I met @AceValentine almost 20 years ago in a casino in Vegas. I had just lost $2,000 at the blackjack table at the Desert Inn (which is now the Wynn) and there was some loudmouth Italian guy at the craps table hooting and hollering. As I walked by I noticed that he had STACKS of chips and a hot brunette with him. Everyone was high fiving him after his last roll. I asked the Pit Boss what all the commotion was and he said this guy, Ace, was on a hot streak. He rolled the dice about 12 more times before finally crapping out and he grabbed his stack of chips and headed over to the Sports Book where he made some bets. I went over and introduced myself and asked him who he liked and he said, "Go crush Penn State plus the points tomorrow." We grabbed some drinks and have been friends ever since.
Ace has been a professional gambler and handicapper for decades and we still meet up when he is in Chicago. I met up with him last night for some drinks and asked him a few questions for Steemit.
What was your first ever bet?
- My first memories were being at Saratoga with my Uncle Philly and Cousin Carmine. I started running the parlay cards in elementary school. Craps games etc.
How did you get involved in handicapping horse racing? - Hanging out at the paddock at Saratoga I'd get all the inside info that the public would never hear. That's what keeps me going today. Technology has made it harder as the info flies fast.
What is your best win ever? - A few years ago, when Tennessee and St. Louis were playing in the Super Bowl, the line was St. Louis -7. I teased St. Louis down to -6.5 and teased Tennessee up to +7.5. Played against the middle. Legendary play.
What is your worst loss? - On a Monday night game, it was the 49'ers vs the Bills. The Bulls were going in for the winning score when Thomas fumbled on the goal line and Plumber brought it back 99 yards for the score. Heartbreak.
What sport do you like gambling on and why? - I love betting on football, but especially on college football. I love the rush and being smarter than the other guys.
You have been on tv and radio all over the country over the years. Is it true you are banned from ESPN and First Take? - I can't comment on that. All I can say is that I haven't been invited to ESPN lately.
Oh come on! Are the rumors true about you and Stephen A Smith getting in a fight? - No comment.
Why don't you and soccer super star Ronaldo get along? - He's a phenomenal talent. One of the greatest, but he's an arrogant asshole.
Which sport is better, Futbol or Football? - I prefer football myself, but for betting action and fan support, there is nothing like Futbol, Maybe Cricket.
You are a huge Knicks fan. Will the NY Knicks ever win a championship while Carmelo is playing in the NBA? - Carmelo will be in his 60's the way the Dolans run that team.
I'm assuming you've been divorced. How many times and what happened? - Too many times for too many reasons.
You have told me you are a huge movie fan. What's your alltime favorite movie and what's the worst you have ever seen? - Bronx Tale hits close to home. La Bamba was great too. I knew Richies manager. Terrible loss. Worst movie ever could be Higher Learning.
Trump or Hillary or Bernie? - Trump, not that he's my favorite, but the other two are bat shit crazy.
Best Concert you have ever been to? - Sammy Davis Junior. Not even close.
Mayweather or McGregor? - Mayweather by a mile!
How often are you in Vegas/NY/Chicago? - Fall Vegas
- Winter NY, nothing beats Christmas in NY
- Spring Arizona
- Summer Chicago
Who do you hate most in Hollywood? - George Clooney by a mile!
Favorite team and coach? - 2016 Cubs.....Joe Torre, Joe Paterno, Rick Pitino
Bold College Football Prediction? - Washington wins the title
Bold NFL Prediction? - There are no bold predictions for the NFL anymore. That's why it's ratings are down. Plus that scumbag Kapernick. Let's say Seattle vs New England. Boring enough?
Thanks for your time Ace, let's go grab some Tito's! - Stir Life's cocktail
