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How to Pick a Price Per Head Provider

2005-06-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Obvious benefits of the Price Per Head Agency relationship are (i) improved earning potential for the agent, (ii) decreased legal exposure for the agent, (iii) increased customer service for the agent’s clients, and (iv) ability for the agent to do something other than answer wagering calls (they actually get time to enjoy the money they are earning). http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=11317674

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).

Success With Price Per Head (Small Sportsbook Success)

2005-06-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

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

Price Per Head vs. Small Sportsbook Operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Success With Price Per Head (One Agents Story)

2005-06-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

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

Price Per Head vs. One Agents Old Operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Innovation In Bookmaking

2005-06-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State of the Offshore Gaming Industry

2005-06-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bookmakers!

2005-03-15T05:43:00.000-08:00

Read Below To Earn More Cash Than Ever

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

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

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

We are Licensed to offer bookmaking services.

We have been in business for 7 years.

We write business for 15,000 clients daily.

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

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

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

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

We look forward to being your service provider.

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

Innovation In Bookmaking

2005-03-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegas Offshore: I’m confused, please explain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rules for Playing Blackjack at Online Casino Recommendations (Online Casinos) Free Poker Tournaments Poker Online

2005-03-14T09:29:00.000-08:00

Rules for Playing Blackjack at Online Casino Recommendations (Online Casinos)

Blackjack is a favorite among gamblers around the world, partly because it is mathematically beatable and players feel the odds are less random than the spin of a roulette wheel, or the pull of a slot machine handle. Some claim Blackjack was invented in French casinos in the early 1700s where it was called "vingt-et-un" ("twenty-one"). It has been played in the U.S. since the 1800's. Blackjack is so-called because if a player held a Jack of Spades and an Ace of Spades as the first two cards, the player was paid out extra. The black suit 'spades' plus the winning Jack brought about the name 'Blackjack'. Blackjack actually has very simple rules and can be learnt easily, however there are a number of strategies you can learn to increase your winning odds. Blackjack uses a standard set of 52 playing cards and players compete against the dealer, not each other.

Values of cards

King, Queen, Jack, 10 = 10

2-9 = Face value

Aces = 11 or 1

The player wins when the total value of cards in his hand is closer to 21 than those held by the dealer, without exceeding 21. A hand with a value over 21 is called a "bust," and is an automatic loser. If you and the dealer have the same card total (17 and up) neither of you wins and your bet is returned to you in a "push".

The player wins one and a half times his bet if his first two cards total 21 - a natural Blackjack. The only way two cards can have a value of 21 is if one of them is an Ace, and the other is a 10-value card. (e.g. An ace and a king, and an ace and a queen are both blackjacks.) A blackjack beats all other hands except for another blackjack. If you have a blackjack, and the dealer has 3 cards that add up to 21, you still win the hand even though you both have hands valued at 21.

The Value of Winning payouts

Winning Hand 1 to 1

Insurance 2 to 1

Blackjack 3 to 2

If you lose a hand, you lose the amount you originally bet - no more, no less.

The steps of the game follow the same formula each time:

1. Between one and seven players can take part in any hand of Blackjack. The players put an initial wager forward and two cards are dealt to each player (one at a time) with the dealer dealing him/herself last with one card face down.

2. You assess your cards total value and decide whether you need to take another card (hit) to increase your total or keep the tally you already have and hope others will 'bust'. There is no limit on the number of hits a player can take (however, a practiced player has a sense of when to stop).Free Poker Tournaments Poker Online.

3. When you draw an ace, you can decide whether it counts as 1 or 11.

4. When all the players 'stand' (choose not to take any more cards), the dealer reveals his hand by flipping over the face down card. The dealer must 'hit' (add another card) until the total is 17 or above. If the dealer's hand is between 17 and 21, the dealer is NOT allowed to take additional hits. He MUST stand. On the other hand, if the dealer's hand is 16 or under, the dealer MUST take additional hits until the dealer's hand has a value of 17 or higher. If the dealer goes over 21 while taking additional cards, he "busts," and automatically loses. If the dealer busts, all players that are still in the game win. Between the players and the dealer, whoever is closer to 21 without going over wins.

