Michael Konik's Smart Money won't tell you how to become rich by betting on sports, but it does give an inside look at a world most sports gamblers can only dream of. A gambling writer by trade, Konik was invited to join the notorious Brain Trust betting group in the late 1990s and chronicles his exploits as a high-rolling sports gambler for readers.
The Story
Michael Konik, a well-respected magazine gambling writer, was introduced to Rick Matthews by a mutual friend. As the principal driving force behind the Brain Trust, a highly organized sports betting group that strikes fear in bookies everywhere, Matthews was unable to place large wagers himself, and was forced to use beards (people who place wagers for others.)
During a round of golf, Matthews, also known as "Big Daddy," asks Konik if he would be interested in joining his team for a slice of the action. Naturally, Konik can't resist and becomes a money mover for the Brain Trust, with Las Vegas his normal base of operation.
The High Life
Since Konik was wagering huge sums of money, the casinos were more than willing to put him up in nice rooms and pick up the tab on expensive dinners, at least until he started winning on a consistent basis.
Once Konik became known as a winning bettor, attitudes changed towards him and he details his attempts to keep betting the maximum amount of money, which sportsbooks are now more reluctant to accept. Many expect Konik is tied to the Brain Trust, or one of the other successful betting groups, but his steadfast denials are somewhat convincing to those taking the bets.
Eventually, Konik and Matthews try wagering through private bookmakers and offshore sportsbooks, with plenty of trials and tribulations.
The Hollywood Boys
With the handicapping help of an old school chum who is now a computer genius at M.I.T., Konik eventually becomes the leader of his own betting group, which was dubbed the Hollywood Boys. The Hollywood Boys aren't quite the Brain Trust, but Konik and his actor buddies, who make up the group, can't be faulted for lack of effort. This arrangement doesn't last for long before the Hollywood Boys are told to take their business elsewhere.
Things finally catch up with Konik and he elects to retire from the sports betting scene, but not before it takes quite a toll on his personal life, leaving him to wonder if all the excitement of the past few years was worth it.
A Cast of Characters
The most interesting aspect of Smart Money is the people themselves. With characters seemingly straight out of a Damon Runyon tale, the book is about people almost as much as it is about sports betting.
From Konik's girlfriend to Brother Herbie, the basketball betting former monk, the reader is introduced to some unforgettable individuals.
It's highly unlikely that any of us will ever reach the status of Big Daddy or be in a position to have bookies scared of taking our bets, but sometimes it's nice to read about those who do.
Smart Money is an enjoyable read and a fun way to take a little bit of a break from our own sports betting activities.
