Betting Friend

Responsible Gambling: Playing the Game and Knowing the Odds by Pat Boardman

Civilizations all through history have enjoyed peaks of development where people find themselves with a wealth of leisure time to pursue sports, hobbies, and games of chance. Human nature demands that the mind stay active so that the individual remains competitive and promotes survivability for the mere six cubic feet of existence he finds himself inhabiting. This invites an examination of this constant urge to walk the tightrope and the irresistible instinct to tempt fate.

If people knew the ultimate outcome of their lives, there's a good chance they wouldn't enjoy venturing out of the womb in the first place. Life is a gamble, and the first prize is the fact that we got here at all. When you consider the infinitely improbable odds that you are somehow looking out of a pair of eyes as a living person, it's a jackpot that most of us take for granted. In spite of this, humans can't resist laying it all on the line.

Risk-taking is associated with strength of character, courage, and tenacity. People routinely climb cliffs, go skydiving, drive racecars and such as exciting pastimes. Things can and do go terribly wrong every so often; a friend coming down on a parachute hits two hydro wires simultaneously and is killed...a hiker ventures far out into the woods and is mauled by a bear...a snowmobile falls through the ice and a fun afternoon turns into a tragedy. The human being himself is set out as the wager, whether he's running with the bulls in Pamplona or playing frequent rounds of golf on busy public courses where impatient foursomes in the rear are only too eager to zing golf balls past his head, and sudden bolts of lightning can zero in on a bag of clubs in order to pull the poor duffer up by his cleats into the great beyond.

Betting on things like cards, dice, horses, dogs and other forms of gambling has been a long-established pastime throughout history. Betting money is a substitute that compensates for the adventurous inclination to take physical risks where a person stands to pay with his life should Lady Luck desert him. The placebo effect satisfies the competitive urge of our genetic heritage and provides a more controlled recreational environment. Putting it simply, you have a very good chance of coming out of the casino with the same number of body parts as when you went in.

In spite of having constructive elements, gambling has been wrongly associated with vice; it's also lumped in with drugs and alcohol as addictive behavior. Images are conjured up of back alley craps games, pawnshops, and goons collecting losses. The recent explosion in popularity of poker tournaments is now showing the traits of entertainment and social interaction that gambling is intended to provide. The average person has a chance of getting good online and advancing to televised professional tournaments.

The positive effects of gambling are many, but like all activities there are a percentage of people who let things get out of hand financially and run into problems. They don't set affordable betting limits, they don't follow time restraints, and they think they are going to beat the game on a lasting basis - all the while knowing that the odds are against them. People who cast blame on gaming are the same ones that joke about their weekly lottery tickets and what they will do when they win. Keep in mind that the government joyfully participates in running lotteries as a cash cow because it is such a profitable numbers game. Consider these statistics: your odds of getting hit by lightning are one in two hundred and eighty thousand. Your odds of winning a lottery jackpot are one in a hundred and forty-six million, one hundred seven thousand, six hundred and ninety-two. People still buy tickets regularly without giving it a second thought.

A few can afford weekly tickets, but the vast majority of players are non-gamblers who hold onto a desperate wisp of hope that someday they'll be free of the dreary grind of scraping by every day, and they spend money they can't afford. They are in a far different category from those who understand the odds and observe the disciplines of the game. People who know the rules and are able to match wits with those they play are also wise enough to know when it's time to step away from the table and avoid chasing losses. Only the person who can assess his situation and make an educated guess on his next move will avoid the pitfalls that await the undisciplined gambler, drinker, drug user, sky diver, or motorcycle racer - any of those daring types who thrive on adrenalin rushes.

Avoiding any addiction requires a stable support base of family and friends to recognize the problem while it develops and intervene accordingly. Alcoholism is an addiction that is far more damaging than others because the drunken person believes that instead of going home, he should have a nightcap of thirteen or fourteen more, and then tries to drive home. The wife and children are usually neglected as obstacles to his escape into the security of the bottle. Parents expose babies and children to second-hand smoke as if it was their right to maintain that addiction no matter how much it damages those they are supposed to be caring for.

Cryptologic Corporation, a company that produces gaming software, has put safeguards in place to prevent ruining the lives of compulsive gamblers. Those who enjoy gambling should be able to stay within their financial boundaries and know when it's time to call it a night. If you have sixty dollars to wager and you happen to lose it in two hours, then you've had some interesting fun for thirty dollars an hour. If you find yourself ahead after two hours, don't overstay your welcome. It may be better to tuck a few dollars in your shirt and wander home as a winner. If you get greedy and unlucky at the same time, you might end up losing that shirt.
About the Author

Journalist, author, and musician Pat Boardman writes on subjects of entertainment and health - where to find it and how to use it. In the world of online gambling, corporations are applying stringent business ethics to ensure a positive experience.

Betting Friend

What Are The Good Things About Gambling? by Steve Carter

In this article you are going to learn my take on the world of gambling and what I consider to be the good things about gambling.

I was asked the other week by a friend of mine, over a friendly game of Texas hold'em poker, what I thought the good things about gambling were. I think it was an intentional distraction so that I would forget about the pair of Kings I was holding but I decided to have a pop at it nevertheless.

"Weeeell.." I said as I raised his bet by half the pot, "That depends on what your idea of gambling is"

If you say the word 'gambling' to anyone then almost immediately ideas of casinos, chips, slot machines and cards will spring into their uninitiated minds. That is just one side, the definition of gambling is, "wagering money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods".

Well that could apply to lots of things! Take insurance for example, you are betting that an event will happen while the insurance company is betting that it won't.... Or take trading stocks and shares, if you sell you are betting that it won't rise any further in price, the person buying thinks it is. You can see how this can apply to so many things in life!

So what are the good things about gambling? Well in the stereotypical sense of the word then although there are a wide range of benefits to counter the bad side. The main purpose of it, let's face it, is enterntainment. I know people play to win money (in casinos) but it is entertainment that they seek and winning money is the form it takes.

Another one of the good things about gambling is that it gives you a buzz to play for real money, risking all your chips on one number on Roulette or one more card in Blackjack is an exhilirating experience.

Now I want to say at this point for anyone shaking their head as they read this that I am not an condoning gambling just like I would not condone drink, both are dangerous in the wrong hands and both liable to wreck lives through addiction and related problems. That said, then the majority of people can enjoy these things sensibly.

Casinos, especially the kind in Las Vegas, create thousands of jobs as well. That has to be one of the good things about gambling surely? The new super casino that is being built is costing billions, think of all the work that gives the construction industry, and then the staff to run it, the taxes that the government collect and redistribute - all these can be counted as good things about gambling.