5. Winnings are calculated on the amount of the bet for a winning hand (see the 'winning payouts' table above). The only way you can lose with a blackjack hand is if the dealer has one too.

Options:

Split

If your first two cards have the same point value, you may split them into two separate hands by placing a second bet equal to the original bet. You then proceed to draw cards. You are able to draw as many cards as you like on each split hand, but if you split two aces, you receive only one additional card for each ace. If you split two aces and one of your hands totals 21, it is counted as 21 and not blackjack. Any two ten value cards can be split, for instance a 10 and queen, however we virtually never recommend splitting ten value cards. Two aces can, and should be, split. Normally the casino will also allow you to re-split after the original split. For example, you split two eight's and now are dealt again an eight as the second card of one of those two hands. You can split this hand again and now play three hands. Some casinos have limits on re-splitting aces and if the player is unsure of the casino house rules he should ask the dealer. We recommend to always split Aces and 8s.

Double

After you are dealt two cards, and think that another card will allow you to beat the dealer's hand, you can increase your bet by an amount up to your original bet or double your bet. This is also known as 'doubling down'. Once you decide to 'double down' you are allowed to receive just one more card. You cannot stand on your original hand or take more than 1 additional card. For example, you may be dealt a 5 and a 6 for a total of 11. You can now double down, hoping to get a 10 value card (the most frequent value card in an unplayed deck). The casino house rules vary for doubling down. For example some allow only doubling down on 10 and 11 totals while others allow on any two card total. Some casinos allow it only on original hands and not split hands, while others allow doubling down after splitting. Be sure to know the rules of your casino before starting to play.

Insurance

Insurance is designed to protect you when you think that the dealer may have blackjack. When buying insurance, you place ? of your initial bet by pressing the 'Insurance' Button. If the dealer does have blackjack, you are paid 2 to 1 on your insurance bet. If the dealer doesn't have blackjack, you lose your insurance bet.

Blackjack Rules Glossary

BLACKJACK: A hand consisting of an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen or King) totalling 21. Pays 3-2. BROKE or BUST: Going over '21' with additional cards drawn to the original hand.

HARD TOTAL: A hand with no Aces or where the Ace is counted as '1.' For example, a nine-eight combination counts as a hard '17'. HIT or DRAW: Adding a card to your hand in an effort to come closer to 21, without going over.

INSURANCE: When the dealer shows an Ace as the upcard, you can bet up to one-half the amount of your original wager that the dealer has a Blackjack. Insurance pays 2-1 if the dealer does, in fact, have blackjack. If he doesn't, the house collects the insurance bet. NATURAL: A Blackjack dealt with the original two cards. An ace and a face card.

PUSH: Player and dealer tie. The money bet is retained by the player.

SOFT TOTAL: A hand with an Ace that counts as an '11'. For example, an Ace-8 combination counts as a soft '19. STAND: The player doesn't want any more cards and so 'stands' with the cards he has.

STIFF: A hand that could go bust by adding one more card. For example any hard 12-16 combination is a stiff. SURRENDER: In some casinos, the player is allowed to forfeit half of their original bet if the player does not want to play against the dealer's hand. For example, the player has a bet out of $10 and is dealt a 7 and a 9 card for a total of 16 and the dealer's card is showing a 10. If the player now says "surrender" the dealer will remove the players cards and $5 of the player's original bet, leaving the player with $5. We do not recommend using surrender. Check with the dealer on the casino house rules. UPCARD: The face up card in the dealer's original hand./p>

Winning at Online Blackjack

Now that you know the basic rules of the table in blackjack, you need to know how to play skillfully.

Basic Strategy

The rules of basic strategy explain the safest way to play out your blackjack hand in order to come out a winner in the long run.

In order to determine which basic strategy chart applies to the blackjack table at Gold Club Casino, these house rules are important:

The dealer must draw cards until his hand totals at least 17, and must stand at 17 or higher.

