Sharp Money by Dan Abrams

Today our guest is Dan Abrams.  He's on to talk about his new book, "Sharp Money". The book is about poker, sports betting, and investing.

podcast - https://www.spreaker.com/episode/sharp-money-by-dan-abrams--72025750

Show Notes

[00:00]  introduction of Dan Abrams, sports bettor, poker player, and author of Sharp Money

[00:34]  Dan’s start in poker

[01:35]  Studying Razz 

[05:58]  Razz coaching and educational teaching videos

[09:38]  Poker players famously losing money betting sports

[11:01]  Rationale for over-betting your bankroll

[15:49]  Increasing expected growth vs increasing expected value

[22:44]  Hedging and arbitrage in financial markets

[27:40]  Root unit staking system

[35:05]  How do sports bettors know when they have an advantage?

[36:46]  Indications of edge in financial markets

[39:42]  Calculating edge ex-ante, bottom-up vs top-down betting

[44:15]  Will Dan play in the WSOP?

[44:42]  Sharp Money’s intended audience

Links:

GamblingWithAnEdge.com

x.com/DoctorRazzWSOP

Books Referenced:

Sharp Money by Dan Abrams - https://amzn.to/4uyZTgX

But How Much Did You Lose?  by Dan Abrams - https://amzn.to/43ktdvw

Sklanksy on Poker by David Sklanksy - https://amzn.to/4uYanpT

Gambling With an Edge - Gary Kondler

Bob and Richard sit down with Gary Kondler to talk about taxes for gamblers after the big beautiful bill.  It may not be as bad for some of us as we all thought. Spoiler alert - but some gamblers are just screwed.

podcast - https://www.spreaker.com/episode/gary-kondler-on-taxes-for-gamblers--69186322

Show Notes

[00:00]  Introduction of gambling tax expert Gary Kondler from Kondler & Associates

[01:36]  W2Gs under the new tax law

[05:24]  Reconciling W2s with session win/loss

[09:43]  An example of casino gambling profit and discussion of similar case law

[18:04]  Sports betting example

[20:46]  Could a day of betting across different sportsbooks be considered a single session?

[24:28]  Arbitrage bettors versus poker players 

[27:06]  What type of gambler would benefit from creating an S corp

[30:00]  Casino generated win/loss statements

[31:54]  Should clients file on time or file an extension?

[37:49]  IRS layoffs 

[40:57]  How can listeners contact Gary?

[42:45]  Brian Camp’s legal opinion

[44:55]  Kalshi and other predictive markets

[47:48]  Professional versus non-professional gambler

[51:34]  Does filing with losses affect the professional gambler classification?

Links:

Kondlercpa.com

https://www.taxnotes.com/special-reports/gains-and-losses/taxation-gambling-after-obbba/2025/08/14/7sxhn

Gambling With an Edge - Veganmav

Our guest this week is named Veganmav.  We talk about his starting with $2.50 during the internet poker boom, and building that bankroll to mid seven figures.  And yes, he still eats out of dumpsters.

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

Podcast - https://www.spreaker.com/user/7418966/veganmav

Show Notes

 [00:00]  Introduction of poker and blackjack player, Veganmav

[00:31]  Being homeless as a child

[01:56]  Flipping Toyota Camrys

[07:41]  Scalping tickets

[10:34]  Playing poker

[16:40]  Heads up limit hold'em

[20:09]  Retiring from poker, applying to medical school

[24:16]  Taking a leave of absence, living in Japan and China

[26:01]  Learning and studying in Thailand, benefits of team meetings

[27:34]  Why did Veganmav retire from gambling?

[30:33]  http://SouthPointCasino.com

[31:25]  http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com

[31:54]  http://VideoPoker.com/gwae

[33:19]  http://Unabated.com

[33:58]  Transitioning into blackjack

[36:44]  Dumpster diving, food waste, food safety

[46:58]  Linguistic and cultural advantages in blackjack

[52:41]  Will Veganmav eventually practice medicine?

[54:47]  Dating as an advantage player

[58:20]  Recommended:  The Longevity Diet, 

[1:02:08]  How to contact VeganMav, TommyAngelo.com, Raspberry Pi

Sponsored Links:

http://SouthPointCasino.com

http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com

http://VideoPoker.com/gwae

http://Unabated.com

Recommended:

The Longevity Diet by Valter Longo https://amzn.to/3rTaIfb

http://TommyAngelo.com

http://Raspberrypi.com

Gambling With an Edge - guest Shane Sigsbee

 Our guest this week is Shane Sigsbee.  Shane started a company called "I am a Whale" that backed professional poker players, and then moved into sports arbitrage, and getting down for other pros.

