Last week I did something I’ve never done before: I drove to the Seneca Niagara Casino’s new SPORTSBOOK and bet on the Buffalo Bills to defeat the Houston Texans. I got 2 1/2 points. Since sports gambling is legal now, I decided to experience the process. There were actually 83 different bets I could have made: total points (over/under), number of pass receptions, number of field goals, etc. But, I just went with a vanilla win/lose bet. It only took a minute.
During the Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans game, I was feeling really great about my bet on the Bills, especially when the Bills had a 16-0 Half-time lead. But, the Second Half was a different story. Mistakes, miscues, and mis-steps lead to a 19-19 score at the end of regulation. The Overtime quarter offered the Bills chances to win…but more mis-fires occurred. Congratulations to the Texans on playing hard from behind and winning a close Playoff game.
What did I learn? First, I probably shouldn’t have bet the Bills game. I should have bet the Tennessee Titans vs. New England Patriots game. Emotion skews judgment. If I bet again, I need to be more dispassionate and analytical. Do you bet on sports games? Now that it’s legal and available, will you make more sporting bets?
We’re near a number of Gulf Coast casinos and, with the advent of sports betting, John has made a few bets on baseball games—just a few dollars and just win/lose. During the baseball playoffs, he made a superfecta bet on four games—unfortunately only three of the four teams he’d bet on won. As with any gambling, I’d say have a few dollars of “mad money” to gamble with once in while and, when you’ve done that, cease gambling activities for the duration.
Deb, I have the same gambling philosophy as you do. I’ll bet a few dollars of “mad money” once in a while. Now that the Bills are eliminated from the Playoffs, my gambling will cease.
No, have never made a sports bet and never will. We’ve been in Vegas many times on Sunday and the casinos really push the betting but I would rather keep my money than risk it like you did. I have never been a betting man and won’t start now. But then, I am just a spectator when Jackie plays the slots too.
Jeff, as you know Diane and I have been to Vegas a few times. We go to the shows, we eat at the wonderful restaurants, and enjoy the Strip. But, we don’t gamble. I’ve been tempted to put down a bet on the Bills while in Vegas but I never got around to it. My bet last week was an experiment. Sadly, it failed.
Lost my last one but basically I said I can’t bear to lose money that way, so no. Sorry about the Bills.
Patti, I’m like you: I hate to lose money. So my visits to the Seneca Niagara Casino will be few and far between. Every Bills fan is sad this week.
Nope. Gambling has never held any appeal to me. So, you and Deb will be rooting for the Seahawks now, yes?
Rick, I’m always rooting for the Seahawks…unless they’re playing the Bills!
The only sport I bet on is professional wrestling!
I do enjoy playing the slots, though. So far this year I made $140 and $25 in food in my one visit to the Queen!
And if this post doesn’t get through, I quit!
Bob, congratulations on your winning ways with the slots!
I tried to post a comment with the word “cas ino” and it wouldn’t take it.
So I had to break it like that for this one. You must have that on your disallowed list.
Rick, I have NO list. This is all WordPress acting up again.
I bet that I won’t gamble on sports, George. I think that’s a safe bet.
Jerry, I had a good feeling about the Bills vs. Texans. It starting out great…but ended badly.
When I saw the title and picture today, I thought it was fake news.
Joe is watching your team avidly.
Hope you win.
Beth, the Bills were eliminated from the Playoffs. All Bills fans are sad right now.
My only sports betting is joining a football survivor pool every year. It costs me $20 or $30, I almost always get knocked out early, and it’s surprisingly stressful trying to make the choice each week. I don’t know why I consider it fun, but I do. (Partly because my brother and sister are in the same pool, so it’s a family activity. My sister lasted the longest this season, but eventually picked a favorite that was upset.)
Jeff, I’ve occasionally bought a square in a Super Bowl pool. I’ve never won. But last year my brother won $500.
A survivor pool is different. Every week you pick a team to win. If it wins, you get to play again next week. If it loses, you’re out. Simple enough, except for one thing: You can only pick a team once. If you do last well into the season, you run out of good teams. And even early on, you find yourself focusing on each team’s weaknesses, so you’re reluctant to pick anybody. And of course, you never pick the team playing your own favorite, even if they’re ten point favorites over your guys, because you want to be able to freely root for your team.
Jeff, I’ve heard about these “survivor pools.” Sounds like fun…but nerve-wracking!