The single deck is shuffled after each round. (In traditional casinos, players can better their chances of winning by learning how to count cards in an effort to predict the cards still left in the deck. However, since the deck is shuffled after each round at Gold Club, card counting is not possible. )

Players are allowed to double after splitting, but are not allowed to re-split a split hand.

The Best Tips That guaranteed To Help You Beat a Casino Free Poker Tournaments

2005-02-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

The Best Tips That guaranteed To Help You Beat a Casino

A lot of people, books, and web sites claim to have a fool proof winning system that is guaranteed to help you beat a casino, we're not one of them and suggest you don't listen to anyone with such ridiculous claims as they are probably being less than honest. But we do have a few pointers and simple rules to keep in mind when trying to win big bucks at an online casino. Free Poker Tournaments
Play with money you can afford to lose. It's always a good idea to set a budget for what you can and cannot lose. Knowing when to pull out is one of the most important aspects of successful gambling. It's not always fun or easy to quit, that's why it's important to establish this before hand.

Know the games you're playing
If you don't know how to play a game, chances are you shouldn't be betting your money trying to beat it. Stick with what you know and learn the other games eventually. We have great sections with rules and tips on some of the more popular games, also the casino will have a full set of specific rules for each game they offer, there is usually a help button somewhere near the bottom of the casino interface. Also all of the casinos on this site offer a "fun mode", where they give you a big bankroll just to play around with. This is always great way to warm-up and get a feel for the casino.

Make bets based on the size of your bankroll
The bets you make should be relative to how much money you're willing to spend. However, the longer you play the less chance you have of being successful, so sometimes it's a good idea to bet big and go for a big win.

Decide your limits before hand and stick to them
We all have different amounts of money. Some high rollers, some not so high rollers. It's okay to play for small bucks if that's all you have, if this is the case we suggest some of the cheaper progressive slots. A good rule of thumb is to have enough money to cover 25 bets on the game you're playing.

If you start losing, step away for another day
If you lose 5 or more in a row maybe it's just not your day. You can always keep your money in an online casino for a rainy day. Split it up, don't go for it all in one day.

Don't play if you're tired or drinking
If you've been drinking or you're tired you won't be able to make the same decisions you could if you were sober or well rested. I must say though, it sure makes for a lot of fun!

When you're winning, increase your bets gradually
It's very tempting to increase your bet significantly if you find yourself winning a few in a row, this is also a great way to lose it all again. Every bet you make should be in moderation.

The shorter you play, the better your odds
If a gambling expert had $100 to bet and just wanted to win, he would probably put it on one hand of blackjack, these are your best odds. The longer you play the smaller your chances of winning. The casino will always have the long-term advantage.

Quit while you're ahead
If you're winning... you've won! It's very easy to gamble all night until you have nothing left, but remember that when you started you probably wanted to win a little money, and if you're winning, you've achieved that, so step away and enjoy the victory.

Have fun!
The most important and easy way to win is to have fun! We all want to win big, but sometimes the greed can blind us from having fun, sit back, take your time and enjoy! Youre gambling in your own living room, what could be better?

