G******* - A Brief History
Origins of G*******
G*******, a practice of staking something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome, with the primary intent of winning additional wealth, is as old as human civilization itself. The oldest known six-sided dice were excavated in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), dating back to about 3000 BC. This evidence hints at the ancient origins of this enticing activity.
A tessera or a Roman six-sided die from the Vidy Roman Museum Rama/Wikimedia Commons
Many ancient cultures independently developed their forms of g*******. In ancient China, evidence of a lottery-like game of chance, Keno, can be traced back to around 200 BC during the Han Dynasty. This game reportedly aided the dynasty in funding the construction of the Great Wall of China.
In ancient Egypt, there is evidence of a game similar to modern-day Baccarat. Ancient Egyptians were also known to engage in a game called Senet, which was a precursor to backgammon.
In ancient Rome, people bet on sports and spectacles such as gladiator games held in the Colosseum. Roman soldiers also partook in g******* activities, and the practice was legally or socially regulated to prevent excessive g*******.
G******* Across Nations and Cultures
G******* spread across nations and cultures with trade and exploration. It was common among Greeks and Romans, and later became prevalent in Western Europe.
The early 14th century in Italy saw the emergence of the first g******* houses, which later evolved into the modern casino. The Ridotto, established in Venice in 1638, was the first known European g******* house, albeit not a "casino" in the modern sense.
"Il Ridotto" is a mesmerizing painting by Italian artist Pietro Longhi, showcasing the vibrant and colorful world of an 18th-century Venetian g******* hall. Through Longhi's masterful brushwork, we're given a window into the diverse range of characters and palpable energy of this historical microcosm of high stakes and human drama.
In Asia, g******* was popular as well. In Japan, for example, g******* with dice was prevalent, and a game called sugoroku was quite popular. Despite its popularity, the government banned the game several times due to its association with organized crime.
Sports Betting and Handicapping
Sports betting, a type of g******* that involves predicting sports results and placing a wager on the outcome, has been a part of sports since their inception. The first record of sports betting dates back more than 2,000 years to the Greeks, who introduced the Olympics to the world along with the first records of betting on athletic competitions.
Sports betting spread to ancient Rome where it was eventually accepted and legalized. Romans bet on the circus or Chariot races, and it became a common practice all over the ancient world.
In the Middle Ages, horse racing became a professional sport in England, and naturally, betting on horse races became a popular pastime. The concept of handicapping was introduced, where superior horses were given disadvantages to equalize the chances of all participants. Handicapping increased the popularity of betting because it offered bettors more of a fair betting environment.
G******* and Sports Betting in Modern Times
In the 19th century, g******* was outlawed throughout the U.S, which led to the boom of illicit g******* saloons. In 1931, Nevada legalized g*******, and Las Vegas soon became an epicenter of g******* in the U.S.
In the 20th century, sports betting became more structured. The point spread, a handicap used in high-scoring sports such as football and basketball, was introduced. This further increased the popularity of sports betting.
The Federal Wire Act of 1961 in the U.S prohibited interstate wagering on sports but didn't address other forms of g*******. The rise of the internet in the late 20th century transformed the world of g******* and sports betting. Online g******* platforms started to emerge, offering a wide range of games and wagering options.
In 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992, allowing states to legalize sports betting if they choose. This has opened up a massive industry in the U.S., with many states rapidly moving to open up markets for legal sports betting.
Today, sports betting is a multi-billion-dollar industry around the world, with online betting and fantasy sports betting rapidly growing sectors. Mobile apps and online platforms have made it easier for sports fans to place bets, and advanced analytics and data are being used to inform bettors and create more sophisticated betting systems.
In Summation
From ancient civilizations to modern societies, g******* and sports betting have evolved significantly. They have become more organized, more accessible, and even more socially acceptable. Despite ongoing controversies and legal challenges, it is likely that the industry will continue to evolve, particularly with advancements in technology and changes in societal attitudes towards g*******.
The Tout
A "tout," in the context of sports betting, is an individual or a service providing suggestions on which sports teams or individuals to bet on based on some expertise or insider knowledge. While touts can sometimes provide useful information, they've also been criticized because their earnings come regardless of whether their advice leads to successful bets. Now, let's delve deeper into the history and notable figures in this field.
Early Touts
In the early days of horse racing, touts were individuals who hung around stables and tracks, gaining information about the horses, their training, and any inside information that could be gleaned. They would then sell this information to interested parties. The term "tout" itself comes from the verb "to tout," meaning to promote or brag about something extensively, especially in order to sell it.
One of the earliest famous touts in horse racing was Pittsburgh Phil (real name George E. Smith) who was active in the late 19th and early 20th century. He was known for his incredible knowledge and understanding of horse racing, which allowed him to make a fortune. He was not a tout in the traditional sense, but his ability to analyze and bet on horse races was so legendary that his advice and tips were highly sought after.
George E. Smith, famously known around the track as “Pittsburgh Phil”
Modern Touts
In the modern era, the rise of the internet and television has given rise to a new breed of touts. These individuals or services often advertise heavily, promising sure-fire winners and high win percentages to attract customers. Some even use high-pressure sales tactics, offering their picks for a fee, and ensuring their customers that they will see a return on their investment.
Stu Feiner is a well-known modern-day sports tout. He rose to fame in the 1990s with his sports consulting firm, which offered advice and picks on NFL, NBA, and MLB games. His larger-than-life personality and aggressive advertising tactics have made him a controversial figure in the sports betting world.
Brandon Lang is another notable tout. His life was the basis for the movie "Two for the Money," where he was portrayed by Matthew McConaughey. Lang started as a sports analyst and later became a professional handicapper. Despite his Hollywood depiction, Lang's career has had its share of ups and downs, illustrating the uncertain nature of the industry.
The Impact of Touts
There's an ongoing debate about the value provided by touts. Critics argue that touts merely play the odds and that their promises of sure-fire winners are misleading. They point out that because touts earn money from selling picks rather than from the bets themselves, their incentives may not align with those of their customers.
Supporters argue that touts can provide a valuable service for novice bettors or those who don't have the time to study teams and players. They also point out that there are reputable touts who don't make outrageous promises and who have a track record of providing solid advice.
It's worth noting that the sports betting industry is moving towards greater transparency and regulation, which could impact the role and practices of touts in the future. With the legalization of sports betting in many states in the U.S., there's also an increasing demand for reliable information and advice, which could lead to a shift in how touts operate.