So in conclusion then it is a double-edged sword, just like many things in life. I agree that it should be better regulated to stop people betting their life savings, but there are many good things about gambling that we would be losing if it ever disappeared, let's get rid of drink instead...
About the Author

Steve Carter is an online poker player with years of experience.

The Casino's are out to get you! Find out how you can avoid the 'Casino trap' in my free report and find out the system that lets you turn the tables on those greedy Casino owners!

Betting Friend

What Are The Good Things About Gambling? by Steve Carter

In this article you are going to learn my take on the world of gambling and what I consider to be the good things about gambling.

I was asked the other week by a friend of mine, over a friendly game of Texas hold'em poker, what I thought the good things about gambling were. I think it was an intentional distraction so that I would forget about the pair of Kings I was holding but I decided to have a pop at it nevertheless.

"Weeeell.." I said as I raised his bet by half the pot, "That depends on what your idea of gambling is"

If you say the word 'gambling' to anyone then almost immediately ideas of casinos, chips, slot machines and cards will spring into their uninitiated minds. That is just one side, the definition of gambling is, "wagering money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods".

Well that could apply to lots of things! Take insurance for example, you are betting that an event will happen while the insurance company is betting that it won't.... Or take trading stocks and shares, if you sell you are betting that it won't rise any further in price, the person buying thinks it is. You can see how this can apply to so many things in life!

So what are the good things about gambling? Well in the stereotypical sense of the word then although there are a wide range of benefits to counter the bad side. The main purpose of it, let's face it, is enterntainment. I know people play to win money (in casinos) but it is entertainment that they seek and winning money is the form it takes.

Another one of the good things about gambling is that it gives you a buzz to play for real money, risking all your chips on one number on Roulette or one more card in Blackjack is an exhilirating experience.

Now I want to say at this point for anyone shaking their head as they read this that I am not an condoning gambling just like I would not condone drink, both are dangerous in the wrong hands and both liable to wreck lives through addiction and related problems. That said, then the majority of people can enjoy these things sensibly.

Casinos, especially the kind in Las Vegas, create thousands of jobs as well. That has to be one of the good things about gambling surely? The new super casino that is being built is costing billions, think of all the work that gives the construction industry, and then the staff to run it, the taxes that the government collect and redistribute - all these can be counted as good things about gambling.

So in conclusion then it is a double-edged sword, just like many things in life. I agree that it should be better regulated to stop people betting their life savings, but there are many good things about gambling that we would be losing if it ever disappeared, let's get rid of drink instead...
About the Author

Steve Carter is an online poker player with years of experience.

The Casino's are out to get you! Find out how you can avoid the 'Casino trap' in my free report and find out the system that lets you turn the tables on those greedy Casino owners!

Betting Friend

How can you tell if you have gambling problem? by Steve Fulwider

I love to gamble, without any doubt! It could be Blackjack, CRAPS, my favorite, Video Poker, and just an outside chance to make a quick buck. I have learned that the quick buck in is a quicker buck out! I quit!!! Why?

The T.V. series Monk makes fun of the OCB, Obsessive Compulsive Behavior, but in real life has its exposure in many forms. Gambling is one of the most compelling forms of OCB you can find and probable the most damaging. After coming home with a bad loss, I don't know how many times, I have prayed to stop. Two or three days later, all is forgotten, and I am back doing what I know is, nothing but, destructive to my wellbeing. I justify by saying, "I have no responsibilities and only responsible for me, what would just a little more money to get even." How soon do you forget, we were even when we walked into the door!

A gambler knows how to get money. Look at all the offers available in the mail, VISA, Master Change, etc., and the payday loans at 300 % interest. Let us not forget about the rent money, the grocery money, and, maybe, most assuredly, you are lying to someone. You need to get the money to replace the money spent on gambling. Any of these actions relate to where you are? I have spent 40 years living in Las Vegas. Now take a look across our country and all the casinos/gambling growth. You can't tell me you don't lose! Or, I'm up for the week, month... You can not win!!!

Let's look at the winners. When I first moved to Las Vegas, the population was a little over 200,000. Now, on an average weekend, there are over a quarter million tourists driving or flying in to have a good time. I have to admit, there are some great restaurants, entertainment, as they say, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," and betting on almost anything you want. When Harrah's buys up the competition and turns around and sells for 23 Billion Dollars, someone is winning! Atlantic City has expanded there casinos, but you still don't want to walk the Boardwalk, the Indian Casinos across the country, well that is another story, are making more money than they know what to do with. God Bless them, but what is in it for you?

Now let's take a look at the losers! Is it in money? Time? Energy? Just think about the time you have spent on that Blackjack table, in front of the slot machine, race book, or what other form you act on. You take that significant other on date night. Been there done that. The only time you see each other is when they want to go, need more money, and a few times share the winnings. You can't say waist of time traveling anymore, a casino is usually within a short range of your home. You know that trip home seems a longer, especially when you have lost. You tell yourself, "I'm not going to do that again" or "I should have quit when I was ahead. I will know better next time!"

Is there an answer? Yes! What is magic all about, but the illusion of miss direction? Not much different than gambling! There is no such thing as a quick buck or something for nothing. Even the lottery winner had to purchase the ticket. Well, all those millions they just won was someone's loss. Taking that time and energy and placing it into something with value, like; family time, education, exercise, or rekindle that first love. This will create a healthy environment and a focus for tomorrow. There are a lot of help sources available, but you have to make the decision. I helped support the Illinois Council on Compulsive Gambling, in 1996, but from 1999 to 2005, I lost well over $150,000 and filed bankruptcy for $140,000. I knew what to look for in a problem gambler, but didn't take responsibility, until now. Do I have the urge, yes; I was ready to play a couple of days ago. I had the hunch, like you don't get one? Instead, I went out with a friend and had a nice dinner.

We all need support. The National Council Problem Gambling is a great place to start and locate support in your area. Look at the repercussions of your actions: stress at home, bills late, dysfunctional family, high debt, and the list goes on. Almost, like those Red Neck Jokes, if you find yourself lying to your friends and family...You could have a gambling problem! Recovery starts now!

Steve Fulwider, CEO, River Valley Inflatables, www.rvinflatables.com/sponsoredcharities.html
About the Author

Working in the Casino Industry, Gaming Industry, or what ever you want to call it, it all comes down to gambling. I have seen people have the best of fun and I have seen lives destroyed. Trading fun for money and time, you have to determine how much is fun and when the fun ends.

