[bigboydan]

I was discussing this topic with some friends earlier today, and was wondering what some of you guys thoughts were on this subject might be.

The topic was "how much does ESPN cost gamblers per year".

I feel it's probably close to a billion dollars a year (give or take). Now when I gave my opinion to them, they all just laughed and disagreed immensely saying ESPN has nothing to do with bettors getting influenced on there wagering.


Just how much money does ESPN analyzers/commentators influence sports bettors when it comes to wagering on games?

[tullamore]

I used to work with a guy who placed bets based on what Herbstreit or Corso went with. The billion dollar figure my not be off much.

[EaglesPhan36]

If you base your bets on ESPN analysts or any TV analysts, you deserve what you get. You always go with your own homework on a game and your gut feeling. Now if someone tends to agree with you and you respect their opinion, it probably helps push you along.

One thing to look at tomorrow - FOX pregame ... not that he's gonna be 100%, but Terry Bradshaw has gotten his upset special right every week so far. Last week, he picked Atlanta from what I remember and I think he picked Green Bay when they beat San Diego. But you know, don't follow his pick.

[jjgold]

I got influenced the other day when I heard one clown say Georgia should be Tenny and I bet Georgia like a dick. They do influence your mind.

[EJandV]

Those guys are thinking about the lunch and dinner buffets more than the game . Same with the announcers that talk before the game comes on .
Have been impressed with Chris Bermann in the past though , more like surprised . I Didnt track him but when he gave score predictions , maybe last year , he was pretty right on .

They get paid to be there and talk shi$ , not to truly study the matchups .

[Doc JS]

If you base your bets on ESPN analysts or any TV analysts, you deserve what you get.

I think EP is right on it.

[ShamsWoof10]

Now when I gave my opinion to them, they all just laughed and disagreed immensely saying ESPN has nothing to do with bettors getting influenced on there wagering.

Just how much money does ESPN analyzers/commentators influence sports bettors when it comes to wagering on games?

Well I have found that laughing and trying to discredit as a reaction is how people react when they DON'T know what they are talking about...

If this guy doesn't think he, you, I, or anyone else is in some way influenced by those yo-yos on tv he is an idiot.. You CAN NOT unhear something... When these guys break down games and make points IT'S GOING TO INFLUENCE WHAT YOU THINK!!! This is not just in sports but hell yeah they do it in sports... I caught myself many times in the past doing what JJ did...

I had Carolina in a futures bet to win the Super Bowl against the Patriots and that was the first year NFL Network came out... For two weeks they talked about how that front four of Carolina is going to cause fits... When I placed the bet I planned on hedging it no matter what but...after watching two weeks of NFL Network I did not hedge... Like most times they were wrong... They are THE BEST FADE...and this just isn't in sports either...

[jon13009]

ESPN is there to get ratings by hyping the games. The producers and writers of the show set the personalities up, and try to get them to generate a heated debate.

As a gambler, I try to research the game before hand, and filter anything thrown at me, but if ESPN throws out something I can use (and is verified - like an injury update), I use it.

Many things on ESPN (like taking game film -and analyzing plays out of context- and getting on that silly playing field and demonstrating plays) are for show and generally ignored.

If you depend on ESPN as the only source of game play decisions (and want to make a profit), then you should rethink that strategy. As for ESPN influencing betting strategy, I am sure it is significant among casual bettors because most of them don't know how (or want/can't take the time to) handicap games anyway.

[forex]

the only commentator you should listen to is ncaab charles barkley this dude is almost always right on and he makes a lot of sense. I cant wait till basketball season.

[bigjp5091]

ESPN costs me more money in NCAA basketball season...when I feel the overwhelming desire to bet every late night game....

[EaglesPhan36]

the only commentator you should listen to is ncaab charles barkley this dude is almost always right on and he makes a lot of sense. I cant wait till basketball season.

Always trust a gambler.

[ferndog]

I never listen to them. I just watch the games and listen to Howard Stern.

[fearless]

Those guys are thinking about the lunch and dinner buffets more than the game . Same with the announcers that talk before the game comes on .
Have been impressed with Chris Bermann in the past though , more like surprised . I Didnt track him but when he gave score predictions , maybe last year , he was pretty right on .

They get paid to be there and talk shi$ , not to truly study the matchups .

When he picks as the shwami, he's right around .500 year after year. I remember my uncle telling me that that's by design (courtesy of Vegas, I'm sure). I mean, if he's .500 then that's not helping anyone, you might as well flip a coin!

[LLXC]

They probably hurt squares but help others.

[pokernut9999]

Bradshaws upset pick looking good again.

[Tchocky]

I watch ESPN 24/7....at home, at work, on my PC, on my phone, etc. The real question is how much does ESPN generate for Vegas and the offshore books?

[Willie Bee]

Good point, chocky.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Blaming ESPN for your sports ignorance is like blaming McDonalds for the fact you're overweight.

[bigboydan]

You bring an interesting point there Willie.

I'm wondering if we might see a lawsuit brought up against ESPN by some gambler that lives in Vegas in the future.

Hell, I say why not try it if people are winning there cases levied against McDonalds for those frivolous suits.

[EaglesPhan36]

Bradshaws upset pick looking good again.

He just missed with the Rams. JJ and Howie I think both got the Panthers. I do actually pay attention to their upset picks to see if they match any that I am thinking about. Of course I went 0-2 in that arena today, learning that there is no point betting on Detroit on the road.

[Thremp]

BBD,

This post is so LOL. ESPN generates me an income. I thank my lucky stars Lou Holtz and Joe Morgan are allowed to speak to a national audience.

[seaborneq]

ESPN is good for injury info only. I make sure the Hank Goldberg does NOT like/match my picks, because that is the kiss of death.

[pokernut9999]

He just missed with the Rams. JJ and Howie I think both got the Panthers. I do actually pay attention to their upset picks to see if they match any that I am thinking about. Of course I went 0-2 in that arena today, learning that there is no point betting on Detroit on the road.

Yea but Rams covered and they all had Washington and Steelers 2 biggest romps of day.

[jjgold]

ESPN guys bet and try to sway lines by releasing picks to the public

[bigboydan]

ESPN guys bet and try to sway lines by releasing picks to the public

Na coach, I just think they are just all that bad.

[jjgold]

I know guys that lost wives because listening to espn guys and betting all their money, now that is sad.

[curious]

I have done quite well by writing down the statistics that roll by at the bottom of the screen and deciding whether the team would be a good bet because of the stats. For example the other day there was a team where the scroller said "has averaged 50 points or more per game on offense this season". Sounded good to me.

The funny thing is, the first week of the college football season I posted a question to the forum if using the stats from the scroller t the bottom of the screen would be a good idea. That question almost started a riot. Posters came out of the wood work to shout me down on how stupid an idea that was..blah blah blah.

I'm glad I didn't listen to them.

[MJFtheGenius]

I have noticed Kirk herbstreet is good, he called Rutgers and UNC playing south Carolina tough last week.

[bigboydan]

any thoughts on whether or not college football can still be fixed can be answered on games like that where the 80%+ side wins but doesn't cover awfully often.

Anything is possible.

Nowadays conferences like the ACC has starting doing background checks on there referees to help prevent those types of things from happening.