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How to Pick a Price Per Head Provider

2005-06-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

BetCris.com Opinion on Price Per Head Explored

2005-06-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Benefits of Price Per Head (PPH)

2005-06-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Success With Price Per Head (Small Sportsbook Success)

2005-06-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

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

Price Per Head vs. Small Sportsbook Operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Success With Price Per Head (Agent Success)

2005-06-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

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.

How Much Should a Bookmaker Expect to Make with PPH

2005-06-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

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

Dalton Wagner, Proprietor of V.O. Group, S.A. has recently found himself one of the most popular interviews in the offshore sportsbook industry. The reason is his new Price Per Head Agency offering for Onshore Credit Bookmakers. We had an opportunity to catch up with Dalton Wagner and discuss the issue on his last visit to St. Kitts.

Vegas Offshore: Last time we talked you mentioned that your Price Per Head offering was growing beyond your wildest dreams. How is it doing now?
Wagner: Our Price Per Head software allows onshore bookmakers to make more than they have ever dreamed. For this reason, the product is growing faster than we could have ever imagined.

Vegas Offshore: Can you be a little more explicit?
Wagner: We wrote the software offering with input from two bookmakers 24 months ago. Today, we have over 500 bookmakers using the software writing business for over 20,000 clients a week, generating over $500,000 in revenue on a weekly basis in football season.

Vegas Offshore: That is incredible. For you to grow that fast, bookmakers must simply love the product.
Wagner: Yes, bookmakers love the product. Not only does it take the burden of answering phone calls and doing accounting away, but it also allows bookmakers to insulate themselves from legal issues and market their product more aggressively. We have literally 50+ examples bookmakers that are writing hundreds of clients with our software. Can you imagine how they could have done that without us?

Vegas Offshore: The largest onshore bookmaker I have ever met wrote 300 clients and had a staff of 10 clerks on football Sunday. Who is your largest onshore bookmaker?
Wagner: I obviously can’t reveal identities, but I can tell you that she is writing 750 head a week on average and employees nobody.

Vegas Offshore: You have a bookmaker working with you that writes over 750 head a week, what do you think she makes annually?
Wagner: I know exactly what she makes. Let’s just say it is well over a million a year.

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 750.

Vegas Offshore: Anything else you would like to add?
Wagner: Sure. If you’re a bookmaker onshore, call us or visit us online to learn how to save money and/or grow your business beyond your wildest dreams. The service is modestly priced, and we have never had a disgruntled user. The value proposition is simply huge for any bookmaker.

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.

Innovation In Bookmaking

2005-06-14T07:21:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State of the Offshore Gaming Industry

2005-06-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bookmakers!

2005-03-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

Read Below To Earn More Cash Than Ever

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

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

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

We are Licensed to offer bookmaking services.

We have been in business for 7 years.

We write business for 15,000 clients daily.

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

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

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

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

We look forward to being your service provider.

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

Innovation In Bookmaking

2005-03-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegas Offshore: I’m confused, please explain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gambling Glossary Flash Casino

2005-03-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

Actual Hold: Coins-in less coins-out, less manual payouts,
less hopper fills. Asset Bank: A chip tray and impress bankroll used by a poker
dealer solely for making change for patrons.

Authorized User: A person with the authority of a Tribe to
receive, decode, and use for legal purposes the encrypted simulcast signal of
racing events.

Bailout: Money given to the gambler to allow him/ her to
pay debts without suffering consequences. A form of enabling.

Bank (Bankroll): The inventory of currency, coins, chips,
and tokens in the cage, pit area, change booths, and electronic gaming devices
and on the playing tables; used to make change and pay winning bets.

Banking Games: A casino game where the player risks money
against the money of the casino.

Base Jackpot: The fixed minimum amount of a progressive gaming
or electronic gaming device payout for a specific combination.

Bet: The amount of money or object that is risked in a wager.

Bill Validator Box: A locked container securely attached
to the electronic gaming device for the purpose of collecting bills. The machine
and shift number are clearly visible on the box.

Bingo: A game of chance played for prizes, including monetary
prizes, with cards bearing numbers or other designations in which the holder
of the card covers such numbers or designations when objects, similarly numbered
or designated, are drawn or electronically determined, and in which the game
is won by the first person covering a previously designated arrangement of numbers
or designations of the cards, including (if played in the same location) pull-tabs,
lotto, punch boards, tip jars, instant bingo, and other games similar to bingo
(Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, P. L. 100-497 [S. 555]).

Bookmark: The addresses of a Web page to which you may want
to return. Netscape Navigator allows you to maintain a list of bookmarks to
make it for you to go back to your favorite Web pages.

Cage: A secure work area within the gaming facility for cashiers
and a storage area for the gaming facility bankroll.

Casino: A gambling facility that normally includes all or
a combination of the following: slot machines, video games, card games, and
other games such as keno, craps, and bingo. Patrons usually must be of a minimum
age to be allowed inside.

Cash Count Sheet: The form used to record the contents of
the bankroll as they are counted.

Cash Equivalent: A treasury check, personal check, travelers
check, wire transfer of funds, money order, certified check, check drawn on
the tribal gaming operation payable to the patron or to the tribal gaming operation,
or voucher recording cash drawn against a credit card or charge card.

Cash Loads: The initial currency, coins, chips, and tokens
issued from a bankroll to a gaming table or an electronic gaming device.

Cashier's Count Sheet (Check-Out Sheet): An itemized list
of the components that make up the cage accountability.

Cashier's Count Sheet Reconciliation: A detailed reconciliation of
the beginning to the ending cage accountability.

Chasing: The urgent need to keep gambling, often with larger
bets, or the taking of greater risks in order to make up for a loss or a series
of losses

Class I Gaming: Social games solely for prizes of minimal
value or traditional forms of Indian gaming engaged in by individuals as a part
of, or in connection with, tribal ceremonies or celebrations (Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act, P. L. 100-497 [S. 555]).

