Kosher for Passover: Kosher Foods that are not made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives, or those that have not been baked for more than 18 minutes. Glatt: A term used to refer to meat, a glatt animal is one with no adhesions on the outside of its lungs. Gambling 1 The global gambling market is estimated to be worth over $500 billion in 2015. The world is full of thousands of casinos, racing tracks, bingo halls, lotteries, and sports betting pools. And since the late 1990s, with the development of a multi-billion dollar online gambling industry, you do not even have to leave the comfort of your.
The pursuit of one's passion can be a fun and profitable venture. However, like most good things life, it comes with a lot of pitfalls one should be cautious of, and one might even end up losing everything.
And with that being said, it is safe to infer that going after a passion is a lot like gambling. But as a person who loves the thrill, Bernie placed a bet on his dreams and followed his heart.
Bernie Waldman, more prominently known as 'Kosher Capper,' is one of the most sought-after sports consultants in the industry. And hailing from the broad and fiery streets of New York City, he has a spunk that allows him to render unrivaled expertise in crafting strategies for making bets and placing wagers.
Bernie's passion for sports became the impetus of a career that unfolded when he was just sixteen years old. At that time, sports betting was already a common pastime gaining more and more attention each day. Some people bet for entertainment purposes while others wager based on the profit potential. But for the sixteen-year-old, it was a mixture of both.
So combining his fascination for sports and his determination to make ends meet, Bernie kickstarted his exciting career. And as he was getting the hang of the craft, it became apparent that the odds were in his favor. For this reason, he took his chance and plunged right into the pool of sports betting.
Young as he was, he did not really have the experience to go neck and neck with the other players in the industry. However, he only needed his sharp set of skills and the blazing drive to make it to the big leagues. And proving that he really has what it takes, he reached his first breakthrough when he came up with his sportsbook at the age of twenty-one.
Bernie initially created the sportsbook with only one goal in mind – to provide an avenue where people in his Brooklyn neighborhood can happily wager on various sports competitions. But when his brilliant idea became a huge hit, he realized that sports betting would be the one to catapult him to the summits of success.
As the years went by, Bernie was able to hone his strategy-making skills to perfection. Day and night, he diligently tried to master the tips and tricks that would come in handy for wagers and bets. On top of that, he did some in-depth analysis regarding what matchups he would like to focus on and even went as far as looking into weather reports. And when he felt that he was ready to swim with the big fish, he dove into selling sports picks for major events like NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
And although Bernie kicked off his career at a young age, it was not until he was thirty years old when he got the nickname, 'Kosher Capper.' He earned the title due to the fact that he was born Jewish and that he always wore his kippah on his head; thus, the name proved to be fitting for him. Soon enough, 'Kosher Capper' became a household name in the realm of sports betting.
Going after a dream is a noble pursuit. And while not everybody is up for the challenge, those who are brave enough are already rewarded for trying. But because Bernie dedicated every second and every resource into his journey, victory is his.
To know more about 'Kosher Capper,' you may visit his website and Instagram page.
CEO of Penske Media Group. Experienced Content Editor with a demonstrated history of working in the newspaper industry. Spoken on stages around the globe - NYU, US Embassy, P&G Toronto, and much more.
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Is Gambling Kosher For A
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Is Gambling Kosher Definition
Last year, over Pesach, I composed a holiday-inspired post on my poker blog entitled Let My People Go… and Play Poker in Israel. The main thrust of the article was that the Israeli government should act to legalize and regulate live poker, and I brought a number of poker-related supporting arguments in favor.
When Israeli-born Amir Lehavot placed third at the World Series of Poker back in November, local media quickly pounced on the story to 'claim' his success as a national one. In fact, my interview with Amir Lehavot was cited right here in the Times of Israel as it, along with plenty of other local media outlets, gushed with pride and fawned over his fantastic poker achievement on the world stage. Glossed over are the fact that Lehavot has been living in the United States for a couple decades now and that he can't even ante up in his own country because live poker is currently illegal in Israel.
Similarly, Yediot Achronot ran a story (in Hebrew) last year about 'The IDF Poker Ace', a 19-year-old solider who 'moonlights' as a Texas Hold'em champion. How ironic that all of this young Israeli poker ace's successes have come exclusively outside his homeland's borders. As a matter of fact, I personally think it's almost embarrassing. Can you imagine Shachar Pe'er not being able to play tennis here, but only in tournaments abroad?
My aim in this op-ed piece is to suggest that our government could not only make licensed, regulated live poker in Israel an economic reality and success but also the most unique, 'kosher' poker experience in history, befitting of a country meant to be a light unto the nations.
Just Poker Rooms, Not Casinos
When many people hear the word 'poker' they immediately think of casinos. Having casinos in Israel has been debated ad infinitum, and we even had a 'Casino Party' run in past elections. My proposal is different in that I advocate only the establishment of legal live poker rooms. I believe that for the concept to work and be accepted by the general public and the government, it's critical that a distinction between poker (as a skill game) and casino gambling (as purely luck-based) be made and that specifically only poker be legalized. Even by the local media standards, as evidenced in the two quoted stories above, the game of poker is treated differently than other casino gambling games.
