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Wednesday, June 22, 2005

How to Pick a Price Per Head Provider

How to Pick a Price Per Head Provider

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

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

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

1. 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).

a. 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.

2. 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.

a. 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).

3. 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.

a. 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.

4. 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.

a. 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!

5. 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.

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

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

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

Obvious benefits of the Price Per Head Agency relationship are (i) improved earning potential for the agent, (ii) decreased legal exposure for the agent, (iii) increased customer service for the agent’s clients, and (iv) ability for the agent to do something other than answer wagering calls (they actually get time to enjoy the money they are earning).

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

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BetCris.com Opinion on Price Per Head Explored

BetCris.com Opinion on Price Per Head Explored

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

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. 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.

This new system is a departure from the way it used to work in which the agent would split the winnings or losings with the offshore sportsbook.

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).

There has been much debate over which of the two methods is better for the partner agent or bookmaker. In an effort to get to the bottom of this, we attempted to contact the dominant player in each of the models:

· Revenue Split Model: The owners of www.BetCris.com (Costa Rica International Sportsbook is a well known offshore credit bookmaker who operates only on a revenue split model) were contacted but refused to return our call or comment;

· Price Per Head Agency Model: Dalton Wagner, proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A. and BettorsNet.com (one of the largest offshore gambling operators who only operates on a Price Per Head basis when dealing with credit agents) was contacted and agreed to be interviewed.

Unfortunately, since only one of the persons contacted agreed to participate, our interview will show mostly his view. However, we did our best to probe the positives and negatives of each model.

Post-Up Newsletter: The Price Per Head model appears to be the most appropriate model for an agent or bookmaker to maximize his revenue. Why then are companies like www.BetCris.com so against them?
D. Wagner: The answer is simple dollars and cents. If you have a client that loses $10,000 in a week and you have a Price Per Head Agency relationship with www.BettorsNet.com, you will simply need to pay your service fee of $25-$30 for that client using our service. However, if you are using a revenue split relationship, you will have to fork over $5,000. So, in the example you provided, companies like the one you mentioned are in danger of losing $4,970 in revenue if their agents find out about PPH.

Post-Up Newsletter: Yes, I understand the math, but when speaking to companies like www.BetCris.com they act as if the PPH industry is putting the offshore industry in danger. They speak of people like you as if you had the plague. Why?
D. Wagner: I know the gentleman that owns Bet Cris. I know the guys who run Bet Cris. They are the best in the world at what they do. There is no way I would dispute that and no way anyone would dispute that. But, BetCris.com can not exist by taking all of their revenue split relationships and having them converted to PPH. So, if I had to guess, they act that way because I am endangering their way of life. I have actually had conversations with the owner of BetCris.com and he firmly feels that he provides his agents a better opportunity to earn more, therefore he feels his much higher price is warranted. I don’t know if I agree, but I think it best for my reputation to speak for itself. The fact is that I have NEVER had an agent or bookmaker come to me who switched to PPH from revenue split EVER GO BACK. 100% of the people who have tried my service are still with me from day 1. That shows me that agents do not agree with BetCris.com. They think the service is comparable and they think the earning potential is greater with www.BettorsNet.com.

Post-Up Newsletter: I am lost. Why does the owner of BetCris.com feel he provides his agents a better opportunity to earn more? The math seems obvious.
D. Wagner: Actually, I agree with him in one way and one way only. If an agent is weak and is booking ‘over his head’ (an industry term that implies the bookmaker or agent is taking more risk than they can afford in the long term), then a partnership with www.BetCris.com can be a positive thing. Not only do you share 50% of your revenue with them on a revenue split relationship, but you also share 50% of the risk. So, if you are an agent that has a bettor that wants to bet $5,000 a game, and you can only afford to book $2,500, then a partnership with Bet Cris is a good thing and will allow you to stay in business longer. You should never ever book over your head.

Post-Up Newsletter: Oh, I see. So that is an example of an agent you would tell to use a revenue split model, right?
D. Wagner: Yes. And, No. Yes, if the agent plans on booking over his head for the long term. No, if he can cut his client down to an acceptable level and keep all the profit for himself. Then, when the agent or partner bookmaker has a large enough bank roll, he can open the client up to the larger wagers. I still believe, and I believe the math proves that PPH is always bettor for the agent.

