Percentage of sports bettors who win
 

This is a pretty basic question.

Anyone can get lucky pick five out of five winners on any given week, but in the long run (years), how many people are actually seeing a profit by betting on sports?

The reason I ask is this:

I live in Vegas and I have a brother who lives back east. He likes betting football, but with all the problems of online sportsbetting, he's decided that it's easiest just to place his bets through me. He calls and ask me to place about 5 bets (average $100) a week for him.

I'm wondering if i'd be better off simply not placing his bets and taking the action myself. (Why does Ceasar's Palace deserse that vig more than me?) My brother seems to spend a fair amount of time reading up on the games online, but even so, I don't think he's too likely be able to beat Vegas.

Assuming I can stand about $5000 in variance, I'm probably better off taking the action myself, right? Not too many people are beating Vegas, right?

Subquestion: Assuming I will pay his winnings out of my own pocket, is it morally reprehensible to not let my brother know that I'm not placing his bets in a casino?

Re: Percentage of sports bettors who win
 

He is very likely -EV, because almost everyone is. The most likely problem you would have if he's smart is that you may end up offering stale lines.

Re: Percentage of sports bettors who win
 

[ QUOTE ]
This is a pretty basic question.

Anyone can get lucky pick five out of five winners on any given week, but in the long run (years), how many people are actually seeing a profit by betting on sports?

The reason I ask is this:

I live in Vegas and I have a brother who lives back east. He likes betting football, but with all the problems of online sportsbetting, he's decided that it's easiest just to place his bets through me. He calls and ask me to place about 5 bets (average $100) a week for him.

I'm wondering if i'd be better off simply not placing his bets and taking the action myself. (Why does Ceasar's Palace deserse that vig more than me?) My brother seems to spend a fair amount of time reading up on the games online, but even so, I don't think he's too likely be able to beat Vegas.

Assuming I can stand about $5000 in variance, I'm probably better off taking the action myself, right? Not too many people are beating Vegas, right?

Subquestion: Assuming I will pay his winnings out of my own pocket, is it morally reprehensible to not let my brother know that I'm not placing his bets in a casino?

[/ QUOTE ]

Quote hime the lines from Pinny, add 5 cents of juice. He won't beat you. However this is illegal.

Re: Percentage of sports bettors who win
 

I have been making a living off betting sports for 12 years so yes people do win consistently

I personally wouldn't do this. The guy doesn't sound like a serious better based on your post but the upside of this is pretty low and not worth the risk.

Re: Percentage of sports bettors who win
 

I'd do it.

Re: Percentage of sports bettors who win
 

I would do this for a friend who I KNEW would pay all losses.

For my brother, I would AT LEAST give him reduced juice, so I wouldn't crush him.

Re: Percentage of sports bettors who win
 

Wow, some brother you are.

And I would say 5% over the long haul.

Re: Percentage of sports bettors who win
 

just hold that action yourself. you save a trip to the casino and make money. maybe buy him a nicer christmas gift on him this year.

Re: Percentage of sports bettors who win
 

would your brother know that you are doing this?

Re: Percentage of sports bettors who win
 

[ QUOTE ]
Subquestion: Assuming I will pay his winnings out of my own pocket, is it morally reprehensible to not let my brother know that I'm not placing his bets in a casino?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep. He's your brother; I have no idea what being your brother's bookie might do to that relationship. If you want to do this, he has to agree to it.

That said, not a bad idea if he's up for it and you're both totally reliable with money.