Betting Friend

Keeping control- Staying in check of your finances when gambling in online casino's by Vinny Rocco

Online casinos are sweeping the globe as the trend for gambling over the internet proves a popular notion with millions of new and experienced gamblers logging in and betting on casino games and sports betting online. With great power comes great responsibility and with so many millions exchanging hands on online gambling websites its inevitable that some players will end up gambling beyond their means. Gambling support bodies are in place to try and discourage and help compulsive or potentially compulsive gamblers but still fears are increasing, rallied by the press and media, that online casinos could be encouraging people to recklessly gamble away their lives. This article will look at both sides of the argument and give advice for anyone who thinks they may have an online gambling problem.

Online gambling addiction- where's the problem?

Gambling addiction has long been recognised as a problem in the UK and some studies show that up to 1% of US adults are 'pathological gamblers' (an extreme type of gambling addiction which stems from a mental disorder). Online gambling has been particularly scrutinised following its boom in the past few years as gambling online may present a higher risk to compulsive gamblers due to its increased availability, privacy, high stakes and speedy gameplay.

Why does online gambling attract compulsive gambling behaviour

While online gambling is thought to have a higher level of addiction than regular forms of gambling, the most likely explanation is that higher than average numbers of compulsive or even pathological gamblers are being drawn to online casinos, betting shops and poker rooms and away from their high street equivalent.

Online gambling offers immediacy unlike many other forms of betting- the online roulette wheel is always spinning, the tables are always open and theres always a game or race going on somewhere in the world worth betting on. Accounts take just minutes to create and buy chips with using a credit card. You could potentially be betting within minutes of making the decision to bet- compare this to legislation in the UK which until recently meant people wishing to gamble in a casino had to become a member of that casino 24 hours in advance of playing and the appeal of internet gambling is clear.

Online casinos and betting rooms offer other clear attractions for compulsive gamblers. They are private, unlike real casinos which are notorious for their atmosphere and spectacle. Problem gamblers are often not looking for this sort of experience- their 'rush' comes solely from the experience of betting- in fact research has shown that true compulsive gamblers are not attracted to games or particular types of bet. It is the act of betting and risking the money which attracts them, the casino or bookmaker is merely a willing host. Online casinos may also offer an easier point of entry for long term compulsive gamblers who are not welcome at their local casinos- such a policy is harder to maintain in the virtual space although the majority of online casinos would willingly ban problem gamblers given the chance.

Will online gambling make me a problem gambler?

The short answer is no, problem gambling starts with the player not the casino or bookmaker, wither real or virtual. If you have a compulsive prerequisite for gambling you may well find it more difficult to control your habit when gambling online for the reasons noted above. Problem gambling has also been associated heavily with internet gambling due to its ease of use, game rules are explained in a straightforward, easy to understand way by online casinos and tips are openly published by the casinos themselves as well as countless other sites online. This makes it easier for new gamblers to get involved, the problem with associating this as a cause of compulsive gambling is that compulsive gamblers will by there nature seek out this type of information regardless of the environment.

How to protect yourself from addiction when starting out in online casinos

If you want to start playing on the online casino tables or place a few bets online then you shouldn't need to worry about getting hooked. Gambling is fun and exciting. People do win real money and the majority of people bet with a very small percentage of their disposable income. To set your mind at rest before starting out however here's a few pointers for ways to control your online gambling behaviour and ensure you keep a check on your online spend and time spent gambling on the internet.

Give yourself a budget

As gambling can get expensive, look at your financial position carefully. If you regularly get to payday scraping through on your overdraft or the last few pennies of your account with little to show for it can you really afford to lose money gambling online. Remember the golden rule- never bet more than you can afford to lose. You can win, which is great, but its always a gamble so you could lose. If you lose, can you get by without that money? Do you need to sacrifice other more important things to pay for the bet?

Know your limits

You should never be obligated into betting more than you want to in an online bet. Work out how much you can afford to stake in each bet you make online and don't be tempted to up that bet beyond what you can readily afford within your budget. Remember the smaller you bet, the more bets you can make for your budget, meaning the experience of the game lasts longer.

Work to a timescale

You probably don't want to spend all day in front of a computer playing online games, if this is all you want to do then this may be the first indication of a gambling problem and time for you to revaluate. Set yourself a time limit for your online gambling activity, like your budget this should be from your disposable time outside of work and family commitments.

Be strict with yourself

You should know if things are getting out of control. The first sign you're overstepping your bounds take a step back, logout for a week or so and see if you still feel compelled to gamble. Successfully taking this step is a good sign you're not 'addicted' to gambling. A compulsive gambler would not usually have this clarity.

Signs of a problem

Look out for these top signs that you or a friend are beginning to become addicted to online gambling:

* Your friends tell you there's a problem- if someone else is noticing, particularly an online habit which is more private than regular gambling then they've probably got a good point.

* You start experiencing financial problems- if you're short of cash for essentials or even for usual hobbies then think about the cash you're spending and perhaps losing online.

* You start excusing your behaviour- if you feel its necessary to excuse your behaviour to yourself or others or are lying about your wins or loses then there may be a problem.

* Your work or family life suffers- if other areas of your life start to change for the worse, relationships become more strained or your work suffers perhaps its because of the gambling.

* You start borrowing money to gamble with- pretty obviously this is not a good idea

What to do if you think you might have a gambling problem

If you think you might have a problem with online gambling then help is available. Start by visiting Gamcare (http://www.gamcare.org.uk/) and filling out a self assessment. This will give you a better idea of the scale of your problem. Self exclusion programs are run by most credible online casinos and bookmakers, you can join self exclusion lists like Integrity (http://integrity.aristotle.com ) which are adopted by most online casino's and gaming sites. Once on the list you name and details will be flagged by institutions if you try to open an account and you will not be able to gamble.

Many local communities and church groups also run programs to support addictive gamblers in the UK and across most of the world or a simple Google search will uncover plenty of online advice and support for people with gambling problems.

About the casinos and bookmakers

Reputable online casinos and bookmakers are always keen to prevent their players from developing gambling problems. Addictive gamblers are bad for a casinos reputation, they tarnish the name of the industry and are not good, reliable customers for the casinos as they tend to bet high, lose and move on to a different casino. If a casino or bookmaker appears to be encouraging you to bet beyond your means they should be reported to the relevant national gambling regulatory body.
About the Author

Roccos online casino and roccos online poker room promote safe and sensible enjoyment of UK online gambling.

