LA is Home Sweet Home for the Clippers

Coach Dunleavy made winning at a home a priority for his ball club before the season started and his players have responded. The Clippers are 6-1 at Staples Center, the franchise’s best start since winning nine of the first 10 home games in the 1974-75 season. The Clippers are beating their opponents at home by an average of 10.9 points game. Los Angeles is scoring 101.6 points while connecting on 48.7 percent of their shots while holding the other squad to 92.7 points per game and 38.9 percent from the deck. C Chris Kaman is one of the Clippers who have elevated their game when playing at home. On the season Kaman is averaging 8.1 points while grabbing eight rebounds per game overall but elevates his performance in the Staples Center contributing 10.7 points and 8.3.

The Clippers bounced back from a 114-112 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers to even up the series by clobbering the Cavaliers 102-90. “It wasn’t about revenge, it was about winning the game,” said Clippers center Chris Kaman, who had 12 points and 19 rebounds, “We want to beat every team that steps on this floor.” Elton Brand led the ways for the Clippers with 30 points and nine rebounds.

Miami’s coaching has been offensive of late. Coach Stan Van Gundy takes the blame for the team’s loss on Friday night. “I’m about ready to hang myself in there. That was an absolutely ridiculous coaching decision,” Van Gundy said. “It was just stupid. Especially when they brought Boykins back in the game. We should have matched up and played our defense. … It was an absolute stupid decision.” The Heat are currently 2-1 on their west coast swing after erasing a 14 point fourth deficit before falling short in a 104-102 loss to the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. All-Star Dwayne Wade had another great all round performance scoring 33 points, dishing out six assists and grabbing six rebounds. Antoine Walker had 20 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Miami as a team as picked up their current offensive output by scoring 97.7 points per game on 49.1 percent shooting over the last three road games. The Heat have won and covered three of the last four meeting with the Clippers.

Jorge Gonzalez is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League.
Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com/Jorge_Gonzalez.htm

Improving the Game: Recommendations all Poker Site Operators Should Consider

The first thing I want to clarify is that some of these recommendations may be unrealistic or unpractical from an operators standpoint because they come from a players perspective. Regardless, players and operators want the same thing, to keep the games going and to keep players playing. With this goal in mind we set out to write our player friendly recommendations for sites to keep players content and active.

Make a commitment to keep the games fair, and show your customers the results!

The games will only continue as long as they are considered fair and beatable. As stories of bots and collusion becomes more prevalent the game quality will surely suffer. Sites need to make examples of cheaters, and instead of suppressing stories of cheaters, they need to make them public! Seizing a few large accounts from cheaters and having a freeroll tournament with the money would do wonders for site’s security image.

Lower the rake, and make rake back legal and available to all!

On a hand per hand basis, online Poker has a lower rake then you would find in a brick and mortar casino. However, the fact that many more hands are being player per hour means that money is leaving the table at a lighting pace! This rate makes the majority of low stakes games unbeatable and how can players continue to play if it is impossible to overcome the rake?

At this time, certain deals exist where players can get a portion of their rake refunded to them monthly from an affiliate, also known as rake back. However, these deals often require players to have never created an account on the site where they are trying to establish rake back because in order to get it, players must create a brand new account. This creates an incentive for people to break the rules of the site and create an additional account or create identity fraud. Instead, sites should realize the importance of rake back and give people the option of deleting an old account and create a new one so they can too benefit from a rake back plan.

Establish a system to check identities and make sure multiple accounts are not being funded from one source!

It is amazing that people can multi account tournaments and get away with it! Sites have the capability to catch these cheaters if they just tried! Shouldn’t it trigger certain alarms if one Neteller account is funding multiple player accounts on the same site? Making it more difficult for cheaters to fund their accounts should be a top priority because it makes it much more difficult to cheat.

Work Together on issues of security!

It is long past time for poker sites to share their intelligence as it relates to specific accounts accused of cheating. There needs to be an INTERNET BLACK LIST where proven cheaters are tagged and forbidden from cashing in, everywhere. Sure, cheaters are likely to take other steps to continue playing many of which would be related to identity fraud, a federal crime. Give them a rope and let them hang themselves!

