's bet, the casino-banked craps game offers many other types of proposition bets. These bets, along with the basic "pass" and "don't pass" bets, are explained in the accompanying diagram.
There are four people actively running the game. The boxman, who sits behind the middle of the table, is the boss. He keeps a constant watch over the game. The two dealers on each side of him pay off the winners and "rake" in the losers' chips. Each dealer handles all the players on his side. The table is divided by the center box of proposition bets and also by the stickman, who stands on the players' side of the table.
The stickman controls the action of the dice and the pace of the game. After seeing all bets are down, the stickman pushes a few sets of dice to the shooter. That players selects a pair of dice and is ready to roll them across the table so that they hit the wall at the opposite end. If, on the first roll, you make a 7 or 11, you've rolled a "natural" and you win. What you win is the equivalent amount of chips you have bet on the pass line.
If you roll a 2, 3 or 12 on your first throw, that is called "craps" and you lose. The dealer picks up your pass-line bet. However, the shooter does not relinquish the dice. He continues to roll until he "sevens out."
If, on the first roll, you shoot a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, that is your established "box point." The object then is to keep rolling the dice until you make that number again. You lose, however, if you roll a seven before making your box point.
These are the basic rules of craps. There are many other bets which can be made, all of which are explained in the diagram.
Our advice is to play the line and the come, either pass or don't pass. These are the two best areas to bet, offering the best possible odds to the player. If you're betting the pass line, always take you full odds in back of your pass line bet. Some casinos offer double odds or higher; if so, take advantage of this option. One last piece of advice: increase your bets on wins, do not double up on losses.
SEVENThis one-rol l bet pays odds of 4 to 1, correct odds are 5 to 1 with the difference giving the house a 16,66% edge.<
ELEVENThis is another one-roll bet. It pays 14 to 1, but the true odds are 17 to 1 with a house percentage of 16.66%...bad bet!
PLACE BETSThe 4 and 10 pay 9-5, true odds 10-5, yielding a house edge of 6.66%. The 5 and 9 pay 7-5, true odds are 7.5-5 (house edge 4%). The 6 and 8 pay 7-6, true odds are 6-5 (house edge 1.51%.
BUY BETSPlayer pays 5% "vigorish" to get true odds on all numbers. Only the 4 and 10 make buy bets worthwhile. They reduce the house edge to 4.76%.
HARD WAYSThis bet can be made on the 4, 6, 8 and 10. Payoff is 9 to 1 on the 6 or 8 and 7 to 1 on the 4 or 10. The house edge is 9.09% and 11.11%, respectively. Another bad bet.
COME BETS & DON'T COMEEven money bet with the exact same house percentages of 1.414% and 1.402%, as the pass line bets.
PASS LINEPays even money (house edge is small, 1.414%). One of the best bets on the table.
DON'T PASSPays even money (house edge 1.402%). Slightly better odds than pass line bet odds.
THE FIELDA one-roll bet that pays even money or 2 to 1 on 2 or 12. House edge is 5.55%.
ANY CRAPSThis is a one-roll bet. if a 2, 3 or 12 hits, you'll get 7 to 1 odds. House edge is 11.11%, which makes this a bad bet.
BIG 6 & 8:Player bets in boxes marked as such as receives even money instead of 6 to 5 true odds. House has a 9.09% edge.
HORN BET:Although the 2, 3, 12 and 11 may be bet separately, this area is also known as the "horn." A player makes a horn bet by handing the bet to the dealer, calling out, for example, "$4 horn bet." This would give him $1 on each of the four one-roll propositions. Payoff is 30 for 1 on a 2 or 12, A 3 or 11 pay 15-for-1. True odds are 35 to 1 (2 & 12) and 17 to 1 (3 & 11). The house edge on all four bets is a whopping 16.66%. Obviously a bad bad bet. Not recommended!
ODDS:When a point is made (either the shooter's point on his first roll, or a come point on a succeeding roll), a player can take the odds. He will receive 2 to 1 on 4 and 10; 3 to 2 on 5 and 9; 6 to 5 on 6 and 8. He lays the same odds when he bets against the point.

