TalksportsPhilly Interviews Steve Budin

CEO of sportsinfo.com Steve Budin

On Friday, TalksportsPhilly and Johnny G had the pleasure of interviewing Steve Budin, the CEO of the world’s largest sports pick conglomerate, SportsInfo.com (www.sportsinfo.com).

Steve was the father of the offshore sports business as we know it today. His rise and fall is documented in his book “Bets, Drugs, and Rock & Roll”. Interestingly enough, after being the victim of the first electronic bookmaking charge in U.S. history, Budin jumped to the other side, creating the biggest sports pick business ever. Budin does not claim to be a handicapper but does release special selections that can be purchased on his website. His life story and perseverance through all tribulations is a inspirational story in itself. Without further ado, here is the interview with Stevo:

JG: How did you get involved in the sports gambling industry?

SB: I started selling parlay cards to teachers and friends when I was 16.

JG: What is the biggest misconception with the Sports betting industry?

SB: I will give you two. One is that bookmakers even out the games to simply earn the Juice. For example: they try and get the same amount bet on both sides and lay off all the over-age. pleaaseeeeee. If you have sucker business, you don’t lay off a penny of it… Here is how juice works for bookies… if you have $5000 on one side and $3000 on the other, You are going to win $2500 or lose $1700. Thats the real power of the business.

The 2nd is that bookies earn 10% in Football. Sorry, they only earn 5%. If $100 is bet on one side, and $100 is bet on the other side, there is a profit of $10 and a volume of $200. That is 5% my friends.

JG: With Al Demarco replacing Brandon Lang, why should people trust him to manage their money?

SB: Well, Al is the most seasoned and proven veteran in the business, and forget his 25 years in the business because this business is all about “what have you done for me lately?” 127-98-3 Past 18 Months for 420 Dimes and he is 9-1 Since taking over for 75.5 Dimes. He is the GM at all of my online properties, and I trust him with operating my entire pick empire. That should say alot to customers wondering if they should trust him as well.

JG: I’ve read your book and it is a phenomenal read. Any thoughts about making a movie about it?

SB:Working on it! These things take forever!

JG: How does it make you feel that many handicappers around the country are not stand up individuals and give the occupation a bad name?

SB:It was the same when I was a Bookie. It works to my advantage. I just have to do the right thing and I’m a hero. Thanks scumbags!

JG: How often are you in the Philadelphia area?

SB: I Shoot my TV show out of Philly, so I’m there 3 days a week from Sept – Feb! I LOVE PHILLY!!!!

JG: What do you say to the people that think your “crews” are phony?

SB: I say what I say on my website. It is there in black and white since the day the site was launched. I obviously make up the names of my crews. It isn’t phony because I openly disclose it on my site. The New York Crew is just the name of one particular source, as is the Philly Crew and so on. I do it for tracking purposes and to give proper credit to proper sources. I am not trying to imply that there is a group of people somewhere in a New York back-alley wearing NY crew hats and shirts, there is not. The New York crew is actually a 78 year old dear friend of my late Father who lives in Hallandale, Florida now. I call him The NY CREW cause he is from NY… and thats how I talk… I also call my Rabbi the “Kosher crew”. People pay me alot of money for my picks. These are not stupid people.These are affluent and sophisticated people. They all understand these facts and none of them are under the illusion that there are superheroes with capes and tights flying through the air. The people that call me a phony are misguided, have ulterior motives, or simply haven’t read my site and dont buy from me.

JG: Who is your favorite team to bet on?

SB: The one that wins!!!

JG: Opinions on Stu Feiner?

SB: Who?

JG: How does it make you feel that you pioneered the Online Gambling industry and now at no fault of your own, others are reaping the major financial benefits?

SB: Too much to be grateful for in my life to be bitter. Besides, I’m no one hit wonder.

JG: Any tips for the novice gambler out there?

SB: Less is More. Too fast – can’t last.

JG: How did you deal with the adversity of losing out on your dream business, then picking up the pieces and making another extremely profitable business venture?

SB: It took me to a low that I never knew existed, and I learned alot about myself. IT WAS HELL!!! (laughs) But I wouldnt change one thing in my life and I am so grateful to have been through what I have…because when I tuck my kids in every night, I get it…I’m very blessed.

JG: How important do you think transparency and honesty has been in making you the world’s largest sports pick website?

SB: I think transparency is the Budin signature with everything I have ever done, and it was my personal contribution to the pick business. I think it saved it, but maybe I’m being a bit dramatic and overstating (laughs).

JG: What is your winning percentage for your career?

SB: Irrelevant! Ratings make winning percentage irrelevant. What matters is profit and I’m at well over 1.6 million (1600 dimes) in the theoretical profit in the last 3 years since launching my campaign. Not bad.

JG: There has been quite a bit of talk about the departure of Brandon Lang from your site, care to address any issues with Brandon?

SB: Brandon was released from his lifetime contract. That’s all I want to say.

JG: I’ve read your father was also involved in this business, What type of inspiration did he provide for you? What are some lessons he taught you about the business?

SB: He was a legendary bookie famous for always paying on a Monday while other bookies paid on Thursday (after they collected from all the losers). He taught me how to value my customers and how to value my family.

JG: How did you acquire so many sources?

SB: 22 years on the inside. And of course, because of my Dad.

JG: Do you personally play your selections?

SB: Only when I am in Vegas. Bookies wont take my action.

JG: Who are your picks for the NBA Championship/World Series/Super Bowl/Stanley Cup this season?

SB: I give Orlando a shot – I’m going to say Phillies cause I know who I’m talking to over here- and I really couldn’t give a puck about hockey!

JG: Do you have a system for releasing your picks, if so can you reveal any of it?

SB: Follow the hot source and protect the bankroll. Pick my spots and take my shots.

JG: Where can we purchase your book?

SB: On my website! SportsInfo.com!

JG: Thanks for taking the time for the interview, Steve. Hopefully we can do it again soon!

SB: Anytime!

Tags: Brandon Lang, Johnny G, Magic, Phillies, Steve Budin, Stu Feiner