Class II Gaming: The game of chance commonly known as bingo
(whether or not electronic, computer, or other technologic aids are used in
connection therewith), and card games that are explicitly authorized by the
law of the State or are not explicitly prohibited by the laws of the State,
but only if such card games are played in conformity with the laws and regulations
(if any) of the State regarding hours or periods of operation tribal ceremonies
and celebrations (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, P. L. 100-497 [S. 555]).

Class III Gaming: All forms of gaming that are not Class
I or Class II gaming, such as table games and slot machines (Indian Gaming Regulatory
Act, Public Law 100-497 [S. 555]).

Client: A computer that uses the services of another computer
or server. If a person dials into another system, his or her computer becomes
a client of that system.

Client/ Server Model: A division of labor between computers.
Computers that provide services that other computers can use are known as servers;
the users of those services are clients.

Combined Pari-Mutuel Pools (Combined Pools): The pari-mutuel
wagers at one or more off-track wagering facilities being contributed into the
pari-mutuel pools of a host association.

Compact, Tribal Compact, or Tribal State Compact: A voluntary
agreement between an Indian Tribe and a state that regulates Indian gambling.
Compensation: A direct or indirect payment for services performed, such as salary.

Complimentary Services: The free or reduced-price provision
of goods or services to a patron of a gambling facility or such patron's guest,
including food, transportation, lodging, and coupons or other representations
of money for use in wagering.

Compulsive Gambling: The inability to resist the urge to
gamble, often leading to damage to one's personal life, family, or job. This
may be referred to as pathological gambling and is considered a treatable addiction.

Convenience Gambling: The placement of slot machines and
video poker terminals in restaurants, bars, drug stores, and other retail businesses
meant to attract the business of local residents, as opposed to tourists.

Craps: A game of chance in which a player throws two dice.
If the total of the two dice is 7 or 11, then the player wins.

Credit: The smallest unit of value that may be used to play
a game on an electronic game of chance or that may be redeemed in currency.

Credit Limit: A term used for the maximum dollar amount of
personal checks a patron may cash in a specified period of time.

Customer Deposits: The amounts placed with a cage cashier
by customers for the customers' use at a future time.

Domain Name Server: A computer on the Internet that translates
between Internet domain names, such as xuxa. iecc. com, and Internet numerical
addresses, such as 140.1286.81.1. Sometimes just called a name server.

Download: To copy a file from a remote computer "down"
to your own computer. Drop: In table games, the total amount of cash and chips
contained in the drop box. In electronic gaming devices, the drop is the total
amount of money removed from the drop bucket and bill validator box.

Drop Box: The metal container attached to a gaming station
for deposit of cash drop/ rake and certain documents received at a gaming station
as provided by these standards. The game type, table number, and shift are indicated
in the box.

Electronic Gaming Device: A microprocessor-controlled electronic
device that allows a player to play games of chance, some of which are affected
by skill. The device is activated by the insertion of a coin, token, or currency,
or by the use of credit, and awards game credits, cash, tokens, replays, or
a written statement of the player's accumulated credits, which is redeemable
for cash. A video lottery terminal is an electronic gaming device.

E-Mail: Electronic messages sent via the Internet. Fill:
A transaction whereby a supply of chips, coins, and tokens are transferred from
a bankroll to a table or an electronic gaming device.

Firewall: A specially programmed computer that connects a
local network to the Internet and which for security reasons lets only certain
kinds of messages in and out. Fiscal Year: The annual period used by a Tribe
for internal accounting for its gaming operations.

Gambling: To bet money on the outcome of a game, contest,
or event. Gambler's Anonymous (GA): A treatment/ support group in which members
share their experience, support, and hope in order to help one another to stop
gambling. Gam-Anon: A fellowship in which families of compulsive gamblers learn
effective ways to cope with the gambling problem by seeking help for themselves
and gaining serenity and peace of mind.

Game: In keno, the sale of tickets and the sale of numbers
to determine the winner( s), same as race.

Gaming Chips: Chips approved by the Commission for use on
the gaming tables of the casino. These chips will represent a monetary value
for gaming purposes only. Gaming Facility: Any gaming facility, as defined in
the Compact, in which a tribal gaming operation is conducted

Gaming Facility Supervisor: A person in a supervisory capacity
required to perform certain functions, including but not limited to, slot managers,
slot shift supervisors lead slot technicians, keno managers, keno supervisors,
pit bosses, gaming facility shift managers, the assistant gaming facility manager
and the gaming facility manager.

Gaming Services: The provision of any goods or services to
the Tribe directly in connection with the operation of Class II or Class III
gaming in a gaming facility, including maintenance or security services for
the gaming facility; junket services; gaming schools; testing of gaming equipment;
and manufacture, distribution, maintenance, or repair of gaming equipment.

Gateway: A computer that connects one computer to another.

Gross Gaming Revenues: Money won by the casino through gaming
activity less money paid out to players as winnings.

Handle: The total amount wagers by the player including money
won on previous games.

High Stakes Bingo: The type of bingo that is played in Tribal
casinos. The prizes are larger than at bingo games run by charitable organizations,
such as a churches. Hold: Money from player's drop won by the casino.

Hold Check: A check that is held in the custody of the gaming
facility and that has not been deposited at the request of the issuing customer.
House: A gaming facility. House Bank Game: Each player opposes the gaming facility
and the gaming facility opposes each player on behalf of the Tribe.

Imprest Basis: The basis on which cashier's cage funds are
replenished from time to time by exactly the amount of the expenditures made
from the funds and amount received and in which a review of the expenditure
is made by a higher authority before replenishment.

In Action: A term used to describe a gambler when gambling.
Some describe it as a psychological or physiological arousal.

