Was Patrick Veitch Really Enemy Number One?

Patrick Veitch is a well-known professional gambler and author who has gained widespread recognition for his book "The Enemy Number One: How One Man Took on the Bookies and Won." The book is a memoir that chronicles Veitch's journey as a professional gambler and his success in taking on the bookmakers.

Veitch's passion for horse racing started at a young age, and he soon realized that he had a natural talent for picking winners. He began betting on horses, and his success rate was impressive.As far as I know, he wasn't interested in Online Casinos AU. Over time, he developed a keen eye for identifying the best horses and was able to consistently beat the odds and make a profit.

However, Veitch's success did not go unnoticed, and he soon became the target of the bookmakers. They tried to limit his bets and even threatened him. Despite these challenges, Veitch continued to thrive and eventually took on the bookmakers head-on, becoming what they referred to as "The Enemy Number One."

In "The Enemy Number One," Veitch shares the secrets of his success, including his methods for picking winners, his approach to betting, and his strategies for managing risk. He also sheds light on the inner workings of the horse racing industry, poker online, and the tactics used by bookmakers to maintain their advantage. The book is both a fascinating read and an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their betting skills.

One of the key takeaways from Veitch's book is the importance of discipline and self-control in gambling. He emphasizes the need to set and stick to strict betting rules, and to avoid making impulsive or emotional decisions. He also stresses the importance of thoroughly researching each race and taking the time to analyze the form and fitness of each horse.

Another key aspect of Veitch's success is his ability to manage risk. He recognizes that no one can win every race, and he has developed a system for minimizing losses and maximizing profits. This involves calculating the risk-reward ratio of each bet and only placing wagers when the potential reward outweighs the risk.

Veitch's book has received widespread praise for its honesty and insight. Many readers have praised the author for his candid approach and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience. In particular, his focus on discipline and self-control has been highlighted as a valuable lesson for anyone looking to improve their betting skills.

In conclusion, "The Enemy Number One: How One Man Took on the Bookies and Won" is a must-read for anyone interested in horse racing or sports betting. Patrick Veitch's memoir provides a fascinating insight into the world of professional gambling and offers valuable lessons on how to beat the odds and succeed. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just starting out, this book is sure to provide you with a wealth of information and inspiration.

Photo: Pixabay (free) 

The Integrity of Using Bots on Betting Exchanges

I use Betfair on a regular basis. 

Compared to placing bets with conventional bookmakers (which seems a waste of times these days as they limit bets to a point of £1 win) they are a logical platform. 

You may have heard of punters using bots to place bets on the exchanges. They do all the work so you don't have to which compares to playing casino games online. I can't say I have used them myself and have little understanding of how I would make one. 

Considering I have no understanding of computer coding, I think it would be a long time before I made anything that could place the most basic of bets. Anyway, I have been chatting with my good friend Eric Winner as we both (like many punters) would love to have a bot to place bets akin to a passive income. HE sometimes spends an evening playing casino online baccarat, while works on finding an angle that made money on a consistent basis. That is no easy task because winning money is far from an easy endeavour. 

Anyway, let's get past the point of this elusive winning angle. 

I wonder if a bot kept winning would the powers take note and use it to their own ends? I have no idea but we have seen with all platforms and terms and conditions that any user is at the mercy of the owner. So I have to question whether such a winning bot would be winning for long because it may well be used by others who tinker with the code to take your profit and put it in their pockets. 

It may be a cynical thought and something of George Orwell's 1984 but it does make me wonder if the profitable bots would be left to their own devices.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given 

The True Story about Professional Gambler Jack Ramsden

Background 

In 1997, Jack Ramsden was hailed by ‘The Times’ as ‘one of the shrewdest backers in the land’. However, two decades earlier, when he married his second wife, Lynda, in March, 1977, Ramsden was still plying his trade as, by his own admission, ‘a pretty useless stockbroker’ in the City of London. Nevertheless, in 1980, Ramsden abandoned the Square Mile and the couple started out, with a few horses, as trainers on the Isle of Man. They sent their horses across the Irish Sea, by ferry, to compete on the British mainland but, after a while, sought new premises in the North of England. They finally settled on Breckenborough House in Sandhutton, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, which was described by one observer as ‘little more than a pig sty’ at the time of their arrival. 

Jack Ramsden Betting Philosophy

At Breckenborough House, Lynda Ramsden held the licence, while Jack Ramsden focussed on buying and selling horses, deciding where they ran and his professional gambling activities. Indeed, Ramsden once said that, to him, a horse was ‘a pedigree and a handicap rating that had to be placed.’ Aside from studying form, Jack Ramsden was a speed figure enthusiast, believing that, while even a superior performer could produce a slow time, an inferior performer could never produce a fast time. He also set exacting standards for his jockeys, in terms of pace judgement, famously mentoring Kieren Fallon, who was stable jockey to Lynda Ramsden between 1993 and 1996, and sending him to the United States to perfect his work in that respect. In his heyday, Jack Ramsden also had his own, retained bookmaker, Colin Webster, who paid him £5,000 a year for his advice.

