Where The Big Fish Play

[traynor]

This article is from way back--not too long after I started considering horse racing as a viable alternative to working for a living. Not much has changed since then as far as where the (more successful) gamblers gamble. They still go to the same places (mostly) and hang out with the same crowds (mostly). If one wants to find "successful bettors," those are the places to look, and the people among whom to seek them.

However, I no longer have any interest in backgammon and Joe Dwek stopped being my hero decades ago. Other than that, it is much the same. With the Hong Kong circuit a welcome addition (and change of scenery, for those who look at the scenery).

"Joe Dwek -- a British citizen born in Cairo with the fast, dark eyes of a cobra -- who makes his living winning games of chance in the world's capitals."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1981/09/06/where-the-rich-and-the-royal-play-their-games/7b065b34-950e-4304-9197-777d8b7ac651/?utm_term=.18d93435fdf8

I saw Dwek interviewed on tv a bit before the above article was written. The interviewer asked why someone would spend so much time playing a board game. I don't know what kind of answer was expected, but Joe elevated himself to instant role model status (to me) with his prompt and succinct two word reply, "The money."

[traynor]

Why Monaco?

"Foremost, there is the gambling. Until 1860, Monaco was a scrubby principality blessed only with abundant sunshine, olive trees and fields of violets. Today, Rolls Royces joust for parking spaces outside the palacial casino that, as European aristocracy flocked to gamble there, made Monte Carlo the premiere jewel in the Cote d'Azur's necklace. And free of income, property and inheritance taxes, Monaco quickly found favor among those who have the most to be taxed. Now, sandwiched in the one-half square mile between Monaco's dramatic cliffs and the Mediterranean, studio apartments in high-rise condominiums begin at $300,000."
Citation above.

[LottaKash]

Nice little read Tray...thx for the glimpse... :jump:

[Nitro]

This article is from way back--not too long after I started considering horse racing as a viable alternative to working for a living. Not much has changed since then as far as where the (more successful) gamblers gamble. They still go to the same places (mostly) and hang out with the same crowds (mostly). If one wants to find "successful bettors," those are the places to look, and the people among whom to seek them.

However, I no longer have any interest in backgammon and Joe Dwek stopped being my hero decades ago. Other than that, it is much the same. With the Hong Kong circuit a welcome addition (and change of scenery, for those who look at the scenery).

"Joe Dwek -- a British citizen born in Cairo with the fast, dark eyes of a cobra -- who makes his living winning games of chance in the world's capitals."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1981/09/06/where-the-rich-and-the-royal-play-their-games/7b065b34-950e-4304-9197-777d8b7ac651/?utm_term=.18d93435fdf8

I saw Dwek interviewed on tv a bit before the above article was written. The interviewer asked why someone would spend so much time playing a board game. I don't know what kind of answer was expected, but Joe elevated himself to instant role model status (to me) with his prompt and succinct two word reply, "The money."It seems that this interesting editorial is a bit dated, but nonetheless its very well written, and enjoyed it.

However, in spite of all the glamorous high-rollers depicted in the backgammon tournament play in Monaco, the action described there pales by comparison to the 2 weekly racing events in Hong Kong. I’m not sure if the high-rollers in HK are as dazzling and I doubt the environment is anything like Monaco, but it certainly has its appeal especially to those interested in those same 2-words. And the nice thing is you don’t even have to be there to take advantage of it.
.

[traynor]

It seems that this interesting editorial is a bit dated, but nonetheless its very well written, and enjoyed it.

However, in spite of all the glamorous high-rollers depicted in the backgammon tournament play in Monaco, the action described there pales by comparison to the 2 weekly racing events in Hong Kong. I’m not sure if the high-rollers in HK are as dazzling and I doubt the environment is anything like Monaco, but it certainly has its appeal especially to those interested in those same 2-words. And the nice thing is you don’t even have to be there to take advantage of it.
.

I agree, with the difference that (for those who take the time to learn the system and the participants), Hong Kong does not take second place status to anywhere else. The gamblers there have a firm grasp on how to live life to the fullest (when you can afford whatever you want, wherever you want, with whoever you want). I am a big fan of such a perspective, both as activity and goal.

I think a LOT of bettors would do much better in the profit department if they actually enjoyed life a bit more, and realized what they could have, what they could do, and where they could go if they worked a bit harder at it. One of the perks of (having lived) a long life is the insight that wasting it sitting in one place, squirreling away nuts for that long winter that one will most likely never live to see, is not the best strategy (or goal) for a long and happy life.

I really like Sha Tin. I look forward to completing the app I am building for races in Australia that should fund a return there quite nicely. WAY easier than using blackjack for funding. A bit of work, but not so much when one considers the rewards. And it gives me time to learn a bit more Mandarin. (I know, the locals in HK speak Cantonese, not Mandarin.)

[ReplayRandall]

I agree, with the difference that (for those who take the time to learn the system and the participants), Hong Kong does not take second place status to anywhere else. The gamblers there have a firm grasp on how to live life to the fullest (when you can afford whatever you want, wherever you want, with whoever you want). I am a big fan of such a perspective, both as activity and goal.

I think a LOT of bettors would do much better in the profit department if they actually enjoyed life a bit more, and realized what they could have, what they could do, and where they could go if they worked a bit harder at it. One of the perks of (having lived) a long life is the insight that wasting it sitting in one place, squirreling away nuts for that long winter that one will most likely never live to see, is not the best strategy (or goal) for a long and happy life.

I really like Sha Tin. I look forward to completing the app I am building for races in Australia that should fund a return there quite nicely. WAY easier than using blackjack for funding. A bit of work, but not so much when one considers the rewards.

As far as globe trotting is concerned, Roulette is a better way to make profits, still enough deep-pocket wheels, lazy croupiers, and incompetent supervisors around to turn an easier buck.....If Magister Ludi is reading this, I know he'll agree.

[TexasDolly]

Is the guy named Adnan Khashoggi the one connected with the murder of a
Texas judge ? His name was heard around Las Vegas alot 30-40 years or so ago,if it is the same one.
Enjoyed the article.
TD

[thaskalos]

As far as globe trotting is concerned, Roulette is a better way to make profits, still enough deep-pocket wheels, lazy croupiers, and incompetent supervisors around to turn an easier buck.....If Magister Ludi is reading this, I know he'll agree.

Yes...there are roulette-playing professional gamblers everywhere.

[thaskalos]

If Magister Ludi is reading this, I know he'll agree.

I have it on good authority that the poster who goes by the handle "Magister Ludi" here, is really gambler extraordinaire James Grosjean. :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

[traynor]

As far as globe trotting is concerned, Roulette is a better way to make profits, still enough deep-pocket wheels, lazy croupiers, and incompetent supervisors around to turn an easier buck.....If Magister Ludi is reading this, I know he'll agree.

Okay. Consider me ignorant, uneducated, and unfamiliar with the fine points of roulette wagering. Are you serious, or is this some kind of inside joke (that goes WAY over my head)?

[ReplayRandall]

Are you serious, or is this some kind of inside joke (that goes WAY over my head)?

Yes, seriously.....Nothing goes over your head, as far as I know.