Indian Lands: All lands within the limits of any Indian Reservation
or any title to which is either held in trust for the United States for the
benefit of any Indian Tribe or individual or held by any Indian Tribe or individual
subject to restriction by the United States against Alienation and over which
an Indian Tribe exercises governmental power (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act,
P. L. 100-497 [S. 555]).

Indian Tribe: Any Indian tribe, band, nation, or any other
group or community of Indians because of their status as Indians, and it is
recognized by the Secretary [of the Interior] for the special programs and services
provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians,
and is recognized as possessing the powers of self-government (Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act, P. L. 100-497 [S. 555]).

Internet: All computers that are connected together into
a huge global network so that they can talk to each other.

Internet Address: Internet users encounter two important
types of addresses: e-mail address, for sending e-mail to someone, and WEB page
addresses, more properly called URLs.

Intrastate Wagering: Pari-mutuel wagering at an off-track
wagering facility on Oregon racing events being run at an Oregon host association.

Limit: The maximum amount that customers may wager at a particular
table.

Line: The minimum and maximum amount that customers may wager
at a particular table.

Logs: Document used for recording and tracking information
and activity.

Keno: A game of chance where players pick numbers on a grid
similar to lotto.

Lawful Gambling: Games including pull tabs, bingo, tip boards,
paddlewheels, and raffles that are operated by nonprofit groups under state
regulations.

Lottery: A game of chance in which tokens, keys, or other
objects are sold. Of these items, only one is the winner. The winner is usually
selected randomly by a drawing.

Machine Payout: The amount paid out to the customer by a
coin/ currency operated gaming as the result of a winning combination. Master
game report (game count sheet, stiff sheet, pit report): A form used to record,
by shift and day, each table's winnings and losses. This form reflects the opening
and closing table inventories, the fills and credits, and the drop and win.

Meter: An electronic or mechanical apparatus in an electronic
gaming device. May record the number of coins wagered, the number of coins dropped,
the number of times the handle was pulled, or the number of coins paid out to
winning players.

Meter Reading Summary: A report reflecting the meter reading
on electronic devices. The number is recorded when the drop bucket and/ or bill
validator is removed from the cabinet.

Modem: A device that lets your computer talk in the phone
or cable TV. Derived from modular/ demodular

Net: A network or, when capitalized, the Internet itself.
When these letters appear as part of an address— www. ngisc. gov, for
example— it indicates that the host computer is run by a networking organization,
frequently as ISP in the United States.

Net Proceeds: Amount of money left after all prizes are given
out, taxes are paid out, and expenses are paid.

Net Revenue: The amount of money a gambling enterprise makes
in profits after payment of prizes.

Network: Computer that are connected. Those in the same or
nearby building are called local-area networks, those that are farther away
are called wide-area networks, and when you interconnect networks all over the
world, you get the Internet.

Non-Banking Games: A casino where the player risks money
against the money of another player, includes pari-mutual systems.

Odds Maker: One who determines the odds as to the probable
outcome of an event.

Off-Track Betting: Pari-mutuel wagering conducted on a race
at a location other than the race course where the race is actually being held.
Off-Track Facility, Intrastate Wagering Facility, Extended Wagering Facility:
Physical premises, utilized for the conduct of pari-mutuel wagering on racing
events being run elsewhere.

Outpatient Treatment: A patient who receives treatment through
services provided in the home community without being hospitalized, e. g. Gambler's
Anonymous.

Paddlewheel: Round wheel that is used in some games of chance.
Sometimes used in raffles to select winning numbers.

Pari-Mutual Systems: A form of gambling where the gambling
establishment pools the bets of the players and does not risk any of its own
money. The winnings are taken from the pool of bets. The value of winnings is
decided on by the pattern of bets placed by the players.

Par Sheet: A document, provided by the electronic gaming
device manufacturer, which depicts the possible outcomes from the play of an
electronic gaming device, the probability of occurrence of each, and the contribution
of each winning outcome to the payback percentage of the electronic gaming device.

Password: A secret code used to keep things private on your
computer. Pathological Gambling: Addiction to gambling as defined in the DSM-IV
marked by the inability to stop gambling despite harmful effects to a person's
personal life, family or job. It is considered a treatable addiction.

Payout: The amount paid out on a winning wager. Payout Schedule
(Award Schedule Card, Award Schedule): A statement printed on cards, paper,
Plexiglas, and so on, of the payoffs or awards applicable to a particular game
or device.

Pit: The area enclosed or encircled by an arrangement of
table gaming stations in which gaming facility personnel administer and supervise
the games played at the tables by the patrons located on the outside perimeter
of the area.

Player: One person to whom a hand has been dealt.

Policy: A plan or course of action designed to influence
and determine decisions and actions.

Procedure: A way of performing, or a method used, in dealing
with the affairs of a business.

Problem Gambling: Heavy gambling done by people who are not
fully addicted but experience problems related to their gambling.

Procedure: A way of performing, or a method used, in dealing
with the affairs of a business.

Public Key Cryptography: A method for sending secret messages
whereby you get to keys: a public key you give out freely so that people can
give you secret messages and a second, a private key that decodes them.

Pull Tabs: A game of chance in which the player pulls tabs
on a card to match symbols to find out if he/ she wins or loses.

Rake: The fee the gaming facility charges a customer for
using a position at a gaming table.

Risk: The possibility of losing an amount of money that is
bet on the outcome of an event, contest, game or machine

Server: A computer that provides a service, such as e-mail,
Web data, Usenet or FTP, to other computers known as clients, on a network.

Simulcast or Simulcasting: Live audiovisual electronic signals
emanating from a race meeting and transmitted simultaneously with the running
of the racing events at the meeting, and includes the transmission of pari-mutuel
wagering odds, amounts wagered and payoff on such events, and other programming
relating to the race animals or participants.