ROULETTE GAME RULES FREE POKER TOURNAMENTS

2005-02-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

ROULETTE GAME RULES
Looking for somewhere to play roulette online right now? For playing for fun, try the House-of-Roulette's own free roulette game. Simply click the "Play Our Free Games" image that's located beside the pretty dancing girl in red to the top left of your screen and our casino game window will load. To play roulette for real $$$$, check out MVP Casino. Free poker tournaments. If on the other hand you're looking for roulette game rules and details, read on below.
Standard roulette game rules and playing methodology:
The players begin by making their bets, placing chips on the spaces of the layout in the manner permitted by the applicable rules for the area/state/country etc. The dealer spins the wheel in a counterclockwise direction then flips the ball on the bowl's back track so that it travels clockwise. Players may continue placing bets while wheel and ball are still in motion until the dealer yells (says) "No More Bets!". He does this as the ball slows down and is about to drop off the back track. Bets placed on the layout after this announcement are not valid and must be returned to the player(s). Free poker tournaments
When the ball falls and comes to rest between any two metal partitions of the wheel, it marks the winning number, a zero or double zero, the winning color and any other permitted bet that pertains to a winning number or symbol. The dealer immediately announces the winning number and its color, and he points with his index finger to the corresponding number on the layout. Some dealers place a plastic peg on the winning number so all can see clearly.
He then collects all losing bets, not disturbing the chips resting on winning spaces, and pays off the winner or winners with the correct amount of chips due each winning bet. The signs 0 and 00 win for the bank all bets except those placed in 0 and 00.
On the first spin, the dealer has no fixed point from which to spin the wheel or ball. Thereafter he must spin both from the winning pocket into which the ball dropped. The croupier dealing the wheel is obliged to spin the ball with the hand nearest the wheel.
Some casinos give the player the privilege of being able to ask the inspector or casino operator to substitute another dealer, and this may be done provided one or more of the other players at the table do not object. No such substitution may take place after the dealer has thrown the ball five times.
Some roulette bets, odds & percentages:
Roulette layouts do not vary in bets permitted, odds offered and percentages against the player so the following text covers all the common bets permitted on just about any layout.
Straight Bet (or Single-Number Bet):
The player places the chips squarely on one number on the layout, making certain that the chips do not touch any of the lines enclosing the number. This indicates that the player is betting that number to win. Since there are 36 numbers on the wheel, plus the signs 0 and 00, making a total of 38, the correct odds are 37 to 1. The bank pays off 35 to 1 and consequently has the advantage of 0 and 00. In terms of a percentage this is 2/38 of 100, or 5 5/19%.
The signs 0 and 00:
These can be played in the same fashion as any straight or single-number bet. The bank's favorable percentage is the same as on a straight bet (5 5/19%).
Split bet or two-number bet:
The player places the chips directly on any line separating any two numbers. If the winning number is one of the two wagered on, the player wins.
Payoff odds: 17 to 1 Correct odds: 18 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 5 5/19%
Street bet or three-number bet:
The player places the chip(s) on the outside line of the layout. This indicates that he is betting the three numbers opposite the chips, going across the layout. If the winning number is one of these three, the player wins.
Payoff odds: 11 to 1 Correct odds: 11 2/3 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 5 5/19%
Square bet, quarter bet, corner bet or four-number bet:
The player places the chip(s) on the intersection of the lines between any four numbers. If any of these four numbers wins, the player collects.
Payoff odds: 8 to 1 Correct odds: 8 1/2 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 5 5/19%
Line bet or five-number bet:
The player places the chip(s) on the intersection of the line separating the 1, 2, 3 from the 0 and 00 spaces at a corner intersection. This indicates that he is betting that one of the numbers 1, 2, 3, or 0 or 00 will win.
Payoff odds: 6 to 1 Correct odds: 6 3/5 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 7 7/19%
Note that the house percentage differs from the 5 5/19%, which is the bank's edge on all other roulette bets. From the player's viewpoint, it is a bet to avoid because it has 2 12/19% more against the player.
Line bet or six-number bet:
The player places the chip(s) on the intersection of the sideline and a line between two 'streets'. If any of these six numbers wins, the player collects.
Payoff odds: 5 to 1 Correct odds: 5 1/3 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 5 5/19%
Column bet or 12-number bet:
The player places the chip(s) on one of the three blank spaces at the bottom of the layout. This indicates that the player is betting the 12 vertical numbers above the space wagered on.
Payoff odds: 2 to 1 Correct odds: 2 1/6 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 5 5/19%
Dozens or 12-number bet:
The player places the chip(s) on one of the spaces of the layout marked "1st 12", "2nd 12" or "3rd 12". The 1st 12 indicates that the player is betting on the numbers 1 to 12 inclusive; the 2nd 12, the numbers 13 to 24 inclusive, and the 3rd 12, the numbers 25 to 36 inclusive.
Payoff odds: 2 to 1 Correct odds: 2 1/6 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 5 5/19%
Low-number bet (1 to 18):
The player places the chip(s) on the layout space marked 1 to 18, which indicates that he's betting on the numbers 1 to 18 inclusive.
Payoff odds: Even money Correct odds: 1 1/9 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 5 5/19%
High-number bet (19 to 36):
The player places the chip(s) on the layout space marked 19 to 36, which indicates that he's betting on the numbers 19 to 36 inclusive.
Payoff odds: Even money Correct odds: 1 1/9 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 5 5/19%
Black color bet:
The player places the chip(s) on a space of the layout marked "Black". The player is betting that the winning color will be black.
Payoff odds: Even money Correct odds: 1 1/9 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 5 5/19%
Red color bet:
The player places the chip(s) on a space of the layout marked "Red". The player is betting that the winning color will be red.
Payoff odds: Even money Correct odds: 1 1/9 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 5 5/19%
Odd-number bet:
The player places the chip(s) on the space of the layout marked "Odd". The player is betting that the winning number will be an odd number.
Payoff odds: Even money Correct odds: 1 1/9 to 1 Percentage favoring the bank: 5 5/19%
Even-number bet:
This is the same as the odd-number bet, except that the player is betting that the winning number will be even.