Betting Friend

Keeping control- Staying in check of your finances when gambling in online casino's by Vinny Rocco

Online casinos are sweeping the globe as the trend for gambling over the internet proves a popular notion with millions of new and experienced gamblers logging in and betting on casino games and sports betting online. With great power comes great responsibility and with so many millions exchanging hands on online gambling websites its inevitable that some players will end up gambling beyond their means. Gambling support bodies are in place to try and discourage and help compulsive or potentially compulsive gamblers but still fears are increasing, rallied by the press and media, that online casinos could be encouraging people to recklessly gamble away their lives. This article will look at both sides of the argument and give advice for anyone who thinks they may have an online gambling problem.

Online gambling addiction- where's the problem?

Gambling addiction has long been recognised as a problem in the UK and some studies show that up to 1% of US adults are 'pathological gamblers' (an extreme type of gambling addiction which stems from a mental disorder). Online gambling has been particularly scrutinised following its boom in the past few years as gambling online may present a higher risk to compulsive gamblers due to its increased availability, privacy, high stakes and speedy gameplay.

Why does online gambling attract compulsive gambling behaviour

While online gambling is thought to have a higher level of addiction than regular forms of gambling, the most likely explanation is that higher than average numbers of compulsive or even pathological gamblers are being drawn to online casinos, betting shops and poker rooms and away from their high street equivalent.

Online gambling offers immediacy unlike many other forms of betting- the online roulette wheel is always spinning, the tables are always open and theres always a game or race going on somewhere in the world worth betting on. Accounts take just minutes to create and buy chips with using a credit card. You could potentially be betting within minutes of making the decision to bet- compare this to legislation in the UK which until recently meant people wishing to gamble in a casino had to become a member of that casino 24 hours in advance of playing and the appeal of internet gambling is clear.

Online casinos and betting rooms offer other clear attractions for compulsive gamblers. They are private, unlike real casinos which are notorious for their atmosphere and spectacle. Problem gamblers are often not looking for this sort of experience- their 'rush' comes solely from the experience of betting- in fact research has shown that true compulsive gamblers are not attracted to games or particular types of bet. It is the act of betting and risking the money which attracts them, the casino or bookmaker is merely a willing host. Online casinos may also offer an easier point of entry for long term compulsive gamblers who are not welcome at their local casinos- such a policy is harder to maintain in the virtual space although the majority of online casinos would willingly ban problem gamblers given the chance.

Will online gambling make me a problem gambler?

The short answer is no, problem gambling starts with the player not the casino or bookmaker, wither real or virtual. If you have a compulsive prerequisite for gambling you may well find it more difficult to control your habit when gambling online for the reasons noted above. Problem gambling has also been associated heavily with internet gambling due to its ease of use, game rules are explained in a straightforward, easy to understand way by online casinos and tips are openly published by the casinos themselves as well as countless other sites online. This makes it easier for new gamblers to get involved, the problem with associating this as a cause of compulsive gambling is that compulsive gamblers will by there nature seek out this type of information regardless of the environment.

How to protect yourself from addiction when starting out in online casinos

If you want to start playing on the online casino tables or place a few bets online then you shouldn't need to worry about getting hooked. Gambling is fun and exciting. People do win real money and the majority of people bet with a very small percentage of their disposable income. To set your mind at rest before starting out however here's a few pointers for ways to control your online gambling behaviour and ensure you keep a check on your online spend and time spent gambling on the internet.

Give yourself a budget

As gambling can get expensive, look at your financial position carefully. If you regularly get to payday scraping through on your overdraft or the last few pennies of your account with little to show for it can you really afford to lose money gambling online. Remember the golden rule- never bet more than you can afford to lose. You can win, which is great, but its always a gamble so you could lose. If you lose, can you get by without that money? Do you need to sacrifice other more important things to pay for the bet?

Know your limits

You should never be obligated into betting more than you want to in an online bet. Work out how much you can afford to stake in each bet you make online and don't be tempted to up that bet beyond what you can readily afford within your budget. Remember the smaller you bet, the more bets you can make for your budget, meaning the experience of the game lasts longer.

Work to a timescale

You probably don't want to spend all day in front of a computer playing online games, if this is all you want to do then this may be the first indication of a gambling problem and time for you to revaluate. Set yourself a time limit for your online gambling activity, like your budget this should be from your disposable time outside of work and family commitments.

Be strict with yourself

You should know if things are getting out of control. The first sign you're overstepping your bounds take a step back, logout for a week or so and see if you still feel compelled to gamble. Successfully taking this step is a good sign you're not 'addicted' to gambling. A compulsive gambler would not usually have this clarity.

Signs of a problem

Look out for these top signs that you or a friend are beginning to become addicted to online gambling:

* Your friends tell you there's a problem- if someone else is noticing, particularly an online habit which is more private than regular gambling then they've probably got a good point.

* You start experiencing financial problems- if you're short of cash for essentials or even for usual hobbies then think about the cash you're spending and perhaps losing online.

* You start excusing your behaviour- if you feel its necessary to excuse your behaviour to yourself or others or are lying about your wins or loses then there may be a problem.

* Your work or family life suffers- if other areas of your life start to change for the worse, relationships become more strained or your work suffers perhaps its because of the gambling.

* You start borrowing money to gamble with- pretty obviously this is not a good idea

What to do if you think you might have a gambling problem

If you think you might have a problem with online gambling then help is available. Start by visiting Gamcare (http://www.gamcare.org.uk/) and filling out a self assessment. This will give you a better idea of the scale of your problem. Self exclusion programs are run by most credible online casinos and bookmakers, you can join self exclusion lists like Integrity (http://integrity.aristotle.com ) which are adopted by most online casino's and gaming sites. Once on the list you name and details will be flagged by institutions if you try to open an account and you will not be able to gamble.

Many local communities and church groups also run programs to support addictive gamblers in the UK and across most of the world or a simple Google search will uncover plenty of online advice and support for people with gambling problems.

About the casinos and bookmakers

Reputable online casinos and bookmakers are always keen to prevent their players from developing gambling problems. Addictive gamblers are bad for a casinos reputation, they tarnish the name of the industry and are not good, reliable customers for the casinos as they tend to bet high, lose and move on to a different casino. If a casino or bookmaker appears to be encouraging you to bet beyond your means they should be reported to the relevant national gambling regulatory body.
About the Author

Roccos online casino and roccos online poker room promote safe and sensible enjoyment of UK online gambling.

Betting Friend

How to make money betting on horse races by Benjamin Ehinger

Is it possible to win each and every time you place a bet on a horse race? Can you actually make money betting on horse races? Yes and yes. These are two questions that have been asked in forums all over the internet and the answer to both of them is yes.