Slot: A term often used to describe an electronic video lottery
terminal.

Soft Count: the count of the contents in a drop box or bill
validator. System of Internal Control: Plan of organization and all of the coordinated
methods and measures adopted within a business to safeguard its assets, check
the accuracy and reliability of its accounting data, promote operational efficiency,
and encourage adherence to prescribed managerial policies.

Table Game Win or Loss: Plan of organization and all of the
coordinated methods and measures adopted within a business to safeguard its
assets, check the accuracy and reliability of its accounting data, promote operational
efficiency, and encourage adherence to prescribed managerial policies.

Tribal Gaming Operation: The economic entity that is licensed
by the Tribe, operates the games, recieves the revenues, issues the prizes,
and pays the expenses involving the Class III games authorized under the Tribal-State
Compact. A gaming operation may be operated by a tribe directly; by a management
contractor; or, under certain conditions, by another person or other entity.

Tribe: The respective federally recognized Tribe, Band, Nation,
Pueblo, Rancheria or any of its authorized entity( s), body( s), offical( s),
agent( s) or represenbative( s). Tipboards: a game of chance in which tickets
are sold off a board and then the seal is broken to show the winner.

Video Gaming Device/ Video Lottery Terminal/ VLT: Gaming
equipment that is electric or electronic which plays a game involving an element
of prize, chance and consideration, some of which are affected by skill, which
device is activated by insertion of currency, or by the use of credit, and which
awards game credits, which are redeemable by a written statement or a ticket
redeemable for cash. The gaming equipment may be linked to a central computer
for purposes of security, monitoring and auditing. An electronic gaming device.

Wager: A sum of money or thing of value risked on an uncertain
occurrence.

Blackjack:The Object of the Game flash casino

2005-01-25T07:06:00.000-08:00

Blackjack:The Object of the Game
flash casino

The object is to achieve a higher card count than the croupier without exceeding a count of 21.
How to Play the Game
The BetsBets are placed on the blackjack table in the rectangle immediately in front of you. Each bet must be made in accordance with the minimum and maximum table limits, which vary from table to table. Players must place and confirm their bets before the end of the betting period, which ends when the croupier announces "No more bets."
The PlayBeginning on the croupier's left, a card is dealt face up to each player in turn with the croupier being last in rotation. A second card is then dealt in the same manner, face up to each player; the croupier does not get a second card yet. Once all initial cards are dealt, each player gets a turn to improve their counts. The order of the turns is the same as the order the cards were dealt. During your turn, you have the option of standing or hitting (drawing) one or more cards to improve your count. Once you stand, your turn is over. If you exceed a count of 21, this is called a bust, and you lose your bet immediately; otherwise, your bet remains unresolved. If your initial count (with two cards) is 21, this is called a blackjack. You are not allowed to draw to (hit on) a blackjack. If there is no possibility that the croupier also has a blackjack (that is, the croupier's card is neither a face card, a Ten, nor an Ace), then you win your bet immediately upon the start of your turn, and your bet is paid off at 3 to 2. If there is a possibility that the croupier also has a blackjack, the resolution of your bet is delayed until the croupier's final count is established.
After all players have had a turn, the croupier takes a second card, then stands or draws as appropriate, according to the house strategy. If the croupier exceeds a count of 21, she busts, and all unresolved bets are winners. If she stands without busting, each player's count is then compared to the croupier's. If your count is closer to 21 than the croupier's, you win. If the croupier's is closer, you lose. If you and the croupier tie, the bet is a push (or standoff), which means you neither win your bet nor lose it. Once all bets have been resolved, the croupier announces the beginning of the next betting period.
The CardsFace cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are worth 10, while Aces are worth 1 or 11. After a player has stood, a hand containing one or more Aces is considered to be at its highest possible value without exceeding 21.
Player OptionsAfter the first two cards are dealt, each player gets an opportunity to improve their counts. They may also alter their wagers in the following ways: Splitting PairsPairs, two cards of equal value, may be split into two separate hands, each with a bet equal to the original bet amount. If you split your hand, the first subhand is dealt a second card, and you are permitted to stand or hit one or more cards to improve the count. Once you stand on your first subhand, your second subhand is dealt a second card, and you are then permitted to stand or hit on that hand. Split Aces are an exceptional case. When you split a pair of Aces, each subhand receives exactly one additional card with no option to you to hit. Further, a count of 21 with the two cards in a subhand of split Aces is not considered a Blackjack, and will lose to a croupier's Blackjack.
Subhands may not be resplit.
Doubling DownAfter the first two cards are dealt, you have the option to double down, which means you wager an additional amount equal to your original bet and receive exactly one more card on that hand. You may also double down after splitting a pair, except in the case of splitting Aces (because split Aces are only permitted a second card). InsuranceIf the croupier's up card is an Ace, you may obtain insurance, which is a wager of a sum equal to one half of your original bet. If the croupier draws a Blackjack, the insurance pays two to one. If the croupier fails to draw a Blackjack, you lose your insurance. You may obtain insurance even if you have blackjack.
The House StrategyUnlike the players, the house has no choice in whether it hits or stands on its hand. The house must: Hit on a count of 16 or less. Hit on a soft 17. Stand on a hard 17 or more. A soft hand is a hand in which an Ace may be counted as either 1 or 11 without the count exceeding 21. A hard hand is a hand in which all Aces may only be counted as 1 each to avoid the count exceeding 21.
PayoutsA Blackjack, a two-card 21 not arising on a split, is paid at three to two as long as the croupier does not also have a Blackjack. If both you and the croupier have a Blackjack, the bet is a push. A Blackjack beats any three-or-more-card 21. All other winning bets are paid at one to one.
A croupier/player tie is a push, and neither wins nor loses.
You bust and lose your bet with a card count exceeding 21.

