LV February 3, 2021 - February 9, 2021 Vol. 46 No. 6 $4 www.GamingToday.com @GamingTodayNews An Official G2E Show Publication GOAT vs. Baby Goat Mahomes, Brady face off A little trivia for everyone. This may be the first NFL postseason with three GOAT Bowls. We’ve had against Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers, games that put to rest either of them challenging the six-time cham- pion, and now we have him facing someone he might be handing off the torch to within a few years, reigning Super Bowl MVP . Honestly, when was the last great Dink and show- down in the Super Dunk Bowl? W.G. Ramirez Brady vs. Matt Ryan in the game that @WillieGRamirez seemingly crippled the for years to come, as the team with blown leads. But when the word “GOAT” has been involved with both starters, I’m thinking 2009, when Brees met and the SUPER BOWL LV Colts. Before that, go to 1997, when and the Broncos Who: Kansas City faced and Green Bay. At one time, in their day, they were certainly part of the goat conversation. Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay So aside from how special this matchup is on the surface, Buccaneers understand the rarity of what we’ve seen with Tom Brady, in his pursuit for a seventh ring. When: Sunday, The Buccaneers will win if: They feed off an offense 3:30 p.m. PT that has produced 29 TDs — 19 passing, 10, rushing — while outscoring teams by a margin of nearly 14 Where: Raymond points during a seven-game win streak. Offensive- minded Bruce Arians is having a good time draw- James Stadium, ing up plays for Brady. Tampa, Fla. The offense dominated through the air with the league’s second-most productive pass TV: CBS attack. And despite a less-than glamorous running game, the blue-collar unit still man- Line: Chiefs -3; Total 56 aged to contribute with 16 TDs during the regular season — an average of one per game. They had one in each play- off game, too. Please see Ramirez p11 Sportsbook vets share Super Bowl bet stories p3 2 FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021

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See Players Club For Complete Rules and Details. "Problem Gambling Helpline" 800-522-4700 FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 nfl 3 Tales from behind the counter BY ROB MIECH tional swings, a customer’s rage In the run-up to a Super Bowl, and an in-game shout-out from Johnny Avello has never had a cus- broadcasting legend tomer plop a gym bag filled with a himself all figure in the most million dollars, in small denomina- memorable Super Bowl-betting tions, on the countertop and put it scenes of a select group of sports- all on a side or total. book luminaries. But one guy did risk $400,000 or $500,000, in twenties and fif- Super See-Saw ties, on one of the big-game out- As Seattle slinked to the 1-yard comes. line in Super Bowl XLIX, in Glendale, In sheer enormity of a single Ariz., Johnny Avello was trekking Super Bowl wager, Jimmy Vaccaro from his Wynn Las Vegas office probably claims the top spot by to the property’s sportsbook. A having accepted $2.4 million for seven-figure sum rode on this play, a bet by a wealthy financier. It was and he wanted to feel the crowd. executed via a wire and a marker, “A big deal,” he said. though, not cash. Avello always likes to experi- That’s the grand Hollywood ence the atmosphere of a big anomaly, however, as Jay Ko- event, so throughout his career he rnegay says he also has never has tried to spend at least half of fielded a seven-figure wager, on a his time on the floor, talking with Super Bowl or any other event, in customers, discussing spreads, his storied career. analyzing games. “Whenever any of us watches “Half that crowd was thinking it a movie that includes sports bet- was about to cash this ticket with ting, like ‘Two for the Money,’ it’s Seattle, because it had Marshawn comical,” Kornegay said. “At one Lynch, the Beast, at running back, point, I think Al Pacino says, ‘Go and there was no way he would ahead and bet a couple of million be stopped from the one,” Avello on the Under first, then bet the said. “Then, the pick happened, Photo from VSiN Over.’ ” turning everything around.” Vinny Magliulo of the South Point and VSiN is a Las Vegas sportsbook veteran. Kornegay laughs, then said, Twenty-six seconds remained. “Yeah, good luck with that.” Instead of giving it to Lynch, come deflated and sit down or put six years in a row with Super Bowl laughing. “Seriously? Yeah, I had The Super Bowl has become a though, Seattle opted to pass, and their hands on their heads. The wins. When you take big action a direct hotline. ‘Hey, Mike. Jay in lush tree of proposition options, in undrafted rookie Malcolm Butler other half that had been sullen and you lose, it’s a dent. It hurts. Vegas. I know you’re busy but, uh, booklets comprised of two dozen intercepted an attempt from Rus- suddenly jumped, clapped and You just suck it up and move on to could you put Bubby in? Appreci- pages, that are all rooted in New sell Wilson at the goal-line to seal hollered. the next day.” ate it. Thanks.’ Orleans, the first seed having been New England’s 28-24 victory. “A total switch,” he says. “I’d “No,” said a grinning Kornegay, planted on Jan. 26, 1986. Avello witnessed the half of the never seen that before. It’s quite Hotline to Shanahan? who has run the Westgate Super- A kitchen appliance, epic emo- crowd that had been jubilant be- astonishing, because people were Before a packed Imperial Palace Book since 2004, to the obvious so happy and were anticipating sportsbook, the patron screamed follow-up, “I’ve never met Shana- … and it goes the other way! To in full fury at Jay Kornegay. The guy han in my life.” see that flip in the crowd, to see had wagered on Denver reserve it firsthand on such a big game, it quarterback Bubby Brister to not The Great Refund had such a big impact not only on have a rushing attempt against When Gaughan Gaming sports money but emotions.” Atlanta in Super Bowl XXXIII. director Vinny Magliulo was at Millions of dollars were on the IP book director Kornegay and Caesars Palace, he had okayed the line, and it was not a good out- his staff had detailed, in that prop- payout of a coin-toss prop when come for the Wynn bottom line. osition’s fine print, that a kneel- he saw one team receiving the But Avello didn’t cringe. down constituted an attempt to kickoff. He had gotten busy and “I really don’t cringe, because run with the football. assumed that’s what happened. I’ve seen so many turnarounds in With the game secured in Miami But the other side had correctly games,” he said. “When Atlanta Gardens, Fla., Broncos coach Mike called the toss, then chose to defer had that 21-3 halftime lead (over Shanahan put Brister in for John to the second half. “Who does that New England in Super Bowl LI, and Elway. Brister took a knee. The cus- in a Super Bowl?” says Magliulo, lost in overtime), we needed the tomer knew Kornegay had roots who would give the company’s Falcons that day. There are times in Colorado and accused him of accountants headaches by having when it’s worked for us, too. having called Shanahan during ticket writers pay off both sides. “I’ve had it both ways. In the the game. However, he has a better story. sportsbook business, the Super “And told him to put Brister in, When Green Bay beat New Eng- Photo from Westgate Bowl should not make or break because we need him to get a land, 35-21, in Super Bowl XXXI Jay Kornegay of the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook. your year anyway. I’ve gone five, rushing attempt,” said Kornegay, Please see Bookies p13 4 nfl FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 NFL finishes on time Well, we made it! Somehow, some way, the NFL managed to get to the Super Bowl despite numerous obstacles

