http://www.inquireinto.com/ Articles at Inquire Into en-us http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/an-introduction-to-nfl-totals.html http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/an-introduction-to-nfl-totals.html Tue, 04 May 2010 12:17:53 +0000
To the uninitiated, betting on NFL totals can seem very arbitrary--like office pools where players pick the final score of a game. In reality, they're a favorite tool of serious sports handicappers. Many are of the opinion that its easier to accurately foretell the *type* of game that will transpire between two teams rather than who will actually win and by how much. Like NFL pointspread wagers, the ability for a bettor to pick is spots is also a valuable asset as a successful handicapper can look for situations where the total itself is off as well as more subjective factors (weather, injury or matchups) that can contribute to the scoring output or lack thereof.

The basics of setting NFL totals are fairly simple: the bookmaker looks at the offensive and defensive data for the two teams and constructs a number based on points allowed and points scored. If one team had scored 275 points and allowed 350 in their previous sixteen games that's a total of 625 and their opponent had scored 285 and allowed 400 (685) over 16 games that translates to just under 43 points per game. Add the two numbers together, divide by two and you've got a base total of 40.5.

At this point other factors are considered such as the significance of key numbers like 3 and 7 on final scores, weather conditions, injuries, playing surface, etc. Another component that is important is the qualitative matchup between the offense and defense of each team"meaning that a team like the Baltimore Ravens with a strong defense will be more likely to impose their will on a team resulting in a lower final score. All of these factors weigh into a final NFL total that is posted for betting.

Of course as in the case of the NFL pointspread, public perception is a crucial component of the linesmaking process. For example, the conventional wisdom is that bad weather like rain, snow, or sleet results in lower scores and for that reason a bookmaker will shade the total accordingly. However, its not quite that simple--some handicappers would maintain that sloppy weather can produce higher scores in certain situations as defensive backs aren't able to cut as well and react to the man their covering. Furthermore, turnovers are in theory more likely in inclement weather.

In conclusion, NFL totals are a very good opportunity for an astute handicapper to take advantage of a situational matchup to find good wagering value. Like most elements of the sports handicapping discipline, its not easy to stay a step ahead of the bookmakers who have access to the same weather and injury--and have factored it into the number--but is a very entertaining and potentially rewarding challenge. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/the-basics-of-horse-race-handicapping.html http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/the-basics-of-horse-race-handicapping.html Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:15:14 +0000
Were not going to suggest that the information here even scratches the surface of what you need to know to become a serious horse handicapper. There are countless books, DVDs and other media that you should check out if this is your goal. If you're interested in simply knowing the basics so that you can enjoy a day at the track, here are some basic concepts of horse handicapping:

Do your reading: When you arrive at the horse track you should purchase a copy of the Daily Racing Form (DRF for short) and the track program. The DRF is basically the 'bible' of horse race handicapping, and offers morning line odds, horse, trainer, jockey statistics and information on each race at every major track across the country. The track program offers similar information for that individual venue, often in more 'user friendly' form.

You're not playing against the house: One thing to keep in mind when playing the horses that is drastically different from sports betting is that you're not playing against 'the house', you're playing against other betters. The track just accepts and pays bets, taking out a cut (called the 'takeout') for their services. The track odds are determined by the money bet on each horse. Long odds on a horse doesn't necessarily indicate a 'bad horse' but just one that for whatever reason isn't attracting bettor interest.

The odds in the newspaper are known as the 'morning odds' and are essentially educated opinions. They're not much different than 'overnight lines' in sports betting. They can serve a function for handicapping, but often will not reflect what will transpire when the actual betting begins.

Handicapping basics: There are so many different approaches to handicapping horse races that its difficult to even know where to start. Some handicappers emphasize past performance data. Others factor in the results of recent workouts, while others prefer a visual examination of the horses in the paddock.

Once the handicapper starts to work out what he thinks will transpire in a race, he has to weigh that against the prices available on each horse. A likely winner might not be a good bet if his price is too high. Conversely, a long shot could be an overlay if his odds--and potential payback--is high enough. It's all a matter of doing the math--its importance in gambling alone justifies a greater emphasis on the subject in American high schools.

Trainers and breeding: Some handicappers prioritize a horse's breeding background--considering his bloodlines and the competitive quality of his parents and grandparents. Then training must be considered--a good trainer can often get a horse to 'over perform' much in the same way a good coach can get the most out of his team in sports.