Post-Up Newsletter: Are there any other Price Per Head agency companies that you would recommend?
D. Wagner: Absolutely NOT. Please print that in big bold letters. It is difficult for any company in our industry to survive. The overhead is huge. Most Price Per Head companies have come to Costa Rica or Panama or Antigua to try and compete with just Price Per Head revenue. Trust me, I have been doing this for 7 years, and PPH does NOT generate enough for survival. You have to build a relationship with a company that has a huge staff, technical know-how, tri-dundant phones, tri-dundant internet service, millions of dollars in investment in hardware and software – and, we are the only ones that have it at the current time. Why? Because we have been operating major post-up brands for years. We are one of the most successful operators offshore and we are able to write PPH as a sideline business. We could NEVER survive on PPH alone. And, anyone who says they can, is lying to you. The guys who say they can write business at $17or $20/head are on their way out – they just don’t know it yet.

Post-Up Newsletter: So how does a bookmaker or agent learn more about this?
D. 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.



Additional Information on the Companies Mentioned Above:

· As Founder and Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A., Dalton Wagner has survived multiple buyout attempts and maintains one of the largest privately held offshore gaming companies in the industry. While the rest of the industry is going public and being required to provide more and more information in a public format, Mr. Wagner’s privately held company is a favorite associate and partner for bookmakers and agents onshore. Privacy is one thing you never have to worry about when dealing with Dalton and V.O. Group, S.A. 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 most admired offshore companies (as measured by Online Gambling Magazine; Post-Up Newsletter; Offshore Operator Industry Magazine; and Many other Publications). If you are looking for a Price Per Head Agency relationship, there is no place better online or offshore.

· BetCris.com is considered the undisputed leader in offshore credit bookmaking. The owner of the company has been called the Godfather of the Offshore Bookmaking Industry in many publications. It is estimated that 90% of Costa Rica International Sportsbooks revenue is generated via revenue splits with Partner Agents and Bookmakers. If you are looking for a Revenue Split relationship, there is no place better online or offshore.

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Benefits of Price Per Head (PPH)

Benefits of Price Per Head (PPH)
Exploration & Quantification

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

Dalton Wagner, Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A. has found a great deal of success by tripling his bottom line profit numbers with the addition of what has been called the Greatest Price Per Head Offering online. While his Board of Directors and Investors are thrilled, we wanted more than vague statements – we wanted facts. We recently caught up with Dalton in San Juan, Puerto Rico while he was on vacation at El Conquistador Hotel and Resort. Our goal was to Explore and Quantify the actual benefits that a Price Per Head (PPH) Agency Relationship offers the bookmaker, agent or entrepreneur.

As Founder and Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A., Dalton Wagner has survived multiple buyout attempts and maintains one of the largest privately held offshore gaming companies in the industry. While the rest of the industry is going public and being required to provide more and more information in a public format, Mr. Wagner’s privately held company is a favorite associate and partner for bookmakers and agents onshore. Privacy is one thing you never have to worry about when dealing with Dalton and V.O. Group, S.A. 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 most admired offshore companies (as measured by Online Gambling Magazine; Post-Up Newsletter; Offshore Operator Industry Magazine; and Many other Publications).

The Offshore Operator: We have heard about all of the success you have found with the best Price Per Head (PPH) offering in the offshore gambling industry. However, we are not hearing actual numbers. Can you tell us how many clients you are now writing business for?
Dalton Wagner: As you know, the answer really depends on the season you are speaking about. In football season, we are now writing about 7,500 PPH clients a week (7,500 clients of our partner agents which outsourced the writing of their bets via our service and software). And, in baseball season we have historically written only half of that number. But, there is a very favorable trend occurring for our Agent and Bookmaker Partners. Since the addition of our Horse Wagering at over 300+ tracks and Two Casino Platforms with over 35 games, we are now seeing an increasing number of clients playing year-round. This, as you know, makes our Agent and Bookmaker Partners very, very happy.

The Offshore Operator: 7,500 PPH clients clearly makes you the largest PPH provider offshore. What do you attribute your success to?
Dalton Wagner: I am not sure we can find one distinct reason for our success. But, I can tell you what our Agent and Bookmaker Partners tell us. On average an Agent or Bookmaker partner doubles his revenue when he switches his clients to our service. The reason for this is access to 24-hour wagering online or via our call center, about 700% more wagering options when you look at our period wagering and propositions, and the addition of two casinos and horses has not hurt either. So, if you are a bookmaker or agent making $200k a year, you can reasonably expect to make $400k a year using our service. It is virtually guaranteed.

