<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jjgold:
Costa Rica is the pitts of the world and in 1 more year all books will be out of there.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
More than likely you said the same thing this time last year.
BUT
AS ALWAYS
You don't have a fuc-king clue!!!!!!!!!!!
Costa Rica is the pitts of the world and in 1 more year all books will be out of there.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
More than likely you said the same thing this time last year.
BUT
AS ALWAYS
You don't have a fuc-king clue!!!!!!!!!!!
and beautiful beaches, incredible women (when you not looking to have to pay for them like some people) JJGOLD..... Spectacular rainforests different climates, culture (something I guess someone knows nothing about) JJGOLD what else I'm a foriegner been here a long time too had no big problems ....of course it is a developing country still and if you turn a blind eye and are not the most intelligent person yes you could get burned like someone JJGOLD.....
Gringo:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>All this aside, CR is still a better place to live than the US in my opinion. But don't try to close your eyes to what is going on here.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
You're right on the money. Costa Rica has become a place with a high rate of immigration. This country is now a melting pot. Until 20 years ago, C.R. was nothing but a big little town. The population barely reached the 2.5 million people, out of which almost the 75% lived in the 4 main cities or Valle Central.
C.R. has been a country that has achieved admirable records in education; literacy rate is close to 98%. The social security system is good, although seriously flawed. Almost 85% of the population used to belong in the middle class. And probably the most important factor that people moving here keep on mind: C.R. is a VERY peaceful country. Last revolution took place in 1948, it developed in a few weeks and as result of that armed confrontation, the Army was abolished.
Thanks to the fact that C.R. has no army since the late 40's, the country developed significantly in other areas, such as Health Care, Education and political stability.
In short a country with highly educated people governed by a select few, who are still holding on to corrupted ways to assure a steady juicy income.
That's the Costa Rica a lot of Latin American people had on mind when moving here. Now about those young ladies that we call hookers:
There are young, nice looking women coming from Dominican Republic, Colombia and other countries of Central America. Most of them were probably told C.R. looked like fvcking Miami (for some strange reason most Hispanics believe Miami IS paradise); but when they finally realized this place is not Utopia, they were "forced" to earn a living by becoming hookers or strippers. Why? Basically, because of the many American fellows that were living down here making easy money out of schemes such as "the Brothers"(we all know how that ended), and that created a demand for such a market. I'd dare to say some of these girls made it here with the idea of offering their services as prostitutes in the first place. But if we come to think about it, they're just being true capitalists. They're looking to make some $$$. Some of these girls (Del rey) charge about $100/hour. That kindda money would be just impossible to make by any other means.
As for the crime, well... I believe it's a painful result of a growing city.
Bottom line is: Costa Rica is as good of a place as the next God forgotten piece of land. Maybe better. Living here has its downsides, but then again every city is like that.
As for this industry, there are good books down here and there are bad books. People who bash the good books located down here, do it so based on an agenda. The quality of operation of any given place is not founded on the location, but on the ethics of the principals running the business. To judge a book because of its location, is ignorant at best.
One more thing: the fact that there are shops that will be leaving the country could only bring good things for those companies staying.
First: a well trained population of clerks at a cheaper fare. (Offer would bigger than demand)
Second: a government that would perceive the importance of these shops for their economy. Improvisation of the services?
And third: Since the books staying here are those books which are willing to pay, most of the scam operations will naturally be killed. That would be last phase of a Darwinism process.
So fellow readers, keep in mind that most of the posters here DO have an agenda.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>All this aside, CR is still a better place to live than the US in my opinion. But don't try to close your eyes to what is going on here.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
You're right on the money. Costa Rica has become a place with a high rate of immigration. This country is now a melting pot. Until 20 years ago, C.R. was nothing but a big little town. The population barely reached the 2.5 million people, out of which almost the 75% lived in the 4 main cities or Valle Central.
C.R. has been a country that has achieved admirable records in education; literacy rate is close to 98%. The social security system is good, although seriously flawed. Almost 85% of the population used to belong in the middle class. And probably the most important factor that people moving here keep on mind: C.R. is a VERY peaceful country. Last revolution took place in 1948, it developed in a few weeks and as result of that armed confrontation, the Army was abolished.
Thanks to the fact that C.R. has no army since the late 40's, the country developed significantly in other areas, such as Health Care, Education and political stability.
In short a country with highly educated people governed by a select few, who are still holding on to corrupted ways to assure a steady juicy income.