ITB holdem is concerned with online poker security, and other issues related to game integrity. Join the movement!

WSOP Wagering

Picking a World Poker Tour event champion is like finding a stolen dog in Las Vegas.

It’s the old proverbial needle in a haystack.

Tabbing a World Series of Poker champion in this day and age, with upwards of 8,000 entrants expected for the 2006 event, could be likened to finding a bottle with a note addressed to you on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

It used to be much easier when only hundreds of players entered the fray, but now, with thousands …

Nevada books are forbidden by state law to accept wagers on the WSOP, though one book tried to get away with it years ago and learned quickly such odds were verboten.

“It would take a consortium of major sports books to go to the Gaming Control Board to request it (WSOP betting) and I don’t think that’s going to happen,” said Las Vegas Hilton oddsmaker Jeff Sherman.

A few British outlets have dispensed odds, heavy on Europeans and listing former European Player of the Year David “El Blondie” Colclough as the early favorite.

Top international stars such as Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Johnny Chan, Chris Ferguson and the other usual suspects also are listed among favorites.

Offshore book BetUSA.com has posted a wide array of odds, ranging up to 3,000/1.

Ivey is the favorite at 150/1, with Negreanu at 225/1, Howard Lederer and Phil Hellmuth at 250/1, Gus Hansen, Ferguson and John Juanda at 300/1 and Barry Greenstein, Carlos Mortenson, 2004 champion Greg “Fossilman” Raymer, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi and Layne Flack at 400/1.

Annie Duke is the favored female at 500/1, the same as Phil “Unabomber” Laak.

Laak’s longtime girlfriend Jennifer Tilley is 1500/1, along with Isabelle Mercier.

Defending champion Joe Hachem is 1000/1, the same as World Poker Tour broadcaster Mike Sexton.

Steve Dannenmann, last year’s runnerup, is 2000/1.

Colclough is 750/1.

Costa Rican-based BoDog.com has taken another route.

Understanding the scope of just how difficult it would be for a person to choose a WSOP winner in advance, the House of Ayre is offering the wagering public a variety of propositions that are tied into the tournament.

Props ask if the winner will be male (minus $15.00) or female (plus $10.00) and from the USA (minus $4.50) or the rest of the world (plus $2.75).

Bettors also can wager on what the winning hand will be.

Odds are: royal flush, 210/1, straight flush, 155/1, four of a kind, 60/1, full house, 8/1; high card, 17/4; flush, 2/1; two pair, 8/5; pair, 7/4; and straight and three of a kind, 1/1.

Players also can get action on what the age of the champion will be.

Age 36 to 40 is the favorite at 3/2, while 31 to 35 and 41 to 45 are 3/1.

CARMEN MEDIA - Three New Casino Games Raise the Stakes at Belle Rock Entertainment

• European Roulette Gold Series
This roulette game is far and away the best of its type on the Internet. Player screens that offer razor sharp visual quality, crystal clear ambient sounds that set the mood, and little details like Bet Timers and easy to use control buttons, come together to give players the authentic roulette table experience. European Roulette Gold Series is the difference between trying to recreate the excitement of the casino, and wondering why you ever bothered going to the casino in the first place.

• Double Joker 100 Play Power Poker
You could argue that multi-play Power Poker is the bread and butter of online casinos in that everybody has to have it. Of course, if that’s the case, then Double Joker 100 Play Power Poker is the strawberry jam, giving players the ability to play up to 100 hands of video poker at a time. Sitting down to play Double Joker 100 is a test of your wits, concentration, and endurance. For the person with the right mix of all three, it could also be one of the most lucrative seats around.

• Avalon Video Slot
Avalon is a 5 reel, 20 Payline video slot that holds many secrets and treasures for those bold enough to find them. With free spins, mystery multipliers, Scatter and two Wild opportunities as well as a Gamble feature where the intrepid can double of quadruple their wins, the possible payout is $105,000. That’s enough to make Avalon Video Slot an epic in its own right.

