Upcoming Interview: Josh Axelrad

Greetings!

It is my pleasure to announce that I have contacted Josh Axelrad recently, and he has very graciously accepted my request to conduct an interview of him for the Board.

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Josh, he was (and I believe is again) a professional Blackjack player for many years, played with one of the most lucrative teams in recent years as well as playing with an MIT team temporarily, and is the author of Repeat Until Rich which chronicles his play with the team and eventual addiction to online poker.

This will prove to be a most enlightening and informative interview as I have already researched, and will continue to research, interviews that have already been conducted with Josh. The reason for this is because my goal is to ask more specific questions and to get more detail and insight on Josh's life, rather than regurgitate the same questions and answers that have already been done elsewhere.

Josh Axelrad has also been interviewed by Bob Dancer and Wizard (Mostly Dancer, it was only Wizard's second show) on Gambling with an Edge on February 9th, 2012.

I would encourage all Forum Members to enjoy this Interview, to obtain Repeat Until Rich, and perhaps to listen to the Gambling with an Edge Interview of February 9th, 2012. I will also be posting links to other Interviews conducted of Josh Axelrad prior to posing my questions to him in this thread. The reason for this is because I intend for my questions to link to other interviews as a point of reference, because again, my questions are going to be more of follow-up type questions on interviews with Josh that have previously been conducted.

Finally, any comments or questions can be posted in this thread. Also, if Josh were to become a regular Member here, that would be fantastic, but for the time being, he should be treated as a guest so anything that could even remotely be construed as an insult, even pursuant to the Statler & Waldorf standard, against Josh will absolutely not be tolerated.

Once again, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Josh for agreeing to being interviewed for WoV.

Nice. I enjoyed the book.

My first question is, does he agree with Grojean's
comment that casinos are evil and corrupt places.

He may choose to answer that for himself, though that will not necessarily be among my questions. However, from what I have read in other interviews in which he was the subject, he has described them as, "Predatory." The subject is also touched upon in the Gambling with an Edge interview, so I suggest you give that a listen, as well.

The main reason I won't be asking is that his answer to that particular question has been covered in many places elsewhere.

For example, in this post on APHeat.net -while not an interview:

http://apheat.net/2013/06/29/the-top-five-ways-to-win-more-and-lose-less/comment-page-1/

Josh describes casinos as having a, "Blatantly predatory attitude."

Here's a controversial one: does he think his advatage play is in any way productive?

Quote: Nareed

Here's a controversial one: does he think his advatage play is in any way productive?

I guess I would say that, in the thread in which the actual Interview will take place (and we may just use this one) that's a question he could answer if he chooses. I would be more inclined to ask the question if I could contextualize it in a way that is pertinent to him, specifically, and I'm not sure there's really a way to do that. I might try to find a creative way to work it in, though.

Honestly, Nareed, I think you'll find that Josh has such a fascinating (true) story that there will be no need to deal in any generalities in this interview.

Quote: Mission146

Josh describes casinos as having a, "Blatantly predatory attitude."

Josh and Grosjean can say that, yet when I say
it here I get piled on from all sides. If you can't see
the predatory attitude of casinos, you aren't paying
attention.

Quote: EvenBob

Josh and Grosjean can say that, yet when I say
it here I get piled on from all sides. If you can't see
the predatory attitude of casinos, you aren't paying
attention.

I'm not sure what predatory means here. They are a business and want to make as much money from their customers as possible. That's true of any business.

As long as they don't cheat, I don't have a problem with it.

Quote: AxiomOfChoice

I'm not sure what predatory means here. They are a business and want to make as much money from their customers as possible. .

So you think your grocery and barber are predatory,
then? No you don't, and you know exactly what it
means that casinos are predatory.

Quote: EvenBob

So you think your grocery and barber are predatory,
then? No you don't, and you know exactly what it
means that casinos are predatory.

I really don't.

A grocery store might offer cheap turkeys around thanksgiving, hoping that people will come in and buy $300 worth of groceries along with the turkey. Is that not just as predatory?

A barber shop will charge you $15 for a haircut and then try to sell you hair gel for $100. Same thing.

As I said, as long as they give me what they advertise that they will give me, and they deal the games fairly, I don't have a problem with it.

Ask Josh if it is true he once gave FREE Blackjack counting lessons in the backroom of Pete's Candy Store in Brooklyn? Of course this was before his book was published !