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/7418966/shane
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00]  Introduction of sports better Shane Sigsbee

[00:30]  Shane's background in golf

[01:20]  Betting on golf

[01:56]  Does being a skilled golfer help Shane handicap golf?

[03:07]  Betting on golf

[05:19]  Billy Walters

[06:45]  Transitioning from financing to gambling, backing poker players

[11:47]  Pricing staking deals,

[16:01]  Finding winning players, backing low stakes

[17:28]  Getting stiffed by winning players

[20:10]  Player contracts

[21:55]  Transitioning into sports, moving to Las Vegas

[25:40]  Getting action down without getting limited

[29:00]  http://SouthPointCasino.com

[29:46]  http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com

[30:15]  http://VideoPoker.com/gwae

[31:10]  Arbitrage, line manipulation, off-shore outs

[33:56]  Betting for clients, beards

[34:47]  Client characteristics

[36:29]  What sports does Shane bet on?

[37:37]  Company size and structure

[38:23]  Super Bowl props

[39:31]  In-game and half-time bets

[40:29]  Buying real estate, Airbnb

[45:01]  Diversification, real estate business

[51:21]  Networking

[52:17]  Bet Bash

Sponsored Links:

http://SouthPointCasino.com

http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com

http://VideoPoker.com/gwae

Guest Links:

http://Twitter.com/imawhalesports

Gambling With an Edge - guest Norman Zadeh

Our guest this week is Norman Zadeh.  Norman is a former mathematics professor, and longtime gambler.  He wrote one of the first math based poker books back in 1974.  He has been a winning gambler at backgammon, poker, and sports betting.

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/50630679
  Click to listen - Alt click to download


Show Notes

[00:00]  Introduction of Norman Zadeh

[00:39]  Norman’s gambling background, poker, backgammon

[04:41]  Writing a poker book

[07:15]  Does Norman still play backgammon?

[08:48]  Superstition, cosmic unconsciousness 

[11:35]  Sports betting, handicapping

[13:49]  Modeling baseball

[16:46]  Handicapping basketball

[20:13]  Investing, trading in the stock markets

[21:35]  Opportunities to make money with math

[23:58]  Writing software, writing songs

[26:11]  Analyzing backgammon in the 1970s, brute force, XG

[31:40]  Kyle Larsen story

[33:00]  Investing versus betting

[37:44]  https://SouthPointCasino.com

[38:32]  https://BlackjackApprenticeship.com

[39:01]  https://VideoPoker.com/gwae

[39:55]  Norman’s books

[42:39]  Norman’s investing competition

[51:20]  Recommended: The Master Mechanic by I.G. Broat, Risk of Ruin Podcast episode “The Audacity of Help” education in math or computer science

Sponsored Links:

https://SouthPointCasino.com

https://BlackjackApprenticeship.com

https://VideoPoker.com/gwae

Guest Links:

https://Financial-competitions.com

Books by Norman Zadeh - https://amzn.to/3oD52o5

Recommended:

The Master Mechanic by I.G. Broat - https://amzn.to/3PvKh98

https://Podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/risk-of-ruin/id1527018692

Gambling With an Edge - guest Houston Curtis

Our guest this week is Houston Curtis.  Houston is a sleight of hand expert, and executive producer of the live streaming poker show "Live At The Bike."  We talk about some of the recent poker cheating scandals and what you can do to protect yourself.  He is also the author of Billion Dollar Hollywood Heist, and his experiences playing in "Molly's Game."

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/7418966/houstoncurtis2
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00]  Introduction of Houston Curtis, sleight of hand and game protection expert

[00:41]  GWAE is changing podcast platforms

[02:23]  Live at The Bike

[07:45]  Limon

[08:46]  Cheating in card games

[13:28]  RFID, hole cards, Mike Postel, home games

[20:09]  Shufflemaster vulnerabilities in Texas

[27:47]  South Point Casino July Promotions - $25k and $1k-$2.5k casino wide progressives

[28:33]  http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com - blackjack training site with analytical software, training guides, members forum, and chat room

[29:04]  http://VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games, free Pro Membership trial for GWAE listeners   

[30:40]  Houston's video content

[34:24]  Using cheating knowledge to protect games versus to cheat games

[35:34]  Responses to cheating and proactive measures like limiting dirty money, social media

