the betting thread

[Diomedes]

Either of you degenerates ever read much about gambling?

I'd be interested in reading a history of what happened when the government took over the numbers game.  I'm only dimly aware of what a significant change that was to many communities.  Kinda like telling drunks like me, you can't have local pubs, basically.  Now you gotta get yours from the State or risk prison.  Numbers outfits weren't all evil murdering bastiches like they want us to think.

[SD]

This is my first season gambling on the regular. Week 1 of this nfl season I  deposited $100 on FanDuel to make a bet for my buddy who got locked out of his count. Started betting on Games here and there and hit on some prop bets. Up on the year around $600.

My buddy's been a bookie in south Philly for over 20 years he said his business hasn't changed since sports gambling became legal. I do laugh at the hypocrisy to say no to gambling we even gotta keep pro teams out of Vegas to now you can't go 5 minutes without seeing a commercial.

[PhillyPhreak54]

Yeah and you still have states like Texas that think gambling is the devil. I'm convinced that the pols here are greased by the casinos in Oklahoma and Louisiana.

When we drive over to Lake Charles for a weekend 90% of the parking lots are Texas plates.

Like with any vice people will take advantage.

When it was first legalized in alot of the states bookies took a hit. But the pendulum has swung back a bit since the FanDuel and DK type places can be pretty restrictive on odds, payouts etc.

On days like this when the schedule is lousy with a ton of huge favorites I will look at two/three team parlays that'll pay even money or a bit better.

[Diomedes]

I have an aunt who was born and raised in Baltimore City.  Not a blood aunt (she's Black.)  Born in '53 or so.  Very upright family, if you will.  Church people.  She became a nun.  Still is. 
Numbers man was just a part of life.  He came by their house regularly.  She doesn't remember her parents winning or losing much, and there was never even the slightest feeling that this wasn't kosher.  Everyone knew the guy, he knew everyone.  Everyone who won got paid.  It was just part of life.

When the lottery was taken over by the State, all whatever social connection that had been built up within neighborhoods and gambling syndicates like this one were snuffed out.  I'm sure that hurt minority communities more than any other. 

[PhillyPhreak54]

I forgot about the neighborhood numbers guy.

Crummy inflated lines today. Not a good overall value opportunity.

ML parlay of Chiefs, Packers and Patriots  that pays +152 and a big 9pt teaser that pays +435.