Negoiating with locals

[Larry29]

I'm curious as to how many people on the forum have any luck negoiating with their locals. Most of us have trouble negoiating a payment plan when we lose, let alone getting 1/2 point in all sports. Years ago, one Saturday I did get 1/2 point by betting all 50 college basketball games that day. I got lucky and went 30-18-2 and yes 2 wins and a tie because of the 1/2 point. Never got anything since. The fact is most of them will not take early action and change the lines constantly. Another thing, if you beat a local all the time, they will quit taking your action. They are not in business to lose money.

I agree with having multiple offshore accounts. I have 4 offshore and 2 locals. I agree with Frank, Pinnacle is the best and I started using Bodog last spring after reading his comment about using them for dogs. They are great for that, but you will not win using them only.

Comments welcome.

[rented mule]

Funny you ask about this. I was thinking about this yesterday after reading the thread that you're probably referring to

This is no offense to Coverboy who obviously offers infinitely more to the members of this site than I do.

I believe he and I live within 25 miles of each other. I have dealt with locals in Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, NYC, etc. All of them have laughed at me when I've talked about negotiating points, discounts and most of the time, payment plans. I have very, very good relationships with a couple of them and still it's really not even something that they would discuss at length. And trust me, i've been a good customer for all of them over the years.

Again, maybe he's dealing with different guys, but I just don't see this as realistic.

[frankb03]

I'm curious as to how many people on the forum have any luck negoiating with their locals. Most of us have trouble negoiating a payment plan when we lose, let alone getting 1/2 point in all sports. Years ago, one Saturday I did get 1/2 point by betting all 50 college basketball games that day. I got lucky and went 30-18-2 and yes 2 wins and a tie because of the 1/2 point. Never got anything since. The fact is most of them will not take early action and change the lines constantly. Another thing, if you beat a local all the time, they will quit taking your action. They are not in business to lose money.

I agree with having multiple offshore accounts. I have 4 offshore and 2 locals. I agree with Frank, Pinnacle is the best and I started using Bodog last spring after reading his comment about using them for dogs. They are great for that, but you will not win using them only.

Comments welcome.

Larry, great thread.

IMO you need to be playing big amounts with a big bookie to negotiate. I've had many conversations with Neil about this issue. A small local that handles a dozen or so clients and only books a few 1000 in weekly bets won't negotiate.

I don't use locals at all. As Larry stated I use Pinnacle and Betcom. During football season I make most of my wagers at Betcom. I get free 1/2 points on Friday. By Friday I know who I'm playing. Betcom and Bodog are great books for playing dogs in all sports. Compare the odds at Bodog and Pinny on Sundays. Almost all games the lines at Bodog are a 1/2 point higher. I've seen the as much as 1.5 higher.

Although, I don't practice this rule during football season Play Favorites and Overs early in the week. Play Dogs and Unders late. In general the public prefers Favorites and Overs. On game days you'll usually see higher lines towards favorites and OVERS.

[frankb03]

Again, maybe he's dealing with different guys, but I just don't see this as realistic.

As I stated in my previous post. I know first hand it's realistic. I've had numerous conversations with Coverboy over the past 2 years. I think one has to be a big player for the books to negotiate. A small time bookie won't negotiate.

I don't believe any off-shore negotiates. Unless you use their phone service and are a big players.