Once again EvenBob is optimistic to a fault. But then there is this from Josh Axelrod ....

Just look at Oregon: the bulk of that state’s lottery revenue comes from slotlike “Video Lottery Terminals” available in places like bars, according to Oregon Lottery interim public affairs manager Chuck Baumann. The Oregonian newspaper reported in 2009 that the majority of video gambling revenue in that state was attributable to a minority of players: a small 10 percent whose monthly losses averaged $500 each, month in and month out. These are the people powering the lottery.

Quote: Mission146

I guess I would say that, in the thread in which the actual Interview will take place (and we may just use this one) that's a question he could answer if he chooses. I would be more inclined to ask the question if I could contextualize it in a way that is pertinent to him, specifically, and I'm not sure there's really a way to do that. I might try to find a creative way to work it in, though.

You know this business a lot better than I do.

I think it's an interesting question. A job may or mey not be enjoyable, yet most jobs are productive. That is, at the end of the day you've added something of value, be it to the world, yourself, the company, etc. But there are unproductive jobs, I think mostly in or dealig with government. it strikes me advantage play may be similar and it would be interesting to hear from an advantage player.

Or maybe you could invite him to post here ;)

He may well decide he wants to post here, I hope he does and has remarked he likes these Forums, but I should imagine he's also a busy guy. I believe he will be posting his responses to my interview questions here, that's the impression that I get, anyway. I certainly wouldn't come here with, "This is my Interview of Josh Axelrad," and be the only poster and expect anyone to take it at face value.

Quote: Mission146

I certainly wouldn't come here with, "This is my Interview of Josh Axelrad," and be the only poster and expect anyone to take it at face value.

I hadn't thought about that.

If he comes to post here, give him a full warning about what to expect.

Axelrad describes the team play. My question to him would be: can you trust another gambler?

Quote: Dicenor33

Axelrad describes the team play. My question to him would be: can you trust another gambler?

That's an excellent question, and something along those lines is going to be one of my questions. Josh has actually mentioned, in a different interview, that there had been people to rip off his team, so I'm going to ask what the worst occurrence of that was.

Quote: Buzzard

Ask Josh if it is true he once gave FREE Blackjack counting lessons in the backroom of Pete's Candy Store in Brooklyn? Of course this was before his book was published !

I know you are busy, but I would appreciate an answer.

Q1) If he is given a chance to start all over again, will he still choose the professional gambling route? (I believe there is a lot of sacrifice when you spend most of your time in the casinos?) And explain why.

Quote: Nareed

You know this business a lot better than I do.

I think it's an interesting question. A job may or mey not be enjoyable, yet most jobs are productive. That is, at the end of the day you've added something of value, be it to the world, yourself, the company, etc. But there are unproductive jobs, I think mostly in or dealig with government. it strikes me advantage play may be similar and it would be interesting to hear from an advantage player.

Or maybe you could invite him to post here ;)

Most people are miserable doing their jobs and just punch a clock and have some boss yapping at them all day. Tons of jobs have no value, some jobs are down right seedy with zero fun factor. If working at McDonald's/walmart is enjoyable and them employees feel they have accomplished something at the end of the day, other then being yelled at by everyone, COOL. If the Mexicans doing lawn care get gratification after raking dog poop from the yard in 115 degree weather, God bless them.

Advantage play is like playing a sport and having a fun business all in one. Advantage play is always changing and something different ans new all the time, its probably more exciting then most jobs(people who make it boring, are boring themselves). Just like in sports and businesses, it has its ups and downs. Most AP's are excited to get up and go PLAY everyday. I didn't say morning because they don't have to get up in the morning.

People tend to forget some AP's travel around the world, stay in the best places, eat the best food, meet interesting people and have adventures. If you have AP friends and partners you have tons of comradery and fun. They are there own bosses and the only thing that limits them, is their imagination, and an occasional Pit boss a casino manager.

Thank you Mission for setting up that interview. I am very much looking forward to it. I have had the pleasure to correspond privately with Josh a number of times. Whether reading his book, listening to his podcasts, corresponding in private or different public chat sessions that I have participated on with him as a guest, I have always found Josh to be VERY interesting, informative and entertaining. He has a great and at times scary, story to tell and is quite knowledgeable about what he speaks. He also has a great sense of humor. Again, I am really looking forward to it.

