VIP membership option
Poll
 | 28 votes (36.84%) | ||
| | 35 votes (46.05%) | ||
| | 13 votes (17.1%) |
76 members have voted
Quote: WizardBovada revenue is down 55% on top of that.
I would be amenable to playing a very small amount on Bovada if any of the following conditions were met, and I have no idea how much influence you have over that, perhaps none:
1.) The Table Games suck because the minimum bet is $1.00, and they also play very fast. I guess I'd kind of want them to play fast because you lose the entertainment element associated with there being other players in the casino, but I can play some of the Bovada games in a live casino for $5.00 minimums. I'm also inclined to believe that the Bovada games play (at least) five times faster, not accounting for player stalling, so my expected loss per hour is probably greater with Bovada.
-The only answer to that which would satisfy me would be to reduce the minimums, but I don't imagine they have any reason to do that. I'm still not sure I'd play the Bovada Table Games if they did.
2.) I wouldn't mind playing the Video Keno on-line, because you have the chance for a nice return relative to the amount bet. There are a few problems with that with Bovada, though:
A.) Their VK games pay sub-90%, specifically, many are in the 86% range. It should be closer to 97% for an on-line game.
B.) The ability for the player to adjust his bet is minimal. You can choose your unit size from $0.01-$0.25-$1.00-$5.00-$10.00, but you can't adjust how many of the units you bet per hand, it's always just one unit.
3.) I'd only play Video Poker if it returned over 100%. I'd have to have the edge, I hate Video Poker.
Can you compel them to do anything to improve those Keno games?
Quote: WizardLike $10 per usage of profanity?
Are you kidding? I work here and I'd be a couple hundred in the hole every year, just hit me with a Membership fee! j/k
There would possibly be some value for people to have a VIP section which you would guarantee participation in, but that would take up your time and energy, and unclear what that would entail. And might over stretch you anyways.
An auction of a few things might be a little earner for you, and I do second the idea of having a hotel booking service as well, but that might remove your exclusivity with boDog.
Quote: thecesspit$100, you can impose a 1 week ban on another user?
Of course, he/she may retaliate, which would be all the more money for me.
Quote:I do second the idea of having a hotel booking service as well, but that might remove your exclusivity with boDog.
Since that wouldn't directly compete with them, it would be allowed.
Quote: WizardI'm afraid if the "staff" didn't pay much attention to the freeloader section it would become a cesspool.
How about selling indulgences? Like $10 per usage of profanity, $20 for a personal insult, and $50 to try to sell something?
You and the other crew would still participate in the regular forum and the regular forum would be still used just like it is now, there would just be a "private" forum, "The Wizards Forum", where premium members could bullsh#t with you, talk about non-gambling topics, etc. Also, live chats in a chat room with you on specific subjects.
I don't like the purchasing profanity, insults or product sales idea, but it could make you a mint. :)
ZCore13
Are you still under an exclusive with Bovada? Even if you are, consider seeking a renegotiation given the revenue decrease with them. BTW... The Subscriber section idea is sensible IMO.
Mike, I think it goes with out saying that I (and probably most other members) would pitch in without hesitation in such an endeavor. The work you do for these sites is invaluable, and often thankless. I've taken a few "bad beats" myself recently, so I can relate. I'd certainly like to bid on some of those books you've got in your gambling library if you don't mind parting with some of them.Quote: WizardThanks for all the continued comments. I've been leaning more against a paid membership option. I'm not crazy about the "donate" button either, as I don't think it will bring in much, and don't want to feel obligated to anyone who makes a donation.
In other words, I would like to give back something for helping to support the site.
What do you think of this idea. A Wizard donation auction. I would put on eBay various things I don't really need, as much gambling related as possible, and promote the auction here. Hopefully those wanting to support the site would be generous in their bidding.
2013 has been an absolutely awful year for me financially. I just found out that of all the money I lost in Cyprus I won't be getting a penny back. The media has been reporting account holders would have to take a 52.5% "haircut" about 100,000 Euros, but my money was in the weaker Laiki Bank, and I had to take a 100% haircut. Bovada revenue is down 55% on top of that. Still, I make more than most people, and have a lot to be thankful for, but I need to turn things around.
Quote: thecesspit$100, you can impose a 1 week ban on another user?
That's funny as hell.
And would make an interesting experiment.
a) an autographed book by the Wizard, but the inscription can be anything the winner wants, ie "To _ _ _ _, the smartest gambler I know, thanks for sharing your Winning at Roulette tips with me". Or something like that.
b) lunch with the Wizard.
c) guided hike with the Wizard at Red Rock (canyon, not casino).
d) Venetian Employee Handbook.
e) Guest spot on the Bob Dancer radio show.
f) Wiz picks you up at the airport, has to wear a little chaffeur's hat and hold a sign with your name on it.
Would any locals casino want WOV readers as gambling guests ? That would be the ideal one to get as a sponsor. Perhaps one of the places that has good VP and Craps, and they could offer special rates ? Win / Win (not Wynn) ?
This one.Quote: WizardWhat do you think of this idea.
Start your own online casino and sell shares of stock.
write your own programs for games, or get those that can to help out,
(JB) even offer your own games that no other offers.
Your advantage would be 100% honest 100% of the time.
No BS allowed.
and get rid of that play through bonus $$$ idea every other site uses.
