Age: 55
Years in handicapping: Ness entered his 26th year in the industry in August of 2009.
Achievements in handicapping: 1985 Castaway?s Pro Football Challenge Champion, then the most prestigious handicapping contest in Las Vegas; 1999 Stardust Invitational quarter-finalist. A member of the original cast of Proline, the nation?s longest running pre-game handicapping show on the USA-TV network (also hosted Sports Desk on the same network). Although well-known on TV for his expert game analysis and no-nonsense handicapping style, Ness may be best known for his radio work. He hosted his own syndicated call-in radio show, Sports Central. It aired live from Bally's Casino in Las Vegas in the early to mid-90s and at one time was heard in more than 100 markets.
Systems used for handicapping a game: Fundamental and statistical analysis. "I'm not typically a trend and system kind of guy," Ness says. "I look at team strengths and weaknesses and compare them. It?s an all-encompassing thing and over 26 years, you get good at it."
Best Bet Ratings:
26* Play: It represents Larry's 26 years in the business and gets his highest star-rating. Expect no more than one of these plays per month, per sport during the regular season.
LEGEND Play: Larry's often been referred to as a Las Vegas legend and he's 'borrowed' the title for his other "signature play.". Larry's LEGEND Plays were previously available to only a select group of private clients but they are now available to all, through the internet. Like his 26* plays, expect no more than one play per month, per sport (rated 25*s).
PERFECT STORM: Larry just added these plays this past year and his accompanying expert analysis makes these popular plays self-explanatory.
Club-80 Plays: Larry's a fundamental handicapper at heart but he does pay attention to team and situational trends (especially in MLB). When his fundamental handicapping and an 80% or better trend or situation match up, he releases a Club-80 Play. He just started releasing these plays in MLB '09 and they've become a fan favorite.
Las Vegas Insider: Throughout his 26 years, Larry has become known as "the ultimate Las Vegas insider." The contacts he's developed over more than two decades (on both sides of the 'counter'), are arguably "unmatched!" He confers daily with 'his friends' and when "all the stars align on the same game," Larry releases an exclusive Las Vegas Insider.
Oddsmaker's Error Plays: Larry uses this term with "great respect" (and not very often), as he counts among his very closest friends, many of Las Vegas' most famous and respected Sport Book directors (past and present). However, when Larry feels "the line is significantly off," he'll release one of these "not to be missed" plays.
Weekly and Weekend Wipeout Winners: Larry added this self-explanatory moniker just a few years ago. They've become immensely popular and why not? Who wouldn't want a game that has "blowout written all over it," supported by Larry's expert analysis.
Late-Breaking Plays: Larry will always go back and take a "second look" at each day's card, after posting all his games. When he finds something he missed the first time around, he'll release a Late-Breaking Play. These plays are more prevalent in sports like baseball and basketball than football
Superstar Triple Play: Over the years, many of Larry's regular clients have clamored for more three-game reports. You asked for it and Larry's responded. Back in the late 1980s and into the mid 1990s, 900-numbers became "the rage." While a panel member of Proline (see above), Larry created the Superstar Triple Play. One call got you three Superstar Triple Plays (in a particular sport). For almost a decade, anywhere from 1,500 to 3,500 callers responded each weekend, when Larry offered his famous "Superstar Triple Play" pitch on Proline. In 2009, Larry's going "Back to the Future!" Every Saturday (college) and Sunday (NFL) this football season, get three plays on a single report from Larry (many will be TV games), the originator of the "Superstar Triple Play!"
Star Ratings: Larry rates his games between 10 and 25*s, with most releases rated between 15-25*s. A 25* rating is typically reserved for his two "signature releases." Larry's LEGEND plays remain at 25*s but by definition (as his years in this business multiply), his 26* Plays will get a 26* rating in the 2009-2010 season. Larry's Game of the Year plays are typically rated 20*s and in some cases, he will assign a 20* rating to one of his Game of the Month plays. Larry's PERFECT STORM and Club-80 Plays also get his 20* rating. Larry's Las Vegas Insider plays, Oddsmaker's Error, Wipeout Winners and Late-Breaking Plays are typically rated 15*s.
Release Times: Larry releases the daily sports (baseball and basketball) by 12 noon ET on the day of the game. He begins releasing his football games on Wednesday, with his exclusive Las Vegas Insider play being his first release each week.
Sports and conferences he excels at handicapping: MLB is Larry's favorite sports to handicap, saying the money is in the statistics. He 'loves' the daily action and the long season. "If I had to pick one sport, I would chose baseball because you?re playing pitchers, streaks, teams that are hot and cold," Ness says. "I also love the NBA and NFL playoffs, the college bowl games plus the college basketball tourneys, which are seasons unto themselves."
Quote: "No one works any harder and my work-product speaks for itself," Ness says. "I have a no-nonsense style and my logic is easy to follow. Anyone buying my plays will know exactly what I was thinking when I made the selection. After 26 years, the Larry Ness brand is instantly recognizable and my analysis ranks with the best in the industry."