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Baccarat Basics online casinos

Baccarat Basics
online casinos
Baccarat (pronounced "bah-ca-rah") is perhaps the most glamorous of all games of chance. In movies, it's the game we expect to see James Bond, or Humphrey Bogart, playing. The name evokes images of high rollers in tuxedos pushing around stacks of hundred dollar chips while drinking champagne and acting refined. Casinos often festoon the Baccarat pit with rich drapes and tapestries, and block off the entire area with velvet ropes. However, this image of baccarat shouldn't intimidate new players; this fast paced game isn 't just for jet-setting millionaires. Playing Baccarat on-line is a great way to learn and enjoy this fun, tradition filled game.
The Rules and Play of Baccarat
While at first baccarat seems terribly complicated, it is a game quickly mastered. Baccarat is played with 8 decks, shuffled into a shoe. Bettors have three betting options; they can wager that either the 'bank' or the 'player' (these are just named circles on the felt) will win, or they can bet that the hand will result in a tie. Once bets have been placed, the hand plays out automatically.
Cards have the following values: Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings equal Zero Aces equal One 2 through 9 equal their face value.
The 'player' and the 'bank' each receive two cards at first. The cards are turned over and the values are added together. The hand closest to nine wins, just as in blackjack the hand closest to 21 wins. However, unlike in blackjack, a hand cannot 'bust-out'. In baccarat you 'wrap around'; in other words, when adding the cards always drop the first number if the total is greater than nine. For example, a hand consisting of a 5 and a 6 equals a total of 1 ( 5+6=11, drop first digit = 1 ). A Jack and a 7 equals 7 ( 0+7=7 ).
If the first two cards add up to 8 or 9 that hand is called a 'natural' and automatically wins. If both the 'player' and the 'bank' have naturals the hand closer to 9 wins. If they both have an equal total, the tie bet wins, and wagers on 'bank' and 'player' push. If neither hand is a natural an additional card may be drawn for each hand to determine the winner. Don't worry; while the rules governing the drawing of the cards seem complicated, they are followed automatically by the dealer.
Player Rules
Player's first two cards total: Player must: 1,2,3,4,5,0 Draw6,7 Stand8,9 Stand (Natural)
Bank Rules
Bank's first two cards total: Bank draws when player's third card is: 3 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-9-04 2-3-4-5-6-75 4-5-6-76 6-7
Bank's first two cards total: Bank stands when player's third card is: 3 84 1-8-9-05 1-2-3-8-9-06 1-2-3-4-5-8-9-07 Stands8-9 Stands (Natural)If the player stands on a 6 or 7,the bank must hit 0,1,2,3,4,5 and stand ona 6,7,8,9.
Odds and Payouts
A winning wager placed on 'bank' or 'player' pays even money. All winning banker bets must pay a 5% commission to the house. While this may seem unfair, the commission is charged because the 'bank' bet is more likely to win. (The house edge on a 'bank' bet is 1.06%, and on a 'player' bet 1.24%). Thus, even with the house commission, 'bank' bets should earn more money than 'player' bets in the long run (about 0.19% more). 'Tie' bets pay 8-1, however, the chance of a tie result is almost 10-1. All wagers in baccarat give the casino the edge over the bettor.
Try Your Luck
After a few hands of baccarat you'll learn why the game is one of the most popular in Europe and Asia. It is one of the simplest games to learn; it literally plays itself. All you have to do is enjoy the suspense and, if luck is going your way, collect the winnings!

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Best Online Casinos TipsCraps Strategy online casinos

