Question on sports books in Vegas

[UK78ALUM]

For horse racing, are they tied into the parimutuel wagering systems at the track? I told my wife that I would think not since they are already "the house" and have no reason to pay someone else a percentage to do the same job. And clearly, they have the funds to cover the bets.

So, that generated the question: are the odds the same at the Vegas sports books as they are at the track window?

Dave

[ukfanman]

My wife and I go to Vegas a couple of times a year, this is what I know.

There is a small company, I think about 8 people, that works with the Stardust and makes the opening odds for all sporting events that are bet on in Vegas. While each casino has a person that does this, they mostly follow what this groups says to do. However you will find better odds on some games at one casino than the other. As fas as the horse pools go, I would dare say they are not connected to the horse industury in any way, however they may pay a feefor the broadcasting of the races. All the races are simlicast in the casinos and the odds to go up or down, this I would assume from what is happening in the betting at the track and betting parlors. If you go in the betting parlors when there is only horse racing, there are is a rather small crowd, doesn't seem to hold much interest. Football and basketball is a madhouse. Sunday afternoon pro football is a zoo along with the 2 weeks of the NCAA tourney. Some big money changes hands.

You can bet on ANY sport in Vegas, at almost any casino, with the exception of pro basketball at the Palms. That because the Maloff family owns the Sacramento Kings basketball team and could not get a gambling license if they allowed pro basketball betting.

There is also a 4 hour call in radio talkshow every morning on Vegas odds.

[UK78ALUM]

Thanks for the response, I appreciate it!

You can bet on ANY sport in Vegas, at almost any casino, with the exception of pro basketball at the Palms.

Actually, I'ver heard that there is another exception as well, and that is any NCAA school physically located in the state of Nevada. I've heard that more than once, but then that begs the question: What about UNLV during March Madness? What happens on the years when they make the tournament?

Thanks again....

Dave

[ukfanman]

I had not heard of the Nevada school rule in regard to betting. But I can understand why they would have one.

UNLV campus is located about 2 miles from the strip on Tropicana and Swenson. Their campus in with 1/4 mile of several casinos, including the Hard Rock.

If you ever want go experience true March Madness, go to Las Vegas during the first week of the NCAA tourney. Non stop action from 9 in the morning until 9 at night. Did it once and hope to do it again. That place is insane.