Jack Ramsden Betting Successes  

Soon after his arrival in North Yorkshire, Ramsden started to attract attention for his gambling activities, not least from the major bookmaking firms, who were quick to limit their liabilities by restricting, or closing, his accounts. As is often the case with professional gamblers, separating the ‘wheat from the chaff’ when it comes to betting stories is not entirely straightforward. However, one notable for success for Ramsden that is definitely true – at least, it formed part of the evidence in a subsequent court case – was the victory of Arbory Street in the Billesdon Selling Handicap at Leicester on April 3, 1989. Returning from a 151-day break, the moderate four-year-old, who was winning for the one and only time in his 17-race career, was ridden clear in the closing stages by jockey Alan Munro to win by three lengths at odds of 13/2. In so doing, Arbory Street landed two bets of £1,000 to win and £500 each-way, both at 14/1, for Ramsden. He used the proceeds to fund an equine pool at Breckenborough House. 

The aforementioned court case produced another victory, albeit of a different kind, insofar as the High Court upheld a libel action brought against ‘The Sporting Life’ by Lynda Ramsden, Jack Ramsden and Kieren Fallon and collectively awarded the plaintiffs £195,000. After Top Cees, trained by Lynda Ramsden and ridden by Fallon, had won the Chester Cup in 1995, the ‘Life’ had suggested that the horse had not been allowed to run on its merits in his previous race, the Swaffham Handicap at Newmarket three weeks earlier. Jack Ramsden, who personally received £50,000 as part of the settlement, later said of Top Cees, ‘He’s been a good earner, one way or another.’ 

Summary:

Jack Ramsden’s son from his first marriage, Joey, has been a leading trainer in South Africa for over twenty years. He summed up his father very nicely when he said, ‘He has an incredible knowledge of pedigrees and form. He devoted most of his life to racing.  I suppose he has been a professional gambler for most of it too. He was never a huge individual punter, more a cumulative gambler, but a successful one.’ Ramsden Snr. came close to giving up in 1991, when he had difficulty placing bets and, therefore, making money, but reportedly made a profit in thirteen consecutive seasons before Lynda Ramsden relinquished her training licence for the second, and final, time in 2005.

Related post: Professional Gamblers: The Secret Guide to Phil Bull's Betting Success

The Professional Gambler: Fame, Fortune and Failure

An interesting piece of research by David M. Hayano. (July 1984)

Hayano investigates the pursuit of the professional gambler with his insightful research. He is currently a professor of anthropology at California State University, Northridge.   

 Abstract: 

He investigated the history of gambling from amateurs to professional gamblers. Hayano describes how since the 1930s the social organisation of gambling has changed due to legalisation of casinos and cardrooms. This led to a completely new breed of professional gamblers. He describes four distinct subtypes: the worker-professional, the outside-supported professional, the subsistence professional and the career professional who may enjoy casino online usa. The majority of professional gamblers eventually succumb to the pressures of gambling and encounter some degree of devastating social and financial failure. A small minority find relatively lasting fame and fortune. In this modern era, gambling is seen as a kind of leisure activity, aided by casino and betting promotions, often followed by by national media and publications. These conditions have helped professional gamblers pursue their specialised art with much more publicity, safety and potentially greater reward than ever before.

Professional gamblers have been hailed as free and independent spirits and also vilified as worthless scoundrels. Scholars have neglected the objective study of professional gamblers. 

However, Hayano's research offers an inside view of the professional gambler's life and play. This research used source material as well as over 10 years of research including participation and observation (mainly poker players in California and Nevada).

The concept of a ''professional gambler'' is vague, often abused by self-glorification and self-deception. The term full-time professional gambler should be used guardedly. It carries connotations of specialised training and education, membership in a guild or association, written rules of conduct, and additional formal traits. 

One of the earliest attempts to describe the professional gambler comes from Albert H. Morehead (1950). The May issue of The Annals, a publication devoted to gambling in which he discussed four subtypes of the professional gambler: the banker, the cheater, the compulsive gambler and the percentage gambler. 

Hayano detailed that Morehead's typology was much too broad with subtypes overlapping or not relevant at all. For example. the banker may be the owner of the casino or cardroom and, as such, a businessperson. Also, the cheater shouldn't be considered a gambler, much less a professional gambler. The compulsive gambler, a perpetual loser, should be placed in an entirely different category.   

Morehead's description of the percentage gambler as a skillful player with a feel for probabilities and odds seems to apply to some contemporary professional gamblers of an older generation unlike those who play real money pokies online australia. But this characterisation is misguided for many young professional gamblers of blackjack and poker have not acquired their skill through what Morehead termed their ''innate aptitude'' but memorizing and calculating specific mathematical formulae in their head (card counting).     

The professional gambler typologies vary with others such as the social, economic& compulsive gambler. It is established the professional gambler is skilled in one or more gambling games, reliant on skill, knowledge, and experience to win consistently. 

The basic definition of a professional gambler is someone who derives all or a significant part of their income from gambling activities. 

Hayano found four subtypes:

The Worker Professional:

This includes men and women who work on the side, but spend a large proportion of their time gambling. They are not gambling as a full-time career and seen more as a serious hobby than an occupation.  