In any event, specifically, were a poker room (chain?) to be operated the right way in Israel, it would have the potential to be a complete success on a number of levels. The key to this would be following established, proven models of successful poker rooms – and then adding a uniquely Israeli twist. There's no need to reinvent the wheel.
Following Regulated European Poker Room Models
Though the United States is far and away the world's hub for live poker, the regulated European poker room model seems to be more suited for Israel to follow. There are hundreds of poker rooms throughout the 'Old World' and, to be quite frank, playing poker in Europe is a far different experience than doing so in the good ol' United States. A European-style system whereby passports/IDs are checked at the room's entrance and membership is a requirement will resolve a number of otherwise thorny issues:
- Security
- Undesired elements coming and going unchecked
- Problem gamblers having unrestricted access
- No free-flowing liquor, drugs, or illegal substances on the premises
Notably, it's an open secret that there are a number of underground poker rooms currently operating in Israel, many with connections to mafia organizations. These would likely cease to exist, along with their multiple accompanying problems, were a regulated framework for licensed live poker rooms put into place.
Part of following the regulated European model would also mandate that operations be run by Europeans themselves. To that effect, I'd propose having our government offer tenders to experienced professionals from Europe to open licensed poker rooms and be responsible for managing their day-to-day operations.
These top-level administrators would train floor staff, dealers, and those filling the numerous other corollary positions. Depending on the number of poker rooms licensed, this would potentially create up to hundreds of new job opportunities for locals, both poker- and non-poker-related (e.g., valet parking, food and beverage personnel, maintenance persons, etc.).
For local poker-playing patrons, the entire experience would thus be pretty surreal, probably giving us that feeling we love of taking a short hop abroad. Plus, it would give Israelis another great way to relax and be entertained, something desperately needed in our overly stressed society.
The Kosher Poker Element
And now for the 'kosher' part. There's one particular element that I believe would make Israeli poker rooms unique among their counterparts around the world:
- Operating on an almost completely non-profit basis, with the overwhelming majority of net revenues split among the Social Welfare Ministry, municipal social services departments, and local charities.
For an operator, especially a foreign one, to invest the kind of resources necessary to run a top-tier poker room, there has to be a little something in it for them. That said, a properly run poker room is literally a money-making machine for the 'house', which profits from each hand played while hosting the games. If that 'house' were to essentially be 'good charitable causes', this would make Israel's poker rooms shining beacons of ingenuity, benevolence, and righteousness.
Israel as an Exotic New Poker Tourism Destination
As the years went by, Bernie was able to hone his strategy-making skills to perfection. Day and night, he diligently tried to master the tips and tricks that would come in handy for wagers and bets. On top of that, he did some in-depth analysis regarding what matchups he would like to focus on and even went as far as looking into weather reports. And when he felt that he was ready to swim with the big fish, he dove into selling sports picks for major events like NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
And although Bernie kicked off his career at a young age, it was not until he was thirty years old when he got the nickname, 'Kosher Capper.' He earned the title due to the fact that he was born Jewish and that he always wore his kippah on his head; thus, the name proved to be fitting for him. Soon enough, 'Kosher Capper' became a household name in the realm of sports betting.
Going after a dream is a noble pursuit. And while not everybody is up for the challenge, those who are brave enough are already rewarded for trying. But because Bernie dedicated every second and every resource into his journey, victory is his.
To know more about 'Kosher Capper,' you may visit his website and Instagram page.
CEO of Penske Media Group. Experienced Content Editor with a demonstrated history of working in the newspaper industry. Spoken on stages around the globe - NYU, US Embassy, P&G Toronto, and much more.
Newsletter
Is Gambling Kosher For A
Trending
Is Gambling Kosher Definition
Last year, over Pesach, I composed a holiday-inspired post on my poker blog entitled Let My People Go… and Play Poker in Israel. The main thrust of the article was that the Israeli government should act to legalize and regulate live poker, and I brought a number of poker-related supporting arguments in favor.
When Israeli-born Amir Lehavot placed third at the World Series of Poker back in November, local media quickly pounced on the story to 'claim' his success as a national one. In fact, my interview with Amir Lehavot was cited right here in the Times of Israel as it, along with plenty of other local media outlets, gushed with pride and fawned over his fantastic poker achievement on the world stage. Glossed over are the fact that Lehavot has been living in the United States for a couple decades now and that he can't even ante up in his own country because live poker is currently illegal in Israel.
Similarly, Yediot Achronot ran a story (in Hebrew) last year about 'The IDF Poker Ace', a 19-year-old solider who 'moonlights' as a Texas Hold'em champion. How ironic that all of this young Israeli poker ace's successes have come exclusively outside his homeland's borders. As a matter of fact, I personally think it's almost embarrassing. Can you imagine Shachar Pe'er not being able to play tennis here, but only in tournaments abroad?
My aim in this op-ed piece is to suggest that our government could not only make licensed, regulated live poker in Israel an economic reality and success but also the most unique, 'kosher' poker experience in history, befitting of a country meant to be a light unto the nations.