“As established industry leaders we’re in a position to push the envelope with our games, expanding and refining our core offerings so that our customers can experience the best possible gambling experience,” said Tim Johnson, Chairman of Carmen Media Group, owner of Belle Rock Entertainment.

About Belle Rock Entertainment
Belle Rock Entertainment is a group of online casinos and poker rooms. It is owned by Carmen Media Group Limited( www.carmenmedia.com) based in Gibraltar and is one of the most experienced and trusted online gaming operators in the world. Over the past 10 years, the various brands within Belle Rock Entertainment have become synonymous with exciting entertainment, the most advanced games and the biggest promotions. All of the Belle Rock Entertainment’s online casinos carry the eCogra Players’ Seal of Approval which testifies to fair play and responsible gaming, as well as secure and timely payouts. The group’s major brands include River Belle The Gaming Club, Jackpot City and Lucky Nugget .

American Idol Betting Odds: when will you American Idol fans start listening?

Everyone snickered a month ago when there were still 8 singers in contention for the coveted American Idol crown and at 18-1, I must have been the only person in the world that suggested you plunk down so hard earned cash on Elliot Yamin. Yesterday highly touted publications were predicting the demise of my main man.

I mean even one of my own employer’s followed up my so called perceived ridiculous statement, with a rebuttal from another writer. Hey, to each his own and it’s like I am bang on with every one of my predictions.

Let’s turn the clock back to April 14, 2006:

AT 18-1 ELLIOT YANIN WILL SHOCK THE WORLD!

Okay I admit I have hit rock bottom as I am about to write an article on American Idol, but on the flip side, you have to admit, this show has power! I have in this competition sat on my couch with my wife who loves the show and in this particular competition have seen the contestants twice. The first time I saw Elliot Yamin sing he was doing a Stevie Wonder tune called ‘If You Really Love Me” and I said then and there that the competition was over.

This guy blew the competition out of the water and even Simon had to admit the guy has the chops. This past week I watched the competition and it was the show with the “Queen “theme and this is not an easy group to imitate. I was stunned they did the voting and he was placed in the bottom three which meant there was a chance he would get eliminated. BS I cried out to my wife, but then it call hit me like a ton of bricks, the guy is short and ugly and the superficial callers, could not get past this issue.

I can’t be the only one to notice that Elliott Yamin has the worst teeth on American Idol. But could his dental dilemma be due to diabetes and not poor hygiene?

But Elliott’s teeth aren’t the only unusual feature on the 27 year-old contestant from Richmond, Virginia. His Abe Lincoln-style sideburns make him look like a cross between an Amish farmer and street gangster. And sometimes he even looks like a leprechaun cautiously coveting his pot of gold.

But seriously, Elliott can use his weirdo/outsider/creepy look to his advantage. Think about it - if his confidence continues to grow (and it should if Simon keeps stroking Elliott’s ego), he could be the unlikely long-shot that is the next American Idol.

American Idol sells the sizzle that anyone can win this competition and what better way then to select a Diabetes sufferer from a poverty stricken family to be the next winner. Believe me folks American Idol will by the show Extreme Makeover and send Yamin there and he will come out looking by Brad Pitt.

I gave you the White Sox, I gave you Mickleson and now you have an 18-1 longshot!

Now I don’t want to come across as some pompous you know what, but this whole American Idol is no different them betting on pro sports. The Phoenix Suns were buried by the public after game 5 of their series against Lakers and everyone was talking about the great Kobe and Phil Jackson for coach of the year.

After game 7 it was all Steve Nash and his posse. The Suns then took apart the Clippers in game one and everyone was talking about all the unsung heroes on the Phoenix team. I warned you that the spread of Suns -4 was too low, but the guys with all the money in Vegas, knew that betting is 90% public perception. The Clippers mauled the Suns last night!

American Idol attracts millions of viewers and wants to continue that trend. They sell the American Dream that anything is possible, plus they want controversy at the water cooler the next day!

Elliott Yamin is the Steve Nash of American Idol that suggests that it is alright to “Dare to Dream”!

Online Sports Betting

Bob Acton is an experienced sports writer and handicapper, who has written for the sports industry for over 10 years. His years of writing for Sports Scene, sports consulting on 33 Made for Television and Major Motion Pictures and his work as an instructor at Pro Teach Baseball Academy, have made Bob a trusted and respected source in the sports world.