The Outside-supported professional: 

This gambler has a steady income from savings, investment, and retirement fund or other sources. This includes retirees, housewives, and students who are trying to eke out a small profit from week to week. For example, their commitment to playing poker as a total way of life is minimal. 

The Subsistence professional:

This gambler is a consistent winner (but small wins). Their goal is to win enough to pay the bills and yet have a bankroll to play the next day. There is little commitment to betting with higher stakes and from a poker perspective playing tougher competition.    

The career professional:

Has made a social and psychological commitment to gambling as an occupation (even if totally broke). Most will not seek work but borrow money in order to return to gambling. Many bet high stakes and enjoy the lavish attention that accompanies high rollers.

It's interesting the desire for upward mobility of this subtype is moderate to high (compared to the other groups which are moderate or non or little).

It is worth noting that the subtype of any gambler is rarely permanent. This may vary from game to game or year to year. This change may be behaviourally, psychologically, and financially (which make studying/research difficult). In fact, all subtypes can merge with the ebb and flow of success or failure to win. Thus professional gamblers and non-professionals weather many changes of mood and fortune. The image of the totally controlled, unemotional, economically motivated professional gambler who wins year after year is a serious distortion of the facts. 

Games And Background of the Professional Gambler:

The aim of the professional gambler is to win enough money to sustain himself or herself (possibly others). This relies on their chosen game/sport. They do not make a living from pure chance as their talent is skill-based. Games such as roulette, craps, lotteries, dice, dominos, slot machines are fixed odds so long term the gambler will lose (or virtually impossible to win). 

With regard to poker, it is based on skill and chance. This includes blackjack (with regard to card-counting). Other games may include strategic board games (chess, backgammon, etc), football, horse racing using skill to analyse past information to predict the future. However good the professional gambler, it is only a possibility they could win it isn't likely or easy. 

Unsurprisingly, people who said they would like to be professional gamblers like to take chances in general. Twice as many men as women chose this profession, a so-called masculine activity. In addition, there is a marked difference in games of chose with regard to sex.

Hayano's study of professional poker players revealed that many more men than females gamble as full-time work. The average poker player is male, white, aged 25 - 60, with some high-school education. Interestingly, it encompasses virtually every regional, religion, age, ethnic, and educational group.  Most poker players live in urban settings where casinos, card rooms, and associated gambling locations are found. The old days of professional gamblers travelling to find private games have turned into a sedentary lifestyle (especially these days of online gaming). This is beneficial to winning gamblers, as they are less likely to be robbed or highjacked.

The pursuit to be a professional gambler usually starts in adolescence, having some success gambling. The success may be so overwhelming that the individual never seeks non-gambling work (or something you do to get by if the gambling turns sour). Gambling can be seductive when viewed with job dissatisfaction, quick money, and ease in gambling opportunities. As Hayano says: ''Work and play, fun and games, merge''. These distinctions no longer exist. 

Professional gamblers tend to specialists rather than generalists. Some are only skilled in one game of poker or favour this compared with others. Or than horse racing gambler who specialises within a given age group of horse or race type. However, others may be more versatile perhaps playing poker and blackjack, while they gamble at golf while waiting for the football results.

Professional gamblers vary in how they bet. Some will bet their entire bankroll on a single game while others never risk more than a fraction of their wealth. In this sense, they can be fearless while others are very selective.  

Fame:

In the old days, a professional gambler's reputation was based on word of mouth. This modern era sees winners reach newspapers, television and news outlets. Publications such as The Gambling Times have helped with promotion and the legitimisation of gambling. 

In fact, an industry has been built to help would-be gamblers learn such skills. These aspects have helped fuel fame and fortune of those at the top of their game. 

Las Vegas hotels and casinos often sponsor gambling tournaments, which has helped with promotion and social acceptance. These include the World Series of Poker (Binion's Horseshoe Hotel, downtown Las Vegas), which offer dozens of competitions which contestants can choose. By far the largest group of professional gamblers come from poker players and draws large congregations. Young and old players compete to win perhaps 50 times their bankroll. 

The major professional poker gamblers rely on these games to accommodate such rich play which is unlikely outside major tournaments.

Many poker players refer to themselves as superstars or world-class players. This positive change in self-identity is a far cry from the days or ill repute and social negatives.

However, while many poker players enjoy fame others shun the limelight. This is certainly true of blackjack players whose major advantage is card counting. These players may be individuals or part of a collusive team.  Perhaps the most notorious of these was organised by Ken Uston, a former vice-president of the Pacific Stock Market, who in the 1970s turned to blackjack as a business and with a team won $1 Million from casinos around the world. Take a look at this publication The Big Player (1977).    

Fortune:

Here's a question, how much money does a professional gambler make a year? It's a difficult question to quantify. Gambling winnings and losing aren't regularly or evenly.  Many high-profile poker and blackjack players have won and lost millions in a year. For many professional gamblers, the only relevant figure is their bankroll at any given moment (how much is owed or loaned). 