[39:18]  Selecting players for Live at the Bike

[43:59]  Producing 1,000 hours of content per year

[44:58]  Houston's upcoming book, Million Dollar Mechanics, to be published by The Huntington Press

[47:13]  Steve Forte

[52:09]  Recommended - The Old Man on FX and Hulu, How to Tell a Story audiobook by The Moth, Live at The Bike

Sponsored Links:

http://SouthPointCasino.com

http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com

http://VideoPoker.com/gwae

Guest Links:

http://Twitter.com/houston_curtis

http://Kardsharp.com

http://Liveatthebike.com

Billion Dollar Hollywood Heist https://amzn.to/3AlyhT4

Recommended:

http://Fxnetworks.com/shows/the-old-man

How to Tell a Story by The Moth https://amzn.to/3xVGBX2

http://Liveatthebike.com

Gambling With an Edge - guest Poker pro, Chance Kornuth

Our guest this week is Chance Kornuth.  Chance is a poker player and founder of Chip Leader Coaching. He has over $10 million in career earnings,

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

.

Show Notes

[00:00]  Introduction of poker player, Chance Kornuth

[00:48]  Chance's success and notoriety

[01:36]  Las Vegas charity poker tournament

[03:27]  Chip leader coaching

[04:26]  Chance's poker beginnings, quitting college to play professionally

[07:15]  Reading poker tells

[10:10]  WSOP incident

[13:11]  PLO match with Phil Galfond

[16:37]  Playing cash games

[17:11]  Chance's other product offerings

[21:21]  Playing short deck and other games

[25:27]  Learning short deck strategy

[26:36]  Upcoming live tell product

[28:15]  Final table consulting

[34:06]  South Point Casino May Promotions - Half-priced gas and goods, Mother's Day candy promo

[35:15]  http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com - blackjack training site with analytical software, members forum, and chat room

[35:45]  http://VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games, free Pro Membership trial for GWAE listeners   

[36:57]  Advice for recreational players looking to advance

[42:10]  Cheating claims, player protection, and blacklisting

[48:45]  What events will Chance play in WSOP?

[49:21]  Recommended:  Heads You Win by Jeffrey Archer, Penn and Teller at the Rio, Comedy Cellar at the Rio, Xiao Long Dumplings

Sponsored Links:

http://SouthPointCasino.com

http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com

http://VideoPoker.com/gwae

Guest Links:

http://Clcpoker.com

http://Twitter.com/chancescards

Recommended:

Heads You Win by Jeffrey Archer https://amzn.to/3L8BqHQ

Penn and Teller at the Rio

The Comedy Cellar at the Rio

http://Xiaolongdumplings.com

Gambling With an Edge - guest Maverick

Our guest this week is a poker pro, and AP who goes by Maverick.

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

.

Show Notes

[00:00]  Introduction of poker player and musician, Maverick

[00:29]  How did Maverick get started in poker?

[06:11]  Building a bankroll

[08:14]  Tilted by a bad beat, going broke

[11:39]  Playing 2/5 NL in Louisville, moving to Las Vegas

[15:30]  Learning more about poker, getting better

[17:28]  Gambling and family life

[20:11]  Adjusting risk management, diversifying income streams, analytics

[24:11]  Cheating in Las Vegas poker rooms

[25:11]  Playing in Bobby's Room and other big games

[32:10]  Playing heads up

[34:54]  Shifting into other forms of advantage play

[37:08]  Advantage play teams

[39:32]  Sensing heat

[45:21]  South Point Casino May Promotions - Half-priced gas and goods, Mother's Day candy promo

[46:28]  http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com - blackjack training site with analtical software, members forum, and chat room

[46:57]  http://VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games, free Pro Membership trial for GWAE listeners   

[47:43]  Back-off stories

[55:18]  Stories about nervous big players

[59:28]  Recommended:  @vegasissues on Instagram, exercising to limit arm soreness after vaccines, active listening

Sponsored Links:

http://SouthPointCasino.com

http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com

http://VideoPoker.com/gwae

Recommended:

http://Instagram.com/vegasissues

Gambling With an Edge - guest author Marton Magyar

 Our guest this week is author Marton Magyar.  Marton's new book is "The 50 Greatest Stories in Poker History."

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

Show Notes

[00:00]  introduction of Marton Magyar, author of The 50 Greatest Stories in Poker History

[00:42]  Marton's ethnic background

[01:41]  Marton's poker experience

[04:27]  What poker sites does Marton write for?

