california magazine, berkeley's bimonthly publication on leading-edge research being done at the university, came out with an interesting article in it's summer 2008 issue. according to the research, gamblers may lose more money because they allow unpredictable emotions to run unchecked and block their otherwise good judgment:

[...]in the first [experiment], participants planned two bets in a roulette simulation. after the outcome of the first bet, they could either stick to their plan [to stick to a budget] or change it. the researchers found no noticeable pattern among those who won the first bet, but, says [business professor eduardo] andrade, "about 40 percent of those who lost deviated [from their plan], and within that 40 percent, 90 percent bet more than planned. and that was a huge effect."

andrade... thought the observed behavior might be explained by something decision theorists call the "hot-cold empathy gap"-- that is, our inability to anticipate how miserable we'll feel when the worst happens. indeed, when asked to predict how they would react emotionally to a loss, 70 percent of andrade and [colleague ganesh] iyer's subjects underestimated how bad they would feel. [...]

so if emotions were playing a role, andrade wondered whether they could be manipulated in a way that would affect behavior. to test this, he and iyer rigged the game so that everyone lost the first bet. then experimenters feigned technical difficulties. while subjects waited for betting to resume, they were shown a short video clip-- a neutral documentary, a drama, or the sitcom friends. when it came time to make the second bet, the people who'd watched friends behaved as if they'd won, while those who'd viewed the drama or documentary exhibited no discernible change.

so, what this research suggests is that going to las vegas with a budget is useless to you unless you win all the time. if you think you might lose, a budget won't be as strong a defense against bankruptcy as, say, a positive attitude and a good sense of humor.

Of Gin Players.  Yes anyone who plays gin knows what I am talking about.  There are all kinds of sayings and phrases many of which I can't put on here. 

When David Sonenmier is not yelling at me for my rookie Gin player mistakes he is often spouting off a host of Gin sayings that most non gin players would never understand.  If you feel you are worthy to learn this secret language of gamblers, read on.

This may be the first Gin Glossary every published on a Television News Site:

1. Are you baiting? - Tricking someone into giving you a card you need.
2. You're Cut - When you have less points in your hand then your opponent.
3. You sitting up on me? - Waiting for your opponent to knock so you can cut him.
4. Not a smart knock. - When you are cut by your opponent.
5. You missed Gin - What David says to me at least once an hour. (When you have Gin, but don't see it, even though everyone else in the room does.)
6. Is that a new go? - When you forget to turn over the knock card.
7. Frish? - When you want a new hand.  I often say "Fresh" because that makes more sense.
8. Play like a man. - When someone watching you tries to trick you into making a dumb throw.
9. Out in all three - You lost all three games.
10. Even in Boxes - You won just as many hands as your opponent but probably not as many points.
11. Do you want to turn? - Do you want to start a new game?
12. I got players. - I have some of your cards that I can play off in your hand.
13. Save what you can - I lost big, you better not lose big too!
14. We write - Your partner won more points then you lost.
15. You under the count? - Your partner won so many points you need to decrease the points in your hand so no matter what happens, you write.
16. What would Harry do? - When you are faced with a tough decision try to model your game off the greatest gin player of all time, the famous Harry Ballou.

WARNING: SOME MIGHT FIND THE FOLLOWING VIDEO OFFENSIVE. REMEMBER, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WATCH IT.

If you choose to watch the video, you will need to watch it more than once so you can read the scrolling lines at the bottom.

First, let me set the record straight (before I get "you're going to Hell" emails and comments.

1. I am a Christian. I believe in the risen Savior.

2. I have a wicked sense of humor.

3. I know people who are really like this. Ex. My brother (who lives at the car wash). Just yesterday, he told me that he was going to be preaching a sermon at the Church of Christ.( Let me say here, all COC congregations are not alike. The last time that I posted about the COC, I got the most ignorant and hateful comments ever! ) Anyways, in the next breath, my brother proceeded to talk total trash about another COC congregation. All I could think was how hypocritical and ironic. I started to ask him if there was a contest going on for tickets on Heaven's bus or something.

I think he should just challenge the other congregation to a boxing match. Makes about as much sense as backstabbing and trash talking. doesn't it?

4. Do not post hate comments until you read 1-3. Then, if you still feel the need....please, go right ahead.

5. Hateful comments will be dealt with according to what mood I am in that day. WARNING: Some days, I am in a really foul mood.

On these days, I have to ask for forgiveness....lots and lots of forgiveness

.

Fearless Weekend Predictions is a weekly column running on Friday afternoons where our resident soothsayer (or whoever we can get) locks down what will transpire in the coming 72 hours. It’s better to get these out before the 7-year is open.  The crystal ball gets cloudy.

It's a perfect storm that happens once or twice a decade.  The 4th of July takes place on a Friday which means a long weekend of debauchery.  This weekend will be extra special for the APIAS crew: TGC will 2-2-2 the Tigers as they attempt to "keep the turtle head poking out," EDay will make sure none of the Indians he works with read his scathing review of the game of cricket, 2SL will keep making sacrifices to the baseball gods after doing this and I will attempt to get in the triple digits in the category: number of beers drank for weekend.  Add those to BobWicket's move and TheW's wild 4th of July bash and there is quite a bit to get done.  There's also a lot of baseball to be watched, NASCAR night racing, checking up on Brett Favre's every move and hiding your girlfriend from you-know-who.  Enough with the intro, let's get to it.  As always, long weekend means long predictions...

• The Mets will win one, then lose one, then win one, then lose another.  That seems to be the new mantra of the team, "No winning OR losing streaks!"  That's a perfect way to end up right at .500, where MLB's third highest payroll is destined.  Nevermind the fact they're playing the Phillies (Friday-Sunday) and it would be a great time to make up some ground.
• Brett Favre will keep calling Mike McCarthy.  Seriously, Brett?  You just bawled your eyes out like two months ago at your "retirement" press conference.  At least Jordan took two years off before making his return.  Take a hint.  I've never had a wife and kid, but is it really that bad being home with them?  Well, seeing as your wife, Deanna is a smoking hot cougar... Yeah, I'm pissed.  Shut up, stay home, bang your hot wife.
• Venus Williams is going to win Wimbledon.  But, she's not hot, so she doesn't get her picture put up.  Instead of working on tennis, work on being more attractive.
• Seattle citizens will mourn the loss of the Sonics.  Didn't they used to be the SuperSonics?  Anyway, at least you've got the Mariners!  Er, at least you've got the Seahawks. Um... the Storm?  Or do WNBA teams leave with their NBA counterparts?  Who cares?  It's the WNBA.  The best hope for Seattle is that grunge rock becomes cool again.  The ball is in your court, Soundgarden/Pearl Jam/Nirvana.
• The Tigers will continue playing good baseball against the Mariners.  The hits just keep on coming, Seattle!  It's never a good sign when teams and fans look at a weekend trip to your city and think, "I'm damn near certain we win at least two of three."  Look at the bright side, Mariner fan: At least you didn't give out ridiculous contracts to bring in busts and trade what little prospects you had for a bust pitcher.  Oh, whoops.  There's going to be a lot of drinking going on in Seattle this weekend.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. will win Saturday night in Daytona.  Yes, I know, this is Dale's third time being picked the winner of the NASCAR race on FWP.  A dubious honor, indeed.  Dale did actually get a win for the first time in years a few weeks back which made EDay really happy (until someone brought up cricket, apparently).  Honestly though, the guy really doesn't need to race.  Here is yet another one of his ex-girlfriends, Lauren Anderson.  Simply incredible.  How does he keep letting these women get away?  Also, many NSFW pics available of Lauren (if that's your thing) on the web.
• Alex Rodriguez will slump, big time.  This guy is probably the best baseball player in the world, but he's also very aware of his public image.  All this stuff about him separating from his wife, him banging Madonna, his wife banging Lenny Kravitz; well, that is not going to be good for his batting average.  Madonna's hot and all, but couldn't A-Rod find someone hotter if he was going to cheat on his wife?
• Oakland will take care of the White Sox in Chicago.  This will make this entire staff happy.  When the A's win, EDay's happy.  When the White Sox lose, TGC is happy.  When anyone besides he loses, 2SL is happy.  I'm just happy when my friends are happy.  Cue the gay music!
• Stephen A. Smith will talk about LeBron James.  It goes without merit, anymore.  He just starts screaming about this year's free agents and somehow still ties it into, "LEBRON JAMES WILL BE A NEW JERSEY NET IN 2010!!!  HIM AND JAY-Z ARE BOYS!!!"  Seriously, we're two years away from this, but he feels the need to say it everyday.  I would guess LeBron never wears a Net jersey.
• Hancock will bomb.  Unless it co-stars DJ Jazzy Jeff, I don't need to see any more Will Smith movies.  Not even Charlize Theron can save this one.  She looks good, though, no?
• The Cubs will take care of business.  Gosh, I really hope so.  If you've ever seen 2SL after they lose a few in a row, you know what I mean.  Think of a four year old who has been awake for too long, has a poopy diaper, is hungry and drunk.  Well, actually, that's about how he acts all the time.
• You will hear a soft whisper in the wind.  It will be College Football calling your name.  We are officially under two months until kickoff.  Gambling, beer, gambling and football.  Hurry up, August.
• Ellis Park WILL have live horse racing.  Apparently my diatribe about the closing has changed some minds.  According the Henderson Gleaner (a top-5 national newspaper, for places named Henderson), live racing still may be salvaged.  I applaud all of you who called President Bush, your Congressman or me.  This is what America is all about!
• The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers will trade injured players.  What's the deal with this?  Baron Davis and Don Nelson didn't get along, but why would the Clippers sign him?  A guy who has professed he likes making movies more than basketball?  Oh, and has bum knees?  I guess Shaun Livingston's injury is worse than they want to let on.  And, Golden State... does Elton Brand really fit into Nellie's up-and-down system?  6'4", lumbering post players don't seem the best fit.
• Your girlfriend will dress up very patriotic, then Billy Gillispie will sleep with her.  You had to know it was coming, right?  You can't let your special lady going out on the town looking like this and not expect Lexington's Most Eligible Bachelor not to snatch her up.  More power to you if he doesn't, though.  Chances are, though, he will.  It's at least a good story.  Plus, you probably don't play basketball at UK, so you won't have to hear about it every day at practice.  A helpful hint, if you don't want your girlfriend to sleep with Billy G, DO NOT go to the new Harry's in Palomar.

Not to get all political or anything, but we live in a pretty fucking awesome country.  Go out and celebrate that fact this LONG weekend.  Say what you will about our President, gas prices or whatever, but a lot of people would kill to be able to live like we do.  Party, drink beer, sit by a pool and watch sports, because that's what makes America great.

A while back, Malcolm Pett & Steve Ashley contacted me to see if I was willing to contribute to a betting systems and strategies e-book that they were putting together called Pro Betting Systems and after listening to their idea, I didn't even have to think about it, I said I was in!

Now, what Malcolm & Steve have put together is a unique publication that brings together 14 of the most well-known online betting industry's authors and professional gamblers. In the Pro Betting Systems e-book, all 14 of these authors have each contributed (at least) one of their own personal betting systems.

14 different authors/systems, over 100 pages of insider information, I think you'll agree that this type of publication has never been attempted before!

Now this is unlike ANYTHING you have seen before, this is not recycled garbage that has been repackaged and present as something new and revolutionary, the PRO BETTING SYSTEMS ebook is over 100 pages of pure profit strategies that will give you a valuable insight into how pro punters generate consistent profits betting on sports.

You've probably bought some e-books before, and found they were 40 pages of 'filler', and just 10 pages of actual useful information. Well, Pro Betting Systems is over 100 pages of pure information, no filler.

I heartily recommend that you get your hands on the PRO BETTING SYSTEMS ebook now and discover HOW to really start profiting from sports betting.

In an earlier post, I wrote about the power that a friendly competition like a trivia contest has to keep patrons in your bar and keep them coming back.  Another sure-fire trick is to induce them to gamble on some (future) sporting event.  It pretty much guarantees that they will return to your establishment to watch the game and (hopefully) collect their winnings.

The most popular form of bar gambling when I worked in Montréal was what we called a "football grid" - although the Internet seems to prefer the term "football squares."  The bartender would divide a large piece of paper, or even better, bristol board, into a 10 × 10 grid, with room on the left and top to fill in numbers later.  The visiting team's name is written on the left and the hosts on the top.  Then, the individual squares would be sold to patrons, let's say $10 each for this example, and they write their name in the square they've chosen.  It can be any empty square on the grid.  Once all the squares are sold, and this is key, only once they are all sold, the numbers 0 through 9 are written on small pieces of paper and drawn one by one from a hat.  With witnesses present, the bartender fills in the numbers in the order they are drawn, first down the side, then across the top.

