"The Smart Money: A Memoir" by Michael Konik

As sports betting continues to rise, this book reads like a reality show/documentary.

We bought this book as early as 2012 but it's only now that it has been fully read. What do we think? Pretty cool, as it writes in a way that's perfect for a documentary series (take note, VICE). Along with some dry but hilarious humor, I think the eager sports fan, sports bettor of all levels, or fans of memoirs will take away something from this.

Let's get one thing out of the way: Some reviewers have complained about not finding tips from this book about handicapping. Did they read the fine print on the book? A MEMOIR, it says on the front of the book. (I don't think it's a conspiracy: some social media platforms aim to shorten people's attention spans, which may explain why many folks don't have the patience, nor the desire, to read.)

Not all memoirs will spill secrets throughout their story-telling. This is why we read the preface and any notes written as a "pregame" introduction before the actual feature presentation. Author Konik may not have made that clear, but don't assume he'll let some secrets slip. It is sports betting after all, and if one person knows the technique, inside information, and secret(s), then it's no longer fun to bet, is it? Think about that, as we digress.

First chapters, you get the most thorough introduction we have ever read in a book. I have never seen such descriptive adjectives presented so eloquently. If you want to increase your vocabulary, you'll get and learn a bunch of them from the first chapters. Konik gradually then dives deep into the people he met and collaborated with, some who have "the ties" with those who are big time bettors. That big bettor goes by Rick "Big Daddy" who runs a little gang hired to place high-limit bets on sporting events, mostly on college sports and some on the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. Does that sound like a great side hustle? Not so fast, as Konik describes the operations and the confidentialities involved when trusted and been given a lot of money to carry these tasks; When we say "a lot of money," we're talking about six- to seven-digit paper money. This money is often delivered by a runner...with a pistol in hand. You've seen it in movies: Break your promise and you're done—permanently done. Throughout the book, it feels like Konik walks on needles, mice traps and lava rocks, trying to place bets while juggling to keep the money on hand without it being inspected, confiscated and/or stolen. It's quite suspenseful.

Along with working for 'the boss,' and being paid for his labor, you learn of the expenses and the "rich" life he experiences with his girlfriend Vivian. Like any other humble male, he's just a writer but gets to live like he's a multi-billionaire. It's neat, and really does make you feel like you should spend that time in Las Vegas. However, during this "job" he kept pursuing, in accordance with this writing gigs, his girlfriend remains pretty nonchalant yet somewhat supportive of his ventures and tasks. Heck, even she has to swear unto secrecy when Konik goes on to carry and fulfill the daily tasks he's assigned. Speaking of his assigned tasks, there are times when Konik has to fly to Vegas, in person, placing bets as there are times he can do it remotely, so it feels like watching a livestream of a man going about his daily work.

Like with any bettor, you also get a feel of Konik's losing bets. Some made him so petrified in fear that his boss Big Daddy would eventually cut him off. You can feel those heart-stopping moments through Konik's words. Again, like a regular employee going about his duties, there are those days when you thought you worked hard but not enough to make you jeopardize your entire employment with the company...until it actually does. In addition, Konik got in touch with former schoolmates and eventually learned of their lives after school, along with collaborating with some new "worker" for Big Daddy. What about Konik's former schoolmates? Getting them into the beauty of sports betting, along with the art of Probability, Game Theory and advanced computer programming, most, if not all, of those schoolmates went on to pursue their own operations similar to Big Daddy. You read that right: It only takes one person to make a impact in your life.

Push comes to shove, Konik eventually hit a zenith in his relationship with Vivian, affecting his emotions and concentration, despite all the phone calls, the yelling, the swearing/cursing fights he would have with her, and the winning bets he almost never got paid for with bookmakers. It took a toll not only on Vivian, but he himself. As Konik tried to get back and move on, this was where my favorite part was. Even someone like Big Daddy reached out to let him know he's there for him, which I thought was sweet. Yes, even high-rolling sports bettors are human beings. Reason I liked that part is because it's a gesture you don't witness often from bosses/employers. In reality, companies swear they pamper and care for their employees but really don't. (Personally, I've worked for companies quietly known for high turnover rates. I'm not sure why I put myself through all that stress, but hey, we all are trying to survive.)

As things looked up again, Konik gave overseas betting a try remotely. According to his experience and tasks, it sounds more stressful than domestic betting, dealing with bookmakers who may or may not be honest enough to pay their losing bets.

Near the end of the book, Konik quietly called it quits and went on to continue living his real life.

You're thinking, "wow Kris, so it's just a book about a man having a job?" Well, this wasn't "just" a job. Would you work for a high roller, who's been banned on all casinos, trying to keep anonymous and tight-lipped, in exchange to living the rich life that many people dreamed of experiencing or living? Given today's standards, and our current economic status, that's hard to achieve but also tough to turn down. Just like in the movies, one tiny leak could cost you your trust and possibly your life. Would I do it? Unlikely, as there's a picture of me here on this website so even changing my looks wouldn't help. Plus, with facial recognition technology being implemented in our daily lives, and even our cell phones, it'll be too easy to track and find out who I am. Good thing Konik did it when he could!

Konik made it clear that he changed names and the "operative company" he worked for to avohd any kind of trouble (they are still in business). Nowadays, according to our research, there are small companies specializing in doing the number crunching and giving you the best odds and best sports picks without all the hassles. One caveat: Their subsription services aren't cheap.

As we are big fans of VSiN—Vegas Sports Insider Network since 2021, a lot has changed, and matured, in the sports betting scene. We're not sure if Konik has made an appearance on VSiN but whether he shares his betting advices, or discusses this book, it should lend a basic landscape and foundation in the world of sports betting. Even if that wasn't the intent, curious bettors ought to take away the goings-on and the "hush-hush" that goes about when placing bets (even if you're betting for yourself). We say, and encourage, secrecy because it's like you holding the winning lottery ticket, holding it up in front of a crowd saying you have the winning numbers. Yeah, that's asking for trouble, as people in the crowd will likely snatch that ticket from your hand or even tear it up. Along the way, you learn of a writer working like a good employee going through ups and down, both in his job and life. Not primarily a staple example of work ethics and morals, but there are some you'll learn as well. Oh, and when it comes to relationships, take caution if they're crazy—the bad kind of crazy—like Vivian.

This was an excellent book. Possibly a great one to recommend as sports leagues are caving in to allow and encourage sports betting. Something to learn from, especially if you're one of those people who "knows someone" you may suddenly work for. Now that we're in the age of high-end technology, remaining anonymous might require some advanced techniques. Then again, we don't know of such entity, so anyone pursuing such paths are very much on their own. Secrecy, again? Yes, because casinos ban bettors who continually 'milk' off their profits to the point where they may no longer be sustainable. Business is business, right?

Highly recommended book!

"I love you, 44."
— Rick, 'Big Daddy'

Kris Caballero

Founder of KCU Network and KCU Plus, Kris has been writing since he managed a personal blog made back in late 2005. Officially back to doing computer programming (software development) and video production, Kris enjoys reading books on Mathematics, Quantum Computing, Philosophy, playing old video/DOS games, digital video archiving, and listening to sports, public radio and classical music.

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