[06:34]  Chronicling the poker stories in The 50 Greatest Stories in Poker History

[10:56]  Research for The 50 Greatest Stories in Poker History

[13:43] Johnny Moss and Nick The Greek

[20:07]  Marton's favorite stories

[23:31]  What stories just missed making the book?

[29:16]  South Point Casino December promotions - City Lights Shine promotion, half-price when paying with points

[30:15]  http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com - card counting training website and community with many betting, tracking, and analytical tools

[30:56]  http://VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games, free Pro Membership trial for GWAE listeners

[32:44]  Is Marton planning another book?

[36:09]  Movies with poker scenes

[38:50]  Contact Marton at Twitter.com/mmagyarpoker

[39:39]  Recommended:  The Professor, The Banker, and The Suicide King by Michael Craig, The Vig by Les Croart, The Vig by Peter Alson

[44:55]  Playing 100-play video poker for $1/spin

[46:45]  Blackjack on cruise ships

[47:43]  Over-saturation in slot hustling

[51:58]  Variance in video poker

[54:50]  Dating a casino employee

[56:34]  Designing a new video poker game

[58:10]  Why is KO an looked down on as an inferior count?

Sponsored Links:

http://SouthPointCasino.com

http://BlackjackApprenticeship.com

http://VideoPoker.com/gwae

GWAE Content Referenced:

http://Lasvegasadvisor.com/gambling-with-an-edge/gambling-with-edge-guest-doug-swanson/

http://Lasvegasadvisor.com/gambling-with-an-edge/gambling-with-edge-guest-michael-craig/

http://Lasvegasadvisor.com/gambling-with-an-edge/podcast-guest-author-peter-alson/

http://Lasvegasadvisor.com/gambling-with-an-edge/colin-jones-s1-e9-knockout-kiss/

Recommended:

The Professor, The Banker, and The Suicide King by Michael Craig https://amzn.to/323TYIP

The Vig by Les Croart https://amzn.to/3GRGHC2

The Vig by Peter Alson https://amzn.to/3yxfUb4

The 50 Greatest Stories in Poker History  https://amzn.to/3oOTSgz

Gambling With an Edge - guest Jay Helfert part 2

 Our guest this week is a return visit from Jay Helfert. Jay is a pool player, tournament organizer, and pool room owner. 

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

podcast
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00] Introduction of Toupee Jay Helfert, pool and poker player
[00:22] Subscriptions and reviews
[01:49] Jay's background in poker
[02:33] Playing in the WSOP
[08:47] Amarillo Slim
[09:50] Gavin Smith
[12:12] Richard's Amarillo Slim story
[14:06] Hollywood Park
[23:07] South Point Casino May Promotions - Half-Priced Gas and Goods, Mother's Day Chocolates Giveaway
[24:14] BlackjackApprenticeship.com - card counting training site and community, Blackjack Bootcamps are scheduled for this summer
[24:30] VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games, free Pro Membership trial for GWAE listeners
[25:16] The origin of Minnesota Fats' nickname
[29:33] Walter Tevis
[32:35] Harry Reasoner
[36:21] Playing pool against the a leader of a motorcycle club
[45:35] Carrying a gun
[48:44] Unusual pool stories
[58:25] How to order copies of Jay's books, Pool Wars and More Pool Wars

Sponsored Links:
SouthPointCasino.com
BlackjackApprenticeship.com
VideoPoker.com/gwae


Jay's Website:
JayHelfert.com

Gambling With an Edge - guest Jay Helfert

Our guest this week is Jay Helfert. Jay is a pool player, tournament organizer, and pool room owner.

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

podcast
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00] Introduction of Toupee Jay Helfert, pool and poker player
[00:16] Origin of the "Toupee Jay" nickname
[02:22] When did Jay start playing pool?
[03:38] Games with the most money
[04:59] Traveling to play pool
[05:54] Backing games
[08:13] Big cash games in Vegas
[09:55] Similarities between pool and poker
[12:00] Owning pool rooms
[13:52] Tournament play
[14:29] The Color of Money
[21:42] Walter Tevis
[26:16] Most well known pool hall
[29:03] South Point Casino April Promotions - $500k Money Madness casino-wide progressives
[29:50] VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games, free Pro Membership trial for GWAE listeners
[30:48] Backing Keith McGrady and stolen Szamboti cue
[38:42] Normal split between player and backer
[40:10] Ronnie Allen
[42:14] Current landscape of road hustling and handicapped games
[46:54] Gaffed pool cue
[48:47] Shane Van Boening
[51:16] The World Pro Am at the Tropicana
[56:27] Jay's book Pool Wars


