The Computer Group
The syndicate that bet by computer
In the late 1970s and early 1980s a small group of bettors started using computer models to price college and professional games. When their number and the bookmakers' line disagreed, they bet, and they bet big.
By the mid-1980s the group was moving millions of dollars a year through Las Vegas sportsbooks. The operation ended after FBI raids in January 1985, and Sports Illustrated brought the story to a national audience in March 1986.
Computer Prediction is built on the same idea: let the numbers decide, bet only when a pick passes the test, and keep strict, flat stakes.
- 1979–80First seasons of model-based college basketball and football bets
- 1983–85The group's peak years of betting volume
- Jan 1985FBI raids end the operation
- Mar 1986Sports Illustrated publishes the story nationally
- TodayComputer Prediction sends system picks with a public record