After the drubbing it continues to take in baseball, the Station Casinos Race and Sports Books got a break… the All Star break. This season — like most others — has been a windfall for guests, who continue to bet favorites (sometimes at high odds) and continue to win. Last Saturday alone, the favorites went 14-2. Plus, the two teams that lost were only small favorites as well, so the odds were pretty even.
“It was one of the worst baseball days of the season for us,” said Chuck Esposito, Station Casinos Race and Sports Book Director. “I had a couple buddies text me about how they killed it in baseball last Saturday. My response was, ‘so did everybody else.’” In the words of the newly-married Jennifer Lopez, “Love Don’t Cost A Thing.” Baseball does. With all that in mind, let’s quickly look back over the sports landscape and take a peek at what’s ahead on the field, the ice, the diamond and on the STN Sports App and at the Station Casinos Race and Sports Book.
Ball Boys
A rare home run for the Book! For the first time in what seems like forever, the Station Casinos Race and Sports Book took home a winning day in baseball and it was all thanks to the Home Run Derby. Although winner Juan Soto was a popular bet in the Derby, the Book won on nearly everything else, including Albert Pujols’ highly unexpected matchup win against Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber, a favorite to win the whole thing, became the Book’s biggest liability after a guest made a six-figure bet on the Phillies star besting Pujols, the biggest ‘dog, in the first round. Somehow, some way, the Cardinals legend squeaked by giving the Book a huge sigh of relief. (As Schwarber was a 4-to-1 favorite in his match, the bet would have paid $25,000). “Schwarber seems like he’s built for the Home Run Derby, but we were clearly rooting for Pujols to pull it off,” Esposito said. “Albert’s swan song in the Home Run Derby was epic for us.”
Speaking of Soto, after he turned down an astonishing 15 year/$440 million contract offer from the Nationals, he immediately became the top trade target in baseball. The man is more sought after than Johnny Depp’s lawyer. The Padres, Cardinals and Red Sox are all teams that have been linked to him, causing the Book to slightly adjust futures odds for all rumored suitors. “Soto getting traded would dramatically alter the future book landscape,” Esposito stated. “We’re not going to over adjust or do anything crazy, but there’s no reason you can’t make slight adjustments just based on some of those rumors that are out there.”
If only All Star weekend could happen all the time for the Station Casinos Race and Sports Book. Rather than guests hammering the favorites, the Midsummer Classic saw “decent two-way action,” Esposito said. Guests, though, were betting under on the total, causing it to drop and eventually close at 7.5 runs (-120.)
“There just isn’t that much scoring in a game like this, because you’ve got, you know, dominant pitchers that are going in for an inning or a few batters,” Esposito said. “It’s somewhat of an advantage to the pitchers.” After five runs on the board by the fourth inning, those under bettors probably wanted to pull out of their deal like Elon Musk. But, guests ended doing well in the end, as the under cleared rather easily. The game went lower than Day N’ Vegas’ ticket sales.
Trade Game
After the past week, the Golden Knights are now less likely to hoist the Stanley Cup, according to odds. In a cost-cutting move, the VGK shipped Max Pacioretty off to Carolina for “future considerations,” which is pretty much equivalent to a bag of air. “We definitely moved the Knights odds up,” Esposito said. “This move hinders Vegas, but they had to make moves. They have difficult decisions they’re still going to have to make, and some of the teams in their division keep getting better.” As for the Hurricanes, their odds dropped a bit after the acquisition, as Carolina is expected to be one of the best teams in league (again).
Missing Link
It seemed like the world was cheering for Rory McIlroy to win the Open Championship on Sunday, and he was in good position as he entered the final day tied for the lead. But then, like a Secret Service text message on Jan. 6, the lead was erased and Cameron Smith emerged victorious. The Sports Book was sitting rather pretty, as its two biggest liabilities — Tiger Woods and Xander Schauffele — were never really in the mix. Throughout the tournament, odds were adjusted, which led to more wagers. “The Masters is our most-bet golf tournament, but the British is second,” Esposito said. “It’s the second highest handle we see on the Big Four in golf.”
Feet Fetish
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!) There’s an international flare in Vegas right now thanks to some famous feet. Last weekend, 47,223 screaming fútbol enthusiasts saw Chelsea F.C., one of the most popular squads in the world, take on Club America at Allegiant Stadium. This week, Barcelona squares off against Real Madrid. While neither squad has particularly close ties to Vegas, bettors are taking sides.
“Anytime there’s an event in the city there’s an uptick in handle for a sporting event in any sport,” Esposito said. “There’s definitely a correlation with sporting events in our backyard and then being able to wager on those.” Station Casinos and the STN Sports App have the Barcelona/Madrid game posted, and it’s getting action already. Too soon to wonder if Vegas has a foot fetish?
Bets to Know
Passing the MLB All-Star Weekend, a reminder that the WNBA is currently-in season and having games daily! The hometown Aces remain as the favorite to win the WNBA Championship when it comes to futures bets.
Weekly Winners
As Summer League came to a close, this STN Sports bettor got a parting prize in the form of an 8-team parlay for $10 to win $1,500 on July 16. You could say “it’s all OVER.” Not bad!
-Hawks OV 166 -110
-Magic OV 170.5 -110
-Hornets OV 166.5 -110
-Grizzlies OV 175.5 -110
-Bulls OV 171.5 -110
-Nets OV 179.5 -110
-Rockets OV 169.5 -110
-Lakers OV 171 -110