Blackjack Glossary free poker tournaments

2005-02-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

Blackjack Glossary

Playing Black jack on line or off line in the casino will give you a chance to talk with other gamblers, both new to this game and those who have been playing this game for years. When discussing anything about the game of black jack it is a good idea to keep brushed up on the terms and the slang used by those who play black jack so that you don’t look like the new card that is just starting out playing black jack. Free poker tournaments
Action: how much money was spent in a specific time. For example, five bets of fifty dollars each bet were $250 of action.
Anchor Seat: the seat to the right of the dealer.
Bankroll: how much money you are using to bet or gamble with on this day, week or month.
Blackjack: when you have achieved 21 with the first two cards you are dealt.
Bust: sometimes referred to as break, when you exceed 21 and you lose.
Burnt Card: the card that is on the top of the pile that the dealer will discard that the start of each new hand. Free poker tournaments
Card counting: memorizing, which high cards, or all of the cards, that were played so far in order to ‘know’ the odds on what cards are remaining yet in the dealers hand. While this is difficult, very few people have ever ‘gotten away’ with it effectively.
Complimentary: also called a comp, which is when you receive something for free in the casino. Usually online casinos have very little complimentary items to give you compared to the offline casinos.
Double down bet: when your first two cards have been laid on the table you can double your initial bet, but you can only get dealt one card after doubling up.
Face Cards: any card that is a king, queen or jack no matter what they suit is.
Face Down: when you take two cards, but one is faced up and one is faced down.
Face Up: when you are playing black jack with both cards facing up for all to see.
Flat bet: no matter what you are dealt or how long you have been playing you have been betting the same amount for each and every hand.
Hard hand: when you have an Ace and it is in the house rules played as only one and not eleven – be sure to check the house rules before starting at any new casino online or offline to be sure!
Head to head: when only you and the dealer are playing at a table online or offline.
High roller: when the better or gambler is placing very high bets.
Hit: or draw, get a new card on your hand.
Hold: any card not flipped over for the remained of the playing table to see.
House: the casino or the dealer.
Insurance: when you bet against the dealer having a natural 21 when an ace is showing.
Marker: placing an IOU with the house to continue playing.
Natural: when the first two cards are laid out in front of you and they total 21.
Pair: when you are given the first two cards and they match, say 2 and 2 or 4 and 4.
Point: the face value of your cards, counting the cards to get to 21.
Soft hand: when you Ace is counted as an eleven and not a one during the black jack game.

Blind Man's Bluff free poker tournaments

2005-01-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

Blind Man's Bluff
free poker tournaments

Solid play from the blind positions is crucial to being a winning poker player, especially in Texas Hold'em. Yet few players focus on blind play nor consider it of anywhere near the same importance as starting hands outside the blinds.If you were simply to be away from a brick and mortar Holdem table when it was your turn to take the blinds, you would lose about three big bets in an hour (assuming the button orbits the table four times an hour). In contrast, a solid win rate is one big bet an hour. Clearly then, to make that win rate, you would have to make four big bets an hour when in the other positions -- not counting the additional amount you would need to win to offset the house rake.