The Offshore Operator: Dalton, you are famous for making that kind of statement. But, can you back it up with quantifiable numbers?
Dalton Wagner: Absolutely I can. Ask me what you would like.

The Offshore Operator: OK. Let’s start with examples of how you can guarantee a 200% increase in earnings for Partner bookmakers or agents?
Dalton Wagner: Easy enough. In the United States, Mexico and Canada the typical credit bookmaker offers lines on games and totals. Sometimes they offer money lines too – but, rarely. And, these same bookmakers do not offer period betting or propositions. Furthermore, they take wagers only over the phone and only 2-4 hours a day. If you use our Price Per Head Software, you offer spreads, money lines, totals, half-time spreads, half-time money lines, half-time totals, quarter lines, propositions, and we allow access to betting 24-hours a day; 7-days a week; 365 days a year. In summary, I can safely say we offer 600% of the access time a normal credit bookmaker would provide as we are opened 24 hours compared to 4 hours. And, I can safely say we offer 700% more wagering options. These increases of 600% in access and 700% in wagering options easily equate to 200% more revenue for the partner bookmaker or agent.

The Offshore Operator: I understand, but I don’t necessarily agree. For example, if I am a credit bettor and I have $200 to lose, does it matter that I can access your site 24-hours a day?
Dalton Wagner: That question shows that you are not a bookmaker or agent. The reason is, the answer is ABSOLUTELY YES. If you compare a post-up client to a credit client, the credit client will typically lose 3-5x what the post-up client will. The reason is access. If you give a client access to credit, and access to use the credit, he will use it. Heck, forget about that example…if you are married and your wife has a credit card, you know that. The fact is as you allow more access to betting options and credit, the client will lose more. And, my current partner bookmakers and agents report to me that they typically double their earnings within weeks after joining my service.

The Offshore Operator: OK. That makes more sense to me. How about the casino, how does that affect the partner bookmaker or agents earnings?
Dalton Wagner: The online casino is relatively new to partner bookmakers and agents. The fact is that in the past, agents were scared to open up their clients to online casinos. The reason is that when clients lose in sports – they know they were treated fairly. However, when they lose in an online casino, for some reason their first reaction is “I was cheated”. However, as integrity in online gaming has risen over the years, so has trust in online casinos. For this reason, you are starting to see partner agents and bookmakers open their clients up to our two online casinos. And, boy, when they do – they are very happily surprised. An online casino allows wagering 24-hours a day. This means revenue potential for the agent or bookmaker 24-hours a day. It’s nice to run your reports in the morning and realize you made an extra $20,000 while you were sleeping! We estimate that when a partner agent or bookmaker opens up his clients to our casino, they will make an extra 15%-20% a year. This is purely earned off casino winnings.

The Offshore Operator: Fifteen to Twenty percent a year is nothing to laugh at. What about the horses?
Dalton Wagner: The horse product we have offers 300+ tracks including harness, thoroughbred and dogs. It is not just horses. Typically when the partner bookmaker or agent opens it up, adoption is slow. But, people who bet horses and dogs, love to bet horses and dogs. It is not rare to see a client who likes the ponies to double his daily action. And, as any bookmaker knows, in sports you hope to hold 6% on turnover. Well, in horses you hope to hold 20%. The difference in expected hold is where the value is in horses.

The Offshore Operator: Wow! So, having all the offerings really does matter doesn’t it?
Dalton Wagner: What I am selling is access – pure and simple. My goal is to take a partner agent or bookmakers clients and put them in the candy store 24-hours a day surrounded by all of their favorite treats. And, as you know, when any of us are put in that situation, we will indulge. And, they do.

The Offshore Operator: Have you ever had anyone become a partner Agent or Bookmaker and leave because they did not like what you had to offer?
Dalton Wagner: That is a very interesting question. The fact is, and I should have used this in the past know that I think about it, the answer is NO. As a matter of fact, every single person to use our service or try our service has been with us since initiating trial. We really are, without exaggeration, at 100%. Thank you for pointing that out to me.

