Reason #2 why the Wizard likes Bovada:

No-hassle practice games

Most online casinos spend more effort trying to separate you from your money than they do trying to give you a good experience. They have all kinds of popup windows, they usually make you download their software, and if they do offer play-in-browser games then you have to register an account before you can play. And if you register they start sending you emails trying to get you to deposit real money.

But Bovada is different. They have no popup windows at all, and their practice games play right in your browser, with no download, and no registration required. You don’t even have to give up your email address. It couldn’t be simpler: just one click and you’re playing the game.

I wish all online casinos showed this much respect for their players. Other casinos practically ask for your first born child to play for free. Meanwhile Bovada is patient and does not twist anybody’s arm to play for real money. You can play as long as you like for free with no obligation. The real-money games are available if that’s your preference, but if not, you can play the free practice games for as long as you like without hassle.

Visit Bovada

Biography of the Wizard of Odds

Last Update: July 27, 2005

Short Version

Michael Shackleford has a degree in math/economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, class of 1988. In 1995 he completed his last actuary exam and has been an Associate of the Society of Actuaries ever since. From 1992 to 2000 he was employed by the Social Security Administration in the Office of the Chief Actuary, largely doing short-term cost estimates on congressional legislation.

In 2000 Michael turned his attention to the field of gambling where he currently works as a gaming mathematician and writer. He runs a web site on gambling, Wizardofodds.com, and serves as a consultant largely for new game developers. In addition he is the author of the book Gambling 102. Currently Michael resides in Las Vegas with his wife and three children.

Long Version

Michael Shackleford, a.k.a. the Wizard of Odds, is originally from Orange County, California. In 1988 he graduated with a bachelor's degree in math and economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

From 1992 to 2000 he worked in the Office of the Chief Actuary at the Social Security Administration headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. There he worked doing short-range actuarial estimates on congressional legislation on Social Security. The earnings test and taxation of benefits were two areas of emphasis. On a more fun note, he also tabulated the most popular baby names, based on Social Security card applications, which have been featured in many newspapers, books, magazines, and television.

Meanwhile, in 1997 Michael launched his gambling web site Wizard of Odds. The site started out as a fun project in web site design. However, it quickly developed a strong following, and many requests for consulting work. In 2000 he left Social Security to devote himself full time to the web site and gaming consulting. A year later, he moved back west to Las Vegas, to have a more active roll in the gambling scene.

Today, Michael still lives in Las Vegas with his wife and three children. He actively practices what he writes about, looking for advantages primarily in video poker, sports betting, and tournaments. In the office, his time is divided between updating his web site, and consulting on new casino game design. His book, Gambling 102, offers gambling advice on many popular casino games. His other hobbies include juggling, unicycling, and license plate collecting.


Home Gambling Info Game Odds and Strategies Gambling Online Ask the Wizard Play for Fun Blog
Reason #2 why the Wizard likes Bovada: No-hassle practice games Most online casinos spend more effort trying to separate you from your money than they do trying to give you a good experience. They have all kinds of popup windows, they usually make you download their software, and if they do offer play-in-browser games then you have to register an account before you can play. And if you register they start sending you emails trying to get you to deposit real money. But Bovada is different. They have no popup windows at all, and their practice games play right in your browser, with no download, and no registration required. You don’t even have to give up your email address. It couldn’t be simpler: just one click and you’re playing the game. I wish all online casinos showed this much respect for their players. Other casinos practically ask for your first born child to play for free. Meanwhile Bovada is patient and does not twist anybody’s arm to play for real money. You can play as long as you like for free with no obligation. The real-money games are available if that’s your preference, but if not, you can play the free practice games for as long as you like without hassle. Visit Bovada	Biography of the Wizard of Odds Last Update: July 27, 2005 Short Version Michael Shackleford has a degree in math/economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, class of 1988. In 1995 he completed his last actuary exam and has been an Associate of the Society of Actuaries ever since. From 1992 to 2000 he was employed by the Social Security Administration in the Office of the Chief Actuary, largely doing short-term cost estimates on congressional legislation. In 2000 Michael turned his attention to the field of gambling where he currently works as a gaming mathematician and writer. He runs a web site on gambling, Wizardofodds.com, and serves as a consultant largely for new game developers. In addition he is the author of the book Gambling 102. Currently Michael resides in Las Vegas with his wife and three children. Long Version Michael Shackleford, a.k.a. the Wizard of Odds, is originally from Orange County, California. In 1988 he graduated with a bachelor's degree in math and economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara. From 1992 to 2000 he worked in the Office of the Chief Actuary at the Social Security Administration headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. There he worked doing short-range actuarial estimates on congressional legislation on Social Security. The earnings test and taxation of benefits were two areas of emphasis. On a more fun note, he also tabulated the most popular baby names, based on Social Security card applications, which have been featured in many newspapers, books, magazines, and television. Meanwhile, in 1997 Michael launched his gambling web site Wizard of Odds. The site started out as a fun project in web site design. However, it quickly developed a strong following, and many requests for consulting work. In 2000 he left Social Security to devote himself full time to the web site and gaming consulting. A year later, he moved back west to Las Vegas, to have a more active roll in the gambling scene. Today, Michael still lives in Las Vegas with his wife and three children. He actively practices what he writes about, looking for advantages primarily in video poker, sports betting, and tournaments. In the office, his time is divided between updating his web site, and consulting on new casino game design. His book, Gambling 102, offers gambling advice on many popular casino games. His other hobbies include juggling, unicycling, and license plate collecting.
Copyright © 1998-2012 Wizard of Odds Consulting, Inc. All rights reserved. • About \| Privacy & Terms \| Site Map \| Links \| Contact The Wizard’s other sites: Wizard of Vegas \| Wizard of Macau \| Math Problems • Recommended: Vegas Click