Best Online Casinos TipsCraps Strategy
Casinos almost always have their odds published on the table. An odds bet is a supplement to the original pass line bet and it can range anywhere from 1 to 100 times your original bet, depending on the house odds. A pass line bet with odds cannot be made on the "come out roll", as it can only be made after the point is set. For example, if you were betting $5 on a pass line bet and the point got set to 4, you could place an equivalent or larger bet just below your original wager, online casinos.
Place the chips half-on and half-off the bottom of the pass line. If on the next roll a 4 is hit you win your pass line bet back, and an additional sum of money derived from the odds bet. In this case, the payoff is 2 to1 on the odds bet. The actual number the point is set to determines the payout on odds bets. If the point is set to 4 or 10, odds bets are paid back at 2 to 1 odds. If the point is set to 5 or 9, odds bets are paid back at 3 to 2 odds. If the point is set to 6 or 8, odds bets are paid back at 6 to 5 odds.
The odds bet is usually explained as being an intelligent bet in the game of craps. This is because the more you wager (double, triple, quadruple odds bet) the lower the house edge drops. A standard pass line bet holds a house edge of 1.41% - respectable, and compared to many other casino games you have to choose from its downright excellent, but take into account the potential for odds betting and it's a whole different story. The house edge on a pass line bet with ten times odds is an incredible 0.18%.
For quick reference here is a chart showing the advantage derived from each stage of odds bets.
Bet
Casino Payoff
Casino Advantage
Pass Line Bet
Even Money
1.41%
With Single Odds (1x)
Even Money Plus Odds
0.85%
With Double Odds (2x)
0.61%
With Triple Odds (3x)
0.47%
With Five-Times Odds (5x)
0.33%
With Ten-Times Odds(10x)
0.18% Below are some other Bet strategies:
The Don't Pass BetIf you're in a land based casino and having a good time at the craps table, maybe making a few new friends, then you probably shouldn't bet on the don't pass bet. Essentially its like betting against the shooter or against the dice, which means you win when everybody else loses. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but you want to keep those new friends don't you? You want to be invited to the next party no? Craps is a party game in a casino, filled with good vibes, my well learned advice, don't disrupt the vibes. They may have nothing at all to do with mathematics, but they are no less important.
On the don't pass bet (to make this bet place your chips in the narrower section just beyond the pass line labeled don't pass) made on the come out roll, you lose on a 7 or 11, and win on a 2 or a 3. A 12 on the come out roll is like a push in blackjack, it's a standoff where nobody wins or loses. If anything else is rolled it becomes the point, and you win if a 7 is rolled before the point is repeated. Notice how this is the opposite of the pass line bet, and notice how you win when the shooter loses. Seems awfully nice of the casino to offer an opposite bet of the normal one, wouldn't the house lose their statistical edge? Only if they kept the numbers straight. Sadly on a don't pass bet with odds, the casino pays out pretty crappy amounts. The odds of a 7 coming out before a 10 are quite good so the casino has to hedge its bet in effect.
The Come BetYou'll quickly notice the large area of the craps board labeled with 'COME' smack dab in the middle of the playing area. Make sure you have read the section on the Pass bet in our craps rules section and earlier in this section, if you know all there is to know about the Pass line bet, then you wont have any trouble getting your head around the simple 'COME' bet. The easiest way to think about the COME bet is to think, it's exactly the same as the Pass line bet, but can be made after the point is set. There is no such thing as a come bet on the come out roll, because it would be exactly the same as a Pass line bet.
Say I wanted to make a come bet, and the point had been set to 5. I would put my come bet down in the come section and wait for the next roll. If a 7 or 11 is hit you win (while the shooter looses), and you lose on a craps shot (2, 3 or 12). If it's any one of the other numbers, this becomes your 'come point'. If your 'come point' is rolled before a 7, you win. So say a 9 is rolled, at that time the stickman moves your come bet to the 9 on the board. Now if the shooter rolls a 9 before a 7 you win, if they roll a 7 before a 9 you lose. Also remember that on come bets you also have the ability to place "odds" bets just like pass line bets after your 'come-point' is established.
The Don't Come BetThe don't come bet is the opposite of the come bet, much in the same way the don't pass bet is the opposite of the pass bet. The don't come bet must be made after a point is set by the shooter. If a 7 or 11 is rolled you lose, if a 2 or 3 is rolled you win, and a 12 is a standoff. Otherwise a come point is set and you win if a 7 is rolled before the come point is repeated, and lose if the come point is repeated before a 7 is rolled. The don't come bar is highlighted in our graphic.
Once again the odds are in your favor that a seven would be rolled before a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 so the odds bets pay the opposite of a pass line odds bet.
The Hardway BetNamed that way because it's a hard way to win, just kidding, but the hardway bet has some pretty horrible odds, so I recommend you stick with pass line bets with odds for the most part. Actually the 'hard' bit derives from the doubles involved. To roll a 'hard eight' means to roll it with double 4's, to roll a 'hard 6' means to roll it with double 3's. So in craps the only hardway bets that exist are a hard 4, 6, 8, and 10. When you make a hardway bet your betting that the hard version of what your betting on will come up before the soft version, or a seven. The soft version is the opposite of the hard version. Two threes is a hard six, but a 4 and a 2 is a soft six.