Just Poker Rooms, Not Casinos
When many people hear the word 'poker' they immediately think of casinos. Having casinos in Israel has been debated ad infinitum, and we even had a 'Casino Party' run in past elections. My proposal is different in that I advocate only the establishment of legal live poker rooms. I believe that for the concept to work and be accepted by the general public and the government, it's critical that a distinction between poker (as a skill game) and casino gambling (as purely luck-based) be made and that specifically only poker be legalized. Even by the local media standards, as evidenced in the two quoted stories above, the game of poker is treated differently than other casino gambling games.
In any event, specifically, were a poker room (chain?) to be operated the right way in Israel, it would have the potential to be a complete success on a number of levels. The key to this would be following established, proven models of successful poker rooms – and then adding a uniquely Israeli twist. There's no need to reinvent the wheel.
Following Regulated European Poker Room Models
Though the United States is far and away the world's hub for live poker, the regulated European poker room model seems to be more suited for Israel to follow. There are hundreds of poker rooms throughout the 'Old World' and, to be quite frank, playing poker in Europe is a far different experience than doing so in the good ol' United States. A European-style system whereby passports/IDs are checked at the room's entrance and membership is a requirement will resolve a number of otherwise thorny issues:
- Security
- Undesired elements coming and going unchecked
- Problem gamblers having unrestricted access
- No free-flowing liquor, drugs, or illegal substances on the premises
Notably, it's an open secret that there are a number of underground poker rooms currently operating in Israel, many with connections to mafia organizations. These would likely cease to exist, along with their multiple accompanying problems, were a regulated framework for licensed live poker rooms put into place.
Part of following the regulated European model would also mandate that operations be run by Europeans themselves. To that effect, I'd propose having our government offer tenders to experienced professionals from Europe to open licensed poker rooms and be responsible for managing their day-to-day operations.
These top-level administrators would train floor staff, dealers, and those filling the numerous other corollary positions. Depending on the number of poker rooms licensed, this would potentially create up to hundreds of new job opportunities for locals, both poker- and non-poker-related (e.g., valet parking, food and beverage personnel, maintenance persons, etc.).
For local poker-playing patrons, the entire experience would thus be pretty surreal, probably giving us that feeling we love of taking a short hop abroad. Plus, it would give Israelis another great way to relax and be entertained, something desperately needed in our overly stressed society.
The Kosher Poker Element
And now for the 'kosher' part. There's one particular element that I believe would make Israeli poker rooms unique among their counterparts around the world:
- Operating on an almost completely non-profit basis, with the overwhelming majority of net revenues split among the Social Welfare Ministry, municipal social services departments, and local charities.
For an operator, especially a foreign one, to invest the kind of resources necessary to run a top-tier poker room, there has to be a little something in it for them. That said, a properly run poker room is literally a money-making machine for the 'house', which profits from each hand played while hosting the games. If that 'house' were to essentially be 'good charitable causes', this would make Israel's poker rooms shining beacons of ingenuity, benevolence, and righteousness.
Israel as an Exotic New Poker Tourism Destination
Part of what makes the game of poker fun and exciting is the staging of high-profile tournament series. As if there weren't enough great reasons to come and visit Israel, staging world-class poker tournaments a couple times a year, like on Hannukah, when it's already all about the gelt, would bring plenty of poker-playing visitors eager to 'ante up at the holy felt' (I hereby claim copyright on that slogan by the way :-)).
I'm confident that the biggest Jewish names in poker (and there are plenty of them) would be proud to pay a visit to the Homeland to further hone their craft. Were the 'kosher poker' model to be adopted, I'm certain that these Jewish poker pros would take that much more pride in being ambassadors for Israel and try to encourage their non-Jewish poker-playing peers to come and join them. Can anyone say 'tourism dollars'?
Large-scale events like these could be held at the Dead Sea and Eilat, each of which already have a reputation as world-class resort destinations, boast plenty of hotel room capacity, and have enough grand ballrooms to play host.
Plus, big-time poker events in Israel present a natural sponsorship opportunity for the companies that make up Israel's giant online poker industry, which could finally be proud to 'go on public display' (as opposed to the current 'we don't talk about it' status quo among industry insiders).
Legal Live Poker in Israel Makes the Government a Winner Too
Is Gambling Kosher Food
Matrix casino address. To me, it seems like a no-brainer for the Israeli government to jump onboard and legalize live poker. The plain facts are that for them, it's a winning scenario:
Is Gambling Kosher Meat
- Creation of new jobs
- Greatly increased funding for the Social Welfare Ministry
- A new source of tax income (from players declaring their winnings)
- Increased tourism revenues from participants international poker tournament events
- Eliminates illegal mafia-run poker rooms, thus reducing crime and funding in the black market
Having literally written the book (okay, maybe just a very popular blog post) about how to run a successful charity poker event, it would be an absolute privilege to be even tangentially involved in the establishment of such a kosher poker enterprise in Israel. It is my hope that with these seeds planted, a groundswell of support for the idea will be generated.