The horse's jockey: Jockeys are free agents, meaning that they get paid on their performance. In theory, this means that they'll do their utmost to win in every given race. While there are a few exceptions, many serious horse handicappers downplay the importance of the jockey. Assuming the horse's 'mount' is competent, there are much more salient factors to consider when handicapping a race than the jockey.

Find your own style, and maintain discipline: Basically, there's not a 'right' or 'wrong' way to handicap a horse race. Figure out what works for you, and develop and refine your own methodology. As in any form of gambling, don't bet more than you can afford to lose and in particular when you're starting out there's no reason to be making big wagers. If you want to learn more, there's a number of good internet resources including the Daily Racing Form website. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/discipline-is-the-key-to-sports-betting-profits.html http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/discipline-is-the-key-to-sports-betting-profits.html Sat, 27 Mar 2010 08:35:54 +0000
Poker--like sports betting--can be a profitable endeavor, and one in which knowledge and skill can counteract the theoretical odds against him. Legendary poker theorist Bob Caro once noted that while there are some professional poker players, sports bettors or blackjack players there's not a single professional roulette player.

The simple fact is that the house edge in roulette cannot be overcome by any combination of skill, experience and/or discipline. When you win, it is because you get lucky. When you lose, its because you didnt get lucky. To add another Caro concept to the equation, the decisions that the player makes when playing roulette simply dont matter"at least in terms of overcoming the theoretical edge enjoyed by the house. In the long term, it doesnt matter whether you choose red or black, odd or even, or certain numbers. You may get lucky with your choices or you may not, but these decisions do not impact the house edge one iota.

Caro strongly emphasizes the importance of discipline at the table to a poker player's long term profitability. The average person goes into a casino to "escape" from the real world--in other words, he goes into a casino to temporarily forget the need for discipline that exists in day to day life. He wants to have a few drinks, do a little gambling and enjoy a break from the mundane. Casinos exist to facilitate this 'escape' while using their mathematical edge to turn a profit. While poker operates somewhat differently in terms of the casino making money, the motivation that drives a recreational poker player to the tables is no different than in any other casino game.

Caro's emphasis on discipline in poker is also true for the serious sports gambler. The foundation of a professional sports bettor's long term success is to approach it with the same discipline, rigor and professionalism that he would any other job. If you continue to think about it in the same terms as the recreational gambler does, you're in for a difficult road. The more seriousness that you bring to your sports betting, the higher the likelihood that you'll be successful.

Now, I have no problem with recreational sports gamblers"or any other recreational gamblers for that matter. Recreational sports gamblers are, in fact, crucial to the survival of those of us who do this for a living. Theyre not our prey"like they are for the poker professional"but a thriving recreational sports gambling industry keeps the sportsbooks in business, and what I do is utterly useless if my book doesnt pay me.

If you want to bet recreationally, thats fine and unless you have the dedication and discipline to do it right its probably better for most people. You might be able to win more often and lose less frequently with some enhanced discipline. Ultimately, however, as a recreational gambler the only discipline you really need to know is the same as for other casino games or any hobby"just dont bet more than you can afford to lose. After that, youre on your own. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/gambling-addiction.html http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/gambling-addiction.html Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:22:23 +0000
Addiction occurs when someone fails his or her control and continuously by any mean that activity is making some harmful effect to him or her. Accordingly it can take place in anything like drugs, alcohols, food, and sex and when it comes to gambling field it becomes really a serious issue among the gamblers.

The term addiction was previously used for the addiction to chemical substances like alcohol, nicotine or drugs. With new research on how our brain functions there's been findings that state that many substances can be addictive even though they are not chemical in nature. One such addiction is the gambling addiction. It seems that addiction is resultant from the pleasure derived from abusing a substance but addiction can begin because of depression or some kind of emotional problem. The reasons are many and they are different and unique for every addict.

Gamblers can find the real thrill in their hometowns these days. In earlier days, gamblers used to trek to Las Vegas or the Atlantic City in order to find some real action they crave for. Now, the scenario is changed completely.

People can easily become addicted to gambling from the psychology of playing the game. It is usually split into 4 different areas: the high of thinking you can control chance, the excitement of maybe winning the jackpot, addicted to winning, and becoming addicted to the idea that your luck will change. Playing poker or any gambling game is a game of risk taking, and within any form of risk taking this gives people a high, especially if it pays off.