Odds are not completely consistent from casino to casino on the hardway bets but generally they go like so: a hard 4 pays 7 or 8 to 1, a hard 6 pays 9 or 10 to 1, a hard 8 pays 9 or 10 to 1, and a hard 10 pays 7 or 8 to 1.
Hardway bets are usually placed to add a little spice to the game, not in any effort to win more money. This is emphasized by the fact that the house edge is something atrocious on these bets. For a 4 or 10 the hard way, there is an 11.1% house edge, for a 6 or 8, it's around 9%.
The Buy BetYou may find some people who look like they know what they're talking about around the craps table 'buying' instead of 'placing' numbers. What's the difference, why do we care? A buy bet decreases the house edge and enables you to win more. The numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 can all be bought, but usually the 4 or 10 is picked because its pays off better. The buy bet is similar to the place bet in that the number you buy must come up before a 7 does. The odds are higher for a buy bet. 2:1 on a 4 or 10 buy, 3:2 for a 5 or 9, or 6:5 for a 6 or 8. The catch is, you have to pay a 5% commission on any bets you buy (often called a 'vig'). Depending on how much you bet, buying a bet can make you more money in the end even after accounting for the 'vig'. The odds are only in your favor on a buy bet for a 4 or 10, so stick with the place bet on any others.
The Proposition BetProposition bets are the ones you can make in the middle of the table, and exist only on the 'next roll'. As one roll bets they can be heart racing and exciting, an integral part of the craps experience.
These bets include:
"any seven" bet With the "any seven" bet you're betting the shooter will hit a 7 on the next roll. Horrible house edge, never make this bet.
"snake eyes" bet With the "snake eyes" bet you're betting the shooter will throw a two on the next roll.
"yo eleven" bet With the "yo eleven" bet you're betting the shooter will hit an 11 on the next roll.
"any craps" bet With the "any craps" bet you're betting the shooter will throw a 2, 3, or 12 on the next roll.
"any three" bet With the "any three" bet you're betting the shooter will throw a 3 on the next roll.
"midnight" 12 bet With the "midnight" bet you're betting the shooter will throw a 12 on the next roll.
"horn" bet With the "horn" bet you're combining the snake eyes, 3, yo 11, and midnight bets.
Just to illustrate the horrible house edge on many of these proposition bets I have provided a table:
Bet
Casino Payoff
Casino Advantage
Any Seven
4:1
16.67%
2 or 12
30:1
13.89%
3 or 11
15:1
11.11%
Any Craps
7:1
11.11%
Horn Bet
2 or 12 - 27:4 3 or 11 - 3:1
12.50%
The Field BetThe field bet is also among the smarter bets in craps, but not the great odds you get with odds on the pass line. The field holds approx a 5.5% house edge. As you'll notice in our graphic, the field is an area on the craps table just beyond the don't pass bar. The other handy bit about a field bet is that it can be played on any roll, so it's a very non-threatening move.
The great aspect to the field bet is the simplicity. It's a one-time bet which states simply: if the shooter throws a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 (any of the numbers in the field area) then you win. If a 5, 6, 7, or 8 are thrown then you lose. There is no trick to placing your chips on one of the numbers in the field, its just anywhere you want and any of those number can be hit. If your betting on the field, most casinos also give you a bonus if a 2 or a 12 is thrown (notice the circles on those numbers). Many casinos pay 2x your bet when a 2 or "snake eyes" is thrown and some even pay 3x your bet if a 12 (commonly called a 'midnight') is thrown.
So look at that, even if you're just a beginner you already know exactly how to make a pass bet, a pass bet with odds, and a field bet. Most of the wagering at a craps table revolves around just these betting techniques.
The Place BetThe place bet is a variation of betting with a number. You can make a place bet anytime by handing the dealer your bet and saying 'I want to place the 8' or whatever number you want to place bet for. You can make a place bet at any time on any of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10. If the number you have 'placed' is hit before a 7, you win and you're paid as follows: 4 or 10 placed - 9:5 odds, 5 or 9 placed - 7:5 odds, 6 or 8 placed - 7:6 odds.
Notice the pass line bet offers better odds, so basically you should stick with it over the long run. Although you can technically place a place bet at any time, it is impossible for it to come into effect until the shooters point is set, therefore it is more acceptable to ask for this bet after the come out roll is over.
The Lay BetAn unusual and uncommon fellow, the lay bet resembles the don't pass and don't come bets in that you are playing against the dice. The lay bet can be made at any time. In essence it's the opposite of the buy bet, and the same as the don't come bet, but with different odds. The lay bets may be placed on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. The bet is on the fact that a seven will be rolled before your number. 7 is more likely to come up than any other number so the casino requires you to wager more than you could win. This bet also requires a commission of 5% on average. If the bet is on 4 or 10 you get 1:2 odds, on 5 or 9 2:3 odds, on six or 8 5:6 odds. Lay bets are usually only made by people who think they understand more about what's going on that is probably possible. I would be surprised if anyone were ever in a position where a lay bet is the best option, I recommend sticking to the basic bets if your not an expert already.