Failure:

Permanent or cyclical loss is an occupational hazard for professional gamblers. Career gamblers must be able to cope with severe losses of both money and self-confidence after a fall. A major loss may see the need for a new bankroll this usually comes from close friends and peers. This is possible until the gambler has a reputation as a poor or erratic player or unlikely to be able to pay off debts. These transactions are often free of interest, often over the table, while the game is in play. 

This interaction raises the interesting question of how friends play against each other. This is borne out by the fact that high-stake game rarely sees a stranger come to the table. In fact, strangers are often treated with suspicion and judged by the way they handle their cards, chips and play specific hands. This is a vital skill of the professional gambler and one they are usually astute. They may be a good player, poor and even a potential cheat. 

Professional poker players would state they play hard against even opponents they have lent money. However, professional gamblers play in many different ways. 

Repeat losers face tough decisions regarding debts and failure. It may be time to stop gambling, play with smaller stakes, in different clubs, even another city or non-gambling employment. Often career professional gamblers can find the money to continue as they are more accustomed to highs and lows. In their eyes failure is temporary. They must find strength in the belief that their skill, perseverance, and new stake they will win. 

It is often the case, for years the same players will be seen sitting at the same gambling tables. Lending and borrowing may see friendships change. Gambling is the classic zero-sum game: winners win because others lose. Consistent winners move upwards to the tip of the competitive pyramid. This money comes from the middle and lower level players, from amateurs, hopeless losers, and former winners. 

Professional gamblers thrive on failure. 

It should be remembered in this new era of gambling has changed radically. Gambling has become more popular and more available. Professional gamblers are vastly more skillful, strategically sophisticated and sedentary than their historic counterparts. With greater wealth and leisure time, many individuals pursue gambling as a serious hobby on a daily basis. These two subtypes of worker-professional and outside-supported professional are appearing in greater numbers. This has made gambling more difficult for the full-time subsistent and career professional gamblers.

Is Gambling a Mugs Game?

Should I start by being provocative?

It's like two sides of the same coin, and few on the edge. Firstly, I'm not some kind of raving maniac, frothing at the mouth, who is pro or negative gambling. It should be an informed choice. However, it should be an opinion that is driven by the want to make money rather than the forlorn decision to bet for fun. 

That is truly a poor decision. 

If anyone bets for fun, the buzz, whatever you call it, and doesn't care about losing then I would suggest they need to sit down and think hard. 

It's insane. 

The only exception to that is betting small money so that it doesn't, seemingly, matter.

This thought process is a mistake and you need to question your naivety because it may lead you down a path which you wouldn't have taken. Perhaps like online gambling south africa. Although I'd give anything a try especially roulette. This may be the problem with most gamblers. Certainly, those people predisposed to addiction. If you notice this within yourself, be well observed, keep well away. 

A winning gamble comes in two ways: pure luck or pure skill. 

If you're lucky, then you need to get some luck and win big. It happens. You read about it every day. A large number of these people lose every last penny and return back to the equilibrium. 

Hopefully not. 

Most people who hate gambling have no real understanding of the subject.

I guess it's the way of the world. Like the patient who tells the doctor what it's all about. 

Who knows. 

I think most anti-gamblers, generally, say these things to help. They do so because they care. And that is good. 

All I would say is that there are many varied forms of gambling, often under the umbrella of investment. 

These may seem justified as ''good, proper, sensible'' gambling. Without knowledge and experience this is probably a very bad idea and without true understanding and knowledge you are hoping to defy the odds. 

Each to their own. 

Without exceptional understanding your odds of success are slim.

Gambling for fun isn't a good idea. However, it is something most gambler do. They do so because they haven't got the time to learn what makes a winner from a loser. 

To be fair, this isn't an easy undertaking and could be years if not decades in the making. 

Do you want to invest so much time and effort without any guarantee of success? You don't need to bet to learn what makes a successful gambler. 

You would be wise to bet matchsticks. 

Yes, I know it sounds a touch ridiculous, but unless you want to lose cash while learning then you are better to focus on improvement rather than contemplate the frustration of losing cold hard cash. 

You may be able to control yourself betting pennies, but for the potential problems this may bring you are better off sticking to the theory and leave the practice until later. 

I don't know what percentage of gamblers are mug punters, I really don't. 

There are plenty of professional gamblers who have won and lost a fortune so it's not an easy journey to take for even those who should know better.

You need to have a certain character to be a successful gambler. Strange as it may seem, someone who doesn't really like to gamble. If you fancy a change of scene take a look at real money pokie. If you are basing your ability of unemotional logic and knowledge you are further ahead than most.

The majority of gamblers are too fixed on the buzz. 

It's like trying to tame a bumblebee with a spoonful of honey. 

It would seem most gamblers lack self awareness of their finances if not anything else. 

I've been surprised how many intelligent people lose all sense of anything when they gamble.

This is due to lack of understanding and the buzz which addles their brain.

Just like a young horse learning bad habits [which lead to unfulfilled potential] the same can be said for gamblers. They build habit on habit without even realising they are in the grip of them. 

They have no understanding of what is right from wrong. 

Why would they?

Without experience, which never comes easy, and needs to be analysed, you are at the mercy of the unknown or unpredictable. 

