Why do people become backers?

[real bartram]

There are two very different ways to stake a player. One is putting him in action and the other is putting him in a tourney. The second way (which I've done a hundred times) has less dwn side risk. Usually all expenses come off the top and you split the rest. If you have a good player, you have a chance to do pretty well. I have chopped up a 25K score (with Keith) and a 18K score with Tang. Not a bad return on a $1,500 investment. I had many wins in the five to ten thousand area with the same two players.

In gambling it is best to have a "make up" clause with your player. If he loses it must be made up off the next win. This way you can protect your bankroll.

jay i would like a backer for tourneys do you know any one?

 

[iba7467]

Generally when I have staked a player I have taken them through the area for soft action in route to a match. This way if I know we will be betting $2,000 we may only have to risk $1,200. We do not split until the end of all matches at the venue or for the duration of the trip (in other words, if I'm busted ... so is he).

From the standpoint above. Now I am risking $1,200 to win $1,960 (70% of $2,000 + $800).

If we are talking about staking a player for only one match then I have to think the player is more favorite than the split (the player has better than 70% chance of winning).

 

[mikeyfrost]

Most backers have a income that allows them to stake players. Many of the most famous backers over the years have did something that allowed them to stake other players and be a little at ease. Some of the best stake horses used to be the big time bookmakers, long before internet gambling (see Jay Helfert about this or any other old school road grinder). There are still some that exist, but from what I hear, there used to be a "bookie" that would stake players and gamble himself in almost all the action spots. Of course, there are some backers that are into shady businesses such as, escort services (pimps), big time drug dealers, or any other type of illegal activity that produces large amounts of cash. At the same time, we have the legitimate backers that have worked hard and are fortunate enough to have established a very stable and high income that allows them to stake players and risk the loss.

Just a thought, who is the best backer in the country? I have to say that Tony Watson's ex-stake horse had to be the best. I saw Tony in Vegas once (no staker with him) and he walked up to another player and said.."Hey, can I borrow 500?" and before the guy could answer Tony pulled out a knot of $100s big enough to clog a sewer drain and said.." I'm just kidding, Stevie sent me out here with $50,000 and said 'get in action!'"

I heard Tony and him went separate ways and he started staking Kieth Bennett. Does he still? Is he still around?

Keith blew that deal, too much money too fast and he was too young. Keith has an excellent stake horse now though. Tony and Keith are still playing.

Back to the post though.

The answer is simple why people stake players...BECAUSE THEY CAN. I stake guys and have staked guys for years, why because I liked the action and that's more fun than the games in the casino. The money is crap unless you have a champion of a player. Most normal to shortstop players will not win you money in the long run, it's just a fact. You do it to create action and get the scene going. If you have money you don't have to be able to play guys even. You just bet high enough you get whatever spot you want. Best bet if you wanna make money is to either side bet only or get players to cover half their end.

Anyway we have a casino here, I used to have to fly to vegas multiple times a year to get my fix. Now in 20 minutes I can get there. More luck than skill at a casino though in general.

 

[swrooster]

Set the Stage

The only time to load up on a bet is when I can set the stage. I will back a couple of horses but I pick the stage and like to put them in the box. They think they can outrun the nuts every time which clouds their thoughts as to profit. Tourneys are different as are calcuttas, more of a percentage and I will spring for a few, if for nothing more than to set the stage for action. Just love the action, I can't play a lick but with the right incentive could be coaxed to give it a whirl.

 

[tom mcgonagle]

There have been many different type backer's out there. Some do it because they think they can make some easy money. Some are business men. Others are just people caught up in the gambling aspect of life.

They all have the money and lack the talent to be the guy out there playing. Maybe they are living out a fantasy of being the one in the box, playing. I think the overall use of backers is down, today, because of lack of trust with player's. Some, in the past, have lets say, made money even though they lost. It became a case of, "Who do you trust." Sadly!