From the Editor Steve Carp @stevecarp56 thrown at it by the coronavirus pandemic. Come Sunday, we’ll cel- ebrate with an intriguing matchup featuring two future Hall of Fame with one team get- Photo from AP Photos ting to play on its own field for the in Tampa wll host Super Bowl LV Sunday with a familiar tenant in Buccaneers. first time in the game’s 55-year history. more states legalizing sports bet- ite book are also available on their Gaming Today was recently sold I’ll be honest, I thought we’d ting, more people get the oppor- mobile app. to i15 Media and the decision has have to wait until later this month tunity we here in Nevada have en- Those commercials we love and been made to cease producing joyed for decades. They can get on eagerly await every year are going a print edition. So this is the final or even March to see the Super @GamingTodayNews Bowl. The NFL’s decision to go their mobile app, scroll through to be different. Several major com- Super Bowl edition for us. Our final without a bubble seemed reckless the props and get involved. It is al- panies are not doing traditional issue will be Feb. 10, so make sure NFL...... 3 to me. We knew players, coach- ways a fun way to watch the game Super Bowl ads. Rather, they’re you grab a copy. NBA...... 14 es and entire teams would feel when you have a little action rid- going to acknowledge the front- Some of our columnists are bid- College ...... 16 the impact of COVID-19 and find ing on the outcome. Or in the case line health care workers and oth- ding farewell this week — Jack themselves isolated and in quar- of the big bettors, a lot of action. ers who have been battling the Sheehan, Elliot Frome, George NHL...... 18 antine. Practice facilities would Unfortunately, most of us will be pandemic. And that’s a nice thing. Epstein, Sebastian Ross, Marco Golf/ Soccer...... 19 shut down. The schedule would unable to gather in large groups And there’ll be a lot of virtual D’Angelo, James Bunting, Tony Horse Racing...... 20 be thrown into chaos. and watch the game together. stuff on the CBS telecast, particu- Mejia and Danny Lawhon. They All of that did happen. Fines There are restrictions on the num- larly with the pregame show. But have all been a big part of what Sportsbook Biz...... 21 were administered for not follow- ber of people who can be in one by now, you’re used to it. And if we do and I want to personally Industry...... 24 ing the league’s protocols. Frustra- place at a time and that includes you don’t want to watch it, there’s thank each of them for their con- Casino Games...... 25 tion and anger bubbled to the sur- sportsbooks. Some will try and probably a basketball or hockey tributions over the years. You will face. Yet through it all, everyone use the space throughout their game to occupy your time until read their goodbyes at the end of Entertainment...... 26 played their 16 games, the playoffs property and accommodate more kickoff. their columns and I hope you will 702-798-1151 have gone on without a hitch and folks. But the traditional Super There’s so much to feel good join me in thanking them for a job [email protected] we’re left with a terrific Super Bowl Bowl party as we know it will not about, yet personally, there is also well done. © Paulos Sports, LLC 2021. All rights reserved. All content has copyright and trademark pending with the Chiefs and Buccaneers, be held this Sunday. There will be sadness. We’re giving you what In the meantime, enjoy the status. Reproduction or use, in whole or part, of Patrick Mahomes vs. Tom Brady small VIP parties, social distancing we believe will be an information- game Sunday, hit your prop bets the contents without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Member of: Nevada State and a chance to wrap up the most in the sportsbooks and that will be packed edition of Gaming Today and, as always, stay safe. Press Association, Associated Press. Published bizarre season anyone can recall the extent of it. with all the usual trappings — [email protected] weekly by Paulos Sports, LLC, 9107 W. Russell on a good note. I’d use the word Yet despite those obstacles, it analysis, statistics, picks, opinion, Road, Las Vegas, NV 89148 “positive” but it has such a nega- figures to be a record for the bet- our Props Central coverage — ev- Disclaimer: Each Gaming Today Bill Paulos tive connotation these days. ting handle on the game. More erything you need to prepare for writer uses the betting line avail- Publisher/CEO I was seeing the proposition people have mobile accounts Sunday’s game. able to him at the time he makes Howard Barish Managing Editor/GM which means they can bet from The sad news is this will be the his selections, so you may see bets roll out last week and that’s Steve Carp always a cause for celebration. It anywhere inside the state of Ne- last time we do it. Ever since 1977, different lines on the same game seni or editor gives a feel of normalcy when the vada. Those visiting from else- GT has had a Super Bowl preview throughout the paper. Writers’ Gabrielle Reisler Westgate SuperBook, William Hill, where are being strongly encour- issue (We missed the 1976 game selections are a guide to their A dvertising Sales DIRECTOR Station Casinos, South Point, Boyd aged to open an account, which is since the paper didn’t launch until thinking on the game and their L ori Lewis PUI ROD CT ON MANAGER free to do, and bet off their mobile May that year). And it has always choice for a possible bet based Gaming and other properties re- Chuck DiRocco lease their annual list of props. device. The entire betting menu been a must-read. on the line they had available. FO Under (1935-2004) The cool thing is with more and you see on the walls of your favor- As you are no doubt aware, FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 nfl 5 High total justifies potential shootout As I consumed my Super Bowl of-19 on kicks greater than 40 yards points on the board, the Bucca- betting content this week through this season. Butker is 40-of-44 on neers’ coaching staff does cause articles, podcasts and videos, I did field goals and extra points in his me to briefly pause. Leonard Four- not hear too many people refer- eight-game playoff career. nette touched the ball in six of Tam- ence back to the Week 12 game pa Bay’s first nine plays in the NFC that the Chiefs and Buccaneers Championship Game. Those six played in Tampa. Spread plays generated a total of ten yards, Why not? It was in the same sta- while Brady’s first three downfield dium. There were no major injuries Offense plays went for 27, 14, and 15 yards. or missing pieces in that contest. James Bunting The Buccaneers’ first five first- There was plenty at stake, as Kan- down plays were all runs. Those sas City was still chasing Pittsburgh @BuntsBratsBrews first down runs produced a total of for the No. 1 seed in the AFC and 11 yards. If Bruce Arians and Byron Tampa Bay was far from secure in On the other side, Ryan Succop Leftwich toss out that conservative the NFC playoff hunt at 7-4 (7-5 has missed one since game script and let Brady be ag- after they lost to the Chiefs). Week 5. He only missed two kicks gressive from the jump, I think we So, we are at the same stadium, at Raymond James Stadium this see a shootout on Sunday. OVER with the same teams looking at a season. Obviously, the nerves are Season: 55-54-1 clear weather forecast and a whole a little different in the Super Bowl, On behalf of myself and the Wa- lot at stake. Why would this game but if you are looking to back the gerTalk Media team, I would like to look drastically different than the over, we have two of the best kick- thank Gaming Today for a wonder- first? ers in the game right now. ful partnership. Thank you to the That Week 12 game featured 960 Time for the not-so-special part readers and advertisers that made yards of offense and 46 first downs. of special teams: Tampa Bay is No. Gaming Today a Las