Sportsbook Articles - Beard

Definition

A beard is a person who places a bet at a sportsbook for another person.  The main reason why a beard is needed is because the person asking for the bet to be placed is usually a very successful sports gambler.  This gambler has won so much money from sportsbooks that they have been banned from even placing a bet.  Beards get a cut from the action and work in conjunction with syndicates.  They bet huge amounts of money and alternate between sportsbooks in casinos. 

Using a beard

If used right, sports betting can be beaten.  By using the correct betting systems, handicapping tools, and using proper money management, one can consistently make money in betting sports.  The best professional gamblers are those who are unknown, for once their identities are known, sportsbooks will surely ban them from even stepping into their casinos.  If any one individual has won too much money from a specific sportsbook, the management has the right to severely limit, or even refuse action from such an individual.  The beard, thus, acts as a middleman and places the bet for the ‘winning’ gambler.

Who they are…risks involved

Beards have to be careful, though, for once the casinos find out that they are working with known banned individuals, they also run the risk of being banned themselves.  Beards can be anyone and can be found in casino-based sportsbooks and even online books.  Offshore books even have a greater capacity to limit one’s actions, thus enabling online beards to sprout.  Sometimes, to avoid being banned from certain sportsbooks, a professional may use the services of a beard to place very large bets for him.  Sportsbooks, both casino-based and offshore, keep a record of those individuals who continuously win from them.  Beards can virtually be anyone, from someone’s friend, relative, co-worker, neighbor, etc.  Although not technically illegal, beards run some certain risks.  If the beard does business with bookies who are crooked, they may run the risk of bodily injury if they win too much or simply not be paid.  All of these scenarios are assumed, but are still viable risks for the beard.

Summary

In summary, beards are:

• individuals who place bets for others and have an understanding with the other party
• are relatively undetectable, unless they frequent the same sportsbooks all the time
• work in conjunction with syndicates and professional gamblers
• now also are found online, opening up offshore betting accounts for others’ plays.