References, references, references. And check them carefully.Originally Posted by NotEnoughHeat
References, references, references. And check them carefully.
Opinions and Commentary on the Gaming Industry: The Bear Growls
Freightman is absolutely correct. People can "go bad." We can learn from our adversaries on the other side of the tables, and take notice when something "just doesn't look right."
A few years ago, a full-time AP acquaintance who I also considered a friend had won about a million dollars on some special plays. He had made good money for several years by finding unusual opportunities, and should have been in good shape financially. One day out of the blue he asked me to lend him a small amount of money -- I think it was a thousand dollars -- so he could enter a poker tournament. He said entering was a last-minute decision and he did not have adequate cash with him because he had not intended to visit casinos that day. He promised to pay me back the next day, plus 20% of his winnings if any. Of course I lent it to him, it being a small amount, my having known him for several years and knowing his financial situation to be good. He did indeed pay me back though there were no winnings.
Later, I thought about how odd this little transaction was. It is inconceivable to me that a Las Vegas-based AP wouldn't be carrying a thousand dollars. All the local AP's I know carry thousands at all times, because you never know what you might stumble across, or what calls you might receive. In Las Vegas, not having some money immediately handy is stupid. But because he paid me back the next day as promised, I thought no more about it.
Sadly, that AP turned bad. He became an outright con man, eventually swindling fellow AP's out of hundreds of thousands of dollars before his now bad reputation caught up with him. Apparently there were lifestyle leaks that would have swallowed up however much money he could have earned through legitimate AP. He didn't get me for any money, but some friends got hit hard. The swindler is still out there, though his activities have been curtailed by word of mouth and running out of victims.
The point of this story is to underscore Freightman's point: Take a careful look when something "JDLR," regardless of past reputation.
Last edited by LVBear584; 07-10-2015 at 03:45 PM.
Opinions and Commentary on the Gaming Industry: The Bear Growls
LVBear's post is incredibly important. I have heard several other stories not unlike this.
I was once crossing in the middle of a one-way street in Philadelphia with a friend. He said: "Why did you look both ways since it's a one-way street". I said nothing -- but thought it was one of the stupidest questions I had ever been asked.
Last edited by Norm; 07-10-2015 at 05:20 PM.
"I don't think outside the box; I think of what I can do with the box." - Henri Matisse
I do the same. You never know when someone is driving the wrong way on a one way.
Quite recently a family member of mine got into such a strange accident that the police report forum didn't have box to check for the type of incident.
In poker and in life you can't assume that everyone is a rational actor playing by the rules. There will be plenty of times where people surprise you.
When you're only starting to network with people what can you do about this? Do you give any weight to what one stranger says about another?
I was also hoping to get specific advice on money handling, how to go about meeting people, any other checks or ways to go about your due diligence.
Agreed. I've found myself telling a story or telling someone one of my experiences, and they say something like, "No that could not have happened. Why would XYZ person do that? It would have been smarter for him to do [something else]." You can't always expect someone to do the rationalist (or most rational....is rationalist a word, Don?) thing. It wouldn't be rational for someone to shoot and kill you in a casino elevator.....but that doesn't mean there isn't someone out there stupid enough to do it (or not to do it...too many double negatives).
LVBear, do you mind sharing who this person is [the ex-friend / conman]? Username on forums, physical description, and/or real name? Can you PM me if you don't want to post it publicly? I'd hate to get conned out of some money, especially if it could have been avoided.
One thing about meeting people -- try to do it in an open and public area, and not at someone's home (or your own home). Also better if it's in a better part of town. I'd feel much more comfortable meeting someone at a bar or restaurant on the strip. I wouldn't feel so good about meeting someone at a sketchy place, like Longhorn casino, Palace Station, either AZ Charlies...etc. Obviously don't carry cash (or significant cash). Be aware of your surroundings. Don't reveal too much about yourself (your bankroll, bet sizes, etc....if it's a significant amount). Be cautious when leaving the meetup area, look out for people following you to your car and/or following you home. And of course, make sure they at least seem like someone you'd want to meet up, based on how/what they post online....but I guess that kinda goes without saying.
Last edited by RS; 07-11-2015 at 04:59 AM.
"Everyone wants to be rich, but nobody wants to work for it." -Ryan Howard [The Office]
honestly also ask what good can meeting new ap's meet.. My favorite are slash and burn and ap's. I love them and hate them (but mostly love them). I still don't find the need to met with them in person cause they have great info to trade. If the ap' is a milker and slow player he will have less info for you. At the end of the day your contacts with aps should accomplish to things
1)
friends.. don't mix money with these types of people cause there is no point
2)
information exchange. don't mix money with these types ofpeople cause there is no point
Too true! I'll be washing my hands in the bathroom and see people walking out without washing their hands all the time. Every time my chips stick together I think about that.
I think I met the same guy. Was this about 5 years ago? Or maybe it's just a very common story. I bailed out just in time but I know a guy who got taken for $10k.
-Sonny-
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks