Originally Posted by
redietz
I think one of the problems with Kim Lee's summary is that he uses the word "sports" as opposed to other words. Kind of like saying there are very few "surgeons-who-can-operate-on-every-bone-and-organ" in the world. Not terribly surprising, but how significant is that observation?
The distinction I'm making is one of definition, which -- as in most cases -- the common fallacy is to mis-define behaviors and actions, usually in a way that (1) simplifies things in a definitional way, (2) amplifies the ego and alleged abilities of the person involved a la Leonardo Da APs, but in this case Leonardo Da "Sports Bettors," and (3) benefits the sports books (as always).
Another analogy is that successful handicappers treat "sports betting" more like the Eskimos treat "snow." In other words, and I mean literally, the Eskimos have more words for snowfall and don't lump all the varieties together just because that's the way Westerners see "snow." Translating all the Eskimo definitions of snow into a couple (1) simplifies things, (2) makes the people who have to deal with their two definitions of "snow" confident they know it all and (3) benefits those who sell snow shovels.
I know Boz has a pretty good handle on what I'm talking about; not sure "APs" have the humility or precision required.
And I'm not even broaching the subject of addiction. Specialization may retard addiction to launching funds on variegated events that really have nothing in common. A college football specialist, such as myself, has 220 days out of the year where's he's betting almost nothing. That does tend to immunize one to some degree from many behavioral pitfalls. Sports books would prefer a different kind of behavior.