So if it is possible and you can win when you bet on horses each and every time how do you do this? There is some serious research that is involved in the world of horse betting. Do not think you can just throw down a few bucks and get lucky.

You might get lucky once or twice, but you will end up losing eventually and that feeling sucks. The feeling we want is the excitement of winning or even better the knowing before the race even starts that you are going to come out ahead no matter what.

The best way to know that you are going to win no matter what is with a statistical approach to horse betting. You have to know which races to bet on, what the odds are, what bets to place, and how much to bet on each horse.

That is the key. It is a lot to know, but you can easily find out by finding someone else's strategy that works and copying it. That is what most of corporate America does anyway. They copy their closest competitors.

Think about it for a second, every time Chevrolet introduces a new car, Ford is right behind with something similar. You can do the same thing. There is no penalty for picking the same horses and the same bets as someone else.

So how do you find this person? You could attend race after race hoping to find a new friend or you could hit the online discussion boards. There are a lot of people that will sell you their strategies for a small price.

So the question you have to ask yourself is: Is it worth it to pay a small price now or would you rather lose the money while figuring out what other better know? It is very possible to make money betting on horse races if you are willing to do some research first.


About the Author

Get the best strategy on the internet and start Making money Betting on Horse Races today. Go here:

Betting Friend

Succeeding at Horse Race Betting - The Defining Characteristic of a Successful Punter by Scott Trasker

You know it's funny.

The racing industry presents one of the best opportunities going to earn a substantial return on investment yet because of the "mindset" that most people take to the track it is hardly ever realised.

Not that I'm knocking having a punt: Heading to the racetrack on a Saturday afternoon with a few mates to have a few beers and place a few bets can be a fun way to spend your money.

But I'm guessing that if you're reading this article, then you're interested in more than just gambling. You actually want to put a system in place that allows you to earn a consistent income from betting on horse racing.

Well it certainly can be done but to succeed there is a vital element you simply have to put in place first:

YOU NEED TO APPROACH BETTING ON HORSE RACES AS AN INVESTOR RATHER THAN AS A GAMBLER

Let's look at the difference between the two:

1. An investor has a principal amount of money and he is looking for a consistent return on that principal over an extended period of time. A gambler has an amount of money which he is looking for an immediate return on each and every time. The investor views time as a friend, not an enemy.

2. An investor regards his principle as sacred and will only risk a small percentage of that principle on any given opportunity. A gambler has no real respect for his money and has already (sub-consciously at least) earmarked that money to be lost.

3. An investor has a pre-defined plan for getting a return on his money and will work that plan to achieve his desired outcome. A gambler usually has no plan at all or chops and changes his plans as he goes along.

4. An investor expects that he will have losses along the way and doesn't panic when they occur. A gambler panics if he experiences a loss and tries to recoup that loss straight away.

Or to summarise - an investor employs a "business" mindset rather than a "recreational" or worse still "desperate" mindset.

If we look at what investors consider to be good return in other industries: top share fund managers are considered geniuses if they can manage consistent 15% per annum returns; real estate investors are more than happy with a 10% per annum return over the life of their investment; it boggles the mind to consider the opportunity that gamblers throw away when betting on horses.

The fact of the matter is that with a disciplined approach and good money management - a 15-20% return per month is quite easily achieved by betting on horses and all the profits are tax free!
About the Author

A successful horse racing "investor" will rigidly follow a pre-determined system or plan. We've thoroughly road-tested dozens of systems over the last few years and have now compiled our shortlist of the best horse betting systems. To learn more go to http://www.bet-on-horse.com

Betting Friend

Responsible Gambling: Playing the Game and Knowing the Odds by Pat Boardman

Civilizations all through history have enjoyed peaks of development where people find themselves with a wealth of leisure time to pursue sports, hobbies, and games of chance. Human nature demands that the mind stay active so that the individual remains competitive and promotes survivability for the mere six cubic feet of existence he finds himself inhabiting. This invites an examination of this constant urge to walk the tightrope and the irresistible instinct to tempt fate.

If people knew the ultimate outcome of their lives, there's a good chance they wouldn't enjoy venturing out of the womb in the first place. Life is a gamble, and the first prize is the fact that we got here at all. When you consider the infinitely improbable odds that you are somehow looking out of a pair of eyes as a living person, it's a jackpot that most of us take for granted. In spite of this, humans can't resist laying it all on the line.

Risk-taking is associated with strength of character, courage, and tenacity. People routinely climb cliffs, go skydiving, drive racecars and such as exciting pastimes. Things can and do go terribly wrong every so often; a friend coming down on a parachute hits two hydro wires simultaneously and is killed...a hiker ventures far out into the woods and is mauled by a bear...a snowmobile falls through the ice and a fun afternoon turns into a tragedy. The human being himself is set out as the wager, whether he's running with the bulls in Pamplona or playing frequent rounds of golf on busy public courses where impatient foursomes in the rear are only too eager to zing golf balls past his head, and sudden bolts of lightning can zero in on a bag of clubs in order to pull the poor duffer up by his cleats into the great beyond.

Betting on things like cards, dice, horses, dogs and other forms of gambling has been a long-established pastime throughout history. Betting money is a substitute that compensates for the adventurous inclination to take physical risks where a person stands to pay with his life should Lady Luck desert him. The placebo effect satisfies the competitive urge of our genetic heritage and provides a more controlled recreational environment. Putting it simply, you have a very good chance of coming out of the casino with the same number of body parts as when you went in.

In spite of having constructive elements, gambling has been wrongly associated with vice; it's also lumped in with drugs and alcohol as addictive behavior. Images are conjured up of back alley craps games, pawnshops, and goons collecting losses. The recent explosion in popularity of poker tournaments is now showing the traits of entertainment and social interaction that gambling is intended to provide. The average person has a chance of getting good online and advancing to televised professional tournaments.

The positive effects of gambling are many, but like all activities there are a percentage of people who let things get out of hand financially and run into problems. They don't set affordable betting limits, they don't follow time restraints, and they think they are going to beat the game on a lasting basis - all the while knowing that the odds are against them. People who cast blame on gaming are the same ones that joke about their weekly lottery tickets and what they will do when they win. Keep in mind that the government joyfully participates in running lotteries as a cash cow because it is such a profitable numbers game. Consider these statistics: your odds of getting hit by lightning are one in two hundred and eighty thousand. Your odds of winning a lottery jackpot are one in a hundred and forty-six million, one hundred seven thousand, six hundred and ninety-two. People still buy tickets regularly without giving it a second thought.