Blackjack Rules flash casino

2005-01-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

Blackjack Rules
flash casino
All face cards have a value of 10. Aces have a value of either one or 11 points; if counting the ace as 11 would put the hand over 21, count the ace as 1. Other cards are worth their face value.
After each game has been played, the used cards are shuffled back into the deck.
If the total of your cards exceeds 21, you 'bust' and lose your bet. If you have the same total as the dealer, from 17 and up, it is a push. The dealer must draw cards until he has at least 17, and must stand at 17 or higher. If the dealer gets 16, he must take another card. The dealer may not decide whether or not to draw a card based on your hand, but must abide by the existing dealer rules.
At some casinos, when both your hand and the dealer's hand is the same, it's a 'push' or a tie, which results in the return of your bet. If you get Blackjack, you win automatically, regardless of what the dealer has. At other casinos, in the first case you loose and in the second you should wait the dealer and if both your hand and the dealer's hand is 21 you loose again.
The dealer will always 'draw' cards to 16 and will always stand on 17 (depending on casino rules), including a soft 17 (Ace and a 6). If the dealer busts, the game is over and you win. Once the dealer stands, the hands are compared and the hand closest to 21 is paid. The simplest way to get exactly 21 is to hold an ace and either a face card or a ten.There are many ways of playing Blackjack, but our advice to everyone is to study the game, develop your own strategies, play error-free and consequently become a winner. Here are a few more tips to help you become a winner:
If you mimic the dealer, that is hitting all 16's, standing on 17's and never splitting or doubling, your expected loss will be 10 times worse than if you were more brave.
If you have a Pat 20 (first two cards total 20), your best bet is to have the dealer showing an 8 because if she has an Ace, 10, or 9 in the hole, you automatically win.
You must always split Aces and 8's, no matter what the dealer's up card is.
When you get an Ace on your first card, your advantage over the house is an incredible 52%.
Always remember that when you play blackjack it's you against the dealer. The two variables that determine how you should play your hand are the dealer's upcard and your hand. With more experience, you'll also be able to use the information of all the cards that you see on the table (yours, the dealer and your fellow players) to make a more informed decision on how much to bet and how to play the hand.

Casino Gambling Strategy flash casino

2005-01-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

Casino Gambling Strategy
flash casino
The Anti-Martingale System
Concept
Playing the Anti-Martingale is precisely what the name suggests, it’s the Martingale in reverse. Instead of doubling your bets after a losing spin you double your bet after a winning spin. Basically you place a bet on an even chance and ‘let it ride’ for a set number of spins. Before starting the system you must decide how many spins you are going to play for, alternatively you may decide to remove your winnings when your nerve breaks or even remove part of the winnings after a number of spins and let the remaining bet continue for a little bit longer.
The Catch
You will go through long periods of time losing 1 unit per session, but when you win you will win big. The main catch behind this system is the hidden fact that the house edge affects every spin and not just your original 1 unit bet. Let us assume you are going to place $1 on ‘red’ and ‘let it ride’ for 10 spins before removing your winnings. If the session ends with a win you will have placed $1023 in bets (1+2+4+8+16+32+64+128+256+512=1023) and you will pick up $1024, unfortunately the house edge works on every single spin whether you win or lose and will eventually catch up with you in the long run. The house edge on a single zero wheel for $1023 of bets works out at about $28, if you continue to play for long enough this win will actually end up costing you $28. With level bets of $1 over the same 10 spins the house edge would take only $0.0973, of course your short term win would only be $10 - systems are all about altering short term risk and reward, the house edge always remains the same.
Conclusion
The Anti-Martingale offers you the chance to win a lot of money from a small stake, but the price for these big payoffs are that you don’t get any small payoffs to keep your bankroll intact. If your prepared to lose your bankroll slowly but steadily with the possibility that you will hit a big win occasionally then the Anti-Martingale may be worth a try. Always remember that when you have built up a large stake and it’s still sitting on the ‘red’ bet that you are NEVER playing with the casinos money - if you can cash in and walk out the door then the money is YOURS.

BlackJack Strategy flash casino

2005-01-24T06:08:00.000-08:00

BlackJack Strategy flash casino
The blackjack basic strategy is a simple set of rules that tells you, the player, the correct way to play your hands. Basic strategy reveals when to hit, stand, or double by taking into account only two factors: your cards and the dealer's upcard. Basic strategy allows you to win more and lose less.
The following terms are useful when learning basic blackjack strategy:
HARD HANDS: all hands not containing an Ace.
SOFT HANDS: all hands containing an Ace coupled with a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
PAIRS: all hands that contain a pair of cards with the same value. A simplified approach to basic blackjack strategy is as follows:
HARD HANDS:
If you have a 9 or lower, hit.
If you have 10 or 11, double down if your total is more than the dealer's upcard; hit otherwise.
If you have 12 through 16, hit when the dealer's upcard is 7 or higher; stand otherwise.
If you have 17 or higher, stand.
SOFT HANDS:
If you have 13 through 18, double down when the dealer's upcard is 5 or 6.
If you have 17 or lower, hit.
If you have 18, hit when dealer's upcard is 6 or less; stand when dealer's upcard is 7 or more.
If you have 19 or higher, stand.
PAIRS:
Always split a pair of 8's or Aces.
Never split 10's, 4's, or 5's.
Split all other pairs when dealer's upcard is 6 or less.
Insurance is NOT recommended!
Splitting pairs: If your two cards are the same value, you can 'split' them into two separate hands. The catch is that you also have to make two bets (one for each of the hands you now hold). Each split pair can be split again, for a total of four hands. If you split on an ace, you can only take one hit, but for all other cards you can take as many hits as you want.
Doubling down: When your total is 10 or 11 (after being dealt your first two cards) you can choose to 'double down'. This is starting a second bet (up to the same amount as your original wager).
When doubling, you can only take one hit. (NB It is dangerous to split two fives - you are replacing a hand that is potentially excellent for drawing on or doubling down on, by what will probably be two poor hands.)
Insurance: If the dealer's face-up card is an ace, you can make a side bet. You can wager up to half your original bet that the facedown card is worth 10 or more (i.e. a picture card or a 10).
If you are correct, and the dealer has a Blackjack, the player wins the side bet (the insurance bet) but loses the original bet. Therefore the player feels no net loss or gain. If it's not a face card or a 10, you lose the side bet or 'insurance'.