Risk adds excitement, takes you away from everyday life, gives you something to focus on even if it is only for a short period of time. With risk you never know the outcome which is good and bad because there is nothing to stop you from playing just one more game, you always have the idea in your head that your luck will change and if you play one extra game, there is nothing in concrete to say that the next game you won't win, just one last time, you could win and all of it would have been worth it. But the problem with tomorrow is that it never comes its always tomorrow, the same is true for 'one more game'.

The therapies and medication are supposed to be the most successful way to be cured from this addiction. There are some treatment programs also for the addicted gamblers. Counseling with various support groups can also help to remove this type of addiction.

But above everything for successful result in this treatment firstly it is required that the addicted person has to admit that he or she is facing restlessness with such type of activity and is feeling to give it up as soon as possible, unless and until the recovery process will not go make any further step. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/get-relief-and-escape-gambling.html http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/get-relief-and-escape-gambling.html Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:48:57 +0000
Medically termed as Ludomania, it is officially defined as "Problem gambling is characterized by many difficulties in limiting money and/or time spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others, or for the community."

In simple words it is an urge to gamble more and more despite harmful and negative consequences. Such is the addiction that the addict never takes any pain to stop this horrible act of theirs. Few medical practitioners and professionals also term it as compulsive gambling. Although the term gambling addiction is more commonly attached to the recovery movement, pathological gambling is considered more of an impulse control disorder and consequently is not considered by the American Psychological Association to be an addiction.

There is a slight difference between gambling addiction and problem gambling. The one suffering from gambling addiction is a compulsive gambler and it is more of an impulse control disorder. They are unable to control their impulse to gamble. It is what they can think about and they don't realize that their actions are affecting their friends, family and loved ones. This desire of gambling doesn't let them realize what position they are into.

Such is the addiction that even if they are aware that the probability of they winning the game is quite low and the odds are against them, still they will play. Not even the thoughts of loosing deter them. At time the habitual gamblers can control the impulse of gambling. They might have the problem but when it is not totally out of control, it is called problem gambling. It is more of a problem disrupting the normal life of an individual. It leads to pre occupation of mind with the thoughts of gambling resulting in chasing losses it is termed as gambling problem.

One can't be very happy if he finds himself falling in the latter category claiming that he can put a stop to it whenever he feels like because it is the primary stage of compulsive gambling. It at times eventually leads to plenty of other mental disorders. Many people think that to be labeled as compulsive gambler one has to be gambling every day but the truth is a problem gambler might gamble frequently or infrequently.

What is a problem is indeed a problem. One can't escape by saying that he does that quite infrequently. Many others feel that it is not a problem is one can afford gambling. What they don't realize is that the problems caused by gambling are not always pertaining to finances. Other then eating ones finances it also leads to mental trauma and problems in their relationships.

The ones who are pathologic gamblers can't normally control their impulses to gamble. They mostly always end up losing a lot of money resulting in financial troubles. This further causes a lot of problems for not only them but also for their family and friends. However, whatever be the problem a pathologic gambler would never quit gambling. This more than often leads to depression, drinking and taking drugs. At times it also leads to suicidal tendencies.

One can't say gambling disorder is different from the other disorders. They are all quite similar. They all affect an individual and the ones around him. Like all other disorders it can also be cured. The path to recovery is not easy, but one can easily be there if he wants to. Self belief is one the most underrated power of an individual. Believe me, it can do wonders. An individual can remove the tag of addict from him if he really wants to. What he needs is a good rehabilitation program and lots of self belief. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/poker-legend-stu-ungar-remembered.html http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/poker-legend-stu-ungar-remembered.html Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:41:08 +0000
For those unfamiliar with the big guns of high stakes poker, the only way to describe Ungar's abilities is a metaphorical comparison to sports. With a green felt table and a deck of cards involved, Ungar was 'Jordan-esque'. With Ungar, his greatest accomplishment was undoubtedly three World Series of Poker victories-a feat not unlike MJ's six NBA titles. Texas Hold-em poker, the game of choice for the cognoscenti, is a seemingly simple game that belies its deceptive complexity. The successful player needs to be able to instantaneously plan strategy based on a number of ever shifting variables. Countless volumes have been written on the subject, but Ungar was able to perform complex analysis and strategy with amazing speed-almost instinctively. Between his three WSOP victories, and countless more informal victories and profitable poker room sessions, Ungar won millions of dollars playing poker. The amazing subtext to Ungar's sheer mastery of Texas Hold'em was the fact that it was the third card game he had mastered. Ungar first came to Las Vegas as a gin rummy prodigy; he had beaten all of the good players on the East Coast and moved to the desert mecca in search of new opportunities. He had soon run the table of Nevada's gin players, and then turned to blackjack out of necessity. He was quickly barred as a card counter at a number of Southern Nevada casinos. Needing a new vocation, he took up poker.