That's the Costa Rica a lot of Latin American people had on mind when moving here. Now about those young ladies that we call hookers:
There are young, nice looking women coming from Dominican Republic, Colombia and other countries of Central America. Most of them were probably told C.R. looked like fvcking Miami (for some strange reason most Hispanics believe Miami IS paradise); but when they finally realized this place is not Utopia, they were "forced" to earn a living by becoming hookers or strippers. Why? Basically, because of the many American fellows that were living down here making easy money out of schemes such as "the Brothers"(we all know how that ended), and that created a demand for such a market. I'd dare to say some of these girls made it here with the idea of offering their services as prostitutes in the first place. But if we come to think about it, they're just being true capitalists. They're looking to make some $$$. Some of these girls (Del rey) charge about $100/hour. That kindda money would be just impossible to make by any other means.
As for the crime, well... I believe it's a painful result of a growing city.
Bottom line is: Costa Rica is as good of a place as the next God forgotten piece of land. Maybe better. Living here has its downsides, but then again every city is like that.
As for this industry, there are good books down here and there are bad books. People who bash the good books located down here, do it so based on an agenda. The quality of operation of any given place is not founded on the location, but on the ethics of the principals running the business. To judge a book because of its location, is ignorant at best.
One more thing: the fact that there are shops that will be leaving the country could only bring good things for those companies staying.
First: a well trained population of clerks at a cheaper fare. (Offer would bigger than demand)
Second: a government that would perceive the importance of these shops for their economy. Improvisation of the services?
And third: Since the books staying here are those books which are willing to pay, most of the scam operations will naturally be killed. That would be last phase of a Darwinism process.
So fellow readers, keep in mind that most of the posters here DO have an agenda.
What's all the hype about Panama ?
You think Costa Rica is dangerous well Panama is worse , there is much more chance of the " Express Kidnaping" happening in Panama than in Costa Rica check the official statistics.
Not only that crime is better "organized" in Panama than here in Costa Rica , they have some real professional Columbian/Venezuelan operations running out of there .
Do not doubt for a minute that when the books move in there , it will not be long before you receive reports of this happening it will not take long .
As for corruption Panama is as corrupt as any of the Latin American countries , maybe more so than some .
Your banking and finances will be wide open to inspection by the US authorities , but I guess Costa Rica does little to protect this either .
So what exactly is the big deal with Panama ? I think some people are making a big mistake here and will regret the move but time will tell .
You think Costa Rica is dangerous well Panama is worse , there is much more chance of the " Express Kidnaping" happening in Panama than in Costa Rica check the official statistics.
Not only that crime is better "organized" in Panama than here in Costa Rica , they have some real professional Columbian/Venezuelan operations running out of there .
Do not doubt for a minute that when the books move in there , it will not be long before you receive reports of this happening it will not take long .
As for corruption Panama is as corrupt as any of the Latin American countries , maybe more so than some .
Your banking and finances will be wide open to inspection by the US authorities , but I guess Costa Rica does little to protect this either .
So what exactly is the big deal with Panama ? I think some people are making a big mistake here and will regret the move but time will tell .
I've heard little to no talk of anybody leaving since the whole tax thing was resolved.
A lot of the arrogance and "what have they done for us attitude" seen on this thread is typical of some of those at the top of this business in C.R.
Books here have enjoyed years of being able to operate at low costs, doctor the books, pay virtually no taxes, and violate labor laws as they see fit. Aside from that there is a high level of drug use, whoring, partying, etc. in this business in C.R. (primarily by those at the top that can afford it) and they get away with it by paying tiny bribes to local cops and then complain that the country is corrupt and that they get no protection. All this, what have they done for us, Costa Rica treats bookies like business executives while basically letting them get away with anything (including on occasion threating/harassing locals).
Has Costa Rica gotten more expensive, well that's a no brainer, the influx of dollars primarily from the sportsbook industry has caused the increases. Considering that, while the industry has done good for many as far as income and standard of living it's made the poor class poorer, no wonder crime's gone up huh?
Has Costa Rica gotten more dangerous? Yes, due to immigration, an increase in poverty, and that fact that there is a tendecy to copy the states, kids love hip hop down here and more young people carry guns now than probably any time in their history. You also hear more complaints from foreigners because they are more likely to be robbed, criminals just assume that you've got more than a local, been like that here for years and years.
"The going rate for a break in clerk should be no more than $3.00 hour + all the fringe benefits, paid 13 month etc."
This attitude would not be missed in the least should it leave. There are a couple of companies that have been trying to artificially keep pay rates at this level for years, even gone so far as to try and create secret societies of sportsbooks that won't hire each other's clerks, and blacklist kids looking for better pay. At this point they've become training centers more than sportsbooks, kids that have never worked in the industry get their experience there then leave. Books paying these rates are the ones clients hate, the worst English speaking, least experienced clerks. To whomever said that, if that were true what would the point of working at a sportsbook that does nothing for the kid's resume, when the same kid could get a job a Sykes or Proctor and Gamble, get technical training, and valuable experience for his resume?