Sponsored Links:
SouthPointCasino.com
VideoPoker.com/gwae


Books Referenced:
Pool Wars by Jay Helfert https://amzn.to/3aaGf3x

The Color of Money by Walter Nevis https://amzn.to/3wTw6SV
The Queen's Gambit by Walter Nevis https://amzn.to/3suv64h

Jay's Links:
JayHelfert.com

 

Gambling With an Edge - guest Michael Sall

Our guest this week is arguably the world's best gin rummy player, Michael Sall. He is the author of "Gin Rummy: A Predator's Guide."

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

podcast
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00] Introduction of Michael Sall, arguably the best gin rummy player in the world
[00:32] Micheal's appearance of David Hill's podcast "Gamblers"
[02:05] Does winning tournaments help players to find good games?
[03:41] Michael's early experiences playing gin
[06:44] Gin Rummy: A Predator's Guide by Michael Sall
[09:52] Playing in New York City
[15:01] Stu Ungar
[20:45] How is gambling at gin different than other forms about gambling?
[22:55] South Point Casino December Promotions -
[24:09] PPredictit.org/promo/edge - places small bets on various political events, $20 deposit match for GWAE listeners

[25:04] BlackjackApprenticeship.com - a card counting community and trading site
[25:47] VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games, Free Pro Membership trial for GWAE listeners

[26:31] Getting access to high stakes games
[28:58] Brian Zembic
[31:14] Hustling at gin versus other forms of hustling
[32:47] Cheating in gin
[39:32] Molly's game and federal charges
[47:44] Carrying large amounts of money
[49:09] How can listeners contact Michael?
[50:14] Recommended - The Crown on Netflix, "The Pool Hustler" episode of David Hill's Gamblers podcast


Sponsored Links:
SouthPointCasino.com
Predictit.org/promo/edge
BlackjackApprenticeship.com 

VideoPoker.com/gwae


Podcasts Mentioned:
Theringer.com/2020/11/25/21717573/gamblers-podcast-episode-3-michael-sall-gin-rummy


Books Referenced:
Gamblersbookclub.com/gin-rummy-a-predators-guide-876.html


Recommended:
Netflix.com/title/80025678

Theringer.com/2020/11/18/21572652/gamblers-podcast-scott-frost-the-freezer-go-off-kid

Gambling With an Edge - guest Matthew Dicks

Our guest this week is Matthew Dicks. Matt is the author of, "Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling," as well as several novels. He recently wrote an article for Pokerstars  on how to tell better "bad beat" stories.

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

podcast
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00]  Introduction of storyteller, Matthew Dicks

[01:14]  A gambling related story about arm wrestling 

[13:36]  What makes that arm wrestling story interesting?

[17:25]  Matthew’s poker experience

[22:39]  Matt’s writing on PokerStars

[24:06]  Why are bad beat stories rarely entertaining?

[28:30]  Why is Sweeney an important character in Matthew’s bad beat story?

[32:01]  Time management 

[35:41]  South Point Casino November Promotions - Half-priced Amazon and Walmart gift cards, Thanksgiving Day Hot Seat

[36:50]  Predictit.org/promo/edge - place small bets on various political events, $20 deposit match for GWAE listeners

[37:37]  BlackjackApprenticeship.com - card counting training site and community

[38:03]  VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games 

[39:19]  More on Sweeney’s hand declaration 

[41:21]  Is there any place for fiction in a well told bad beat story?

[43:25]  Could storytelling help APs maintain cover?

[45:31]  Moth events

[49:26]  Matthew’s next storytelling book

[53:19]  Matthew’s contact info 

[54:06]  Recommended - The Queen’s Gambit, Best Hand I Ever Played by Steve Rosenbloom

Sponsored Links:

SouthPointCasino.com

Predictit.org/promo/edge

BlackjackApprenticeship.com

VideoPoker.com/gwae

Guest Links:

"Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling," https://amzn.to/3kcM9DB

MatthewDicks.com

Youtube.com/c/matthewjohndicks

Pokerstarsblog.com/en/news/how-to-tell-a-good-bad-beat-story-by-a-master-story-teller/67209/

Recommended:

Netflix.com/title/80234304

The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis https://amzn.to/3eUztQO

Best Hand I Ever Played by Steve Rosenbloom https://amzn.to/35qkR8C

.

