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Throughout my entire career, I have witnessed many cycles of changing betting patterns. In the past, bettors had a lean board to choose from, whereas today they ask ticket writers for more sheets with props and gimmicks. It will probably come full circle in another 30 years, but who is counting?
Since we opened Lucky's, lots of interesting new habits by customers have caught my eye. Thirty years ago, finding a joint that booked halftimes took a lot of shoe leather. Ten years ago, halftime bets were available everywhere.
Now, the action has shifted. Originally, when it was halftime, bettors rushed the counter to play what was essentially a new mini-game. Next time you're in a book, notice that the halftime stampede is no more.
But that void has been superseded by a new phenomenon, first-half betting, which accounts for 50 percent of the action that used to come at halftime. It has become a very popular item which attracts lots of attention and money.
I would bet that most of you reading this have adjusted your bankrolls to get in on this action which has a quicker resolution than a normal side.
There is no doubt that parlay cards have only been left in those little slots for the casual and recreational players. These uninformed bettors concentrate on the left side of the card, and half of them don't know if they're getting 3-to-1 or 5-to-1.
As a bookmaker we always liked this scenario and, with a few caveats, still do. We are aware of the hot games and releases and know we should book them with prudence, being careful however not to shut out those with their own expectations, just like us.
I am not suggesting you come down and give me $2,000 worth of cards with two-point moves over key numbers when your normal card action is $200. Like I said, this is new stuff that started around five years ago and everyone on my side of the counter is looking for some sort of solution.
There is no clear-cut answer. But if in fact change does come, it could alter some of your betting habits. We could wait longer to put out the cards or, with some new systems that are being tested, adjust pointspreads on the cards daily.
Most people wouldn't notice the changes, but some surely would. We will never stop offering the cards, and you still have to win to get paid. Remember, in this business, nothing is sacred.
Since I am again immersed in the game at Lucky's, I have found a lot of things different. There is much I like, and some that requires a period of adjustment. From betting props, to first-halfs, to parlay cards -- the evolution of sports betting continues. It seems bettors just can't get enough of it.
So don't force any issues. Just look to be part of the solution and always try to get the cheese.
Take care,
Jimmy Vaccaro
Since we opened Lucky's, lots of interesting new habits by customers have caught my eye. Thirty years ago, finding a joint that booked halftimes took a lot of shoe leather. Ten years ago, halftime bets were available everywhere.
Now, the action has shifted. Originally, when it was halftime, bettors rushed the counter to play what was essentially a new mini-game. Next time you're in a book, notice that the halftime stampede is no more.
But that void has been superseded by a new phenomenon, first-half betting, which accounts for 50 percent of the action that used to come at halftime. It has become a very popular item which attracts lots of attention and money.
I would bet that most of you reading this have adjusted your bankrolls to get in on this action which has a quicker resolution than a normal side.
There is no doubt that parlay cards have only been left in those little slots for the casual and recreational players. These uninformed bettors concentrate on the left side of the card, and half of them don't know if they're getting 3-to-1 or 5-to-1.
As a bookmaker we always liked this scenario and, with a few caveats, still do. We are aware of the hot games and releases and know we should book them with prudence, being careful however not to shut out those with their own expectations, just like us.
I am not suggesting you come down and give me $2,000 worth of cards with two-point moves over key numbers when your normal card action is $200. Like I said, this is new stuff that started around five years ago and everyone on my side of the counter is looking for some sort of solution.
There is no clear-cut answer. But if in fact change does come, it could alter some of your betting habits. We could wait longer to put out the cards or, with some new systems that are being tested, adjust pointspreads on the cards daily.
Most people wouldn't notice the changes, but some surely would. We will never stop offering the cards, and you still have to win to get paid. Remember, in this business, nothing is sacred.
Since I am again immersed in the game at Lucky's, I have found a lot of things different. There is much I like, and some that requires a period of adjustment. From betting props, to first-halfs, to parlay cards -- the evolution of sports betting continues. It seems bettors just can't get enough of it.
So don't force any issues. Just look to be part of the solution and always try to get the cheese.
Take care,
Jimmy Vaccaro