Odds and ends, plus a quick test

One of the truly great sportsbook managers has decided to hang it up and take
a promotion. Joe Lupo, the Stardust race and sportsbook manager will be re-locating
to Atlantic City and accepting a management position at the Boyd Group's new Borgata
Resort. Bob Scucci, Lupo's assistant will take the reins. Bob is very capable
and well liked and is an excellent choice to replace Lupo. The future looks bright
at the one and only Stardust sportsbook, a haven for tourists and wiseguys that
want a little action. We wish Joe well and know that whatever challenges come
his way, he'll continue to handle them with class and style. He's a credit to
the industry. On behalf of the sports bettors, thanks and good luck Joe. We'll
miss you!

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Here's a quick test. Below you will find eight choices of games to play in
the casino. Which four can you beat over the long haul. You can beat ANY game
over the short run…

A. Blackjack

B. Craps

C. Keno

D. Live Poker

E. Pai Gow

F. Sports Betting

G. Roulette

H. Race Betting

Answers at the end of the column.

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One of the most asked questions that I receive are pertaining to the player
cards. Are they good and are they worth it? For the time that it takes, usually
only a few minutes, if you are planning on playing the slots or table games
they are definitely worth getting. Nowadays that's the way the casino keeps
track of your play in order to justify the comps that you want to receive. If
you want to indulge in getting preferential treatment in the form of free meals,
free show tickets and line passes you'd be silly not to get a card at your favorite
casinos. One word of advice: You are better off accumulating a lot of points
at one casino instead of a few points at many casinos. Also for you race and
sportsbook bettors show your card when you are placing your wagers. It all adds
up.

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For the thoroughbred racing fan there are some books out there that are definitely
worth checking out. Eclipse Press has published a huge variety of books involving
the Sport of Kings. I especially like the Thoroughbred Legends Series that profiles
great champions of the past. Some of the horses that are featured are Man o'
War, Seattle Slew, Swaps, Spectacular Bid, and coming out in the Spring the
one and only Secretariat. For more info: www.exclusivelyequine.com or call 1-800-582-5604.

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Horse Sense: Something a horse has that keeps him from betting on humans. How
to get nothing for something: Bet on a race tip or any sure thing. If there
were no difficulties, there would be no triumphs.

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Answers:

A. Blackjack

D. Live Poker

F. Sports Betting

H. Race Betting

- P.S. Word of Caution: Just because you can win over the long haul, doesn't
mean that you will. Most people that try, ultimately fail.

As Always…Good Luck!

Larry Grossman

Larry Grossman is host and producer of Las Vegas' most popular gaming and handicapping radio show, "You Can Bet On It." Since 1989 he has interviewed World Champion poker players that include Amarillo Slim, Puggy Pearson, and Tom McEvoy. Regular guests during the football season include Lem Banker, Mike Lee, Mort Olshan, and Andy Iskoe.

During the 1997 and 1998 season, Grossman hosted a nationally televised show that featured many of the nations' top handicappers.

Larry Grossman is the author of two books, "You Can Bet On It" Volume 1 - Casino Games and Volume 2 - Sports Betting. He is a regular columnist for many gaming publications. Larry has hosted and produced handicapping seminars in Las Vegas. Visit AudioVegas.com to listen to archives of his "You Can Bet On it" radio show.

Larry Grossman Websites:

www.AudioVegas.com

Books by Larry Grossman:

You Can Bet On It! -- Volume 1: Casino Games