The Offshore Operator: How could you not have known that?
Dalton Wagner: Embarrassingly, I never thought about it. I have always said “try it, you’ll love it”. But, I guess I never looked at the quantifiable fact – NOBODY HAS EVER TRIED OUR SERVICE AND LEFT OUR SERVICE they’re clients love it, the agents love it, and the agents make more than ever before – so they stay around!

The Offshore Operator: So how does a bookmaker or agent learn more about this profitable product?
Dalton 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. V.O. Group, S.A. sites include www.BettorsNet.com; www.MVPsportsbook.com; www.V-Wager.com; www.Players-SB.com; etc.

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Success With Price Per Head (Small Sportsbook Success)

Success With Price Per Head (Small Sportsbook Success)

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

Price Per Head vs. Small Sportsbook Operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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Success With Price Per Head (One Agents Story)

Success With Price Per Head (One Agents Story)

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.

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Monday, June 20, 2005

Success With Price Per Head (Agent Success)

Success With Price Per Head (Agent Success)

Case Study in Agent 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. Dollywood Sportsbook

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).

Online Gambling: 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.

Online Gambling: OK. Be more specific. How does a Price Per Head Agency Relationship Work?
Wagner: Price Per Head Agency is based on the very fair and equitable agreement between an onshore bookie and an offshore bookmaker. The deal is based on the onshore bookie recruiting players and the offshore bookmaker setting lines, writing the business and handling all accounting for the onshore bookie. And, all the onshore bookie does is simply pay the offshore bookmaker an agreed upon price per head per week.

Online Gambling: So, opposed to paying the offshore bookmaker a percentage, they simply compensate them a fixed price.
Wagner: Absolutely. The fact is that offshore sportsbooks have been gouging the onshore bookie or agent for years. Our offering stops that action in it’s tracks.

Online Gambling: Gouging! That is a pretty strong comment. Can you back that up?
Wagner: Let me give you an example…and, you judge for yourself. The example of Jeff W. in San Jose, California comes to mind. Jeff contacted V.O. Group, S.A. in early October 2004 when he was writing 72 head of business making an average of 12 wagers a week of $152. Rather, his turnover per client was an average of $1,824.00 a week. Via his agreement with a sportsbook we will call Dollywood, he was splitting his earnings 50/50. Once he shifted the business through BettorsNet.com, he was paying $30 a head a week. So, would you call this gouging?

Online Gambling: Actually, the numbers sound good. But, I have to admit, I am not sure. Can you help me understand better?
Wagner: That is very good answer. Let me simply do the math for you to illustrate the facts, and then you will have a much clearer set of information to deal with. If your average player bets $1,824.00 a week on just straight bets, you should have a minimum hold of 4.5% (parlays, teasers and props have a MUCH HIGHER HOLD). So, that means you should make $82.08/person ($1,824.00 x 0.045). Then, multiply this by the number of head equals a theoretical earn of $5,909.76 ($82.08 x 72). So, this means he would make $2,954.88 per week and Dollywood would make $2,954.88 per week.

Online Gambling: Well, $2,954.88 per week sounds pretty strong if you ask me How does this compare to his using BettorsNet.com?
Wagner: When Jeff started using BettorsNet.com, we simply charge him $30 a head a week. Rather, $30 times $72 is $2,160.00, representing a savings of $794.88 a week, or $41,333.76 a year.

Online Gambling: So, by Jeff W. switching to V.O. Group, S.A. or BettorsNet.com he was able to make an extra $41,333.76 a year?
Wagner: No. Actually, he made $25,000 in the first three months because most of his players are far worse than the theoretical averages. Almost every one of his players bet a proposition or a teaser or a parlay at least once a week. And, holds on those bets are far greater than 4.5%. On top of that, his players also play in our racebook and casino losing much, much more than 4.5%.

Online Gambling: Oh, I see. If he would have used Dollywood, he would have simply split more profit with them. But, via BettorsNet.com, he was able to keep 100% of the extra earn because he had already compensated you for the $30/head.
Wagner: That is exactly correct. Jeff W. came down in January 2005 and I took him sail fishing. It is the first time I ever had a client pay my bill. Why? Because, and realize I am quoting here, Jeff states that I will make him an extra $100,000 this year alone.

Online Gambling: Wow! That is incredible. I bet large credit sportsbooks, like Dollywood, are quickly becoming unfavorable of your new product.
Wagner: Yes. They hate our new software offering! But, that is what you get when you take advantage of your clients or partners as they have. And, as far as I am concerned, credit shops with Agent Split Agreements have simply NOT been treating their partners fairly and now they will pay the bill.