The Bullpen - Key to Profits

Baseball is right around the corner so it’s time to start looking at some of the basics. Starting pitching and offense are the two things that people look at most when handicapping baseball but there is one aspect that is considered by some to be the most important and that is the bullpen. A shaky bullpen can kill a quality start and can erase a big lead given to them by the offense so if the bullpen falters, starting pitching and offense doesn’t even matter.

On the flip side, a good bullpen will do just the opposite and protect those big leads and give the starters good support throughout the season. The middle relief is where games are won and lost and a good middle rotation takes pressure off the closer as well as the starters since they don’t need to feel they have to throw a near perfect game in order to get a win.

Looking at the 2005 season, the top ten teams in bullpen ERA were Cleveland, St. Louis, Chicago, Minnesota, Oakland, San Diego, Los Angeles Angels, Washington, Seattle and Houston. It’s no surprise that seven of those teams were in the top 10 in profits with Minnesota, San Diego and Seattle being the only teams not to show a profit. Those seven teams were a combined +8,542 in profits. Coincidence? Not a chance.

Extending out further, the top ten teams in bullpen ERA finished a combined +4,725, a very solid ending number. Looking at the bottom five teams in bullpen ERA, only Boston finished the season with a winning record and the Red Sox and Devil Rays were the only of those five teams to finish in the black on the money line. The combined losses were -3,438 so a bad bullpen leads to some ugly numbers.

Going back a year and there is not much of a difference. Looking at the 2004 season, the top five teams in bullpen ERA were St. Louis, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Texas and Atlanta. Four of those teams were the top four teams in profits with Anaheim being the only team not in the top four. Those four teams were a combined +7,745 in profits showing once again that a solid bullpen leads to the cash.

Overall, the top ten teams in bullpen ERA finished a combined +5,305. Looking at the bottom five teams in bullpen ERA, only Cincinnati finished the season with a profitable year as Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto and Colorado all finished in the red. The combined losses were -3,585 which is very close to what the bottom five finished with in 2005.

A closer obviously plays a big role in the outcome of a game but just how big? Four teams finished last season with a blown save percentage of 25 percent or less. Three of those teams, Chicago, Cleveland and Los Angeles were the top moneymakers with the Astros being the only team on the outside but not by far. The four combined to go +6,538 on the money line.

Trying to handicap the bullpens is the toughest part since the pitchers are coming in an out, whether it’s to and from the minors or back and forth from the starting rotation. Knowing who is back there is extremely important and looking at daily transactions is a must since the bullpen is constantly turning over for most teams. It’s an aspect that is overlooked by most but obviously should not as the analysis can make or break your season.

Matt Fargo is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League.
Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com/Matt_Fargo.htm

How Video Slot Games Can Affect Your Anxiety Level

Off to google I go. I google the words “video slot games”, and the first couple of sites just do not peak my interest. I don’t even bother clicking them. The fourth one does pique my interest, so I click the link. The site seems full of pop-ups,so I back out of that one in a hurry, and nervously check my spyware for damage. Whew, all is well.

I finally come across what looks like a really nice site. Not too many flashy graphics. The
content seems to be well thought out and the owner of the site has really focused on what
he/she wants to sell me. I’ve decided that I didn’t want to fool around anymore with free
downloads that I wanted to try to win some big money. I decide to sign up, using my Neteller
account.

It was a lot of fun going through the site looking at all the great setups for different
slot machines. I DO like flash and color when I’m actually playing the slots. It takes me
back to New Orleans, when I played my very first slot machine one hot day in August, about a
hundred years ago. At least it seems that far away to me. I decide that before I start
pulling levers on my new game, I’d better pour me a glass of wine to bring back that
“Harrah’s” feeling from long ago.

I’m quite pleased with how easy it was to sign up for this site. I also liked the initial
bonus that I recieved. I had zero problems with getting my account started. It looks like
I’m in for a fun evening.