Rules For Playing Online Poker (Video Poker) flash casino

2005-01-21T11:40:00.000-08:00

Rules For Playing Online Poker (Video Poker)
flash casino

Video Poker is a simplified poker game played on a machine. The first thing you must remember about Video Poker is that you are NOT playing against other players, as in traditional poker. You are playing against the machine. This means that all you have to do is get a particular hand or better to win money. You don't need to outsmart anyone. Even so, it's important to know what you're doing. It's worth taking the time to learn the rules - most video poker machines offer returns of over 95% and some even offer returns over 100%!

A poker hand consists of 5 cards. The Ace is considered the highest card, followed by Kings, Queens, Jacks, etc. The lowest card is a two. The object of the game is to get the best hand possible. You wager a certain number of coins/credits, usually between 1 and 5. The machine then deals you five cards. You can keep or discard as many cards as you like. To keep a card, click the "hold" button underneath or on the card. Click on deal/draw to replace the cards you chose not to keep. The cards not being held are replaced with new cards. If your new set of cards contains a winning hand, you get paid.

Hands are listed below, from best (highest scoring), to worst (no score):

Royal Flush - 2000 points A Ten, Jack, Queen, King and Ace, all of the same suit.

Straight Flush - 250 points All five cards are consecutive and are the same suit. e.g. Three of Clubs, Four of Clubs, Five of Clubs, Six of Clubs and Seven of Clubs.

Four of a Kind - 125 points Four cards of the same value e.g. 4 Queens

Full House - 40 points
A three of a kind and a pair at the same time.

e.g. three aces and two fives
Flush - 25 points All cards in your hand are the same suit. (They don't have to be in any order.) e.g. Ace of Hearts, Three of Hearts, Six of Hearts, Jack of Hearts, Eight of Hearts

Straight - 20 points All five cards are consecutive. e.g. Three of Clubs, Four of Spades, Five of Clubs, Six of Diamonds, and Seven of Hearts.

Three of a Kind - 15 points Three cards of the same value. e.g. three Jacks

Two Pair - 10 points Two pairs of cards. In other words, two cards in your hand are the same value, and two other cards in your hand are also the same value. e.g. two 3's and two seven's

Pair - 5 points Two cards in your hand are the same value. In some versions, they must be Jacks or better! e.g. two Kings

None of the Above - 0 points

Each turn "costs" 5 points, so if you get a pair, no points actually end up added to your total score. If you don't get anything, you actually lose five points! This is how handheld and Vegas video poker games generally work.

Three common versions of Video Pokers in online casinos are 'Jacks or Better', 'Deuces Wild' and 'Jacks Wild':

Jacks or Better

This is the most popular version of Video Poker. Basically, you need to get a pair of jacks or better in order to get paid (hence the name). Let's assume you bet five coins. If you get a pair of Jacks or better, you get five coins back. The machine might call you a "winner," but don't be fooled. You deposited five coins to begin with, and you just got your original five coins back, so you haven't won anything at this point. In order to really win, you must get a two pair or higher. The amount of coins you win depends on how high your hand is. A typical payout schedule is shown below.

Hand 250 - 800, or *Progressive Jackpot
Royal Flush 250 - 800, or *Progressive Jackpot
Straight Flush 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Four of a Kind 25
Full House 6-9
Flush 5-6
Straight 4
Two Pair 2
Pair of Jacks or Better 1
Three of a Kind 3

*There are two types of machines. One will pay you a straight number of coins for the Royal Flush, and the other will pay you a Progressive Jackpot. A Progressive Jackpot simply means that a percentage of each coin dropped in the machine goes into a jackpot, which is paid out to the next recipient of a Royal Flush.

Deuces Wild

In the 'Deuces Wild' version of Video Poker, all deuces are treated as wild cards. This means that whenever you get a 2, you can use that card as any card you like. You can therefore change its face value and/or suit to work with the hand you have. With Deuces Wild, you have a far better chance of getting good hands. The casino compensates for this by offering a tighter payout schedule. You only get paid with a three of a kind or better.

Below is a typical payout schedule for Deuces Wild:

Hand Payout per coin
Royal Flush w/Deuces varies
Four Deuces 200
Royal Flush w/Deuces 25
Five of a Kind 15
Straight Flush 9
Four of a Kind 5
Full House 3

Jokers Wild

Jokers Wild is five card draw poker with the addition of one joker. This means you are playing with a 53 card deck instead of 52. The joker is a wild card, and can be played as any card you want. The existence of a wild card increases your chances of getting a good hand, so the payout schedule is adjusted accordingly. You need a two pair or better to get paid. Below is a table showing typical payouts in Las Vegas:

Hand Payout per coin
Royal Flush varies
Five of a Kind 100
Royal Flush w/Joker 50
Straight Flush 50
Four of a Kind 20
Full House 8
Flush 7
Straight 5
Three of a Kind 2
Two Pair 1