The cruel irony of Ungar's life, however, was that masterful as he was at the poker table he was equally as inept at life beyond the casino walls. He was addicted to drugs for most of his life, and gambled away millions betting on sports and golf (a game he played despite being horrible at it). After his WSOP win in'97, he was nearly broke and wasted away from drug use by the time the'98 tournament rolled around. Vegas casino owner Bob Stupak bankrolled him, but as the games began Ungar cowered in his darkened hotel suite at Binion's unable to pull himself together enough to play.

Other stories of Ungar's troubled life away from the poker tables evoke the same theme: buying a new Mercedes with cash after a WSOP victory and driving it until it fell apart from lack of maintenance; signing mortgage papers as he played in the Dunes poker room; losing 1.5 million dollars betting on sports or golf in the course of a weekend on more than one occasion.

Ungar's death came as something of a shock as he'd shown signs of cleaning up his act. Longtime friend Bob Stupak and helped pay off his debts and staked him in the major poker tournaments. Ungar was found dead two days after the two had drawn up a formal contract. Ungar also left behind an ex-wife and a teenage daughter, who still live in Las Vegas. Though the official cause of death was listed as a 'heart attack', there were a mixture of drugs found in his system including cocaine and methadone.

Many of the famous gamblers of Las Vegas legend such as Puggy Person and Doyle Brunson have been tough, larger than life individuals with a healthier than normal dose of self-preservation skills. In this respect, Ungar was an anomaly among gambling greats-he was physically frail and almost completely helpless away from the poker table. At the table, however, he became an almost unbeatable adversary. His story is certainly not one that the modern day, publicity conscious Las Vegas will celebrate. He will be remembered, however, as part of the tradition that gives the city its unique character. From the mobsters that pioneered the city, to the Rat Pack that civilized it, to the corporations that cleaned it up, characters like Stu Ungar have provided Las Vegas with its unique character. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/gambling-serious-addiction.html http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/gambling-serious-addiction.html Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:46:20 +0000
Gambling is betting money on any game or event. It exists in a variety of forms, from nickel-and-dime poker to state-sponsored lotteries. Different forms of gambling are legal in different parts of the United States and many other parts of the world like Macau and Suncity.

The argument goes like gambling is immoral and illegal but on the other side you would see so many people, both young and old falling prey to this addiction called gambling.

If gambling is an addiction and it is bad then you and me have to find ways and means to finish it off from the bottom. But what we see today is legitimization of gambling not only in the US, but all over the world. The City of Las Vegas is seen as a role model for business and entertainment purposes.

Very few people all over the world are good at gambling. This makes them heroes to all other gamblers who want to emulate them and imitate them. It is an addiction which destroys homes, makes people go bankrupt destroying homes and families and rendering people jobless.

For a gambling addict, the game or bet is his dope. If people want to gamble privately, it should not be thought of as some kind of addiction and has to be stopped but there should be heavy taxes and restrictions on gambling-related businesses to protect the public from harm, something that generally doesn't happen.

Defining what gambling addiction is and where it comes from is a point of conflict for psychologists and behavioural scientists. Some of them think that it's a symptom of some other pathological or neurotic behaviour. Others think Lady Luck takes on the importance of a mother figure for a gambling addict.

The severity of a gambling problem can range anywhere from the occasional missed utility bill to a life-threatening relationship with bookmakers and organized crime. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/what-you-should-know-about-bingo-sign-up-conditions.html http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/what-you-should-know-about-bingo-sign-up-conditions.html Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:15:28 +0000
Many sites will offer you free money for playing bingo at their site. They will offer you the opportunity to get anywhere up to twenty dollars or equal to pounds if you are in other countries. But they will also ask you for your credit card. They will not charge it but you will have to give it to them.

