Prop Bets
I know what you’ve been up to lately. Don’t think for a second that you can fool me. You can’t. Shame on you for even trying to pull one over on me, especially considering the subject. I would think it was obvious that you can’t hide your intentions from someone like me … someone who takes bets on being able to eat thirty slices of pizza in two hours; someone who wagers on how many shots of Jaeger can be drunk in three minutes; and sadly, someone who dresses up like a costumed bear in his spare time for major poker tournaments.
You’re trying to come up with the perfect prop bet. Something that could not only potentially make one of your best friends cry like a little girl for hours on end, but also holds the promise of making you some serious money. Well, come on; you’re going to need my help…
Dissecting a Good Prop Bet
Step 1
Analyzing the Mark
Now, the first thing you have to do is size up your competition. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the knucklehead you are trying to exploit? Are we talking about some kind of weak-minded fraidy cat? Of course, you could be thinking of a target who is a little on the timid side physically. Either way, you’ve got to hit him where it hurts and make sure that you always have the edge.
For example, if we are talking weak physically then you need to come up with something creative but not too scary. Maybe you could talk him into seeing who could handle tackling drills the longest with the local high school football team. If you are tough enough you might just laugh yourself all the way to the bank; or in this case, maybe the hospital first, and then on to the bank.
You might need to go in an entirely different direction with your target, though. If we are talking about a more athletic character, then we will need to break out some different tactics. You may need to push him in a more harrowing direction. For example, if your guy isn’t tough mentally, then maybe stick him in a general population prison cell for the night and see how he does. Of course, you would need to handle it yourself, but the fact that you are trying to come up with this stuff proves that you have a few screws loose already…
A last note here — get creative. If your mark has a temper, then stick him in a situation that he won’t be able to handle at all. Get both of you in waiter outfits in fast-paced restaurants, or go hit up your local college fraternity and see who can handle hazing the longest. As long as you can stay calm, he will probably be first to blow his top in these settings, which means a payday for you.
Step 2
Setting up the Con
No matter how perfect a competition you set up, it’s all for naught if you don’t talk the kid into it. You need to butter him up, get him thinking that he has a chance. I know it has happened to me. My boys got me thinking I could eat fifty Krispy Kremes in two hours. I wasn’t quite sure I could do it, but I sure as hell couldn’t back down once they had built me up. I won’t regale you with the story, but rest assured it can’t be done. If you disagree, I have a $5,000 bet with your name on it any time you want…
Also, get your target thinking that you, too, are afraid of whatever insane activity you are about to get into. I know that I always try to get people into high adrenaline activity bets like skydiving, jumping on any kind of board, or even riding on the outside of bi-planes in those metal seats that you sometimes see at carnivals. That’s right — riding in metal seats on the outside of a plane. I said it. I love that kind of stuff and am positive that most people will tap out before I do when it comes down to it. I’m a little nuts and so I use that to my advantage. You need to play to your strengths, too.
Another smart thing to do is to appeal to their natural competitiveness. Face it: If you are going to bet props then YOU are hypercompetitive. Your opponents in this arena will be as well. Once again, use that to your advantage. Get them to push the stakes themselves on bets in which you are sure you will fair better. They will end up betting more in the spots that you want them to anyway. “Oh, really? Sure, I guess we can double the stakes here if you want.” It’ll be beautiful!
Step 3
Know When You are in Over Your Head
Part of turning ridiculous bets with your buddies into a profitable proposition is knowing when they are trying to do it to you. Trust me, if you guys get into it, they will be coming at you with ideas just as outrageous as your own, only fit to their strengths. Don’t let them! There is no shame in turning down a bet where you aren’t the favorite. Only give action where it is going to be returned to you later. If your guy needs a win under his belt to get him feeling more daring, then it might make sense; otherwise forget about it.
I have been challenged to several eating bets, but the bottom line is that I know that those just aren’t my strong suit. I suck at trying to throw down stuff quickly, and thus, I stay away from it. On the flipside, I don’t embarrass at all, and so I try to lock people into doing things that I know will get to them after a while. Seeing who can get the most girls to buy you drinks at a bar, for example. Or seeing who can get more people on the street to get into a dancing contest with you. Most guys can’t hack looking silly to people they don’t know. Once again, use it!
I think you get it. Don’t ever play to your weaknesses! It’s just as important as playing to your strengths!
Step 4
When all Else Fails…
When it seems that nothing is working and you just can’t lock people into situations where they are going to embarrass themselves terribly and get you some cash in the process, do what we always do: Head to a bar and get extremely intoxicated. I can tell you one thing, I never would have ended up in a bear costume had I not done those ten shots in the Bahamas at that tournament …
You may not always come out on top in these types of competitions, but you will definitely have a hell of a good time getting into them. I promise you that.
That’s all I have for you. You should be able to start off on a tear by following these rules, though. Prop hard, prop smart, and remember to prop dumb occasionally.
Best of luck to you…
J
Joe Sebok engages in stupid activities for money on a regular basis and you can watch him do so with Gavin Smith regularly at www.RawVegas.tv, right from your computer screen.
