Vegas SportsDay: Tuesday 10/18/2011 - Ask your Qustions

Hi Guys,

My name is Jack. I am a Sports Gaming Correspondent for The Sports Network. I have worked in the industry for nearly a decade and currently wager on football and basketball full time. I am currently doing research for my column this week. I hope to gain enough information to spark a healthy debate regarding work input eliminating the luck factor.  

My favorite quote in gambling goes, “Lady Luck tends to hang around those who are best prepared.”

Do both of you agree with this statement?

I find this adage to be true today more than ever for a number of reasons.

I have noticed a major increase in betting options per book. I see more props, in-game, 2^nd half and reduced juice lines on a weekly basis then I can ever recall. I call many of these bets impulse lines as they remind me of the numerous impulse items supermarkets display at the check-out aisles. I think these lines cause bettors to pull the trigger on the spot and make un-informed decisions. I also believe that the explosion of internet betting communities such as Covers and many others have accelerated the effect that perception has on the lines. With such a large volume of players moving through these websites, I am very confident that offshore books are basing some lines off the perception given off by these websites. I can’t tell you how many people I have seen dead set on a game for the entire week only to change their mind the morning of kick-off to wager on a game they had no interest in because of an article or news piece displayed on any number of websites.

Do either of you believe that the more time you put into a wager, the more the luck factor is eliminated? Or do you believe at the end of the day there is only so much work you can do, but a large portion of winning still comes down to luck being on your side?

This is somewhat of a elementary question, but it is a debate that can go on for hours and hours. I would love to get your take on this one guys.

Like the show, hope to see it for many more days to come!

-VegasJack.

Do either of you believe that the more time you put into a wager, the more the luck factor is eliminated? Or do you believe at the end of the day there is only so much work you can do, but a large portion of winning still comes down to luck being on your side?

This is what makes the game tough to win long term.  You can handicap all day long and remove variables but this piece is always the unknown.  Good quick example is the prop Mallinsky gave out on the show Monday for longest TD.  He had the right idea but gets beat on the 100 yard interception return by the Jets.

It could be argued forever, I am not sure we will ever get a true answer. Something very interesting to think about. Good take by both of the guys in the show today.

Thanks for taking the question. Look forward to watching more episodes in days to come.