To be honest, I would suggest to most would-be gamblers not to waste their time. They have so much to learn that it might be easier climbing a mountain. If you like a challenge and want to get your teeth into a long and wide subject then you are probably right for the job. 

You cannot and will not be able to know everything. 

There simply isn't enough time or energy to know a little about everything. 

I'm sure you can see it is pointless. 

You don't need to know everything. Just a little more than most. As I often say, double your knowledge by doubling your bet. It is the answer to the question. You just have to know your niche. 

I follow two-year-old racing. I don't bet in pattern races, nurseries, sellers, claiming races. There's a reason. I don't have enough time and I don't need to be the Jack of all trades and master of none. 

It's a pointless accolade. 

Knowledge is power. If you know more than most you can listen, look and smile. 

You're literally smiling at someone's lack.

You will be taking their money. 

Perhaps my assessment of most gamblers seems a bit stark. You may think 'What do you know'. 

You can think what you like as it makes no difference to me. 

However, if you didn't know the opposing player was Bobby Fischer, American chess Grandmaster and World Chess Champion, you may be surprised how they make your look pretty ordinary. They, conversely, would be looking at you as easy prey. Their expectation of the win would be so high that they would be stunned if you achieved that elusive victory. 

You want to be sitting across the table from anyone and fancy your chance that you are better. 

Even if you are an unknown. 

As a successful gambler you need to understand what you have to do to achieve those lofty heights. 

Perhaps you can.

How Safe Is Crypto For Online Betting?

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. A cryptocurrency is difficult to counterfeit because of this security feature. Many cryptocurrencies are decentralized systems based on blockchain technology, a distributed ledger enforced by a disparate network of computers. A defining feature of a cryptocurrency, and arguably its biggest allure, is its organic nature; it is not issued by any central authority, rendering it theoretically immune to government interference or manipulation.

Cryptocurrencies are typically generated through a process known as mining, in which computers solve complex mathematical equations to unlock new units of the currency. In most cases, each new cryptocurrency unit is produced by solving a unique math problem assigned by the currency’s software protocol. Miners compete to find the solutions to these problems and are rewarded with units of the currency they help produce. 

Crypto Betting 

It is not uncommon for online entertainment platforms to incorporate cryptocurrency as a means of payment. This could be in the form of allowing users to purchase in-game items with crypto, or even betting on games using cryptocurrency. The use of cryptocurrency in online entertainment provides a number of benefits, such as increased security and anonymity for users. In addition, the use of cryptocurrency can also help to reduce fraudulent activity on these platforms. 

There are a number of popular sports that can be bet on using crypto. These include traditional sports such as football, basketball, and baseball, as well as more niche options such as eSports and virtual sports. 

Betting on traditional sports using crypto offers a number of benefits. Firstly, it can be much more secure than using fiat currency. This is because crypto is very difficult to counterfeit, and transactions are often recorded on a blockchain which makes them tamper-proof. In addition, crypto betting can offer increased anonymity compared to fiat betting. This is because crypto wallets do not require personal information to be attached to them, meaning that users’ identities can remain hidden. 

Betting on eSports and virtual sports using crypto can also be advantageous. This is because these markets are often less regulated than traditional sports markets, meaning that there is more potential for profit. In addition, the use of crypto can help to reduce fraudulent activity in these markets. This is because it is very difficult to fake cryptocurrency transactions, meaning that it is much harder for criminals to profit from fraudulent activity. 

Another benefit of crypto betting is the reduced fees associated with this method of payment. When compared to traditional methods of online gambling, crypto betting typically has much lower fees. This is due to the fact that there are no middlemen or third-party processors involved in the process. Finally, crypto betting also offers users the ability to bet on a wide variety of games and events. This is because there are no geographical restrictions placed on cryptocurrency. You can bet on any game or event that you please, regardless of where it is taking place. 

Tips To Find Trusted Crypto Bookmakers 

Look for a bookmaker that is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority 

When looking for a bookmaker to bet with, it is important to find one that is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. This will help to ensure that your bets are placed with a trusted and reliable entity. 

Check the bookmaker’s website for security features 

When choosing a bookmaker, it is also important to check the security features of their website. This includes things like SSL encryption and two-factor authentication. These features will help to protect your personal and financial information from being compromised. 

Look for a bookmaker that offers customer support 

Another important thing to look for in a bookmaker is customer support. This is important in case you have any questions or problems when placing your bets. A good bookmaker will offer customer support through live chat, email, or phone. 

Make sure the bookmaker accepts cryptocurrency 

When looking for a bookmaker that accepts cryptocurrency, it is important to make sure that they are a reputable and reliable entity. This can be done by checking for reviews and ratings online. In addition, you should also make sure that the bookmaker is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. 

Check for bonus offers 

Many bookmakers will offer bonuses and promotions to new and existing customers. These offers can be a great way to get started with crypto betting. When looking for a bookmaker, it is important to check for these offers. Bonus offers can typically be found on the bookmaker’s website or in their terms and conditions. 

Read the terms and conditions 

Before signing up with a bookmaker, it is important to read through their terms and conditions. This will help you to understand the rules and regulations that apply to your account. In addition, the terms and conditions will also contain information about bonus offers and promotions. 