Types of Video Poker Machines flash casino

2005-01-21T07:17:00.000-08:00

Types of Video Poker Machines in
flash casino
There are many choices of games when it comes to playing video poker. You can play All American, Bonus Poker, Deuces Wild, Double Bonus Poker, Jacks or Better, Joker’s Wild, and many others. Although the games are generally the same, you should note that the payout schedule can differ for each variation. In order to have as close to 100% payback, you need to use the correct playing strategy for each type of game. By far the most popular video poker game is Jacks or Better as it has a payout of 99.5%. This is an excellent return for an easier game which allows you to gain the experience and knowledge to move on to the other more complicated games.
Below is a summary of the more popular Video Poker games. Read up on the ones that interest you the most and start playing!
Deuces Wild
In this game, the standard 52-card deck is used, with all four deuces (2’s) designated as wild cards. Because of the added bonus of the four deuce wild cards, the minimum rank for a winning hand is three of a kind. Never discard a deuce in a Deuces Wild game.
Jacks or Better
This is the best game to begin with when starting to play video poker. In fact, it is a good all-around machine to play at any time. You can identify a good-paying machine by reviewing the full house and flush payouts on the first column on the payout chart. On a 9/6 machine you will be paid nine counts for a full house and six for a flush.
It is important to remember not to play the low payout 7/5 machines as the house odds are just too high.
The next factor to look for is the royal flush payout. You want to play on non-progressive machines that award at least 4,000 counts for a royal flush. This means that if you play the maximum five coins and get a royal flush, you will get 4,000 coins back.
The royal flush payout is the bonus that makes video poker a winner. If you can't or won't play the maximum coins on a given video poker machine because of its cost, go to a machine with a lower denomination.
Joker’s Wild
This game is played with the standard 52-card deck, with a joker thrown in as a wild card. This wild card can be used as a substitute for any other card or can be used to create a five of a kind. The machine will automatically compute the best hand when a joker is present, usually about 10% of the time. Because of the added bonus of the wild card, the minimum rank for a wining hand is two pair.
King of the Decks
In this game, five decks of the standard 52-card decks are used. If you get five kinds of clubs, you will win the progressive jackpot. Because of the added bonus of the increased number of potential pairs, the minimum ranks for a winning hand is two pair. Games with more than one deck will always reduce the player's odds, so consider other games before playing King of the Decks.
Progressive Machines
These machines typically have a lower payout for a full house and flush; however, this can be overcome if the progressive jackpot is high enough. On a $.25 machine, if the jackpot is above $2,240, it's worthwhile to play. If it's below the $2,240 level, go back to the standard 9/6 machines. On progressive 9/6 Jacks or Better machines when the jackpot raises above 6,500 coins, the payback reaches a 100% return making this an excellent machine to play.
To summarize
The three best machines you can play are the 9/6 Jacks or Better, 10/7 Double Bonus, and full-pay Deuces Wild. When you insert the maximum coins and use proper strategy, these machines will pay out 99.5%, 100.2%, and 100.8%, respectively. Look for these machines and play them.