A few can afford weekly tickets, but the vast majority of players are non-gamblers who hold onto a desperate wisp of hope that someday they'll be free of the dreary grind of scraping by every day, and they spend money they can't afford. They are in a far different category from those who understand the odds and observe the disciplines of the game. People who know the rules and are able to match wits with those they play are also wise enough to know when it's time to step away from the table and avoid chasing losses. Only the person who can assess his situation and make an educated guess on his next move will avoid the pitfalls that await the undisciplined gambler, drinker, drug user, sky diver, or motorcycle racer - any of those daring types who thrive on adrenalin rushes.

Avoiding any addiction requires a stable support base of family and friends to recognize the problem while it develops and intervene accordingly. Alcoholism is an addiction that is far more damaging than others because the drunken person believes that instead of going home, he should have a nightcap of thirteen or fourteen more, and then tries to drive home. The wife and children are usually neglected as obstacles to his escape into the security of the bottle. Parents expose babies and children to second-hand smoke as if it was their right to maintain that addiction no matter how much it damages those they are supposed to be caring for.

Cryptologic Corporation, a company that produces gaming software, has put safeguards in place to prevent ruining the lives of compulsive gamblers. Those who enjoy gambling should be able to stay within their financial boundaries and know when it's time to call it a night. If you have sixty dollars to wager and you happen to lose it in two hours, then you've had some interesting fun for thirty dollars an hour. If you find yourself ahead after two hours, don't overstay your welcome. It may be better to tuck a few dollars in your shirt and wander home as a winner. If you get greedy and unlucky at the same time, you might end up losing that shirt.
About the Author

Journalist, author, and musician Pat Boardman writes on subjects of entertainment and health - where to find it and how to use it. In the world of online gambling, corporations are applying stringent business ethics to ensure a positive experience.

Betting Friend

Sports Betting
By Eric Morris

Placing money on the result of a sporting event is called sports betting. While many people regard betting as high interest in a sport, those who oppose the practice do so because they feel it threatens the basic honor of the sport.

Betting on sports activities may be officially permitted in some countries. In North America, it is generally forbidden. On the other hand, in Europe, bookmaking, the profession of accepting sports bets, is legally accepted.

Betting on sport requires both skill and homework. An experienced person will gather and analyze as much information about a game as possible. He will consider the probabilities of each team winning and compare this with the opinion of the bookmaker before placing a bet. Sound judgment and luck are both required to be successful. To be consistently successful means you need to put in enough time and effort to study all aspects of the sport.

There are different types of bets ranging from the simple wager where you bet against a friend on whose favorite basketball team will win, to going to a bookmaker to make a wager on the outcome of a major sporting event like the Super Bowl.

The two types of wagers offered by bookmakers are a straight-up or money line bet, or a point spread wager. Odds on games like hockey, baseball, soccer and boxing use money lines or straight-up prices. The point spread is used in sports such as basketball and American football.

Other kinds of bets include "proposition bets" that are made on a very specific outcome of a match, like guessing the number of goals each team scores in a soccer match; "parlays" that involve multiple bets and rewards successful bettors with a large payout; and "future wagers" that predict a future accomplishment by a team or player.

There are official sports bookmakers throughout the world, and where betting is illegal it is often done online.

Sports Betting provides detailed information on Sports Betting, Online Sports Betting, Olympic Sports Betting, Sports Betting Affiliates and more. Sports Betting is affiliated with Online Betting.

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Betting Friend

Astrology - The Planets in the Houses
By Michael Russell

For the purposes of Astrology, the Sun and the Moon are dealt with as planetary bodies. Each of the Planets has a particular influence of its own which affects human nature differently according to the area of the sky or the House in which it falls in the Chart. These influences have been studied minutely and the main points of importance to the individual are commonly accepted as follows.

SUN IN THE HOUSES 1st positive leadership. 2nd desires wealth, possessions. 3rd Active intellectually. 4th Home life important. 5th creativity is important. 6th health and hard work. 7th relationships important. 8th self development. 9th learning and teaching, travel. 10th work and career. 11th co-operative ventures. 12th seclusion, aloneness, selflessness

MOON IN THE HOUSES 1st restlessness - easy going disposition - love of travel - strong sociability - contact with public. 2nd fluctuating finances but usually satisfactory - love of opulence and extravagance - spasmodic regarding thrift and devotion to simple life. 3rd love of variety and change - travel - publicity - mental activity - education - communication - imagination rather than intellect- intuitive thought. 4th family importance - domestic attachments - frequent moves - gain from real estate - financial inheritances - early upbringing. 5th tends to gambling, risk taking and inconstancy -interest in amusement exaggerated - love of children - possibly large family-creative imagination. 6th service - health - charities - work in a subordinate capacity - material gain from inferiors - best working under direction. 7th popularity brings success - social success - money from marriage and/or partnerships likely - interest in public life and holding official positions - liability to loss through litigation. 8th money by legacy or through relative - several children but possibility of losses of some kind or litigation after marriage - respect likely to be accorded after death. 9th religious and philosophical interest - inclined towards mysticism - strong imagination - mental changeability - dreams vivid - long distance travel by sea - publicity possibly in regard to unconventional opinions which attract censure. 10th popularity in public ventures - accumulation of property and gains from external sources - reversals of fortune - scandal and public censure may result from unfavourable aspects. 11th wide range of friends - popularity in associations and clubs - women play a large part in the life of the individual - danger from self seeking friends who only wish to further their own ambitions. 12th home life favoured or occupation in retirement involving seclusion - charitable work. liable to clandestine love affairs - danger from secret enemies, treachery or deceit.

MERCURY IN THE HOUSES 1st restless, interesting, contrary personality, elusive. 2nd documents and signature involving finances needs care - caution with promises re money and attention to bills etc. 3rd restless disposition of mind full of creative new ideas - needs concentration and self discipline to materialise brilliant potential of thought. 4th lots of intellectual interest in the home and among visitors. 5th scattered talents and energies - study and reading centred mainly on children -teaching. 6th adopting pets and lesser creatures - nursing and healing - medicine. 7th needing a mate who meets with your mind or friend to share thoughts. 8th estate matters, taxation, interest in the occult. 9th expansion of interest in science, art and philosophy, foreign lands, religion etc. 10th activity and disturbances in business and career. 11th many and variable types of friends. 12th desires seclusion and escape - interest in mysteries and obscure influences in life

VENUS IN THE HOUSES 1st loving affectionate nature and harmonious personality. 2nd indicates wealth and beautiful possessions and many admirers. 3rd good for a peaceful mind and attractive, harmonious and constructive thought. 4th harmonious home life - refinement of taste in decoration. 5th very strongly seeks excitement and adventure in love and romantic relationships. 6th peaceful attitude helpful for healing and encouraging good health. 7th good for partnerships - harmonious marriage. 8th affects beneficial fortunes such as legacies, well wishes from others etc. 9th indicates a love of long journeys - for pleasure or work. 10th good for business and luxury goods - success in meaningful life values. 11th success in social activity and entertaining. 12th affections are confined in some way, involving health, institution or commitment in reclusive circumstances. Secret romances and alliances are indicated.