A difference between good Holdem players and less-good ones is that a good player will more often bet second pair when good and fold it when it's a loser. Thus, even though everyone gets approximately the same cards in a game with very high short-term random luck, the good player will extract a little positive value from marginally good situations and save from losing a little negative value in marginally bad situations. That phenomenon is not difficult to understand (even if challenging to do).What occurs in blind play is very similar. Better players take more value from their opponents' blinds while losing less while in their own blinds. Some players mistakenly only try to do the first: attack other blinds. But that is actually the less important skill. Playing from the blinds well not only has the benefit of earning us some profit, it encourages weaker players to similarly play from the blinds, where they will tend to play in an unprofitable way -- not just because they will play relatively poorly from out of position, but because the more hands weaker players play, the more likely they are to get frustrated and go on tilt. It's an absolute: if you play with players who do go on tilt, doing small things to encourage them to play more hands directly leads to them going on tilt more often.Some players simply are unable to comprehend the concept of playing when you are an underdog, but have pot odds to do so. This is one enormous difference between great players and merely good ones. If someone raises your big blind and everyone folds, you're getting 3.5 to 1 on calling the raise. It does not matter at all if your opponent is a favorite in this situation. What matters is if mathematically those 3.5 to 1 pot odds are profitable to you. You don't have to win anywhere near half the time to make this call be profitable. You merely need to extract more value from the pot than you put into it. That's it. Get some of that 3.5 bets worth of value. After you call there will be 4.5 small bets in the pot. You should be quite happy to regularly get back the equity of 1.5 or 1.7 or 2.1 small bets. Even 1.1 is a good return. It makes no difference at all if your opponent does better than that. What matters to us is we took the most profitable action available to us.

One of the most intimidating plays in Holdem is to call a raise before the flop from the big blind, and check/call after the flop when the flop comes out a bunch of low rags. Watch this sometime. You can almost hear the pre-flop raiser's brain say: "Uh-oh". The point here is not to advocate that you often make this play, but only to emphasize that playing against a player in the big blind (much less so in the small blind) is a difficult thing to do -- especially if they are solid player. The range of hands the blind player could have is not easy to pinpoint, for one thing. People often say they hate playing from the blinds against a pre-flop raiser because it is hard. It's hard to play against a player who has better cards than you. That's true, but the reverse is also true. It's very difficult to play against a tough/solid/tricky player in the big blind (assuming the raiser doesn't flop a no-brainer hand) who could be playing a very wide variety of cards.But this is the game. This is Texas Holdem. Tiny edges exploited time and time again.

