The Power of Compounding

[knickslions2]

Originally Posted by moses

So it’s been a while. I hope everyone is doing well.

I’ve recently become intrigued with the idea of taking a small initial bet ($5, 10, 20…nothing major) and seeing how many consecutive show bets I can hit while rolling the winnings forward each bet.

With an average payout of $2.50 to show, it would take 25 consecutive winning wagers to hit $5,000. I suspect if I get on a streak that I’ll chicken out before I hit the $5,000 mark or entirely lose discipline and start dipping into those funds for other wagers.

But that said, how dumb is this idea? Has anyone attempted it? After spending entirely too much money last year chasing Pick 5 payouts and essentially breaking even, I’m wondering if this might actually be easier. It seems that way but then again, maybe my average payout is optimistic or maybe my self confidence in being able to do it 25 times in a row is misplaced. Of course, all it takes is one miss and I’m back to the starting line.

Anyway, sound off. I’d love some feedback.

Our group does show parlays all the time. We start $5 per person and pass ticket around after each race. If we get it up to a few hundred we cash out are start over. 25 in a row is crazy and can’t see getting even close to it. It’s fun side bet. We definitely shoot for some prices . Good luck

[moses]

Originally Posted by knickslions2

Our group does show parlays all the time. We start $5 per person and pass ticket around after each race. If we get it up to a few hundred we cash out are start over. 25 in a row is crazy and can’t see getting even close to it. It’s fun side bet. We definitely shoot for some prices . Good luck

What’s the highest you’ve ever gotten it up to?

I was thinking of trying to do this over the course of the next 10 weeks, only betting on Saturdays and Sunday’s, maybe 1-2 bets per day.

[casp0555]

I would be happy with getting five in a row

[ninetoone]

I'm not this patient. If I was looking to get to 5K, I'd be more inclined to put 5K on an even money shot...LOL

[moses]

Originally Posted by ninetoone

I'm not this patient. If I was looking to get to 5K, I'd be more inclined to put 5K on an even money shot...LOL

lol — I’m not this patient either and not disciplined enough.

I’m going to start with $5 so it’s going to take longer. First bet — Noble Confessor in Race 1 at Gulfstream. Let’s see if I can at least hit 1 in a row.

[moses]

Haha.

Ok. Might be a little tougher than I anticipated.

[fantini33]

There is a reason why "Showvivor" contests that have literally hundreds of good handicappers playing, where you only need to make a single play per card, rarely make it beyond 2 weeks. I've toyed with the idea in big live money contests, where you could potentially turn $10000 into just under 70k with a run of five at $3 per payout. On big race days (BC, Derby, Travers, etc) getting 3 beans for a 2 to 1 shot isnt impossible. I mythically tried it a few times and not once was successful.

If you are playing pick 5's all year and are breaking even you are probably swimming in the right pool. IMO.