Professional Handicappers League member (ProCappers.com) Bryan Leonard is the type of gambler who puts his money where his mouth is.

Before the season started, Leonard went around the valley entering every major contest he could: $1,500 to get into the Las Vegas Hilton SuperContest, $1,000 for Palace Station's Gambler's Challenge, $250 for Leroy's College Challenge.

Leonard also was one of 16 individuals who were invited to participate in Leroy's inaugural Money Talks competition at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, one of Leroy's more than 60 sports stores throughout Nevada.

Money Talks contestants had to pay to play: $2,500 each. Leroy's added another $10,000 for a total jackpot of $50,000.

The winner earns $40,000, the runnerup $10,000.

Leonard went 4-3 and had a plus $700 bankroll to defeat veteran sports gambler Chicago Pete Ventrella, who was 2-4 (with Monday night's Seattle-Philadelphia game pending) and $1,060 in the hole.

As a finalist, Leonard is assured of collecting at least second prize, which will cover all those entry fees and then some.

Anyone who knows Leonard, though, knows it's the title he wants most.

He previously won the Sunset Station All-Star Handicappers Contest.

Each week the two showcased contestants make seven selections, college and/or pro, against Leroy's Friday night line.

Money Talks plays are graded from $770 (to win $700) down to $110 (to win $100).

Leonard won his $700 pick on Tulsa minus 1, while Ventrella lost his on the 49ers plus 3.

Both players lost their $600 selections, Leonard on Virginia Tech-Florida State UNDER 46, Ventrella on the Jets plus 10.

Leonard's $500 choice, USC minus 21, won handily; Ventrella's is on the Seahawks minus 4.

Leonard triumphed on UConn plus 15 with his $400 pick and Ventrella also clicked with his, the Giants minus 3.

Rounding out the results, Leonard's other winner was Tulsa ($200). He lost on the Falcons plus 3 ($100) and Lions plus 3 ($300).

Ventrella won his $300 wager on the Chiefs plus 1, but dropped a $100 play on the Bears-Packers OVER 31 and a $200 bet on the Titans plus 15.

Leonard's opponent in the championship showdown will be either gaming columnist Buzz Daly or former Sin City bookmaker Nick Bogdanovich.

They will clash during the Leroy's Radio Hour from 8 to 9 p.m. (PST) Friday on KDWN-720AM.

Lynda Collins is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of her articles at http://www.procappers.com/Lynda_Collins.htm

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