Can we address PROS n CONS of wagering online vs local book
- Thread starter HighRoller
- Start date
High Roller -
I have had experience with both. I first started with wagering online and did so for the past 4 years or so. There are some significant benefits to online wagering. Having to place funds from either a credit card/check card, wire transfer, paypal, or some other sort of funding can help keep you from getting in huge debt (keyword in that being help, as you could always max out multiple credit cards to fund your online account). Besides that exception, in theory you can only lose what you already have put in account (cannot wager/lose money that you don't have). Also, it is very easy to get online, check lines, and place your wager without having to try and get in touch with local book. Often times, people enjoy the convenience of online wagering. This convenience is also what I think is a major problem with online wagering. I found it very easy to get online, look at lines and place a wager and type in those three little letters 'Y-E-S' to confirm the wager. Often times, betting on games I really did not intend on, and especially when I had won and my ''account balance or v-chip balance" was high; it was very easy to place foolish/uneducated wagers (after all, even if they lose, it was only profit i was losing, right?)
Sadly, often times I would follow up good, well thought out picks with these "on-the-spot" foolish wagers. This resulted in me breaking even at best, often times being down by end of season.
Also, the funding of my online account became very difficult. I began by depositing money into my account of my bank check card (directly withdrawing money out of my checking acct). However, within the past two years both of my banks have stopped allowing their checkcards to be used on online casinos. Furthermore, some credit card companies view depositing money into an online casino as a 'cash withdrawal' and charge you (my credit card company charged $15 for every deposit into online account from credit card). I found myself having to go through a "middle-man", fire-pay or paypal, just to bet. It was a huge hassle and it just seemed stupid that I was having to fight and trick the system, just so I could lose more money.
For those reasons, this year I began betting with a local. It is much harder to call in a bet, and takes a much more blatant thought process and effort than simply clicking and typing online. This may seem stupid, but I have definitely made an improvement this year - sticking to my researched picks and limiting the "on-the-spot / not researched" wagers. Is this because I am now using a local, or is it because I have simply learned from my mistakes? It is probably a combination of the two, but I do know that I am significantly in the positive this year (KNOCKING REPEATEDLY ON WOOD!). I personally, prefer the local. Maybe its because it has been a successful year so far, but nevertheless it is the way I will be wagering from now on.
Online Wagering definitely has some benefits, I have tried both and found more success with the local. Therefore, I personally, prefer the local. Maybe its because it has been a successful year so far, but nevertheless it is the way I will be wagering from now on.
Sorry for such a long post, hopefully it will help.
Good luck to you in whatever method you choose.
Fluk
I have had experience with both. I first started with wagering online and did so for the past 4 years or so. There are some significant benefits to online wagering. Having to place funds from either a credit card/check card, wire transfer, paypal, or some other sort of funding can help keep you from getting in huge debt (keyword in that being help, as you could always max out multiple credit cards to fund your online account). Besides that exception, in theory you can only lose what you already have put in account (cannot wager/lose money that you don't have). Also, it is very easy to get online, check lines, and place your wager without having to try and get in touch with local book. Often times, people enjoy the convenience of online wagering. This convenience is also what I think is a major problem with online wagering. I found it very easy to get online, look at lines and place a wager and type in those three little letters 'Y-E-S' to confirm the wager. Often times, betting on games I really did not intend on, and especially when I had won and my ''account balance or v-chip balance" was high; it was very easy to place foolish/uneducated wagers (after all, even if they lose, it was only profit i was losing, right?)
Sadly, often times I would follow up good, well thought out picks with these "on-the-spot" foolish wagers. This resulted in me breaking even at best, often times being down by end of season.Also, the funding of my online account became very difficult. I began by depositing money into my account of my bank check card (directly withdrawing money out of my checking acct). However, within the past two years both of my banks have stopped allowing their checkcards to be used on online casinos. Furthermore, some credit card companies view depositing money into an online casino as a 'cash withdrawal' and charge you (my credit card company charged $15 for every deposit into online account from credit card). I found myself having to go through a "middle-man", fire-pay or paypal, just to bet. It was a huge hassle and it just seemed stupid that I was having to fight and trick the system, just so I could lose more money.
For those reasons, this year I began betting with a local. It is much harder to call in a bet, and takes a much more blatant thought process and effort than simply clicking and typing online. This may seem stupid, but I have definitely made an improvement this year - sticking to my researched picks and limiting the "on-the-spot / not researched" wagers. Is this because I am now using a local, or is it because I have simply learned from my mistakes? It is probably a combination of the two, but I do know that I am significantly in the positive this year (KNOCKING REPEATEDLY ON WOOD!). I personally, prefer the local. Maybe its because it has been a successful year so far, but nevertheless it is the way I will be wagering from now on.
Online Wagering definitely has some benefits, I have tried both and found more success with the local. Therefore, I personally, prefer the local. Maybe its because it has been a successful year so far, but nevertheless it is the way I will be wagering from now on.
Sorry for such a long post, hopefully it will help.
