Not sure if this is old, as well, Jack, but I suppose that my studies in ethics have me fascinated by corruption and dishonesty wherever they may appear. Besides, some prospective serious gamblers may want to take heed of what follows.
I have never used a tout and never would. I admit to having considered it, however, during seasons that I'm not very good at (e.g. NBA). I don't think I'd ever consider selling my picks, either, for a number of reasons. Trying to put my baseball system into a book but that's another matter.
Anyway, some information that I recently came across suggests to me the following assertion, if I'm understanding things right. Let me know if it's true. No surprise will be forthcoming from me either way.
Assertion: Touts (people who sell their picks) are working in collusion with sportsbooks in order to feed people "losers."
Need to qualify this. By definition, it would be just as difficult to pick "losers" as it is to pick "winners." For any collusion to be taking place, the books must be feeding these touts with sides that they want action on, either to balance out their incoming bets or for some other reason (taking sides themselves, perhaps, with Hendrix-knows-what type of "inside" information).
I actually can't see this being very lucrative for any participants but, again, it would not surprise me.
I've heard that some touts give some contacts one side and some another, which could also very well be true.
I mentioned corruption and dishonesty. I guess in this case it would be the touts advertising that they will supply picks with value--"winners," of course--but merely provide misleading and incomplete information. A bullshit scam, really. Books would be only secondarily responsible, in my opinion.
Somebody commented that "this is a dirty business."
I don't believe that.
I believe that both sides--gamblers and books--can conduct their business in an ethical manner. Touts are another story. No doubt some are legit. I would hesitate to guess what percentage of them qualfy for the gates of integrity.
If you need a tout then you should probably stick to the stock market.
'nuff said.
I have never used a tout and never would. I admit to having considered it, however, during seasons that I'm not very good at (e.g. NBA). I don't think I'd ever consider selling my picks, either, for a number of reasons. Trying to put my baseball system into a book but that's another matter.
Anyway, some information that I recently came across suggests to me the following assertion, if I'm understanding things right. Let me know if it's true. No surprise will be forthcoming from me either way.
Assertion: Touts (people who sell their picks) are working in collusion with sportsbooks in order to feed people "losers."
Need to qualify this. By definition, it would be just as difficult to pick "losers" as it is to pick "winners." For any collusion to be taking place, the books must be feeding these touts with sides that they want action on, either to balance out their incoming bets or for some other reason (taking sides themselves, perhaps, with Hendrix-knows-what type of "inside" information).
I actually can't see this being very lucrative for any participants but, again, it would not surprise me.
I've heard that some touts give some contacts one side and some another, which could also very well be true.
I mentioned corruption and dishonesty. I guess in this case it would be the touts advertising that they will supply picks with value--"winners," of course--but merely provide misleading and incomplete information. A bullshit scam, really. Books would be only secondarily responsible, in my opinion.
Somebody commented that "this is a dirty business."
I don't believe that.
I believe that both sides--gamblers and books--can conduct their business in an ethical manner. Touts are another story. No doubt some are legit. I would hesitate to guess what percentage of them qualfy for the gates of integrity.
If you need a tout then you should probably stick to the stock market.
'nuff said.
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