Vegas institu- Patrick Mahomes threw for 462 26 in Football Outsiders’ DVOA tion over the last few decades. Photo from USA Today yards. Tom Brady threw for 345 rankings for both punt and kickoff [email protected] Buccaneers WR Mike Evans figures to be busy Sunday. yards. There were three turnovers return coverage. The Buccaneers in the red zone, with Patrick Ma- allow the most kickoff return yard- homes fumbling at the Tampa Bay age in the NFL by almost four yards 8-yard line and Brady throwing per return. Super Bowl LVI two inside the Kansas averaged 32.4 SoFi Stadium - Inglewood, California • February 6, 2022 City 15-yard-line. Without those yards per kickoff return during the ODDS PROVIDED BY SuperBook at Westgate 2.1.21 abnormalities, that Week 12 game regular season and has a 102-yard CHIEFS...... 5-1 CHARGERS...... 30-1 BEARS...... 50-1 probably flirts with 70 points. touchdown return on his resume. PACKERS...... 10-1 COWBOYS...... 30-1 FALCONS...... 60-1 During the 2020 regular season, had a 67-yard there were only 20 instances of punt return for a touchdown this BILLS...... 10-1 RAMS...... 16-1 PATRIOTS...... 60-1 a team averaging more than 7.5 year. Jaydon Mickens had a 43-yard RAVENS...... 12-1 TITANS...... 40-1 GIANTS...... 80-1 yards per play in a game. Two of return for the Bucs against Green SAINTS...... 12-1 COLTS...... 30-1 Washington Football....80-1 those 20 instances came in that Bay. There could be some fireworks BUCCANEERS...... 12-1 CARDINALS...... 30-1 LIONS...... 100-1 Week 12 game as both the Chiefs on special teams. DOLPHINS...... 20-1 VIKINGS...... 40-1 PANTHERS...... 50-1 and Bucs averaged more than 7.5 By looking at the Over, I am go- 49ERS...... 16-1 JAGUARS...... 60-1 JETS...... 100-1 yards per play. ing against history when it comes In my opinion, the ingredients to Super Bowls that feature a re- SEAHAWKS...... 16-1 RAIDERS...... 40-1 BENGALS...... 100-1 for a repeat performance are there, match from the regular season. STEELERS...... 30-1 BRONCOS...... 60-1 TEXANS...... 100-1 including pace of play, special The under is 10-3 (76.9%) when BROWNS...... 30-1 EAGLES...... 40-1 teams and explosive playmakers. the Super Bowl is a regular season Full-game pace numbers can rematch, including each of the last NF C Championship be skewed because these teams four instances. PACKERS...... 5-1 RAMS...... 8-1 GIANTS...... 40-1 won a lot of games this year and For those that plan on doing SAINTS...... 6-1 CARDINALS...... 15-1 Washington Football....40-1 they were running out the clock some live betting, Brady’s history BUCCANEERS...... 6-1 VIKINGS...... 20-1 LIONS...... 50-1 in the fourth quarter of a lot of of slow starts in the Super Bowl 49ERS...... 8-1 EAGLES...... 20-1 PANTHERS...... 25-1 games. So, if you just look at the may present an appealing op- SEAHAWKS...... 8-1 BEARS...... 25-1 first three quarters, Tampa Bay’s of- portunity. In his nine prior Super fense operated at the third-fastest Bowl appearances, Brady has never COWBOYS...... 15-1 FALCONS...... 30-1 pace in the NFL with Kansas City at scored a first quarter touchdown. A FC Championship the fifth-fastest pace according to Five of those nine games were 0-0 CHIEFS...... 5-2 CHARGERS...... 15-1 PATRIOTS...... 30-1 Sharp Football Stats. after the first quarter, while two When it comes to special teams, more were 3-0. BILLS...... 5-1 TITANS...... 20-1 JETS...... 50-1 we have the right combination of RAVENS...... 6-1 COLTS...... 15-1 BENGALS...... 50-1 good and bad. The good is the Sunday DOLPHINS...... 10-1 JAGUARS...... 30-1 TEXANS...... 50-1 kickers. has actu- Chiefs vs. Buccaneers, Total STEELERS...... 15-1 RAIDERS...... 20-1 ally missed more extra points in his 56: While I do have confidence in BROWNS...... 15-1 BRONCOS...... 