Good luck to you in whatever method you choose.
Fluk
Highroller, I too have used both. Have to get ready for work, but the first few things that pop up for me are:
1) NO line shopping with a local. Mine wouldn't let me buy points. Many times in NFL, the Favorites were jacked up by 1/2 to 1 point. All the local teams (figuring everyone would pick them) were also jacked up. Yankee game lines were high as hell! (need to have at least 3 books to line shop. Could be a huge difference between winning & losing!!)
2) My local had certain hours and after a certain time, he was gone. He was not always there during the week for basebal games. Always was afraid he would get busted during any week I won any large amounts. didn't want my phone line traced either.
will add more later. have a good one!
1) NO line shopping with a local. Mine wouldn't let me buy points. Many times in NFL, the Favorites were jacked up by 1/2 to 1 point. All the local teams (figuring everyone would pick them) were also jacked up. Yankee game lines were high as hell! (need to have at least 3 books to line shop. Could be a huge difference between winning & losing!!)
2) My local had certain hours and after a certain time, he was gone. He was not always there during the week for basebal games. Always was afraid he would get busted during any week I won any large amounts. didn't want my phone line traced either.
will add more later. have a good one!
Fluk & TJ
Fluk & TJ
Thanks guys very valuable info...
Please keep it coming still trying to weigh my options out.
Fluk & TJ
Thanks guys very valuable info...
Please keep it coming still trying to weigh my options out.
Have to side with TJ on this one. Have used both, especially locals for more than 25 years. Strangely enough, some of the disadvantages of using locals are also advantages. I enjoy the fact that my local does not require anything up front. In fact, if I inform in advance and say I am on vacation, etc. - he will gladly let me skip a week. Can also set a payment number that works for both sides. No exchange of money unless it is $100 or more either way , or whatever number you set up. Some of the big disadvantages are lack of choices in wagering. Most will limit parlays, teasers, etc. - if they offer at all. On horses - forget it. Never had a local that would pay track odds and no way to bet Pick 6, etc. In fact, any exotic will force you to take it in the shorts big time if you hit. One disadvantage that can be an advantage is that locals tend to make their lines according to their clients. When the Raiders were in L.A., you always had to give an extra point or so if you liked them. But on the other hand, it made it attractive to go against them because you got more points. I must admit that smaller local operations, if the guy is smart, will chart your betting tendencies and try to screw you over before you bet. For example, if they know you only play favorites, they will quote you a higher line and dare you to take a dog. Same on totals. I've seen it happen. Off shore has alot of advantages. Huge choices for wagers. Easy to access - open 24 hours a day. Bet Sunday games on Monday. It's easier, faster and they make fewer errrors. I find it a disadvantage to put money up. While I agree it monitors your play, I would rather hold my own money. However, there were early years with a local that credit made it so easy to chase - and that is very bad. I think that you should keep your local and experiment with on-line for the balance of the football season and see what you like. Sorry to go on so long, but one other disadvantage of a local is that you are MORE LIKELY to get stiffed. I know - don't tell that to the guys that got f'd online. But my guess is that more locals stiff winners that on line. Whatevere you do, good luck.
well so far
well so far
The first week I bet with him I was down about $600 going into Sunday so he egged me on by calling me early sunday asking me if I was gonna bet NFL Sunday...I said of course..Long story short I went 6-1 and he paid me $385 on the next thursday (told me this was like a loan with interest--he was like you'll be giving it back and more). He was perplexed how I got killed saturday in NCAAF and how I went 6-1 sunday. The next week he called me daily with action (i guess he wanted his cash back) This was the week I went to vegas and got BURIED here I am in in the sportsbook in the venetian calling him with my plays so I could save my cash for the tables...long story short I owed $570 next wednesday(he laughed and said see my $$$+interest)...he is cool so no biggy. Well I took a week off while I was sick. Then he called me sat/sunday and I held off (why I dont know would have been 3-0) well I called him yesterday and put in my 3 plays...I am 3-0 and he said today allright your up now you gonna be able to collect next week or you gonna owe me by sunday ? I laughed !
My goal is to WHIP HIS ASS this weekend and take $1000-$1500 next week from him !
Sorry for rambling just having a little fun here...
well so far
The first week I bet with him I was down about $600 going into Sunday so he egged me on by calling me early sunday asking me if I was gonna bet NFL Sunday...I said of course..Long story short I went 6-1 and he paid me $385 on the next thursday (told me this was like a loan with interest--he was like you'll be giving it back and more). He was perplexed how I got killed saturday in NCAAF and how I went 6-1 sunday. The next week he called me daily with action (i guess he wanted his cash back) This was the week I went to vegas and got BURIED here I am in in the sportsbook in the venetian calling him with my plays so I could save my cash for the tables...long story short I owed $570 next wednesday(he laughed and said see my $$$+interest)...he is cool so no biggy. Well I took a week off while I was sick. Then he called me sat/sunday and I held off (why I dont know would have been 3-0) well I called him yesterday and put in my 3 plays...I am 3-0 and he said today allright your up now you gonna be able to collect next week or you gonna owe me by sunday ? I laughed !