There's a lot of good and bad in C.R. but what are the options (particularily in Latin America)? C.R. has one of the largest English speaking populations in Latin America, as Walk Of Life pointed out (despite increased crime rates) it's a peaceful, non-militaristic country (you really think that say Panama or Nicaragua, poorer countries with histories of gun use would be safer?), and the tax that has been imposed was negociated to a reasonable level.
A lot of the arrogance and "what have they done for us attitude" seen on this thread is typical of some of those at the top of this business in C.R.
Books here have enjoyed years of being able to operate at low costs, doctor the books, pay virtually no taxes, and violate labor laws as they see fit. Aside from that there is a high level of drug use, whoring, partying, etc. in this business in C.R. (primarily by those at the top that can afford it) and they get away with it by paying tiny bribes to local cops and then complain that the country is corrupt and that they get no protection. All this, what have they done for us, Costa Rica treats bookies like business executives while basically letting them get away with anything (including on occasion threating/harassing locals).
Has Costa Rica gotten more expensive, well that's a no brainer, the influx of dollars primarily from the sportsbook industry has caused the increases. Considering that, while the industry has done good for many as far as income and standard of living it's made the poor class poorer, no wonder crime's gone up huh?
Has Costa Rica gotten more dangerous? Yes, due to immigration, an increase in poverty, and that fact that there is a tendecy to copy the states, kids love hip hop down here and more young people carry guns now than probably any time in their history. You also hear more complaints from foreigners because they are more likely to be robbed, criminals just assume that you've got more than a local, been like that here for years and years.
"The going rate for a break in clerk should be no more than $3.00 hour + all the fringe benefits, paid 13 month etc."
This attitude would not be missed in the least should it leave. There are a couple of companies that have been trying to artificially keep pay rates at this level for years, even gone so far as to try and create secret societies of sportsbooks that won't hire each other's clerks, and blacklist kids looking for better pay. At this point they've become training centers more than sportsbooks, kids that have never worked in the industry get their experience there then leave. Books paying these rates are the ones clients hate, the worst English speaking, least experienced clerks. To whomever said that, if that were true what would the point of working at a sportsbook that does nothing for the kid's resume, when the same kid could get a job a Sykes or Proctor and Gamble, get technical training, and valuable experience for his resume?
There's a lot of good and bad in C.R. but what are the options (particularily in Latin America)? C.R. has one of the largest English speaking populations in Latin America, as Walk Of Life pointed out (despite increased crime rates) it's a peaceful, non-militaristic country (you really think that say Panama or Nicaragua, poorer countries with histories of gun use would be safer?), and the tax that has been imposed was negociated to a reasonable level.
You are right, many books get away with a lot as do most of the people with money.
Please note that not all books stiff or cheat their clerks. I know clerks who make twice the rate you mentioned. Also, I know if we were to move we would not stiff a single employee out of their pay. You can hold us to that if in fact we do venture out of CR. Also, if we do move it has zero to do with the tax since we have already paid it.
Again, I do agree with you that some people / books take advantage. But please know that not all of them do.
Please note that not all books stiff or cheat their clerks. I know clerks who make twice the rate you mentioned. Also, I know if we were to move we would not stiff a single employee out of their pay. You can hold us to that if in fact we do venture out of CR. Also, if we do move it has zero to do with the tax since we have already paid it.
Again, I do agree with you that some people / books take advantage. But please know that not all of them do.
There are many safer areas with probably better infrastructure, but as in all businesses you get a group of businesses together and then it gains momentum as there are many professionals related to the business and other businesses in the area that "get it" as far as how the business operates and what they need. I don't think CR could ever be replaced because the business that moves out goes to such varied places. Truth is any business with a lot of money, all of it dollars, is subject to getting screwed. That is a simple truth, no matter where you go outside the US the fact that you are a lucrative dollar business just is like putting a target on your back and opening yourself up to all kinds of taxes and possible trouble. How come some people have such a hard time accepting this?
As for the 50k comment, the reason why all these fees are so high (usually) is the design of the books. They are open to the casino itself and the fee is based on your square footage. A few casinos have found ways to reduce the fee by being in a separate room, but most just have to bite the bullet and pay the steep fee. The NFL and Direct TV has worked to milk this cow they have, they charge exorbitant prices because they realize just how much business all types of places get from showing all the games. The other sports charge more reasonable fees, but still they aren't cheap. However since you get 3 or more times the games that NFL Ticket does, its a relative bargain.
As for the 50k comment, the reason why all these fees are so high (usually) is the design of the books. They are open to the casino itself and the fee is based on your square footage. A few casinos have found ways to reduce the fee by being in a separate room, but most just have to bite the bullet and pay the steep fee. The NFL and Direct TV has worked to milk this cow they have, they charge exorbitant prices because they realize just how much business all types of places get from showing all the games. The other sports charge more reasonable fees, but still they aren't cheap. However since you get 3 or more times the games that NFL Ticket does, its a relative bargain.