30-1 career than field goals. He was 16- Brady and his playmakers to put 6 FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 nfl 7 Correlating prop bets good strategy After five months of unprec- props provide just two betting op- head coaches. In addition to being edented challenges, uncertainty tions — yes/no, over/under, will/ portly, both K.C.’s and and hiccups along the way the won’t and the like. Multiple option Tampa’s Bruce Arians are two of 2020 NFL season will successfully the most imaginative and creative conclude on Sunday with the play- offensive minds. And that creativ- ing of Super Bowl LV. To say this is Pigskin ity may ultimately determine the an intriguing matchup is an un- winner. It sets up as an entertain- derstatement with numerous side Picks ing “Battle of the Bulge(s)” with plots in addition to the matchup Andy Iskoe Reid seeking his second Super itself. Bowl title and Arians his first. For the first time the game will @vegasandy711 Reid’s success after a bye has be played on the home field of been well documented. Despite one of the participants. The Tam- wagers generally provide from a failing to cover in their playoff win pa Bay Buccaneers, in search of half dozen to a dozen options with over Cleveland the Chiefs led wire- the second Super Bowl win in fran- varying odds attached to each. to-wire, even with Mahomes leav- chise history, will host the defend- The “needle in a haystack” prop re- ing the game with a concussion in ing champion , quires the bettor to select from a the third quarter. in search of their third. wide array of options such as who In a Week 12 meeting Kansas Tampa QB Tom Brady seeks his will score the first touchdown, fi- City jumped out to a 17-0 lead at seventh title while denying the nal margin of victory, etc. Tampa and led 20-7 at the half and Chiefs and their QB, Patrick Ma- I generally prefer the head-to- Photo from AP Photos 27-10 after three quarters before homes, the successfully accom- head props and, more specifically, Bruce Arians’ play-calling will impact props on Bucs. winning 27-24. The Chiefs out- plish something last done when what I call “tandem” props — ones gained the Bucs 543-417 but yards Brady quarterbacked his former that are independently related to For the Super Bowl these consid- back against defensively stout San per play were almost identical. team (New England) to back-to- each other. My best example is erations are heightened as it’s the Francisco. The points have not mattered back titles in Super Bowls 38 and whether each QB’s first pass will season’s game. Tampa Bay must be given credit in 11 straight Super Bowls and in 39 nearly two decades ago. be complete or incomplete. The Both teams have injury con- for pulling playoff upsets at New 14 of the last 15. Since seeding Brady may also be seeking to “complete” part of the prop is gen- cerns, most notably Kansas City’s Orleans and Green Bay even began in 1990 the SU winner is add to the argument of who was erally priced about -200 with the offensive line and Tampa Bay’s though Brady tossed three inter- 24-4-2 ATS. Seven straight and 11 more the key to New England’s “incomplete” priced in a range of secondary. Mahomes’ mobility ceptions vs. the Packers. Brady is of the last 12 Super Bowls have unprecedented sustained success +160 to +180. I’ll play the ”incom- and ability to extend plays and im- familiar with the Chiefs’ defense been decided by more than a FG. — him or head coach, Bill Belich- plete.” provise reduces Kansas City’s con- having faced it several times in re- Tampa Bay and Brady may have ick. Tampa also seeks to become I’m content to go 1-1 which cern. But the concern for Tampa’s cent seasons. But Chiefs defensive the better of the intangibles, but only the fourth team to win the would result in a small profit. Los- secondary is greater, especially if coordinator has Kansas City has the better of the Super Bowl after winning three ing both would cost two units. the Chiefs are successful in estab- defensed Brady well, including tangibles — the fundamentals — road playoff games (and the first Winning both results in