Key Takeaways 

Cryptocurrency has revolutionized the way we interact with the online entertainment industry. By providing a secure and anonymous method of payment, cryptocurrency has made it easier than ever for users to enjoy their favorite games and events. In addition, the use of cryptocurrency can also help to reduce fraudulent activity on these platforms. If you’re looking for a safe and trustworthy way to bet on your favorite games, then cryptocurrency is the perfect solution.

Photo: Unplash 

How Does Crypto Casino Works?

Cryptocurrency is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses cryptography to secure its transactions, to control the creation of additional units, and to verify the transfer of assets. Cryptocurrencies are classified as a subset of digital currencies and are also classified as a subset of alternative currencies and virtual currencies.

Decentralized cryptocurrency is produced by the entire cryptocurrency system collectively, at a rate which is defined when the system is created and which is publicly known. In centralized banking and economic systems such as the Federal Reserve System, corporate boards or governments control the supply of currency by printing units of fiat money or demanding additions to digital banking ledgers. In the case of decentralized cryptocurrency, companies or governments cannot produce new units, and have not so far provided backing for other firms, banks or corporate entities which hold asset value measured in it. 

Crypto Casino 

A crypto casino is a type of online casino that uses cryptocurrency as a means of payment. Cryptocurrency is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses cryptography to secure its transactions, to control the creation of additional units, and to verify the transfer of assets. Cryptocurrencies are classified as a subset of digital currencies and are also classified as a subset of alternative currencies and virtual currencies. 

Crypto casinos use decentralized cryptocurrency, which is produced by the entire cryptocurrency system collectively, at a rate which is defined when the system is created and which is publicly known. This allows crypto casinos to operate without the need for a central authority, such as a bank or government. Crypto casinos are often able to offer more favorable odds and bonuses than traditional online casinos because they have lower overhead costs.

There are many different types of cryptocurrency, but Bitcoin is the most well-known and widely used. Other popular cryptocurrencies include Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.

How to Use Cryptocurrency at a Casino 

Cryptocurrency can be used to deposit and withdraw funds from a crypto casino account. Players can also use cryptocurrency to place bets on games such as slots, table games, and sports betting. Some crypto casinos also accept cryptocurrency for hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, and other services. 

Advantages of Using Cryptocurrency at a Casino 

Cryptocurrency offers many advantages over traditional fiat currency when it comes to online gambling. Crypto casinos are often able to offer more favorable odds and bonuses than traditional online casinos because they have lower overhead costs. Cryptocurrency is also faster and more convenient to use than fiat currency. Transactions are processed quickly and lower transaction fees. In addition, cryptocurrency is a more secure form of payment than fiat currency because it is decentralized and not subject to government regulation or control. 

Casino Games to Play 

There are many different types of casino games that can be played with cryptocurrency. These include slots, table games, video poker, and sports betting. Crypto casinos often offer a wide variety of games to appeal to a wide range of players. 

Slot Games 

Slot games are the most popular type of casino game. They are easy to play and do not require any special skills or knowledge. Players can simply spin the reels and hope to match symbols in order to win. Crypto casinos offer a wide variety of slot games, including classic slots, video slots, and progressive jackpot slots. 

Table Games 

Table games are another popular type of casino game. They require more skill and strategy than slot games but can be just as exciting. Popular table games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. Crypto casinos often offer a wide variety of table games to appeal to a wide range of players. 

Video Poker 

Video poker is a type of casino game that combines the elements of poker and slot machines. Players attempt to create the best poker hand possible in order to win. Crypto casinos often offer a wide variety of video poker games to appeal to a wide range of players. 

Tips To Find Trusted Crypto Casino 

It is important to find a trustworthy and reputable crypto casino before you start to play. Here are some tips to help you find a safe and reliable casino: 

1. Do your research 

Before choosing a crypto casino, be sure to do your homework and research the various options available. Read reviews and compare the features of different casinos to find the one that best suits your needs. 

2. Check the licensing and regulation 

Make sure the casino is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. This ensures that the casino is legitimate and has been vetted by independent experts. 

3. Look for security features 

Cryptocurrency transactions are secure, but it is still important to look for casinos that have robust security features in place. Make sure the casino uses SSL encryption technology to protect your data, and look for signs of fraud prevention such as two-factor authentication. 

4. Use a reputable payment processor 

When making deposits or withdrawals, be sure to use a reputable payment processor such as BitPay or Coinbase. These processors are trusted and reliable and will help ensure that your transactions are secure. 

5. Check the payout rate 

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a crypto casino is the payout rate. This is the percentage of bets that the casino pays out in winnings. A higher payout rate indicates a higher chance of winning. Be sure to check the payout rates of different casinos before making your decision. 

6. Read the terms and conditions 

Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any crypto casino before you create an account or make a deposit. This will help you understand the rules and regulations regarding gameplay, bonuses, and withdrawals. 

7. Contact customer support 

If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact customer support. A good casino will have friendly and helpful customer service representatives who are available 24/7 to assist you. 