General Rules in Poker Tournament In Free Poker Tournaments

2005-01-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

General Rules in Poker Tournament In Free Poker Tournaments
By participating in any tournament, you agree to abide by the rules and behave in a courteous manner. A violator may be verbally warned, suspended from play for a specified length of time, or disqualified from the tournament. Chips from a disqualified participant will be removed from play. 1. Whenever possible, all rules are the same as those that apply to live games. 2. Initial seating is determined by random draw or assignment. (For a one-table satellite event, cards to determine seating may be left faceup so the earlier entrants can pick their seat, since the button is assigned randomly.) 3. A change of seat is not allowed after play starts, except as assigned by the director. 4. The appropriate starting amount of chips will be placed on the table for each paid entrant at the beginning of the event, whether the person is present or not. Absent players will be dealt in, and all chips necessary for antes and blinds will be put into the pot. 5. If a paid entrant is absent at the start of an event, at some point an effort will be made to locate and contact the player. If the player requests the chips be left in place until arrival, the request will be honored. If the player is unable to be contacted, the chips may be removed from play at the discretion of the director anytime after a new betting level is begun or a half-hour has elapsed, whichever occurs first. 6. A starting stack of chips may be placed in a seat to accommodate late entrants (so all antes and blinds have been appropriately paid). An unsold seat will have such a stack removed at a time left to the discretion of the director. 7. Limits and blinds are raised at regularly scheduled intervals. 8. If there is a signal designating the end of a betting level, the new limits apply on the next deal. (A deal begins with the first riffle of the shuffle.) 9. The lowest denomination of chip in play will be removed from the table when it is no longer needed in the blind or ante structure. All lower-denomination chips that are of sufficient quantity for a new chip will be changed up directly. The method for removal of odd chips is to deal one card to a player for each odd chip possessed. Cards are dealt clockwise starting with the 1-seat, with each player receiving all cards before any cards are dealt to the next player. The player with the highest card by suit gets enough odd chips to exchange for one new chip, the second-highest card gets to exchange for the next chip, and so forth, until all the lower-denomination chips are exchanged. If an odd number of lower-denomination chips are left after this process, the player with the highest card remaining will receive a new chip if he has half or more of the quantity of lower-denomination chips needed, otherwise nothing. 10. An absent player is always dealt a hand, and will be put up for blinds, antes, and the forced bet if low. 11. A player must be present at the table to stop the action by calling “time.” 12. If you are not present when it becomes your turn to act, your hand is dead. This includes situations in which a live blind is not present to act, since an absent player cannot exercise the option to raise. 13. As players are eliminated, tables are broken in a pre-set order, with players from the broken tables assigned to empty seats at other tables. 14. The number of players at each table will be kept reasonably balanced by the transfer of a player as needed. With more than six tables, table size will be kept within two players. With six tables or less, table size will be kept within one player. 15. In all events, there is a redraw for seating when the field is reduced to three tables, two tables, and one table. (Redrawing at three tables is not mandatory in small tournaments with only four or five starting tables.) 16. A player who declares all in and loses the pot, then discovers that one or more chips were hidden, is not entitled to benefit from this. That player is eliminated from the tournament if the opponent had sufficient chips to cover the hidden ones (A rebuy is okay if allowable by the rules of that event). If another deal has not yet started, the director may rule the chips belong to the opponent who won that pot, if that obviously would have happened with the chips out in plain view. If the next deal has started, the discovered chips are removed from the tournament. 17. If a player lacks sufficient chips for a blind or a forced bet, the player is entitled to get action on whatever amount of money remains. A player who posts a short blind and wins does not need to make up the blind. 18. All players must leave their seat immediately after being eliminated from an event. 19. Showing cards from a live hand during the action injures the rights of other players still competing in an event, who wish to see contestants eliminated. A player may not show any cards during a deal (unless the event has only two remaining players). If a player deliberately shows a card, that hand may be ruled dead and the player penalized. 20. Inappropriate behavior like throwing cards that go off the table may be punished with a penalty such as being dealt out for a length of time. A severe infraction such as abusive or disruptive behavior may be punished by eviction from the tournament. 21. The deck is not changed on request. Decks change when the dealers change, unless there is a damaged card. 22. In all tournament games using a dealer button, the starting position of the button is determined by dealing for the high card. 23. The dealer button remains in position until the appropriate blinds are taken. Players must post all blinds every round. Because of this, the button may stay in front of the same player for two consecutive hands. 24. New players are dealt in immediately unless they sit down in the small blind or button position. In these two cases, they must wait until the button passes. 25. In heads-up play with two blinds, the small blind is on the button. 26. At stud, if a downcard on the initial hand is dealt faceup, a misdeal is called. 27. If a player announces the intent to rebuy before cards are dealt, that player is playing behind and is obligated to make the rebuy. 28. All hands will be turned faceup whenever a player is all-in and betting action is complete. 29. If two (or more) players go broke during the same hand, the player starting the hand with the larger amount of money finishes in the higher tournament place for point and cash awards. 30. Management is not required to rule on any private deals, side bets, or redistribution of the prize pool among finalists. 31. Private agreements by remaining players in an event regarding distribution of the prize pool are not condoned. (However, if such an agreement is made, the director has the option of ensuring that it is carried out by paying those amounts.) Any private agreement that excludes one or more active competitors is improper by definition. 32. A tournament event is expected to be played until completion. A private agreement that removes all prize money from being at stake in the competition is unethical. 33. Management retains the right to cancel any event, or alter it in a manner fair to the players.

free poker tournaments

2005-01-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

free poker tournaments