Win or lose, buzz should increase the handle
Sports books in Las Vegas took a beating at the hands of World Cup bettors, at least in the early rounds of play. According to the Las Vegas Sun, through the first five days of the international competition, favorites have gone 9-5 on the goal line and the OVER has cashed in 12 of the 14 games.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said LVH SuperBook assistant manager Jeff Sherman. “The kids (parlay bettors) are having a blast, and there really has been no need for handicapping the games?just blindly take the favorite and OVER.”
The South Point’s Jimmy Vaccaro was unmoved by his losses on the USA-Ghana, 2-1 game. He told the Sun the excitement will be good for long-term business.
“We’re hoping the USA builds up some momentum and makes it out of the group stage,” said Vaccaro, “because it will just heighten the awareness of the tournament throughout the city that will not only increase handle on their future games, but also on the other games as people start familiarizing themselves with potential opponents down the road.”
“Our biggest loss by far in our future odds is the USA,” said Golden Nugget sports book director Tony Miller.