Final Say 

Crypto casinos offer many advantages over traditional online casinos. They are often more secure and reliable, offer faster payouts, and provide a wider variety of games. When choosing a crypto casino, be sure to do your research and select one that is reputable and trustworthy.

Photo: Unplash 

Horse Betting Odds: A Story to be Told...

When thinking about a bet - assess the market. 

Sure, I look at the horses and the betting. However, make no mistake, assessing the betting is very important for obvious reasons. To start, your potential profit comes from finding value. No value - forget about winning long term. 

Understanding betting is one of the major criteria for gambling success.   

I would find it difficult to assess a horse race without betting odds. I have followed the two-year-old horse racing niche for many years. Along that journey, nothing like a quick flutter on Online Casinos AU. I have gathered knowledge that far exceeds your average punter. I don't say that trying to big myself up because it doesn't make sod all difference. However, I have an understanding of betting which goes beyond basic odds. 

Here's the point. 

Betting tells a story. It details a narrative that relates to the horse's chance of winning or losing. 

Perhaps many gamblers don't really consider what the betting means for the horse they are interested in. Let's say, you see your horse is priced 33/1. Just imagine, you bet £33 to win a grand (almost). But what does the price say? Clearly, it is saying it has, supposedly, a much less chance of winning than the favourite. This is a matter for debate because I'm sure there has been many a race where a long shot has thrashed the favourite and connections were pretty confident. On average we all know the rag has less chance of winning than the jolly. 

Here's an interesting point. The price of the given horse's chance of winning is very much dependent on the trainer. 

From my vast research into the two-year-old racing niche, I could tell you a number of stats that would surprise you. How certain high-profile horse trainers have more chance of winning at longer odds than shorter. Betting is all about finding value casino online usa. How many trainers have little to no chance of winning on debut even with horses priced at short odds. How certain horse trainers can be backed with a high level of confidence if you know what you are looking for. 

As you can imagine, I'm not going to detail specifics because each and every word of wisdom is hard-fought. But I will tell you, with a little bit of hard work, the information is out there waiting to be found and asking questions that reveal data akin to finding a seam of gold. 

So when you bet on a given horse what is the betting saying. If you could put those odds into words what would you hear the trainer, owner, jockey or professional gambler say? 

From studying hundreds of two-year-old horse trainers I can appreciate more than most what chance a horse has from simply reviewing the betting. My analysis is often particularly strong on the horse's first and second start. Beyond those initial runs, the form can be assessed which helps where basic data cannot be found. 

If you bet on a horse priced 10/1 I would have an opinion. My opinion would vary from one trainer to the next. Quite often I would view the bet as good, bad or just plain ugly. 

The information I have gathered has to a great extent transformed my understanding. It has helped me assess races to a high level of accuracy and detail those horses with a live chance to those with little hope at all. 

There will always be exceptions to the rule. It is interesting when a two-year-old horse defies the odds that they often turn out to be very talented horses. 

The next time you look at the betting stop for a moment and consider what are the odds saying. It goes beyond the basics of fractions. It tells a story that you need to learn and understand. 

What is the influence of horse racing betting? 

It is more than pounds, shillings and pence. It is a variable which details, to a large extent, the truth of horse winning a given race. 

If you don't know what the odds mean for the horse you are about to bet then you need to be fearful of the layer who is about to accept your wager. 

Why?

Because there is a very good chance they know something that you don't.   

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution 

It's a Classic Tactical Affair

As a follower of two-year-old horse racing, I don't take much interest in the three-year-old Classics: 1000 Guineas, 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Oaks & St Leger.  

Perhaps I should.

I was going to say it's a time thing, but thinking about it, that can't be the case as it doesn't take any longer than a few minutes. I guess I'm just not that interested which is a shame as these should be races to savour. 

I'm sure many race fans enjoyed the Oaks and the Epsom Derby. 

As it happened, I intended to watch the Derby but got carried away with work and then the next thing it had come and gone. 

I checked the result to see big-priced horses filled the frame. 

I still haven't watched the race. 

However, my good friend Eric Winner asked: ''Did you watch the Oaks?''

An hour or so later, I watched it. I knew what he was referring to because we had a conversation about pacemakers. 

I wonder what is your opinion about pacemakers in high-class races? I guess they are there for a reason. Strangely, trainers would, I imagine, say they have a pacemaker so it is a truly run race. Using tactics so it isn't a tactical affair. It doesn't sound very logical to me. 

The way the Aidan O'Brien and John Gosden horse stormed to the front, to me, made the race a ridiculous sight. It took away from the atmosphere and spectacle. Should these horses even be in the race? 

The pacemakers were ridden in splendid isolation. Then dropped back. The race was won easily by Love. 

A brilliant horse. 

I wondered what I was watching. The circus of the pacemakers. Any form of manipulation brings about problems if not ethical issues. Something very honest and true is tainted. 

To me, there's something wrong with this whole approach.

I guess pacemakers are needed?

A trainer, I guess, can instruct his rider to run any way they wish, as long as they are trying.

However, I wonder if these high-profile races are lessened by such tactics. If a horse is a champion then I'm sure it will win. To challenge adversity and win whether than is being held up or being brave enough to lead from the front.