Gambling With an Edge - guest Peter Alson

Our guest this week is author Peter Alson.  Peter joins us to talk about his new book, "The Only Way To Play It."

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

podcast
Click to listen - Alt click to download

[00:00] Introduction of Peter Alson, author of The Only Way to Play It
[00:34] Peter's gambling background
[05:25] Playing at The Mayfair Club
[07:37] The New York poker scene
[12:54] The art world
[15:48] Are Peter's characters based on actual people?
[21:30] Family problems and gambling
[27:38] South Point Casino September Promotions - $500k Money Madness casino-wide progressives
[28:22] Predictit.org/promo/edge - place small bets on various political events, $20 deposit match for GWAE listeners

[29:42] VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games

[30:38] The Russian mob
[34:10] Downswings and variance
[37:23] Choosing a title for The Only Way to Play It
[39:20] Deke Castleman
[42:26] Does writing difficult scenes affect Peter's life at home?
[43:30] How to buy The Only Way to Play It
[45:29] One of Kind by Nolan Dolla
[47:32] Recommended - Hotels Tonight app, The Blech Effect documentary

Sponsored Links:
SouthPointCasino.com
Predictit.org/promo/edge
VideoPoker.com/gwae

Guest Links:
PeterAlson.com

Books Referenced:
The Only Way to Play It by Peter Alson https://amzn.to/3k7Tk02
Confessions of an Ivy League Bookie by Peter Alson https://amzn.to/3k62N8o
One of a Kind by Nolan Dolla https://amzn.to/2RcFn4L

Episodes Referenced:
LasVegasAdvisor.com/gambling-with-an-edge/gambling-with-edge-guest-nolan-dalla-2

Recommended:
Hotels Tonight app
The Blech Effect, imdb.com/title/tt8030814

Gambling With an Edge - guest poker pro and author Maria Konnikova

Our guest this week is Maria Konnikova. Maria is a PHD in psychology, and a best-selling author who decided to spend one year learning to play tournament poker from Eric Seidel, and write a book about it.  she did so well in one year that she turned pro.  Her book is "The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win."

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

podcast
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00] Introduction of Maria Konnikova, author of The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win

[00:41] Excerpts of The Biggest Bluff are available online

[01:31] Erik Seidel's mentoring

[03:56] Psychological and mathematical foundations in poker

[05:21] No-Limit Hold'em cash play and tournaments modeling

[07:51] Processing and problem solving in poker hands

[10:10] Meeting Erik's family

[12:27] Playing poker after a year of mentoring

[13:50] Being sheepish about sharing some mistakes

[15:23] Getting tips from other poker pros

[17:30] Maria's grandmother doesn't like gambling

[20:38] Maria's life in 2020

[21:19] Hiring a mental coach

[24:29] Dealing with sexism at the poker table

[27:46] Entering the Colossus

[29:14] Are psychologists better at interpreting tells?

[31:51] Remembering hands to discuss with Erik

[33:53] South Point Casino July Promotions - "Spin to Win" earn up to four spins per day

[35:35] Predictit.org/promo/edge - place small bets on political events, $20 deposit match for GWAE listeners

[36:13] BlackjackApprenticeship.com - card counting training website and community, July bootcamps are available

[36:52] VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games, Pro Membership includes Ultimate X and Quick Quads

[37:53] Life lessons from poker

[41:41] Migraines and poker

[43:25] Does Maria have a favorite place to play poker?

[45:44] Choosing a title

[46:35] Writing about mistakes

[48:25] Maria's husband is a saint

[51:45] Maria's future plans
[53:11] Maria's advice

[54:08] Recommended: The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win by Maria Konnikova


Sponsored Links:
SouthPointCasino.com
Predictit.org/promo/edge
BlackjackApprenticeship.com
VideoPoker.com/gwae

Referenced Links:
NyTmes.com/2020/06/19/opinion/sunday/poker-bluffing-luck-skill.html
FiveThirtyEight.com/features/the-hard-truth-of-poker-and-life-youre-never-due-for-good-cards/


Recommended:
The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win by Maria Konnikova https://amzn.to/3i180On

Gambling With an Edge - guest Houston Curtis part 2

This is part 2 of our discussion with Houston Curtis. We talk more about Molly's Game, and discuss the Ultimate Blackjack Tour, and the Ultimate Bet scandal. His new book is Billion dollar Hollywood Heist.