The random selection of numbers is important, as you'll see.

On game day, the winners are chosen by looking at the last digit of each of the teams' scores.  So if the score is 28 - 17 for the visitors, you find the 8 on the left and the 7 on the top and the person with their name in the intersecting square wins.  Because you want there to be more than one winner (more people with sudden disposable income in the room), you usually have a prize for each of the quarters, but building up to a larger one for the final score.  In our example (100 squares × $10 = $1,000), it might be broken down like: first quarter, $100; second, $150; third $250; final score, $500.  Of course, all the money must be paid out - there is no cut for the house.

The reason the randomness is important, is that certain numerals are much more likely in football scores than others.  Without explaining all about the different ways to get points in a football game, just believe me when I say that the best numbers are, in order, 7, 0, 3, 4.  So someone with their name in the 7-7 square will feel pretty good with their lot, but the schmo in 5-5 is essentially hooped.  If the numbers were put on the grid before  the squares were sold, no-one would buy 5-5.

SWEET JESUS!!!  When two of my absolute favorite things on the planet, politics and gambling, come together I swear it's like manna from Heaven. 

TIME wrote a marvelous piece Wednesday (which I've posted in its entirety after the jump) talking about what Barack Obama and John McCain's gambling proclivities tell us about them as political candidates.

You may not know this, but you can pretty much divide the world into two groups: people who like to throw dice vs. people who like to throw cards. 

TIME observes that "the casino craps player is a social animal, a thrill seeker who wants not just to win but to win with a crowd" -- rightly pointing out that craps is "a game for showmen, Hollywood stars and basketball legends with girls on their arms." 

Read the rest of this page »

Florida Lottery officials on Wednesday said they will add the national Powerball game to the state's portfolio in January and become the new host for the game's semiweekly drawings.

Adding Powerball reversed a decision nearly 10 years ago by former Gov. Jeb Bush, who feared the popular national game could damage Florida's offerings.

Florida Lottery Secretary Leo DiBenigno said Wednesday that times have changed.

"Like any other businesses have to change, we have to adjust to the marketplace," DiBenigno said. "The lottery will constantly re-evaluate its options."

Powerball will relocate from Iowa to an undetermined Florida site for its televised drawings on Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. in the Eastern time zone to roughly 100 stations across the nation.

So get your numbers together and your dollars, your big chance is here.  BTW, the odds of being struck by lightening on a clear day are better than winning the lottery.  Just thought you would like to know.

The wages of sin is death. What constitutes sinful behavior is going to be decided by us, the government. We will do everything in our power to ensure that your children grow up in a moral environment.

Sometimes shit will happen in the process. Culosi-- poor guy -- his fate was an unfortunate one. But you know what, some collateral damage is unavoidable in matters like these. Don't worry about Culosi, he was a martyr to a great cause, he will surely go to heaven.

Okay, I realize this may not be the most interesting post ever put up on this site.  You may never have been to Ellis Park, and if you don't know much about horse racing, there's a good chance you've never heard of it either.  Ellis Park is in Henderson, KY and is the home to the only live horse racing in Kentucky from Independence Day through Labor Day.  I was born in Henderson, have family there, and visit multiple times a year.  I try and catch live racing at Ellis Park at least once a year.  It's the home to a lot of revenue for the town of Henderson and was even rebuilt after a tornado came through a few years ago.  This place is holds a lot of memories for me.  I've been there with lots of family members, and I'm pretty sure a few times when I was just an infant, my uncle took me there when he was supposed to be watching me.  Is there any wonder why I have a gambling problem now?  Anyways, Ellis Park is closing its doors as of tomorrow.  From ellisparkracing.com:

A disagreement between two outside parties will close the 86 year old Ellis Park due to lack of available revenues. According to Ron Geary, owner of Ellis Park, “Ninety percent of our revenues come from off track, internet and television broadcast wagering. The leadership of Kentucky HBPA [Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association] has an ongoing dispute with these ADWs [advanced deposit wagering companies] and Ellis Park is caught in the crossfire.”

86 years of racing... down the drain.  And I am pissed.  I know we're not the most read site in the world, but if this strikes any sort of chord in you... write President Bush, or call your Congressman, or at the least just agree that this fucking sucks.

[ Ellis Park Racing ]

And let's be honest, this is the first post I've put up in months that didn't have a picture of a hot chick showing cleavage; so this must really mean something to me.