a profit lishing a running game against in SB 42 when his Giants ended with more ways to win and fewer since the 2010 Steelers). of three to three and a half units. Tampa’s top-ranked run defense Brady’s dream of 19-0. In winning vulnerabilities. Let’s take a look at what has Researching back to the start of that allows just 81 yards per game 17-14, the Giants sacked Brady five The selection is for Kansas City become the most talked about the millennium this tandem wager (3.7 per rush). times for 37 yards. to win 30-20. CHIEFS and UNDER aspect of Super Bowl wagering in has been nicely profitable despite Both are adept at avoiding turn- This is also an intriguing match- Season: 48-62-1 recent seasons, the proposition a shaky start. overs with K.C. having a slight up between a pair of outstanding [email protected] bets. These wagers generally now Between Super Bowls 35 and 44 edge. Tampa has been slightly account for nearly half, or some- there were five 1-1 splits, one 2-0 better at forcing them. times more, of the total wagering and four 0-2s, the last of which was In his third season as starter Parry’s Power Guide volume on the Super Bowl. in SB 44 at which point the cumu- Mahomes has more experience From which team wins the coin lative loss was minus 2.25 units. running the Chiefs’ offense than toss to whether the game will be But in the 10 Super Bowls since does Brady in his first season with decided in overtime virtually ev- there have been nine 1-1 splits and Tampa. Of course, Mahomes is no Fav. Team Rating Diff. Rating Underdog ery play will determine the out- one 2-0 such that for the 20 Super match for Brady in terms of overall Feb. 7 come of one or more props. These Bowls there’s been a cumulative NFL experience, especially in the TAMPA BAY...... 91.3..... 6.9..... 84.4...... Kansas City wagers provide added enjoyment profit of 8.0 units. playoffs and Super Bowls. But he Home team in CAPS; Home team rating includes four additional points. Copyright 2021 by Noland Parry to the Super Bowl viewing experi- It’s always easy to make a case did engineer last season’s come- ence while also providing oppor- for the “complete” with usually tunities to profit. top-notch quarterbacks involved. Professionals and other high But history shows 1-1 to have been NFL Averages & Rankings rollers may wager thousands of the most common outcome. c/o Andy Iskoe AVE AVE AVE AVE dollars on individual props and RUSH PASS TOTL RUSH PASS TOTL PTS PTS PTS PTS Sunday ATS ATS ATS YRDS YRDS YRDS YDSA YRDS YRDS NET NET FOR AGST FOR AGST spend countless hours research- TEAM SUW SUL SUT W L P OVR UND PSH FOR FOR FOR AGST AGST AGST YRDS T/O HOME HOME ROAD ROAD ing every aspect of the game Chiefs -3 vs. Buccaneers, Total seeking to find props that may be 56: Picking the winner of a football KANSAS CITY 16 2 0 8 10 0 9 9 0 113 306 419 122 234 356 63 7 27.5 22.2 31.6 23.0 TAMPA BAY 14 5 0 11 8 0 11 8 0 98 287 385 81 249 330 55 11 28.5 23.9 33.0 20.5 mispriced or provide other edges. game always involves the answer- I’ve long grouped props into ing of a number of questions and The above chart shows each team’s wins, losses, point spread and Over/Under results plus yardage, turnover and home/road scoring averages for the current 2020 season through Monday night’s game. Through 1-25-21. several categories. Head-to-head considering “what if” scenarios. 8 nfl FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 2020 Bookies Battle The Point Spreads Special Playoff Edition