You will make millions (If not billions) of $$$
and seeing by the age of your kids currently,
they will want most of that extra cash, as you already know.
You should easily be able to start your own successful casino online.
Just do it
(yeah I was in the sun today)
Quote: JohnnyQps:
Would any locals casino want WOV readers as gambling guests ? That would be the ideal one to get as a sponsor. Perhaps one of the places that has good VP and Craps, and they could offer special rates ? Win / Win (not Wynn) ?
Not a bad idea. You could work out a "host" position with a Strip Casino. Offer some incentives for members to go there and you get a percentage of theo like a regular host does.
ZCore13
LOL. They *definitely* don't want us as players.Quote: Zcore13Not a bad idea. You could work out a "host" position with a Strip Casino. Offer some incentives for members to go there and you get a percentage of theo like a regular host does.
ZCore13
"I'm paid to bring in squares." - Steve Cyr
Quote: teddysLOL. They *definitely* don't want us as players.
"I'm paid to bring in squares." - Steve Cyr
The percentage of actual AP players to ones that either just think they are or just gamble recreationally, is VERY small. Even on this site. I really don't think any Casino would be too concerned.
ZCore13
I'm a fake AP. Still, I'm sure the casino would prefer another player to me.Quote: Zcore13The percentage of actual AP players to ones that either just think they are or just gamble recreationally, is VERY small. Even on this site. I really don't think any Casino would be too concerned.
ZCore13
Quote: teddysI'm a fake AP. Still, I'm sure the casino would prefer another player to me.
I wasn't making a judgement on whether you are or aren't a legitimate AP. I'm just saying, I'm pretty sure any casino would take their chances with a large audience like this. There are many, many more viewers here that can not beat the house than there are that can.
ZCore13
I haven't made it out to vegas yet but when i do id be glad to pay 100 bucks for you to pick me up at the airport holding a "KB1" sign.Might even bring you a cowboy hat from music city.
KB1
Quote: WizardThanks for all the continued comments. I've been leaning more against a paid membership option. I'm not crazy about the "donate" button either, as I don't think it will bring in much, and don't want to feel obligated to anyone who makes a donation.
In other words, I would like to give back something for helping to support the site.
What do you think of this idea. A Wizard donation auction. I would put on eBay various things I don't really need, as much gambling related as possible, and promote the auction here. Hopefully those wanting to support the site would be generous in their bidding.
2013 has been an absolutely awful year for me financially. I just found out that of all the money I lost in Cyprus I won't be getting a penny back. The media has been reporting account holders would have to take a 52.5% "haircut" about 100,000 Euros, but my money was in the weaker Laiki Bank, and I had to take a 100% haircut. Bovada revenue is down 55% on top of that. Still, I make more than most people, and have a lot to be thankful for, but I need to turn things around.
This is a great idea, I would definitely be bidding. Very sorry to hear about your Cyprus woes...an awful situation indeed.
No reply needed and certainly no disrespect intended.
Quote: WizardI'm not crazy about the "donate" button either, as I don't think it will bring in much, and don't want to feel obligated to anyone who makes a donation.
Donations probably won't work on a forum, but they should work on the Odds site.
My expereince, admittedly second-hand, is that poeple will pay to keep going a content provider they like. This relates mostly to podcasts produced on a regular basis (bi-weekly, weekly, bi-monthly and so on), but it might translate. the problem is that the Odss site is largely complete. That is, the information for most games has already been posted, and very likely linked to and reposted as well.
+1Quote: beachbumbabsI don't think the monies received would justify the erosion of reputation and perception.
I would participate and I only see it as good for player and industry alike. I don't see adding a VIP section as dividing the forum, access wouldn't have to be restricted to monetary contribution - valuable forum contributions could be counted. Anyone who cares to partake and contribute to the overall value of your fora could be considered. duffers need not apply. I, for one, would be honored to earn my way into the forum. When I think about it like that maybe it would be best to NOT let people in with a fee, but have a metric therein where VIPs could help support the site financially.
I don't know much about affiliate business, especially for land casinos but I do see the offer on the bottom of most LV casino web pages. And I sure as heck don't know the legality or kosherness of brokering credits via comp cards, but that might be an angle. I could actually put my wild mind to it but no sense in throwing a lot of ideas out here now. I just think there may be a way you could self-support that section and make something denizens would want to strive for, rather than an Us and Them thing like others have suggested it might become.
Quote: WizardThanks for the comments thus far.
One thing I don't want to see is a VIP section dividing the forum. I don't want to see all the good stuff in VIP and the free section turn into a cesspool.
The way I view it is kind of like donating to public television/radio. It is a way to support something you enjoy, plus gives me a way to give really good tips on a limited basis. Note that future hot tips can't be promised.
I hesitate to take memberships on a monthly basis, because some may only pay for the one month when there is a hot tip.
Blackjack:TheForum is going to start charging a subscription fee of $9 a quarter or $36 a year. Norm says some of it will still be free.
I already paid $36 for one year. I did it because his software is worth much more than I paid for it. So I feel I owe him.
Hope I'm wrong, but the private forum will fail within one year.
Quote: KeyserSozeI don't think its going to work over at Norm's site.
Hope I'm wrong, but the private forum will fail within one year.
I'm inclined to agree. Just curious, why don't you think it will work?
