Percentage of sports bettors who win

[VegasRunner]

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?

[MCS]

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.

[kaboshedx]

[ 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.

[Henry17]

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.

[Statutory]

I'd do it.

[Runner Runner]

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.

[domer2]

Wow, some brother you are.

And I would say 5% over the long haul.

[VarlosZ]

[ 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.

[insanity31]

I'm kind of in the same position with my cousin, only he doesn't want to deposit anymore online. He bets only $25-$50 a game usually, sometimes more, and wanted me to place his action on a specific site that he used to gamble at.

As for booking the action yourself, I doubt you'll lose money. I asked my cousin if he was OK with me not placing some of his bets, and he said he didn't care. I just give him the line at the time he wants to bet it and decide whether I want to place it or book it. The relationship hasn't changed since we both trust each other.

I even try to give him some games that I like and tell him some bets I would never make, but he doesn't listen much. Oh well... what can ya do.

[CrushinFelt]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm wondering if i'd be better off simply not placing his bets and taking the action myself

[/ QUOTE ]

this is a no brainer, I know someone who did this for his friends