Another type of incentive you will see is a bonus for signing up with a site. This is done when you deposit your own money into an account with the online casino. Usually a minimum of twenty dollars is required. Then once you open your account the will give you an extra five to ten dollars as a thank you.

Other sites for online casinos will also match the deposit that you make with your own money. Check the cap before you deposit too much but you will have the opportunity get some free money in addition to your deposit. Make sure that you read the conditions of the offer so you are not disappointed.

It is imperative that you do the reading on the fine print of every site you are considering. The gaming can be fun but if you find out you live in a country that is not eligible for winning the money in cash form it can be very frustrating. When you get online you are not on your turf anymore. The site you play on could be in a foreign country with different regulations.

So have fun online but read the small print. This way you know what you are getting into. Check for users that enjoy sites and see any negatives that have been listed by people who have been burned. Just be smart in your choices before you sign up. ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/avoiding-trash-talk-at-the-poker-table.html http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/avoiding-trash-talk-at-the-poker-table.html Sat, 20 Feb 2010 10:01:54 +0000
You can recognize players who complain frequently by their poor long term results. Mentally and financially. If you desire to become a money-making poker player online, this is one of those practices you need to do away with immediately. Now I am not talking about being angry at yourself. I am talking about going to chat in your online poker table to scold or abuse your opponents' decisions.

Very often your opinion is not always perfect, and your opponent's play was at least a justifiable choice. Even if it wasn't, what would be the benefit to having them uncover something about their lack of comprehension of the game? The players that you may feel the need to lash out at, are the same players that make the game profitable for skilled players such as yoruself, so let them be a donkey and reap the rewards long term!

Argumentative discussion will also spur edgy feelings at the table and may create divisions amongst other players there who choose to join in the conversation. If you feel upset at the table, you will make additional poor decisions while also exposing your own tactical philosophy to the rest of your opponents. Ask yourself, how can this help you? It cannot.

The way to eliminate complaining to other poker players is simply to not talk and keep your disdain to yourself. Once you are able to abstain consistently from complaining to them, you will find very little yearning to do it to yourself and ultimately build up a winning attitude whereby your only desire for contact with your money-losing opponents will be, "good hand". ]]> http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/how-banning-sports-betting-undermines-the-constitution.html http://www.inquireinto.com/entertainment/gambling/how-banning-sports-betting-undermines-the-constitution.html Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:44:15 +0000
The Congress of the United States has shown very little respect for the Constitution in recent years. Were it to abide strictly by the role outlined for it by the founding fathers, the Legislative Branch of our government would have to relinquish any number of its powers in a variety of areas. The primary problem with our Congress is that it has increasingly become a collection of career politicians rather than a body representative of its constituency. Every increase in power at the Federal level must be brought about by a usurpation of state and local sovereignty and, more alarmingly, personal liberty.

The Federal prohibition of sports wagering which was enacted a few years back is of very dubious Constitutionality. Were it not for the grandfather clause, which allowed it to remain legal in jurisdictions in which it already existed, it would have certainly been struck down as unconstitutional on a number of different fronts.

The mere fact that a proposed law or initiative is unconstitutional offers no protection for the citizenry. If a politician can suggest that a law is for 'the children' many will swallow the bait hook line and sinker. In many cases such prohibitive legislation contradicts one of the most important concepts in the Constitution--that of the right to sovereignty and self-determination of the individual states:

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

The overriding concern of the writers and framers of the Constitution was that the personal liberty of the individual not be violated by a too-powerful central government. In other words, unless the power in question has been expressly given to the Federal government by the Constitution, and/or unless it has expressly been prohibited to the states (as in the case of treaty making) it is the right of each individual state to govern themselves as they see fit. If an individual state chooses not to regulate a certain activity, it is the right of each individual citizen to make their own decision.

So, here exactly does the Constitution delegate to the Federal government the right to make policy on sports gambling? The answer is that it doesnt, and it is very questionable that they have the Constitutional authority to do so.

The entire premise of a social contract between a government and the governed is that individuals give up a certain degree of personal liberty for a certain degree of protection. The problem is that too many Americans are willing to give up just about any freedom for even the illusory promise of protection. With each additional law intended to protect us from this or that the Federal government becomes larger and more powerful and the rights of the sovereign states"and the individuals that comprise them"are shrinking and being weakened. ]]>