Feature Story
Today's Master Engineers
Written by Frank Rosenthal on February 08, 2001
Once upon time you could dial into any major city within the U.S. and hook up with the top bookmakers that offered insurance throughout an entire nine-inning Baseball game. It was a two-way line. You could lay it, or take it regardless of the score. Name your pleasure. Ball, strike, fouls, from singles to round-trippers, if you wanted action; you'd get faded. Opening tip-offs, right up to the final horn. Football, Hockey, Boxing, round by round. From A to Z, you could match brainpower, or bet your brains out. What's changed? The "Engineers," went airborne, into San Jose, Antigua, Jamaica, and several other island locations that features balmy weather, and friendly Governments. Experienced and talented linemakers, perhaps equal to, or in some cases a level above the old-time 
gunslingers. Back in the early days it was free lancers like "McNeil, alias Dillinger, Stacy, Robby, and a fraternity of brilliant professionals whose specialty was neutralizing any game situation, lopsided or otherwise. They were cool students of advanced mathematics, and they understood number value. That was their one common trademark. If you're of the belief that making numbers for all of the above in rapid fire, and up against a World of talent is an easy task, you my friends are mistaken! True, you need not be a Rocket Scientist, but you'd better know the games inside and out, with the ability to quickly evaluate and calculate games in progress. They're required to make split second decisions under pressure, with loads of games, not simply an isolated event or two. Make an error; the wiseguys will scoop you away. Charts can be helpful, but there's a whole lot more that enters into the responsibilities of the "Master Engineers." Las Vegas, they've become a non-factor, and the majority of the talent that you would assume to be behind the counters of the mega resort casinos supporting the luxury Sports & Race Books have vanished. Today they're sitting in specially designed offices with state of the art electronics, servicing the Worlds increasing appetite for Sports Wagering. The top 5 offshore operators employ thousands of 
natives to handle hot phones, and customer service. Their handle far exceeds the operators in Sin City. Just how high is a trade secret, but trust me, you'd be stunned, just like I have! Just recently I was offered a virtual tour with one of the top 3 operators, and came away with a simple thought. Mighty impressive, and I'm not easily impressed! Who are these "Master Engineers" that sit on the firing lines from early morning till midnight Eastern? I've been observing them over the past 18 months, and yes like all of us they're imperfect. They've been known to dial a wrong number or drop a bar of soap, but overall they're the "Crème De La Crème" in an industry that continues to grow far beyond the numbers that are reported. The top operators boast customer databases ranging from five to ten thousand. Back in my Las Vegas days, we had about two thousand, and we were considered to be, "King Of The Hill." We employed about 30 to 40 writers, a support team, and a couple of outside engineers. The Captains over in the islands, anywhere from a hundred up to four hundred clerks, customer service reps, tech support, and they operate 24-7 nonstop. No past-posting, or phony claims. Your action is repeated, and you're required to sign off and verify the repeat, while the transaction is electronically recorded. Sounds like a fisherman's fantasy, it's not.
Thought I'd offer you a mini profile on today's "Elite Engineers" Their strengths, and their Achilles. That's right, they all have a weakness, just like you and I!
Tim Ross, from www.sportingbetusa.com is a dandy. Not necessarily recognized for pure number skills, but rather as a hard working dedicated operator who would be a key addition to any sizeable operation. He'll treat you right, fair and square, with tough numbers. He'll also check your DNA. A devoted company man, with uncommon integrity. He's worth his weight in gold, and just for the record, Tim's no flyweight! Weakness: Send him some fresh Florida Stone Crabs, or Tom's famous barbecued Baby Back Ribs, and you might put him to sleep while he's behind the throttle. Other than that, he's a tough nut to crack. Live with Tim Ross, Toll Free 1-888-238-2238.
Mac, from www.betcris.com reminds me of a human robot. The office, Cris, takes on anybody and everybody. From hot-dogs to wiseguys, including proven winning syndicates. The highest limit of any operation on the Universe. Mac is the Master Engineer, sitting in the cockpit barking out numbers faster than an auctioneer to a huge staff of writers. Seldom drops his guard, but he too can be had under the right set of circumstances. Catch him when he's romancing, which is his favorite pastime, and maybe you can nail 'em. By the way, he's also a "Good Fellow." Would you like to meet "Big Mac?" Toll Free 1-800-249-5285
Monte, www.caribi.com is a seasoned veteran. Cold blooded, calculating, and his numbers are virtually impeccable. One of the finest engineers in the history of Sports Wagering. Weakness: Likes to party, sometimes too often. Subject to hangovers. That's when he's vulnerable.
Spiro, www.thegreek.com is arguably today's number one "Master Engineer." Tireless, bright, well educated, and he's a hard-nosed versatile operator who offers more props and more games than any bookmaker on the Planet. Somewhat of a one-man operation who seldom delegates, doesn't seem to require much rest, and runs a first class ship. Hooked up with a young and brilliant software expert that provides his online site to be recognized as World Class. Weakness: Absolutely; check out your local High School teams. Do a little research, and than call Toll Free 1-800-558-1485. He's apt to give you a line. Here's a fellow dealing Division II. Mount Union, Sacred Heart, Drexel, and now he's looking to include Slippery Rock, located about 50 miles north of Pittsburgh. When he does, zero in on WRSK 88.1 FM for the play-by-play. Maybe you can catch the fox?
Last, but not least, and moving right up. Roger, www.allworld.com is somewhat of a sleeper. He's a winner. Been around the circuit for many years "engineering" first class properties the Island way. A student of the props, Roger's new venture will accommodate your individual pleasures. If you fancy the various exotic styles of wagering that are not standard within the industry I would suggest you dial 1-800-922-2201. 20% sign up bonus, 5% juice, appears to be very attractive if you're a recreational sports enthusiast looking to save a buck or two. Tell Roger, the Ace sent you. You might catch a break. Weakness: Insomnia! There may be more, I'll let you know!
Honorable Mention:
Wit: 1-800-262-7931. Talented two way operators. They'll book, and they bet.
Rio: 1-800-809-6872. Sound and pleasant service. Sharp lines.
BTW:
Watch for the newest and smoothest Online Casino, preparing to launch within 60 days. A cool experienced operator offering generous prizes and rebates to all recreational players. From what I hear, you'll feel like you're sitting in Caesars Palace, within the comfort of your pad! We'll keep you posted
Good Luck, Frank Rosenthal