As I’m playing, and enjoying the bells and whistles, I start to wonder if I’m going to
actually win some money. I decide to raise my Maximum Bid somewhat. Ahh, that’s what I
needed. A chance to see some real winnings here! Of course, I win a few times per pull, then
lose a few times. I’m starting to wish and hope that I can at least come out even! Still,
I’m pouring my second glass now, and really getting hooked on this slot machine!

Well, wouldn’t you know it! My front door is making a weird knocking sound.I ignore it,
because I simply don’t want to stop my game. The door becomes louder now, more obnoxious.
It’s really making me mad. I pause my game, and find a human on the other end of my loud
door. I don’t recognize them. It’s some lady that smells funny, and wants to sell me
something. I rather impolitely ‘thanks but no thanks’ her, and shut my door. Now I’m
thinking of a rather mean ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ sign to put on my door, with a picture of a
really gnarly, nasty dog on it that looks to have a case of rabies. I wonder to myself if that would
work…..

I get back to my game. I’m on a roll. I’m starting to get back to where I was when I
started. Yahoo! I almost spill my drink right there on my keyboard. I realize now that there
is no turning back. I am in love with my new video slot machine. It’s become mine. All mine.
It is a thing of virtual beauty. I name it Harrah’s Honey. My bets get bolder, bigger. I
decide to go for all it’s got.

But suddenly, I’m back on a downward spiral. I am losing momentum. I see that big bonus
dwindling before my eyes. DON’T get GREEDY!I tell myself. SLOW DOWN. I do. I have created a
beast online.Or am I the beast. What am I doing??

I need to squelch my craving for my new toy now. I see myself losing my car, my house, all
for an addiction! Then I realize, wait a minute! This is a game! This is an online video
slot machine, not some big hairy monster that I often see chasing me in my dreams! It’s a
sweet little flashy slot machine that I can turn off and on with a click of my finger! I
sign out, and breathe.

As it turns out I actually came out ahead that first time. I need to go to work in the
morning, and decide that the video slots will have to wait another day. It WAS a blast
however. I look forward to logging back in. Perhaps I could wake up an hour earlier…

Kate Dee
BestTexasCasino

Playing Poker: Moving From Online Games To Real Life Casinos

Let’s say you have played online poker for a while and now are curious about real poker rooms. When you go for the first time in a casino, things get different and you might face some emotion you will have to hide like anxiety, hesitation and even fear. Even if you get a little intimidated at first because of the huge rooms and the agitation all around you must go past that quickly and remember that is it all about poker here too.

When you first enter you will see many poker tables everywhere and people at each table, girls that serve drinks and persons that bring the chips or take them. The management employees will be dressed elegantly and they will be all over you since the moment they spot you, trying to make you as comfortable as possible. The overall atmosphere won’t be quiet as you might expect. People come in casino mostly to have fun, they are usually middle-aged or older persons that try to escape for a while the tumult of everyday life, so they will talk, laugh or even get mad once in a while.

Before heading for your casino, be aware that most casinos have a dress code so make sure you are dressed as you should. And also, if you are a young poker player, online you can play from the age of 18 in most poker room but in a casino you won’t be able to enter unless you are 21(the legal age).

Very near to the entrance in a real casino you will find a board that tells you which tables have available places and who is waiting to sit down at which table. There will be a worker next to that board that is there to ask you what you want to play and to direct you to the table as soon as a place is available.

Your chips will be brought to your table by the chip runner and you can place then on your rack as you find it suitable and convenient. You can now start playing hands at your table. In the unreliable case (for the casino) in which you win a pot straight from the first tries, then you should know that in real casino, because the dealer is a real person and not one of the players, people tips the dealer each time they win. Simply take some of your chips and hands them over to the dealer. Tip some amount that won’t influent your overall winning for the day.

There are a few things that you should try to avoid if you wish to be welcomed and to come back again. You are not allowed to curse at people. Everything must be civilized, of course. Also, do not scream at dealers or offend them, they are doing they job and they do not take sides. It is possible that you won’t be allowed to use your cell phone, so better turn it off when entering the casino. And lastly, do not slow down the game speed. Avoid having the dealer remind you several times that it is your turn, it is still a poker game not a night out with friends.