My goal is to WHIP HIS ASS this weekend and take $1000-$1500 next week from him !
Sorry for rambling just having a little fun here...
Well, I guess of I have the best of both worlds. I have a local who has a website. I can play 24/7 and don't have to worry about inflated lines for favorite teams. Teasers and parlays are available. In fact, it's just like playing offshore except I get paid in person each week.
I also have 2 other offshore accounts which enable me to shop for the very best line.
Highroller, I would NEVER want my local calling me to check on my betting plans!! :nono:
The ONLY time I talk to him is to arrange the weekly pay out.
I also have 2 other offshore accounts which enable me to shop for the very best line.
Highroller, I would NEVER want my local calling me to check on my betting plans!! :nono:
The ONLY time I talk to him is to arrange the weekly pay out.
Good points Flux and Ferdville! Ferd, I forgot about the book watching/charting your betting strategies!!! My friend (who was a dog bettor) would ALWAYS get different lines on a game then myself. He would call me and say "got Michigan +2 over Ohio state" and i would tell him,"I got Michigan +4" same game with 2 different lines (even though we would call seconds apart!) it seemed he knew which way we were betting!! SMART GUY!!!
in college football, my guys lines would NEVER be over 16! In other words, if any favorite on the board we -17 or higher, he NEVER had a line!!! some games you would like the 27 point favorite and never be able to bet it! but on the plus side, you could phone in a bet sometimes up to 10 minutes AFTER THE GAME STARTED! i would just say, "Hey _____, i just got in, what do you have on X vs X", he would say, "the game just started" and i would say, "still need a line" and he would give me one. like Ferdville said, any amount + or - $100, would carry over to the next week and vacations would also carry over.
Sometimes, you would want a line on lots of games and i felt like i was a pain in his ass. he would sigh, (as if to say-get off the line! lots of bettors want to bet and your tying up my phone as i read off 20+ lines) he never said it. i just felt it!
lastly, off to work again, but Highroller: if your guy CALLS YOU this may be time to either bet on line or find someone else!! these guys are not stupid and that's his way of saying "I WANT YOUR MONEY AND YOU WILL LOSE TODAY" but like Ferdville said, i prefer the online thing much better. the no juice days, getiing on early lines tuesday, line shopping, etc. Good luck on whatever way to play!!!
ps: EMJ32: your book has his OWN website, talk about technology!!
in college football, my guys lines would NEVER be over 16! In other words, if any favorite on the board we -17 or higher, he NEVER had a line!!! some games you would like the 27 point favorite and never be able to bet it! but on the plus side, you could phone in a bet sometimes up to 10 minutes AFTER THE GAME STARTED! i would just say, "Hey _____, i just got in, what do you have on X vs X", he would say, "the game just started" and i would say, "still need a line" and he would give me one. like Ferdville said, any amount + or - $100, would carry over to the next week and vacations would also carry over.
Sometimes, you would want a line on lots of games and i felt like i was a pain in his ass. he would sigh, (as if to say-get off the line! lots of bettors want to bet and your tying up my phone as i read off 20+ lines) he never said it. i just felt it!
lastly, off to work again, but Highroller: if your guy CALLS YOU this may be time to either bet on line or find someone else!! these guys are not stupid and that's his way of saying "I WANT YOUR MONEY AND YOU WILL LOSE TODAY" but like Ferdville said, i prefer the online thing much better. the no juice days, getiing on early lines tuesday, line shopping, etc. Good luck on whatever way to play!!!
ps: EMJ32: your book has his OWN website, talk about technology!!
I would be highly suspicious of any bookmaker calling me for action. Could mean that he is trying to get all your action with him OR it could be that he is broke and needs all the action he can get. TJ's other great point was calling in for lines. They really get aggravated when you want lines. Also, your local will probably have only tv games for over/under. This one sounds like it can only have a bad ending. Have used several over the years and never had any of them call me and ask if I was going to play. Run away from this guy! Good luck.
There are good and bad things involved in every choice we make in life. This is no different.
PP
PP
Good point again Ferdville about over/unders!! My guy ONLY had the televised games (College hoops/college football) AND any snow games he said were off the board!! WTF?!?!?!!?
i LOVE wagering on line and will continue to do so. Hell with my old bookie!!!
i LOVE wagering on line and will continue to do so. Hell with my old bookie!!!
I have one local that evidently sold part of his operation to an offshore. I bet offshore, but pay and collect with him. We just send checks in the mail. They give me money orderes and cashier's checks and I give them personal checks. I think this is a trend, but this guy was pretty big so I assume he gets a decent cut and does nothing but pay and collect. I wonder if he has to cover the stiffs? Anybody else had their local do this? Use another local only to compare lines - he is always skewed to favorites so I usually use him for dogs. He actually gets pissed because I bet so little with him. It offers occasional opportunites for middles.
