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Sunday 19th September 2004
Sportsbook Scene
Sportsbook Scene by Buzz Daly
Watching the proceedings Friday night at the Stardust Invitational Handicapping Tournament was like stepping into a time warp, as two Las Vegas sports betting icons of the recent past faced off in week two of the event’s opening round.
Legendary bookmaker Jimmy Vaccaro, easily one of the most popular and respected bookmakers ever to grace a Sin City sports book and Vinnie Magliulo, who for many years graciously and authoritatively was the corporate executive in charge of race and sports book operations at Caesars Palace were the entrants.
Jimmy came to the desert in 1975 and quickly impressed a number of properties with his gaming and managerial expertise. It culminated in his ascendancy to becoming head man at the Mirage race and sports book when it opened its doors in the late 1980s. He currently is a consultant to the world class resort hotel Atlantis, Paradise Island, in the Bahamas, and is promotions manager for Leroy’s.
Vinnie first came to Vegas in 1971 when he was 14 years old and set his sights on a gaming career, which began in 1978 when he started as a craps dealer. But his true calling was realized in 1988 when he became the top race and sports book executive at Caesars Palace. Vinnie worked closely his sports book manager Rich Baccelieri, and was a credible corporate spokesman for CP on race and sports book issues.
Today Magliulo is in charge of race and sports book operations for Wynn Properties. He said the new resort casino would open its doors on April 28, 2005, which just happens to be the 50th anniversary of the property it replaces, the Desert Inn. Online work interviews will begin on Nov. 1.He noted that the position for his top assistant is still available.
As is his tradition when he is entered in this tournament, Jimmy generously gives out a $550 ticket on his best bet to some lucky randomly selected person in the audience.
Vinnie gave sportsbook employees two three-team parlays and a seven-teamer whose aggregate worth was in excess of $5,000 if they hit.
John Kelly hosted the competition, and was ably assisted by co-host Seat Williams.
Here are the selections and a summary of their analysis.
Vinnie Magliulo
N.C. St. -1.5 vs. Ohio St.: The Buckeyes’ field goal as time ran out last week was a narrow victory for a team that was looking ahead to this week’s game. Winning by three as a 16-point fav says something about its concentration. Meanwhile, N.C. St. has had two weeks to prep for this revenge game. The Wolf Pack is young, hungry and getting healthy as they get back from injury their top LB and RB. Ohio State’s luck on the road runs out.
Texas A&M +1.5 vs. Clemson: After their last two home games, a non-cover win and an upset loss, the Tigers confidence is a little down as they hit the road to Texas. Emotion is a major factor in these games, and Clemson’s is diminishing. Despite having the edge at QB, Clemson’s defense will be kept off balance by the Aggies.
Arizona St -1.5 vs. Iowa: So far, the Hawkeyes have relied on their defense vs. two weak offensive teams. That doesn’t work this week as the Sun Devil’s running attack controls the pace of the game and forces the action.
New York Giants +3 vs. Washington: Though the G-men lost last week, it is a mistake to pin too much on the first week’s game. Forget the hype about ‘Skins HC Joe Gibbs. Look for the Giants to come out and get things done vs. their divisional rival.
Kansas City -6 vs. Carolina: It was surprising in the Panthers’ last effort to see they had no real game plan against Green Bay. Nothing they tried worked. The Chiefs, although defeated by Denver last week, showed they can compete as the game was close right to the end. Carolina’s loss of RB Davis and WR Smith is too much to overcome. Playing in Arrowhead is difficult and the Chiefs stop the
Panthers.
San Diego +3 vs. New York Jets: San Diego is a quiet team, without much in the way of P.R. But after last week’s upset victory, this is an opportunity to make a big statement, and they will.
Best Bet: Arizona +11 vs. Wisconsin: This is the first road test for red shirt freshman QB Stocco, and he will face a fired up Wildcat team as Coach Stoops has his team ready to play. Arizona is finally going in the right direction, as it is in the midst of a four game stretch of home contests to build confidence. The Wildcats’ balanced attack against a Wiskey team missing its top running back, Anthony Davis, figures to be enough. Add to that Arizona’s greater depth, and the desert heat will be a factor.
Jimmy Vaccaro
Arizona +11 vs. Wisconsin: This is a play on a team that has gotten better against one that has declined. This edition of the Badgers features an undersized line that routinely used to be manned by 300-pounders. Coach Stoops has brought intangibles to Arizona which makes Arizona the right side.
Auburn -1.5 vs. L.S.U. The Auburn Tigers haven’t won a big game in a few years and they are hungry. L.S.U.’s narrow victory over Oregon State in retrospect looks suspect, especially after the Beavers lost to Boise State. The host team has won this game the last four years.
UCLA Pick at Washington: The Bruins were so much quicker than Illinois last week that it will present the Huskies with lots of problems. Meanwhile, Washington got whacked around pretty good by Fresno St. UCLA’s head coach has learned to let his off. coord. call the plays. The Bruins run over an undermanned team.
Nevada -16 vs. Buffalo: This is the farthest away from home Buffalo has ever traveled. They fold in the second half and the lay can be up to -20.
Dallas - 4.5 vs. Cleveland: The Browns only had 10 first downs last week, which spells trouble against the Cowboys. If Vinny doesn’t make more than one mistake, Dallas wins comfortably.
Indianapolis + 1.5 at Tennessee: This year, the Colts on balance are a better team. The Titans were not impressive vs. the Dolphins despite winning 21-7. The team is no longer a machine like it has been in the past. Not having WR McCareins is a major loss for this team. Moreover, it is most unlikely the Colts go to 0-2.
Best Bet: Jacksonville +3 vs. Denver. A healthy Fred Taylor spells problems for the Broncos. Denver is not a particularly good team and the Jaguars get the win with home cooking.
New Offshore Signup Incentive
Touted as Prudent and Effective
If there is an issue that causes more ulcers among the off shore fraternity than the outrageous cost of marketing and trolling for new business, it hasn’t surfaced recently. Even the war with wise guys and bonus cheats pales when the prohibitive cost of attracting fresh blood is discussed.
But Players Club International (PCI, at www.betPCI.com) marketing director Andy Peterman is offering a creative new incentive that he feels is especially productive in attracting the types of customers the book covets.
“There is a real challenge facing our industry,” he asserted, “and this is creating promotions that will entice new players without attracting professional sports bettors.
“Our new ‘minus 105 for life’ offer is unlike anything ever put before players. With a cap of $300 on these bets, we satisfy the needs of our targeted market without giving away the house.”
Peterman said the test of the promotion’s effectiveness will not only come from a whole new wave of account holders that PCI expects to develop. “Success will be apparent when you see others in this industry emulating our program. But being first is a tremendous advantage. And if it is eventually a standard incentive, then we will have done our part in bringing under control the excessive marketing costs that have plagued our industry for several years,” said Peterman.
Please send questions, comments, etc., to buzzdaly@aol.com.
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Source:OnlineCasinoNews
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