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Friday, January 21, 2005

Baccarat Rules online casinos

Baccarat Rules
The rules of baccaratIn most online casinos today, Baccarat is played with eight complete decks of cards. The cards are shuffled by the dealer or "croupier," and then reshuffled and placed in a special box called the "shoe."
The game is played by set rules outlined below. There is no option in the game on drawing or standing. The object of the game is to come as close to the number 9 as possible
Before each new hand is delt, a player will place a wager on either the "Player" or the "Banker", or they can even bet on the "tie" whether or not they made a bet on the player or banker.
The winning hand will be the hand closest to 9. Each hand will receive at least two cards but no more than three. The first and third cards dealt from the shoe constitute the "Player's" hand, and the second and forth cards constitute the "Banker's" hand. Face cards and tens count as 0; Aces count as 1, and all other cards count as face value.
If required, a third card is dealt to each hand according to specific rules outlined in the chart below. If the point value of the first two cards drawn for either hand is 8 or 9, that is known as a "Natural" and no additional cards will be drawn.
The hand with the highest point total closest to 9 wins. Winning bets are paid even money. However, a winning "Banker" bet pays a 5% commission which is withheld from winnings after each such bet. If both hands result in identical totals, the "Tie" bet wins, paying 8 to 1. When a "Tie" occurs, all bets on the "Player" and the "Banker" are neither paid nor taken.
When the player stands on 6 or 7, the Banker must draw on totals of 0,1,2,3,4, and 5, and stand on 6,7,8 and 9. The Banker must draw on totals of 0,1 or 2, then observe the rules for Banker

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Baccarat Strategy online casinos

Baccarat Strategy

Ultimate Baccarat is the most sophisticated and accurate gambling strategy for winning at baccarat in existence, yielding a flat bet advantage of approximately 2% over tens of thousands of decisions played, with extremely small risk to your bankroll. It can truly be the combination that unlocks the online casinos vault! Together with the most advanced player/bank method in existence, Ultimate Baccarat contains a mathematically based method for exploiting the tie bet at baccarat. All in all, Ultimate Baccarat is the most complete and the most advantageous method to play baccarat in existence.

AN ASTOUNDING PLAYER/BANK METHOD
Ultimate Baccarat wins flat betting, as the results reported at the end of this discussion prove. Most baccarat methods now in existence use progressions, whether up-as-you-win or up-as-you-lose to achieve the illusion of an advantage. Such methods may vary their bets from one unit to twenty or thirty units hoping that lucky wins with the big bets will offset losses with the smaller bets. The systems always have high stop losses, twenty, thirty, even forty units. Those systems will never work: you will eventually lose the big bets, too. These methods do not achieve an advantage over the casino; if they did, they could win flat betting. Yet none of the developers suggest flat betting, and will certainly never report a flat bet win. As with the infamous Martingale, these progressions only delay the day of doom.