Online Gambling: I must say, I agree that if your numbers are even close to correct, it appears that the credit shops that split the earn ARE GOUGING AGENTS AND ONSHORE BOOKMAKERS.
Wagner: Well, the facts speak for themselves. And, I am glad you see the facts for what they are.

Online Gambling: Is there ever a case where an onshore bookie or agent should opt for a split as opposed to a Price Per Head Agency agreement?
Wagner: Absolutely Yes. If you are starting up a new book, or if you need financial backing because you are not strong enough to support a losing week - then, you should opt for a split. The best way to judge this is simply look over your figures for the last year. Could you afford to pay out the worst week you had without going broke? If you answer yes – then, you should opt for PPH. If you could NOT afford to pay it, then you should opt for a split or not be in business at all.

Online Gambling: 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.



Article Note: Any assumption that “Dollywood” is related to “Hollywood Sportsbook” or “BetHollywood.com” or “BetAtHollywood” or “Hollywood International” is the assumption of the reader and not the responsibility of Gambling Online Magazine.

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Monday, June 13, 2005

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.

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Monday, March 14, 2005

Innovation In Bookmaking

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegas Offshore: I’m confused, please explain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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History of the Blackjack Game Free Poker Tournaments

BlackJack originated in French casinos around 1700 where it was called "vingt-et-un" ("twenty-and-one") and has been played in the U.S. since the 1800's. BlackJack is named as such because if a player got a Jack of Spades and an Ace of Spades as the first two cards (Spade being the color black of course), the player was additionally remunerated.

The game was christened 'Blackjack' 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.Free Poker Tournaments So with Spades being black and Jack being a vital card - Blackjack was born!

Gambling was legal out West from the 1850's to 1910, at which time Nevada made it a felony to operate a gambling game. In 1931, Nevada re-legalized casino gambling where BlackJack became one of the primary games of chance offered to gamblers. As some of you may recall, 1978 was the year casino gambling was legalized in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The first recognized effort to apply mathematics to BlackJack was recorded in 1956, when Roger Baldwin published a paper in the Journal of the American Statistical Association entitled "The Optimum Strategy in BlackJack". In 1962 Professor Edward O. Thorp refined basic strategy and developed the first card counting techniques. He published his results in a book that became so popular that for a week in 1963 it was on the New York Times best-seller list "Beat the Dealer".

Because of this book a number of casinos changed their blackjack rules, giving themselves an even greater advantage than they had previously enjoyed. But this didn't last for long, because people protested by refusing to play the game with the unfavorable rules, casinos quickly responded by going back to the original rules.

Over the next few years, more books and more systems devoted to winning blackjack were published in fact some proposed to provide enough information to allow the reader to live off the profits of their efforts, publications such as Lawrence Revere's "Playing Blackjack As A Business" and Stanley Roberts' also helped to share the wealth with his winning systems in his book "Winning Blackjack". Soon blackjack began to compete with craps as the most popular casino game in the state of Nevada.

In the 1970's computers which could perform a million-hand BlackJack simulations allowed players to produce sophisticated game strategies and many scientists, mathematicians, university professors, and other intellectuals began writing books on the game. Soon it became evident that Casinos were afraid that scientific, computer-devised systems would have harmful effect on their potential profits, and many changed their games from single deck to multiple-deck games in the 1970's to counteract the computer strategies.

A living legend of the period indeed worth mentioning was Ken Uston, who used five computers that were built into the shoes of members of his playing team in 1977. The gamblers won over a hundred thousand dollars in a very short time, but one of the computers was confiscated and sent to the FBI. The FBI experts concluded that the computer used public information on BlackJack playing and was not a cheating device. As a result of his astounding success, Uston was barred from at least seven of the major Las Vegas casinos and sued them for violating his civil rights. He was found dead in a rented apartment in Paris in 1987, the cause of death remaining undetermined.