MARS IN THE HOUSES 1st enthusiastic and energetic - an active personality apt to be impatient. 2nd finances are apt to create or to suffer conflict in some way.-.too impulsive in matters of economy and finance. 3rd hectic short travels and erratic habits or changeable communication. 4th activity surrounding the home.- beware of fires and results of carelessness with sharp cutting utensils.- avoid impulsive home purchases. 5th strong, ardent emotional attachments and relationships -.strong feelings and desires.- apt to suffer frustration and irritability. 6th health is tending to suffer in such a way as to require surgery. 7th money problems and conflict with partners and loved ones. 8th often learns of sudden or violent deaths of loved ones. 9th interest in higher education and legal or philosophic debate. 10th good for business and enterprises - but should not neglect family 11th friends can be aggressive - enemies abound - do not force your opinions on others. 12th secret enemies bring conflict and disturbances - energy turns to secretive pursuits, or quiet minded activity and research - sometimes being investigated by others.

JUPITER IN THE HOUSES 1st problem solving temperament-easy success and fortune - a 'lucky' personality. 2nd apt to be too easy going with inherited or easily acquired money and possessions. 3rd short journeys are many.- travel is important.- correspondence will be enjoyed. 4th improvements in home.- advanced social standing - gains from real estate etc. 5th one of the most fortunate placements of this planet bring much goodness and happiness to heart and mind and success in creative enterprises. 6th good for unselfish service in work and good relationship with workmates. 7th good fortune in marriage and professional partnerships - brings changes of life direction. 8th beneficial legacies and successful insurance claims in litigation matters etc. 9th wonderful placement for fortuitous travel overseas - wide contact with other peoples and philosophies, writing and publishing etc. 10th good for success in business. 11th expansive interest in education and learning, overseas contacts, social popularity. 12th less obvious good fortune in life - perhaps known mainly to oneself.

SATURN IN THE HOUSES 1st earnest disposition, serious nature and responsible one, tires easily, not enough lightness and fun in personality, strong sense of responsibility. 2nd security conscious in all matters including money - inclined to save, conserve. 3rd cautious mind - tends sceptical - serious studies - sober outlook leading to maturity of intellect.- determined upon absolute truth.- close relatives give problems. 4th disappointments or restraints re. home, real estate or family relationships. 5th lack of romance and sparkle in love life, limited enjoyment and capacity for light hearted fun - needs develop humour. 6th employment is tedious or monotonous and can be uninspiring - delays bring bad fortune and sometimes health problems - talent for medicine, nursing profession. 7th difficulties in marriage and business partnerships, misunderstandings manifest and cause deep rift - strongly influenced by someone much older than yourself - suffers trials and tribulations in relationship. 8th disappointing investments and delays in settlements.-.problems in marriage and family. 9th deep philosophical inclinations which are firm and conventional - unfavourable for long trips. 10th utmost diligence required in career to avoid problems - must stand on own feet and accept responsibility - must become confident and self reliant. 11th lots of hard work for good causes not always appreciated by others. 12th restraints and problems abound in this life and need resolution for the individual's next life freedom from restrictive limitations.

URANUS IN THE HOUSES 1st some irregularity regarding physique, or unusual features and unconventional ideas and personality. 2nd causes sudden happenings in affections, person and business - many unpredictable happenings in one's life indicating need for feeling more at the helm of circumstances. 3rd sudden changes of mind and mental interests and involvements - particularly unusual nature - inventive mind sometimes amounting to genius - 'lateral' thought processes. 4th apt to be big upheavals and changes in the home and family, residences etc. 5th possesses unusual talents and associates - often creative with flair and originality. 6th work must be totally absorbing with total freedom to fulfil the individual's needs. 7th unusual partnerships and relationships in marriage possibly ending in separation or divorce.- erratic circumstances.- unconventional or rebellious social attitudes. 8th unsettled conditions in finance or those of your partners, impulsive, erratic moves to be avoided. 9th unusual adventures of the mind rather that the body - scientific explorations into wider territories but also physical travel with unusual purpose. 10th often called upon for leadership of some kind. 11th introduces different friends and changes which will affect your thinking and lifestyle - foreigners - unconventional. 12th Inclines one to deep thought and sudden revelations of occult nature or abstract - or danger of involvement in illegal activities.

NEPTUNE IN THE HOUSES 1st vivid imagination, interest in music, idealism, sea travel, can be too vague a personality, weak in self assertion. 2nd unusual source of income - loss of money through errors of judgement and confusion- often suffers theft. 3rd interest in metaphysical and spiritual subjects, intuition is high and psychically sensitive - but confusion of mind and obsessions are the danger if contacting negative people or influences. 4th attracted to a permanent home or holiday cottage near the sea. 5th sensuous nature with fascination for interesting and emotional relationships - love of music and arts.- tends to seek escape from realities through sexual relationships and drugs. 6th poisonings, allergies and inexplicable factors affect and prevent robust health. 7th mistrust of partner or deception will be suffered - inclined to platonic relationships and idealistic ties - emotionally dependent. 8th mystery and psychic phenomena - astral experiences - investments involve deceptions from others. 9th high inspiration and imagination - spiritual interests - strongly idealistic. 10th mysterious and inexplicable fortune - good and bad - nature apt to be gullible. 11th deception from friends who will not be as they seem - suffers disillusionments. 12th psychological and spiritual sensitivity must be employed in practical outlet and life planning to avoid waste of opportunity and talents.