THIS METHOD IS DIFFERENT
While other developers fiddle with unworkable progressions, my own approach to the game has been to discover a method that wins flat betting. Most games will produce certain types of patterns or biases of one kind or another that can be exploited. Such patterns are most likely caused by inadequate shuffling of the cards. In a landmark study on shuffling summarized in the January 9, 1990 issue of the New York Times, Dr. Persi Diaconis of Harvard University demonstrated that it requires a minimum of twelve shuffles to randomize six decks of cards. Standard casino shuffles do not even approach this. The possibility of exploiting such patterns (from whatever cause) was the goal in developing my method. This player/bank method here discussed represents the culmination my work on biases in the baccarat game. A flat bet win is the surest way to insure that the method in fact is a true advantage method, that the method will sustain an advantage through long term play. The player/bank method here has been thoroughly tested against tens of thousands of real casino decisions, from real casino games, and has shown a substantial advantage.

PROOF OF A WINNING METHOD
Certainly, other systems have tried to exploit biases in the run of player/bank decisions. Unfortunately, such systems usually focus narrowly on a single kind of bias, whether side dominance or streak/chop patterns. Such systems will win games that conform to the bias exploited by the system, but too many games will not conform to produce a generally reliable method of play. The system here focuses much more abstractly on the types of biases and patterns that can occur in a baccarat game, and fares well against all patterns typically seen in a baccarat shoe. Indeed, the method will often change with the shoe: as the biases and patterns in the shoe change, so will the bet selection method. This insures that the bettor is always playing in accordance with the most current bias present in the shoe. For instance, one bet selection method used by the system will win against all of the following events: (i) straight runs of either player or bank (ii) alternating runs of player and bank (PBPBPB) (iii) alternating runs of double player and double bank (PPBBPPBBPP) (Time before last betting loses every decision to this pattern; this method wins every decision.) (iv) alternating runs of triple player and triple bank (PPPBBBPPPBBB) and a host of other patterns. Another bet selection method wins against a different group of patterns and in more unpatterned shoes.
THE WINNING POWER OF ULTIMATE BACCARAT Witness the results from the Baccarat System Tester reported at the end of this special announcement. Over the 100 games reported here, I achieved a flat bet win of well over TWO HUNDRED units, and, over the entire System Tester, I achieved a 2% advantage over the house. There's nothing like it in the world today. Play the games for yourself and achieve the same results. The data is published and is readily available. Over the hundred games summarized at the end, I won at the rate of a little over two units/shoe, and my total bankroll never went down more than thirty-five units. What does this mean for our profit potential? Suppose we can win 1 unit/shoe (and this is certainly the experience) and never lose more than 100 units from a maximum win. How can we expect our bankroll to grow? Start with a $10 bet and a $1000 bankroll. After 50 shoes, you will have (on average) won $500, so you bankroll is now $1500. Move up to $15 units. After 35 more shoes, you will have won another $500, and your bankroll has now DOUBLED to $2000 after only 85 shoes (about 8 days of play). With the $2000 bankroll, you can now bet $20 units, and after another 25 shoes, you'll be able to go up to $25 units, and you can continue the progression upwards. Wining just one unit per shoe, your bankroll grows geometrically, doubling every few days of play. Remember the story about starting with a penny and doubling it every day? At the end of thirty days, you're a millionaire! While I cannot guarantee everyone will achieve that result, the effect of winning just one tiny unit per shoe is enormous over the long haul. This is the first baccarat method that could actually change the nature of the game! As long as casinos firmly believe the game to be unbeatable, we have a golden opportunity to exploit this most winnable game.

TIES, TOO!
Ultimate Baccarat bets ties, too. Surprised? Probably. Most books recommend avoiding the tie bet. And at a 14% disadvantage, who can blame them? In fact, unless you possess Ultimate Baccarat, this is good advice. I have, however, proven that a mathematical advantage can be obtained on the tie bet near the end of the shoe with certain types of card depletions. It further appears that we can obtain an empirical advantage much more frequently, and the tie method incorporated in Ultimate Baccarat shows exactly how that might be done. While ties can be cumbersome to play, I will leave no stone unturned in finding ways to exploit winning opportunities at any casino game.