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Monday, February 07, 2005

The First Golden Rule of Poker Poker Tournaments

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Friday, February 04, 2005

Tips for Playing Black Jack like the PROS! Poker Tournaments

1. Always keep a straight face, don’t let on if you are happy or sad about what you are winning, losing or your luck – the best gamblers keep straight controls on their feelings. Poker Tournaments
2. Only play with what you can afford to win so that you won’t feel bad if you do lose.
3. Drink when you are finished playing black jack, the more you drink alcohol, the more fogged your mind will be in regards to your rules, objectives and the money that you are spending!
4. Remember to keep an eye on what cards the dealer has and don’t worry about the other players’ cards. Your are going to ultimately playing the dealer more than you would be any player at any table.
5. You need a refresher, choose a free black jack game before playing on a for real money site or table where you can lose money fast if you are not careful.
6. If you find yourself afraid to hit, do it anyway. Don’t be afraid to hit when you think it is the best possible move. Trust your gut instinct in the game.
7. Set yourself a limit on how many losses per table. Take for examples if you lose five times, move on to the next table, and if you win on and lose two at least you are doing a little winning, keep it up
8. Keep a positive mindset, thinking you are going to win will help lady luck move over to your table! (Or at very least it can’t hurt to think this way!)
9. If you only see small point cards come out for a few hands, keep your bets smaller. When you start seeing the larger cards rolling out for a few hands then you can increase your bets for a better odd.

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How to Play Roulette Poker Tournaments

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Friday, January 28, 2005

Changing Position in poker tournaments

Changing Position in poker tournaments

Position is important in most competitive games. In baseball the home team is given the advantage of batting last. Batting last allows the home team in the final inning to know precisely what to aim for. In a tied game, only one run matters. Down by three, then three runs are a necessity. In the top part of the inning the visiting team would not know for sure if going for one safe run was better than taking the risk of going for two runs. In football, physical position, having the wind at your back, often plays an enormous role in who wins a game.In Texas Holdem poker, the value of position is generally self-evident. You want opponents to make their decisions before you do, and then you want the final say, the last word. On top of that, Holdem is a game where it is common that nobody has much of anything. You are making decisions based on whose "nothing" will outplay the others to win the pot. While superior position doesn't automatically win hands, it does make it more likely you will make better bets-- in the same way that a general who positions his troops on terrain he is familiar with will have an edge.

But position in Texas Holdem is simplistic. Last is basically best, particularly when only two players are in a pot. First position, or second position behind a maniac, or position in front of a maniac... sometimes these will offer positional advantages too, but for the most part, just being last to act is such a significant edge that all good players will tend to play more hands when they are in late position and less hands when they are in early position.Position in Seven Card Stud and Stud High-Low is far different. Position here tends to be variable. The highest board showing acts first from fourth street on, so if king high bets first on fourth street, another player who gets an ace or pairs deuces might act first on fifth street. You do still tend to have an advantage over the player to your immediate right, but positional considerations are complicated in the Stud games. Certain hands should be more playable when you are not the high hand, while representing hands becomes more important when you act first. Some hands can be played more aggressively when an opponent shows a king or ace, meaning they will likely be forced to act first throughout the hand.But the greatest difference in positional complexity comes in comparing Omaha HiLo to Holdem. Last position continues to have some general advantages, but it comes with disadvantages too. For example, bluffing from last position is suicide against good players. The bluffing arrow is almost removed from your quiver when you are last. In Holdem having middle position seldom offers any advantages but middle position is the prime bluffing position in Omaha. At the same time though, middle position has significant disadvantages because Omaha High Low is a game of "sharing" pots. If you have the nut hand one way or the other, and the early position bettor bets the other nut hand, middle position becomes very hard to play. Most people, fortunately, play very poorly here. For example, they will raise their nut high hand, driving out players behind, and then splitting the pot with the initial low bettor. The correct action will usually be to just call the low bettor, and hope for overcalls -- but sometimes this will NOT be right! For example, if you suspect a player behind you also has the nut low, if you raise with the high hand you will get two bets into the pot from the low hands instead of just one.

Holdem's simplistic last-is-best positional concept is out the window in Omaha. Very generally, if you have a low hand, betting first is advantageous, while having the nut high hand is best in last position. Suppose you have the nut flush on the river against more than one player. Betting first is totally action killing. The best you will do is get called. If you are last with the nuts, you might get a bet in front of you, or you might even get a checkraise bluff from an opponent who thinks you are bluffing. In contrast, betting the low from early position can lead to scrambling where the later position players try to drive each other out; or, if there is another nut low in play, betting will tend to slow that player down so that they don't raise in three-way situations. Moving from Holdem to other games, there are often considerations that, while not totally different, are more complex -- even if some other concepts are not as complicated. (Winning more than your share of situations when no one has much of anything is more important in Holdem than Omaha for instance.) Position always matters, but it is much more variable in Stud and Omaha than in Holdem. You have to "think on your feet" about position more in Stud and Omaha.Manipulating position is a skill that Holdem players need to focus on developing more deeply when moving to other games.