PLUTO Pluto has been relatively recently discovered with insufficient time to indicate many certain details as to how it is differently responded to when it falls in each of the Houses. Research into the influence of Pluto continues and is a point which fascinates astrologers. The general nature of the planet has been observed well enough to allow what must be seen as general reactions to apply and these are as follows:

1st strong personality able to bounce back after disasters - great resilience. 2nd individual usually seeks to possess a reputation of astuteness or business acumen. 3rd seeks wide communication on international or inter-planetary matters. 4th home life is often uncongenial with individual feeling discomfort of some kind. 5th exceedingly interested in all creative matters and seeks excellence in others and in his creations, or his children. 6th unusual health problems. 7th seeks to be the powerful partner in marriage or relationships. 8th logical and intuitive nature but suffering sexual problems or excesses. 9th interested in universal religions, philosophies, ideologies and well being of all. 10th ambitious to the point of ruthlessness in business - mergers and monopolies. 11th inclined to lose the sense of basic human values and overlooks the 'acres of diamonds' nearby. 12th intense investigator who may be himself placed under and suffer wider investigation.

In seeking to understand and interpret the astrological influences and energies and how they affect us, patiently study the many additional factors and planetary aspects which affect the character and the whole psyche of a human nature.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Astrology

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Betting Friend

Understanding Your Internet Sportsbetting Options
By Sebastien S. Veilleux

Internet Sports Betting

The Internet has grown tremendously over the past decade. From placing sports bets to buying a car, the Internet has made our lives extremely comfortable. The Internet has been a great tool for sports bettors. The wealth of information that's readily available has helped sports bettors make more informed decisions. In the old days, you were limited to whatever you heard on the street.

Understanding your Internet sports betting options

The Internet offers you a choice of hundreds of established online casinos and sports betting portals that offer superb features and great bonuses. Since they have a lower overhead than a traditional brick and mortar gambling operation, online gambling destinations can be very liberal when it comes to a signup bonus and ongoing promotions. Online sports betting destinations are online 24 hours a day and just a click away.

The options available through Internet sports betting sites are numerous and varied. Equipped with the right information, you can enjoy a plethora of betting options. Much like the stock market, knowing when to bet a moving line can be the key to success. Most online sports books are simply followers of other lines. Paying attention to line moves is vital to winning long-term. Thanks to the Internet, it's now possible to watch line moves from the comfort of your favorite chair.

The Internet today, provides a number of quality sports betting online services. Not only do sports betting portals offer terrific betting odds for a number of games like horse racing, baseball, football, basketball, auto racing, golf, hockey, and tennis, some of them also give you free cash. The good sports books will give you a signup bonus and bonuses for re-depositing.

Some frequently used sports betting terms:

Arbitrage: Betting the same event at separate sports books in order to lock in a profit by taking advantage of different betting lines.

Bankroll: Total capital available for betting sports.

Bookmaker (or bookie): A person who accepts bets.

Chalk: A favorite (usually, a heavy favorite).

Circled game: A game in which the sports book has reduced its betting limits, usually because of weather or the uncertain status of injured players.

Futures: A type of wager involving the outcome of a season or how a particular team or player will perform over the course of a season.

Hook: A half-point in the betting spread.

Line (sports betting lines): The point spread or odds on a game or event.

Lock: A bet that cannot lose; a term that is often misused and abused by disreputable touts.

Match-up proposition: A betting option that pits two players against one another in a contest or event, often used in golf and auto racing wagering.

Nickel: $500.

Parlay: A bet in which two or more events must happen in order to win; if any one of them does not happen, the wager loses.

Point spread: The number of points added to or subtracted from a team's actual score for betting purposes.

Sports book: The part of the casino that accepts bets on athletic contests.

Vigorish (or vig): The commission charged by a bookmaker.

Quick Sports Betting Tips & Strategies

1.Make each bet a small percentage of your overall bankroll. For example, if you had a $1,000 bankroll and wanted to make each bet 1% of that, your average bet would be $10. As you win, you bet amount goes up.

2.Don't chase losers. Keep your bets solid and follow your defined sports betting parameters. Just because you lose three bets in a row does not mean you will win any time soon. If you don't pick winners well, this could go on for some time. Keep to your guns.

3.Straight bets are better than parlays. Sure, parlay bets offer the chance to win a lot of money for a small bet, but straight bets will be your consistent winner over time. Everyone plays parlays, but don't make them the focus of your sports betting activity.

4.In horse racing, don't bet a horse to just show. If you think the horse is good enough to be a front-runner, bet the horse to win, place and show. If the horse is not good enough for this type of bet, in your opinion, the horse is not worth laying any money on to begin with.

There are four solid sports betting tips & strategies to make you a much better sports bettor. Your next move is to head over to your favorite sports book and put these sports betting tips & strategies into practice.

The author is the founder and players manager of http://www.AdvantageSportsBetting.com and one of the top experts in the sports betting industry today. Advantage Sports Betting is a world leader in online sports betting, casino, horse race wagering, poker and a proud member of the Betcorp family.

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Betting Friend

Business Angles and Sportsbetting
By Michael Kindt

Sports betting, like any investment, carries risks and rewards. The parallels between betting on sports and playing the stock market are many. In fact, I would argue that they are exactly the same for all intents and purposes.

Placing a bet on a team and hoping for a win is no different than buying a particular stock and hoping for a rise in price. There are few differences between sportsbooks and brokerage firms. Both are middlemen who charge you a fee for their services. Both the sports bettor and the stock player are after a return on their investment (profit).

If a person buys a stock and it falls instead of rises in price, he loses money, or has a negative return on investment. If a sports bettor bets a team to win and that team loses, he also has a negative return on investment.

Calculating a return on investment is simple. Divide any profit by the amount risked to get it. If you bet $100 on the Colts to cover -3 at -110 versus the Patriots and they do, you have a ROI of 91% for that particular bet:

$91/$100 = 91%

But where ROI really can help you is over the course of many bets. Let’s say you made 50 bets at -110, risking $100 each time, over the course of the NFL season. You won 30 bets and lost 20. Your total investment for the season would be $5000:

$100*50 = $5000

Your total profit would be $730:

($91*30) - $2000 = $730

Where $2000 are your 20 losses. This would give you a return on investment of 14.6%:

$730/$5000 = 14.6%

Applying ROI to different aspects of your sports betting can reveal many things. It can reveal how good of a handicapper you are and where your strengths and weaknesses lie. It’s most useful, I think, as it relates to money management and how favorites and underdogs affect your bottom line.

Risking $100 each time, if you make 10 bets on -150 favorites and win seven of them and lose the other three, you have a profit of $166.69 and a ROI of 16.67%. Not too shabby. But if you shopped around and were able to get those same bets at -145, your ROI would increase to 18.30%.

As a tool for the sport bettor, ROI can’t be underestimated. Try applying to individual sports or various timeframes. It can reveal a lot and help you make better decisions regarding bets and bankroll management in the future.

To learn more about how a Precision Plays account can help you succeed at sports betting, please visit http://PrecisionPlays.com

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