That is a champion.

Isn't that the truth of the story and the one we want to watch and read about?

Whether a pacemaker or not any horse has the right under the present regulations to lead. So we may be questioning is a front runner simply a horse that leads or is it a pacemaker? 

But the whole premise of the argument is the intention. Clearly, the respective trainers made the decision to have pacemakers and I think it undermines everything good about horse racing. 

The Oaks wasn't the race it should have been. 

A superb winning performance was made to look poorer for the tactics employed by those so wanting to win.

No wonder I stick to my run-of-the-mill two-year-old racing. 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given 

Who is Stanford Wong?

Stanford Wong was one of the seven inaugural inductees to the Blackjack Hall of Fame, founded at the Barona Casino Resort in San Diego in 2002, at the behest of celebrated analyst and commentator Max Rubin, to honour the leading lights in the history of the game. However, revered though it may be, Standford Wong is not the name of a real person, but rather the nom de guerre, or assumed name, of Georgia-born author and professional player John Ferguson.  

Born on April 3, 1943, Ferguson was introduced to playing blackjack after learning the '10 Count' method of card counting from the book 'Beat The Dealer', written by Edward Thorp and first published in 1962. Still only twenty, and an undergraduate student at Oregon State University, he practised card counting in his spare time until he was of legal age to play blackjack in a casino. Shortly after his twenty-first birthday, Ferguson made the first of numerous, successful visits to the casinos of Reno and Lake Tahoe. His first experience of Las Vegas casinos, though, was a short, abortive affair, lasting only three days, because of the blatant dishonesty which appeared to be innate among blackjack dealers in 'Sin City'. 

It would not be until 1970 that Ferguson would return to Las Vegas but, when he did, was delighted by the new-found integrity of the dealing fraternity. By that stage, he had completed Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Oregon State, taught mathematics classes for two years and served in the United States Army for two years, including a twelve-moth tour of duty in Vietnam. Prior to being drafted, Ferguson has continued to play blackjack in Renoe and Lake Tahoe as often as his academic commitments allowed. Following demobilisation, he carried on in similar vein, pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Finance at Stanford University, playing blackjack occasionally and working on the material that would become his first book, 'Professional Blackjack'. 

The relative proximity of the Las Vegas Strip to Stanford University and San Francisco State University, where Ferguson began teaching finance classes, full-time, in 1974, proved an obvious attraction. In fact, by 1976, he was earning more money from playing blackjack than from his 'day job'. In a compromise with university authorities, Ferguson agreed to teach classes in the final term of what he later described as his 'last real job' for a nominal salary of $1, on the understanding that he did not have to attend faculty meetings. In so doing, he created free time to play blackjack in Las Vegas. 

By his own admission, Ferguson did not make a conscious decision to write 'Professional Blackjack', but rather realised that, between them, his paper calculations and instructional paper on blackjack – which, itself, evolved over time in response to questions from would-be card counters – were enough to constitute a book. Having verifed that the calculations presented in 'Beat The Dealer' were, in fact, correct, Ferguson prepared his own tables for scenarios, such as the dealer standing on 'soft' seventeen, which Edward Thorp did not cover. 

Indeed, it was the publication of 'Professional Blackjack', in 1975, which led Ferguson to decide that he needed a pseudonym to protect his real identity. At the age of thirty-two, he was playing blackjack under his real name in Nevada casinos and did not want to draw attention to himself. Seeking a complicated first name and simple last name, Ferguson liked the sound of 'Nevada Smith' – a fictional character from the movies 'The Carpetbaggers' and 'Nevada Smith' – but eventually settled on 'Stanford Wong' on the suggestion of fellow Ph.D student Denny Draper. Ferguson said of his sobriquet, 'I thought it was perfect. It had an academic ring to it and the mystique of the Orient.' 

Aside from 'Professional Blackjack', Ferguson also published several other celebrated blackjack titles, including 'Tournament Blackjack' in 1987, 'Basic Blackjack' in 1992 and 'Blackjack Secrets', which was originally part of 'Professional Blackjack', in 1993. In 1996, as soon as message board software became widely available, Ferguson founded the website 'BJ21.com', one of the principal aims of which was to allow like-minded blackjack players, intent on beating the game, to contact each other and exchange information. Ferguson sold 'BJ21.com' to LCB, an award-winning gambling information site, in March, 2016 and, interviewed in October that year, revealed that he had no plans for future involvement with the website, books or any other active engagement with the public. 

Ferguson, or rather Stanford Wong, was also responsible, albeit indirectly, for introducing the term 'Wong', used as a verb, to gambling parlance. Although he neither invented the technique, nor referred to it by the now commonly-used name in any of his books, Ferguson was an advocate and early practioner of back-counting. Back-counting essentially involves counting cards, as a spectator, until the count becomes strongly positive or, in other words, the deck is rich in aces and tens, to the advantage of the player. When it is, the card counter enters the game – provided, of course, mid-shoe entry is permitted – and places one or more bets at, or around, the table maximum. The term 'Wonging' was coined by blackjack players in Atlantic City in the late Seventies to describe this playing style.