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

podcast
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00] Introduction of Houston Curtis, author of The Billion Dollar Hollywood Heist

[00:46] Where is The Billion Dollar Hollywood Heist available?

[02:31] Jamie Gold makes a big game even bigger

[07:44] Ultimate Blackjack Tour

[10:49] Ultimate Bet and Russ Hamilton

[20:33] Does Houston fear any repercussions from his book?

[24:44] South Point Casino - over 10,000 games that return over 99%

[24:58] Predictit.org/promo/edge - a market where you can place small bets on political events, $20

[25:30] VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games, free trial of Pro Membership for GWAE listeners

[27:00] Brad Ruderman joins the game

[35:40] How is Houston's health today?

[39:03] Houston's other projects

[40:38] Pretty girls and drugs

[44:54] Card manipulation in other games

[54:06] Recommended: James Grosjean's new article on GamblingWithAnEdge.com


Sponsored Links:

SouthPointCasino.com

Predict.org/promo/edge

VideoPoker.com/gwae


Houston Curtis' Links:

KardSharp.com

Youtube.com/c/HoustonCurtisKardSharp

Billion dollar Hollywood Heist. https://amzn.to/2xJBC0J

Recommended:

Lasvegasadvisor.com/gambling-with-an-edge/author/james-grosjean/

Gambling With an Edge - guest Houston Curtis

Our guest this week is Houston Curtis on to talk abut what really happened in Molly's Game. His new book is Billion dollar Hollywood Heist.

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter or https://www.facebook.com/GamblingWithAnEdge.

podcast
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00] Introduction of Houston Curtis, author of The Billion Dollar Hollywood Heist

[00:47] Houston's background in gambling

[03:08] Witnessing shenanigans in licensed casinos

[07:33] Producing television shows

[11:10] Meeting Tobey McGuire

[13:09] KC Munchkin

[17:40] Hustling side bet mechanics in Molly's game

[22:28] Molly enters the game

[25:01] Molly's role shifts

[31:35] South Point Casino - (currently closed) hotel, casino, and spa

[32:32] Predictit.org/promo/edge - place small bets on political events, $20 deposit bonus for GWAE listeners

[33:04] BlackjackApprenticeship.com - card counting training site and community

[33:50] VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most game, free 1k hand trial of Pro Membership for GWAE listeners

[35:16] Staking Leonardo DiCaprio

[37:47] Why didn't Toby cut Houston out of the game?

[39:40] Did Houston ever intentionally lose?

[42:32] How did Houston's wife tolerate the swings?

[44:02] The sharp players in Molly's game

[50:54] Recommended: MasterClass.com, Duolingo.com

Sponsored Links:

SouthPointCasino.com
Predictit.org/promo/edge
BlackjackApprenticeship.com
VideoPoker.com/gwae


Books Referenced:

The Billion Dollar Hollywood Heist by Houston Curtis https://amzn.to/2xJBC0J

Gambling Sleight of Hand by Steve Forte https://www.gamblingsleightofhand.com/

Expert at the Card Table by S.W. Erdnase https://amzn.to/2VVB53P

Recommended:

MasterClass.com
Duolingo.com

Gambling With an Edge - guest The Heist

Our guest this week is a former surveillance operator turned professional sports bettor.  We call him "The Heist.".

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter.

podcast
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00]  Introduction of The Heist, former surveillance employee and current poker player/sports bettor

[00:35]  The Heist's surveillance experience

[07:15]  The Tran Organization and Archie Karas

[07:55]  Cheating and facial recognition

[11:00]  Card craps AP story

[16:04]  G2E trips and other surveillance training

[17:41]  Tribal casino legal proceedings

[19:09]  Why did The Heist give up surveillance?

[22:18]  Sports betting

[24:45]  The SuperContest

[27:20]  South Point January Casino Promotions - $500,000 "Spin to Win." MLK Hot Seat, free video poker classes start 1/14

[29:48]  Predictit.org/promo/edge - places small bets on political events

[30:35]  BlackJackApprenticeship.com - blackjack training site

[31:00]  VideoPoker.com/gwae - Gold Membership offers correction on most games, Pro Membership includes correction on Ultimate X and Quick Quads

[32:07]  Do casinos data mine search for players with lifetime wins?