For a Party Poker bonus code and Poker Room bonus codes, visit http://www.poker-reviews-online.com/ today.

The Secret of Come Betting

Pssst…! Wanna know a secret?

How about the secrets of come betting?

You probably know that the key to profits is the ability to add “free odds” to your flat bet - and give the casino a zero advantage on those added odds.

Wanna know the secrets the craps pros use to increase their odds on come bets?

Let’s find out!

When you bet, the dealers have a lot of power, and can give you breaks they don’t give to other players. You can get the dealers on your side if you tip them. Just place bets for them on the pass or come line, hard ways, or just toss them a red chip, “for the boys!” In turn, the dealers will look out for your bets and even bend the rules just a little bit. They want you to win so you’ll keep on tipping them. And, if you’re on the come line, the dealers can be a tremendous help to you.

When you make a come bet, you should always ask the friendly dealer if you can add more odds than you’re allowed. You have nothing to lose by doing this, whether your flat bet is $5 or $50. If you are at a 2X odds casino and you have $10 in the come box and the point is five (or nine) you are allowed to add $20 odds. If the number hits, you win $30 for the odds (at 3:2) plus $10 for the flat bet or a total of $40. If however, you ask the dealer if you can add $30 odds (instead of $20) and he lets you, you’ll win $45 for the odds plus $10 for the flat bet - that’s a total of $55! So, you have won $15 more! All for just asking for a small favor.

You can do the same thing on the don’t come line. If you’re at the same casino and have a $10 don’t come bet and the point is four or ten, you can lay $40 to win $20 in odds, so your total win would be $30 ($10 + $20). Ask the friendly dealer if you can lay $50 (to win $25). So, instead of $30 you’ll win a total now of $35 ($10 + $25). So, you’ve won an extra $5 for doing very little work!

Remember all you have to do is ask the dealer if you can make a certain bet for a certain amount. The worst that can happen is that he’ll say no. This method being used by many experienced crapshooters to maximize their winnings and minimize the house’s edge. You will be increasing your odds bets to the absolute maximum the casino will allow. By doing this, you are squeezing every last drop of profit you can from the casino - and all you have to do is ask the friendly dealers!

Pssst…! Now you know the secrets of come betting!

(c) 2005 by Larry Edell

You can get a FREE copy of The Crapshooter Newsletter, the only newsletter devoted exclusively to craps! Just send two first class stamps to The Crapshooter, Dept EZA, PO Box 421440, San Diego CA 92142, or you can subscribe at http://www.TheCrapShooter.com. You’ll also receive a FREE catalog and a special FREE offer!

Horse Betting

Placing a bet on football always seemed easier to me, so that’s what I would do. Even now we’ll only put money down on horses once in a while.

There are a few different types of wagering when it comes to horses. The most common, the one you see Moe betting on all the time on The Simpsons, is what is called standard betting. Basically, you see the betting odds, you pick a horse and you place a bet using the odds on the giant board. The ticket you get back gives you all the info you need: what you could win, what you could lose, how much you bet, the odds, the horse, etc.

There are other types of bets that range from straightforward to “I’m still a little new at this.”A win bet is even easier than a standard bet. Basically, you choose a horse to win and if it does, you get money. I know you’ve heard the horse betting lingo on TV: “Dusty to place and Rawhide to win.” When wagering horses will place, you mean to say that you are betting that a horse will place, that is, come in first, second, third and, in some cases, fourth. Usually for a place bet, there has to be a minimum number of horses in the race. Also, depending on how many horses in the race, you may only win if the horse comes in a specific place or in the top three.

Just like in live betting, offshore sportsbook sites should have a place where you can ask questions or get information. A sample bet or a glossary offered by bookmakers is usually enough to get someone in the loop. You may find, as I did, that internet betting horses is fun, but nothing can replace the racetrack or Vegas in this sense. I bet internet horses for fun when I’m on a business trip or something like that. The nice thing about internet sports wagering is that there is always something there when you want it.

Professional SEO Copywriter. He helps a number of sportsbooks like:

Las Vegas Sportsbook

Hollywood Sportsbook