Doubling for Less, A powerful tournament strategy flash casino

2005-01-20T13:27:00.000-08:00

Doubling for Less, A powerful tournament strategy
In casino blackjack, the rules for doubling and splitting have one key difference. While both of these rules allow a player to increase his wager after the initial cards are dealt, splitting specifically requires the player to match the original bet amount with an equal wager on the second hand, while doubling down has no such restriction. The casino will gladly allow you to "double for less", by adding an amount less than the original bet in return for drawing only one additional card. That's not surprising, since doubling for less is never the correct strategy for a player at a regular game. If it is advantageous to double, it's best to get as much money on the table as possible. Remember, you're also giving up the ability to draw more than one card to your hand.
While doubling for less is always a mistake in a live game, tournament play is different. In fact, when used properly, doubling for less is a powerful technique for getting an extra edge over your opponents. In this article, we'll look at two examples when it's appropriate.
In the article on position, I discussed the importance of position in tournament play, and noted that players to your left are a bigger threat than players to your right. The reason is simple. On most hands, the players to your left get to see your bet and playing decisions before they make their own decisions. As a result, having a second opportunity to change the amount of your wager can be valuable. That means doubling and splitting are more useful than in regular table play in flash casino.
Example 1: Stealing a shot at the lead
Let's imagine that you are trailing a player to your left by $50, and you are nearing the end of the round. If you can't afford to wait until the button passes you to make a move for the lead, doubling or splitting can be your best shot. Let's say you bet $100, and your opponent matches that bet behind you. The cards are dealt and you have a hard 12, he has a hard 18, and the dealer shows a 4 upcard. Here's a situation where basic strategy says you should stand. However, it's also a great opportunity to steal the lead from your opponent. By doubling your 12, you can take the lead if successful. However, since this is generally a poor play, you should double for as little as possible to accomplish your goal. In this case, doubling for $55 or $60 is appropriate.
While this can be a strong play, there are several factors you should consider before pulling the trigger on the double. How many hands are left’ How many hands will he be betting behind you’ What is the maximum bet, and what are the bankrolls’ Perhaps the most critical factor is how damaging a losing swing would be to your chances. If you bust the 12, and the dealer busts behind you, you are now $305 behind. If the max bet is $300, that's a terrible handicap, and unless the round is nearly over, you should perhaps skip this opportunity and hope for a better shot later. On the other hand, if the max bet is $1000, and you both have plenty of chips, then a $305 deficit is no big deal, and this is probably a great time to take a shot.
Note that the same factors apply to your opponent after you double. If you succeed in drawing a good card to your hand, he may consider doubling his hard 18 behind you. While it's almost a sure loser, if a negative swing is not a big deal it might be the right play for him.
Example 2: Forcing your opponent to make a choice
Here's a powerful technique that I've never seen mentioned in print before. Though it's far from unknown among tournament pros, I've seen very few players use it, although the situation comes up pretty frequently.
Back at the table, you're still trailing Lefty by $50, but now it's the last hand. You've bet $250, and Lefty matches it. You have an 11, Lefty has a pair of face cards, and the dealer shows an 8. You have a basic strategy double-down, and it is quite apparent that you should double if you want to have any reasonable chance of winning the round. In the last example, we had a poor double-down and wanted to minimize the cost by doubling for less.
This time, with a solid basic strategy double, most players would choose to double for the full amount. That would be a huge mistake! Consider what happens if you draw a poor card on your double. If your double ends up stiff, with a total of less than 17, Lefty can now lock you out of any chance to win. He can split the face cards, stand on any stiff, and you have zero chance of winning the round. It's over!
To eliminate this possibility, you should double for less. If you double for anything between $55 and $195, you've created a difficult choice for your opponent. He can no longer lock you out with a split. If he splits, and the dealer beats both of you, you now advance instead of him. Since he can't split for less, you force him to choose between "first high" and "first low". He must decide whether he wants to cover you winning or the dealer winning, since he cannot do both. All this, just because you doubled for less than the full amount.
This tactic works wonders, no matter what the dealer upcard, and almost no matter what you draw on your double-down. Doubling for less is almost always preferable to doubling for the full amount any time your opponent has a pair that they would prefer to split rather than double.
This is a powerful play, and it arises often enough that it deserves a name. Since I've never seen it mentioned by other authors, I'll go out on a limb and christen it "Ken's Quandary", with the quandary being your opponent's, after you double down. Few plays will provoke a stronger grimace from across the table.
The Powerful Rule of 2,4, and 5
A few years back, in an article in Blackjack Confidential magazine, I first detailed an idea that has proven to be among the most useful tournament strategy shortcuts that I know. The "Rule of 2, 4, and 5" allows you to quickly determine an optimal bet in many situations where you are trailing the table leader, but must bet ahead of him. This tool belongs in every tournament player’s bag of tricks, and deserves another look. While I’m at it, I’ll add a few extra items to the mix.
One of the more frustrating spots at a tournament table is when you’re behind in chip count, and betting in front of the leader. No matter what you bet, the leader has the ability to roughly match your bet and snare both the high and the low for this hand. Add to that a tournament rule that limits the time you are allowed to think before betting, and it can be tough to make a good bet. Fortunately, there’s a great shortcut that you can use to choose a bet size that maximizes your chances of passing the leader, without having to do a lot of calculations.
As usual, we’ll use some concrete examples here, so get ready to think a little. Let’s imagine our tournament allows betting limits of $5 to $1000, and we’re trailing the leader with $2000 in chips compared to his $2050. The good news is that we’re only $50 out of the lead. The bad news is that the leader can margin our bet easily, since we’re "on the button" and must bet first. The dealer is awaiting your betting decision, and time is running out. How can you decide the best bet size’ If there are several hands to go yet in the round, it would be nice to take the lead here, but we don’t want to risk any more chips than are necessary to help the cause.
Since the leader can match your bet behind you, you can’t catch him with a single bet win unless he makes a betting mistake, or you get better cards. However, options for doubling, splitting, and blackjack all give you additional ways to overtake the leader. Let’s look at a few of these possibilities.
First, consider how much the leader can bet behind you. His optimal bet will likely be whatever you bet, plus almost all of his lead. If you bet $100, he can bet up to $149 and still have both the high and low. (For definitions of the "high" and "low", see this previous article: Free Hits.)
You’ll overtake the leader if you win while he pushes or loses, and also if you push while he loses. That’s true anytime you bet at least your deficit plus a chip. However, your bet of $100 adds an extra way for you to win, that the minimal $51 bet does not provide. Let’s assume that he bets $149 behind you. Now, if you can win a double-down bet, you’ll overtake him even if he wins his hand. You gain $200, he gains $149, and now you have a $1 lead. That’s no coincidence. But, we can do better yet.
This time, you bet $200. He places an optimal bet of $249. You’ve just added an extra way to win. A double-down obviously still wins for you, but now look what happens if you draw a blackjack. A blackjack on your $200 bet pays $300. If he wins his $249, and you win $300, you’re $1 ahead again. Again, no coincidence there.
One more time, this time you bet $250. Your opponent bets $299. This time, he’s the lucky one, drawing a blackjack. You groan, but then push out the money to double on whatever hand you have. If you succeed in your double down, you win $500. The leader picked up only $448.50. You now lead by $1.50.
Each of these decisions involves several calculations, and going through this process at the table is clearly a problem. That’s where the shortcut comes in. You’re guaranteed to have these extra ways to win if you simply make sure you bet at least the following multiples of your deficit. In our example, we had a $50 deficit going into the hand:
Bet 2x your deficit ($100): You win with a double-down over a single bet win by the leader.
Bet 4x your deficit ($200): You win with a blackjack over a single bet win by the leader.
Bet 5x your deficit ($250): You win with a double-down even over a blackjack by the leader.
So, when in doubt, try to bet 5 times the deficit. If a bet that large endangers your position to other players at the table, consider betting 4 times or 2 times the deficit instead. Worst case, drop back to 1x plus a chip.
Sometimes these multiples overdo it, and a smaller bet will accomplish the same thing. If your bet is near or at the maximum, the leader won’t be able to bet much of his lead on top of the matching bet. Also, if betting must be in multiples of $5, sometimes these multiples overshoot the target by a little. But, the real beauty of this rule is its simplicity. It’s quick and easy to calculate, and you’re guaranteed to have the benefits described.
You’ll also often find that the leader will not make anywhere near an optimal bet behind you. They may bet too little, and give you extra ways to overtake them, or often, they’ll overbet and give you the low on the hand. Even though you have a considerable bet working, you might be pulling for the dealer to wipe out the table.
Of course, in each of these cases, the leader can double-down behind you to retake the high. But, hey, you’re trailing, on the button. Of course you’re an underdog! You have to make the best of your circumstances. Using the Rule of 2, 4, and 5 gives you an easy way to do just that.

flash casino

2005-01-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

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