[32:43]  Red flags that attract attention from surveillance

[37:02]  Sports betting promotions

[40:17]  Betting on Asian baseball

[43:50]  Prop betting

[45:58]  How did he get the name "The Heist?"

[47:01]  Recommended - Las Vegas Improv, National Parks Lifetime Pass, "52 Things that I learned in 2019."

SouthPointCasino.com

Predictit.org/promo/edge

BlackJackApprenticeship.com

VideoPoker.com/GWAE

BobDancer.com/seminars

Youtube.com/user/bjavideos

Las Vegas Improvisation Players LVimprov.com

National Park Passes Nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

52 things I learned in 2019 Medium.com/fluxx-studio-notes/52-things-i-learned-in-2019-8ee483e6c816

Gambling With an Edge - guest Anthony Curtis

Our guest this week is Anthony Curtis of The Las Vegas Advisor.  Anthony is on to talk about the new Member's Rewards book for 2020, and what is in the pipeline for Huntington Press.

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter.

podcast
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00]  Introduction of Anthony Curtis, publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor and Huntington Press

[00:38]  The 2020 Member Rewards Book - free play, match play, restaurant deals

[07:42]  Why are casino becoming more reluctant to participate?

[12:50]  Are any local bars participating in Member Rewards?

[17:50]  The Original Cocktail Club

[20:42]  2020 Eating Las Vegas by John Curtas

[25:49]  South Point Casino January Promotions - $500,000 Spin to Win, free video poker classes

[27:09]  Predictit.org/promo/edge - political betting market with a $20 deposit match for GWAE listeners

[28:03]  BlackjackApprenticeship.com - card counting training program

[28:22]  VideoPoker.com/gwae - gold membership offers correction on most games

[29:08]  Jean Scott leaving Las Vegas

[36:43]  Upcoming releases from The Huntington Press

[42:25]  More Mattress Mack stories

[50:00]  Recommended:  Dealt documentary on Netflix, 2-for-1 entree LVA coupon at Treasures

Sponsor Links:

SouthPointCasino.com

Predictit.org/promo/edge

BlackjackApprenticeship.com

VideoPoker.com/gwae

Links:

LasVegasAdvisor.com

HuntingtonPress.com

OriginalCocktailClub.com

EatingLV.com

TreasuresLasVegas.com

Books:

2020 Eating Las Vegas by John Curtas https://amzn.to/2Qha6xH

The Frugal Gambler by Jean Scott https://amzn.to/2rK2YR4

Kill Phil by Blair Rodman and Lee Nelson https://amzn.to/2MOo7AO

Gambling 102 by Michael Shackleford https://amzn.to/2ZUr4FH

Knockout Blackjack by Ken Fuchs and Olaf Vancura https://amzn.to/2ZHlMNy

The Logic of Sports Betting by Ed Miller and Matthew Davidow  https://amzn.to/2SSDWdA

Previous Episodes:

LasVegasAdvisor.com/gambling-with-an-edge/podcast-the-inside-story-of-mattress-mack

LasVegasAdvisor.com/gambling-with-an-edge/podcast-the-inside-story-of-mattress-mack-part-2

Gambling With an Edge - guest Just Joe

 Our guests today are two poker players we are calling Just Joe and Mr. B. They are pro poker players who also play table games and slots at an advantage. This was a show that was more fun than average to record because there was a lot of banter going on.

We welcome your questions - send them to us at gamblingwithanedge@gmail.com, or you can find me at @RWM21 on Twitter.

podcast
Click to listen - Alt click to download

Show Notes

[00:00] Introduction of poker players and APs, Just Joe and Mr. B.

[00:29] Just Joe's gambling background

[03:01] Online poker and Black Friday

[05:56] Heads Up Limit Hold'em

[08:14] Rob Reitzen and pokergirl z

[11:35] The origin of Mr. B's name

[13:04] IGT's Heads Up Poker game

[20:58] A Mississippi Stud game at the Rio

[24:28] South Point Casino July Promotions: $600k "Mad Money" progressives promotion

[25:18] VideoPoker.com - The gold membership offers correction on most games

[25:55] Mr. B gets back-roomed for eating dinner

[30:46] The casino personalities of Mr. B and Just Joe

[31:52] Just Joe's back-off story and back-off discussion

[38:45] The evolution of Mr. B and Just Joe's business

[44:02] The Swamp and Mr. B's purse

[47:01] Mr. B's very expensive flat tire

[50:36] Bankroll sharing and partnerships

SouthPointCasino.com
VideoPoker.com