Quote: Buzzard

Ask Josh if it is true he once gave FREE Blackjack counting lessons in the backroom of Pete's Candy Store in Brooklyn? Of course this was before his book was published !

Okay, I will. I'm only going to ask it in the interview if the answer is affirmative, though.

Quote: Kickass

Q1) If he is given a chance to start all over again, will he still choose the professional gambling route? (I believe there is a lot of sacrifice when you spend most of your time in the casinos?) And explain why.

Better for that to be a final question, or close to the final question, than an initial question, but I will be using that. Thanks!

Quote: kewlj

Thank you Mission for setting up that interview. I am very much looking forward to it. I have had the pleasure to correspond privately with Josh a number of times. Whether reading his book, listening to his podcasts, corresponding in private or different public chat sessions that I have participated on with him as a guest, I have always found Josh to be VERY interesting, informative and entertaining. He has a great and at times scary, story to tell and is quite knowledgeable about what he speaks. He also has a great sense of humor. Again, I am really looking forward to it.

You're very welcome, KewlJ, and I hope everyone is looking forward to it. If not, they should be.

Should anyone want to reread my Interview with KewlJ, then that give a basic idea of some of the Blackjack-related questions that you guys might see.

Again, though, this is going to be more about Josh's story than anything, and I'm certain that I'll be begging him for a follow-up Interview a few weeks after the initial Interview, as KewlJ said, the story is both great and scary.

KewlJ, who has supported himself with Blackjack for many years has led a life that most of us can't imagine; Josh Axelrad has lived two, as an AP Blackjack player on one of the strongest teams ever and as a gambling addict who managed to barely escape the psychological grip that on-line Poker had on him.

I want to know if he ever gets much heat
in Indian casinos.

Quote: Mission146

Okay, I will. I'm only going to ask it in the interview if the answer is affirmative, though.

Surely you don't doubt me. I have impeccable sources, that say he was indeed the guy in the backroom of Pete's Candy Store.

Gee, I feel like Rodney Dangerfield sometimes.

Quote: AxelWolf

People tend to forget some AP's travel around the world, stay in the best places, eat the best food, meet interesting people and have adventures.

See what can happen if you play BJ in the backroom at Pete's Candy Store !

1) Are there behaviors they should avoid drawing heat? (or should exhibit?)
2) What do you think players should be looking for in games? (low heat, high +EV, atmosphere they enjoy)
3) Who/what are the resources you have found most valuable in your career?
4) Is there a line you would be unwilling to cross if you KNEW you would not get caught? (e.g. inside help with a employee)

And because I think this is better than anything I stated, I will repeat it:

Quote: Kickass

Q1) If he is given a chance to start all over again, will he still choose the professional gambling route? (I believe there is a lot of sacrifice when you spend most of your time in the casinos?) And explain why.

I'm curious about heat now compared to 10-15 years
ago.

Quote: EvenBob

I'm curious about heat now compared to 10-15 years
ago.

Me too. As well as where he sees it going forward (especially as technology improves).

What career would he assume if he couldn't be involved with casinos? Which fields would he think would be a good fit using his knowledge and experiences learned from counting, but not casino related?

Quote: onenickelmiracle

What career would he assume if he couldn't be involved with casinos? Which fields would he think would be a good fit using his knowledge and experiences learned from counting, but not casino related?

Writer for Special Victims Unit perhaps? :)

Any deals involving money with someone you have no history with, what kind of trust exercises do you do with new people? How quickly do you start to trust them with huge session bankrolls? Many gamblers I work with prefer honesty over knowing how to play 9/6 jacks.

How do you deal with tilt/steaming on a live table? Some high rollers are extremely rude and wear out their welcome even playing like an idiot, so does it take time for each player to understand losing sessions even though you are in a +EV game?

Quote: djatc

Any deals involving money with someone you have no history with, what kind of trust exercises do you do with new people? How quickly do you start to trust them with huge session bankrolls? Many gamblers I work with prefer honesty over knowing how to play 9/6 jacks.

How do you deal with tilt/steaming on a live table? Some high rollers are extremely rude and wear out their welcome even playing like an idiot, so does it take time for each player to understand losing sessions even though you are in a +EV game?

Perhaps he knows if Asians are more likely to cheat

Quote: AxelWolf

Perhaps he knows if Asians are more likely to cheat

I had a meeting at the Asian gamblers meeting, and no guest speakers on cheating. We did have a talk about spitting in to your food. I gave them a picture of you :)