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Running Without the Ball poker tournaments

Running Without the Ball poker tournaments

A weakness in many people's play is an inability to focus on the real point of what they are doing. Poker is not video poker, where you get paid more the better hand you make. In poker games, particularly tournaments, it is often the case that huge sums are won when neither player has so much as a pair at the showdown. In No Limit Holdem tournaments it is common for a player to make an all-in move with two unpaired cards and get called by an AK, and then for neither player to improve. At the same time, sometimes huge hands win small pots. If you have KK, and the flop is KK2 of three different suits, you will often only win a tiny pot. You don't play poker to make hands. You play poker to get the best of it on your money. And to do that, you often have to "run without the ball". Often times you won't have much of anything, including times when your opponents also don't have much of anything. Key pots are flashier, but a meat and potatoes aspect of poker is in playing well in situations where value is laying out there on the table waiting to be taken by one of the weakling hands in play. There are two parts to this. The first is that when you have a weak hand that happens to be the best hand (like ace high will often be on the flop in Texas Holdem), you need to protect your superior value, which will mean often betting this weak hand. The second part is much more complicated and can simply be called "playing poker", something lots of players genuinely HATE to do. They hate reading opponents, running people off hands, discerning when nobody has much of anything, etc. On a flop of KQ2, a player with 54 who bets is bluffing an opponent with 87, but to bet the 54 here, if you recognize the approximate value of your opponent's hand, is not so much a bluff but playing analytical, proper poker. You aren't at the poker table to make hands. You are there to win money. Sometimes you win in straightforward ways, sometimes in sneaky ones. Below is a description of a hand originally posted on RGP by Daniel Negreanu where he describes a hand we played in a Commerce Casino Omaha HiLo tournament: Badger was the first raiser from middle position and was called by a fairly weak Omaha8 player. I called from the big blind with Ah-Qh-2c-10c. (I could have re-raised with this hand, but decided to just call for deceptive purposes.) The flop came Kh-Qc-3h, giving me middle pair, a gut shot, the nut flush draw and a back door low draw. A pretty big hand so I lead right out. Badger raised it and the button called. I re-raised and it went call-call. The turn came: 5c. So now my hand just got bigger. I now picked up another flush draw, another gutshot, and the nut low draw. I bet and got called in two spots. The river came: 9s. A complete brick for my hand, but I've been representing the whole way. If no one had 10-J for the nuts straight, I may be able to move someone off a King or even two pair. With the pot being so big at this point I fired away. To my dismay Badger raised it and the button hesitated then folded. Now I've seen Badger make excellent plays like this before with very little, and thought there was a decent chance he was also bluffing the 10-J and my queens were good. My 'read' was that he was uncomfortable/weak and making a move. I thought Badger could of had a similar hand to mine, possibly the nut club draw, nut low draw, maybe even a wrap on the wheel. In any case, if he was bluffing my queens should be good. So I called. As it turned out, Badger may have been suspecting the same things about my hand, that I missed everything and was trying to salvage the pot with a desperation bet. He decided he was going to call anyway, but probably couldn't win if the button over-called. So he raised to move that player out, at the same time investing one more bet, and representing the nuts straight. Badger, looking disgusted with my call said, "Two aces." I nodded, and he looked like he just found money on the street. :-) [...] I'm pretty certain that Badger got the best hand out, while at the same time winning an additional two bets on the river with the second best hand! Not bad. [...] Nice hand Badger, you #$%#$%.... :-) Daniel and I both recognized that we probably didn't have much, and that the other player in the pot probably had us beat. There was no way I was laying my hand down against Daniel here, and he wasn't laying down against me. It just so happens that my pathetic hand was better than his pathetic hand. I did not "outplay" Daniel here. If the hands were reversed, he probably would have won the pot. There was nothing he could do once it got to the showdown, but we both tried to win the pot as best we could. You don't get millions of hands in tournaments where you can say "flush" or "full house" at will. You got to play with what you are dealt. To a large degree

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