THE BASIS OF THE TIE METHOD
The tie system is based on the mathematics of card depletion, much as card counting is based on the mathematics of card depletion. There is a simple mathematical fact, understandable to anyone, that unlocks the mathematical magic of the tie bet. On one level, you can bet purely on the mathematics of ties; nevertheless, ties seem to appear before the full mathematical advantage kicks in, and this method will exploit that fact, too. The system makes an excellent supplement for those who like to play ties, as many do. Ties have been played successfully for a long time. In his book, Lyle Stuart on Baccarat, Lyle Stuart tells a story about a man who "lazed about in casinos in the Caribbean and stumbled onto a method of counting cards that would give him a clue as to when Ties were most probable." When the count was right, the man would bet a progression on ties. The story goes on to tell how the man eventually moved to Vegas, bought an expensive house with his winnings, and is now "rolling in money." Perhaps the story is fanciful, or perhaps he anticipated our method of playing ties. We will never know. Ultimate Baccarat will, however, show you one way to bet ties. Other system developers have already seen its power, and one even declared it the greatest gaming discovery since card counting, if not of all time. One very well known competitor actually pirated the method and sold it privately without my permission! Nevertheless, I still possess the best method for playing ties in existence.

START WINNING
Ultimate Baccarat includes a complete manual describing the greatest player/bank method ever discovered, a method that wins flat betting through tens of thousands of real casino decisions. This is the only method able to achieve such a result. While flat betting will be the safest way to play, those who want greater rewards for bigger risks can use progression betting. The manual takes you step by step through the bet selection method, showing you how and why each bet is made as it is. In addition, the manual describes my method for betting ties. This is the only known method in which an mathematical advantage can be obtained on the tie bet. The system goes beyond the mathematics, however, and shows the best method for betting ties overall. Ultimate Baccarat comes with free consultation to insure correct and optimal play for all parts of the system. The method, is of course, completely guaranteed: if you do not believe the method will win, or that it will help you with your own style of play, return it within the first ninety days to receive a complete refund. Once you see it and play it, you will be very impressed with its winning power! There is, of course, more. While the method as it currently exists is absolutely spectacular, certain improvements can still be made, effectively supercharging it. These improvements may increase the advantage another percentage point or two. We will then truly be playing at an advantage the likes of which has never been seen in the history of gaming. The supercharged method will never be made public. What I will do, however, is make it available for team play. This will give others a chance to participate with the method and will allow me to maintain control so that the method does not get into the hands of too many people. Team play members will be chosen from those who acquire Ultimate Baccarat. Ultimate Baccarat sell for $495, plus $15 S/H at the present time. The price will likely increase quickly to limit distribution.

Results
Results of one hundred games from the Baccarat System Tester

The results are spectacular, unlike anything seen in the history of baccarat methods, ever. Results over the entire Baccarat System Tester are spectacular as well. Over this one hundred game sample, I won over TWO HUNDRED units, flat betting and after commission. In contrast, the biggest bankroll draw down was just thirty units! Many systems will lose more than that in one game.

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Thursday, January 20, 2005

Playing to Win - Video Poker online casinos

Playing to Win - Video Poker
online casinos

There is only one strategy to beat a video poker machine, and that is to receive a high-paying royal flush. But in order to do this, you must play both the correct strategy and bet the maximum coins. If you don’t follow these two guidelines, then you'll play a losing game. It is very important that you don't overlook the idea of playing the maximum coins. This is the only way to get the big payoff when you get a royal flush.

Choosing your machine is another decision to be made when winning at video poker. To begin, you must review the payout chart. You want to play a machine that will give you the most for your money, right? And so it’s important to remember that all machines are not the same. To begin, you should start by playing only the machines that return your original bet for at least a pair of jacks or better. Next, read the first payout column on the face of the machine and look to see what a full house and a flush will pay out. For example, it if pays nine for a full house and six for a flush, it's a Jacks or Better 9/6 and has a greater payoff than an 8/5 machine that only pays eight for a full house and a five for a flush.

The payout chart on the front of a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine will look something like the above, always read what the full house and the flush payouts are before selecting a machine.

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