Team Away KC Super Line Away -3.5 Bowl LV Team Home TB Line Home sponsored by Season ANalysis SPORTSBOOK CONTESTANT W L Ba ldini’s Robert Kowalski 6-6 TB skill positions match up head to head and getting poinSTCIts in174579 home Fmwc stadium STN Sports is too NSU mu ch to pass on. Gold Strike Tunica aRT Heun 7-5 KC B rady will struggle with Chiefs secondary coming up Bookiebig. K.C. Battle wins GAMING and it wiTODAYll no ADt be close. 3”x1.5” • 4/0 • Harrah’s Hoosier John LindheimeR 4-8 TB I like the way the Bucs defense has been making big plays and Brady’s made a believer out of us. QTY: 1 •RUNS: 1/6, 1/13, 1/20 Mandalay Bay mike Piranio 5-7 TB He re is the perfect middle play as game comes down to field goal. Mirage Randy Madayag 7-5 TB TB wins at NO then GB and now getting +3.5 in Tampa against the team that beat them last. Red Rock Casino Jason McCormiCK 8-4 TB Home Dog. CHECK. TB12. CHECK. Chiefs All Pro LT Fisher OUT. CHECK. SuncoaST mike Lewis 4-8 KC T he greatest of all time passes the torch to the best. The Chiefs have too many weapons. Sunset Station Chuck Esposito 5-7 KC B rady and BUCS won’t be able to come back this time and make it close!. Wildfire Boulder michael SmolleR 9-3 KC one word: “Mahomes.” very simple, He’ll go down as the greatest QB of all time. William HiLL nick BogdanoviCH 6-6 TB Ta king Tampa Bay in a back and forth game to cover the +3.5 AS BUKER KICKS GAME-WINNING FG. FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 NFL 9 PROP CENTRAL Propositions from Five Giants in the Sportsbook Industry

First Pass by patrick FIRST RECEPTION BY: MIKE WILL EITHER TEAM SCORE 4 FIRST SCORE OF THE GAME mahomes* (KC) will be: EVANS* (TB) STRAIGHT TIMES? WILL BE: IS “INCOMPLETE” IF NO RECEPTION — EXCLUDES EXTRA POINTS AND 2 PT TOUCHDOWN...... -210 COMPLETE...... -200 “UNDER” IS WINNER CONVERSIONS — INCLUDES SAFETIES ANY OTHER SCORE...... +180 INCOMPLETE...... +175 OVER...... OV...... -110 YES...... +240 OPENING COIN TOSS UNDER.....10.5..... UN...... -110 NO...... -280 TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS BY: WILL BE: FIRST RECEPTION BY: TEAM TO SCORE FIRST: BOTH TEAMS HEADS...... -102 ANTONIO BROWN* (TB) CHIEFS...... -125 OVER...... OV...... +110 BUCCANEERS...... +105 TAILS...... -102 IF NO RECEPTION — UNDER.....6.5...... UN...... -130 “UNDER” IS WINNER TEAM TO SCORE LAST: TEAM TO SCORE LAST IN THE WILL EITHER TEAM SCORE 3 OVER...... OV...... -110 CHIEFS...... -125 STRAIGHT TIMES? UNDER.....9.5...... UN...... -110 BUCCANEERS...... +105 FIRST HALF: FIRST RECEPTION BY: ROB CHIEFS...... -125 EXCLUDES EXTRA POINTS AND 2 PT tOTAL FIELD GOALS MADE BUCCANEERS...... +105 CONVERSIONS — INCLUDES SAFETIES GRONKOWSKI* (TB) BY: BOTH TEAMS: YES...... -210 IF NO RECEPTION — IF NO FIELD GOAL MADE — UNDER IS LAST SCORE OF THE FIRST NO...... +180 “UNDER” IS WINNER WINNER HALF WILL BE: OVER...... OV...... -110 OVER...... OV...... +120 UNDER.....9.5...... UN...... -110 EXCLUDES EXTRA POINTS AND TWO WILL EITHER TEAM SCORE IN UNDER.....3.5...... UN...... -140 POINT CONVERSIONS THE FIRST 6½ MINUTES OF LONGEST TOUCHDOWN OF TWILL EITHER TEAM MAKE A TOUCHDOWN...... -115 THE GAME? THE GAME FIELD GOAL IN THE SECOND ANY OTHER SCORE...... -105 IF SCORE OCCURS AT EXACTLY 6 IF NO TD SCORED — ALL BETS ARE REFUNDED — INCLUDES ALL RETURNS QUARTER? WILL THERE BE A SAFETY? MINUTES AND 30 SECONDS INTO THE OVER...... OV...... -110 YES...... -300 YES...... +800 GAME “YES” IS WINNER — INCLUDES UNDER.....46.5..... UN...... -110 NO...... +250 NO...... -1400 SAFETY YES...... -155 NO...... +135 TOTAL YARDAGE OF ALL FIELD GOALS MADE WILL EITHER TEAM SCORE IN Photo from USA Today OVER...... OV...... -115 THE FINAL 2 MINUTES OF THE Mike Evans FIRST HALF? UNDER.....118.5.. UN...... -115 TOTAL YARDAGE OF ALL IF SCORE OCCURS AT EXACTLY 2 WILL PATRICK MAHOMES* ODDS PROVIDED 1.28.21 TOUCHDOWNS SCORED MINUTES REMAINING IN THE FIRST (KC) THROW AN HALF “YES” IS WINNER — INCLUDES INTERCEPTION? Check for current lines at sportsbook or your app OVER...... OV...... -120 YES...... +155 SAFETY wHICH WILL HAPPEN 1ST IN JERSEY NUMBER OF PLAYER TO UNDER.....99.5..... UN...... -110 NO...... -175 YES...... -400 GAME? SACK OR TOUCHDOWN SCORE FIRST TOUCHDOWN (KC) NO...... +330 FIRST RUSHING ATTEMPT BY: SACK...... +120 OVER...... OV...... -125 LONGEST GROSS PUNT PATRICK MAHOMES* (KC) FIRST PENALTY OF SB LV: TOUCHDOWN...... -150 UNDER.....17.5..... UN...... -105 OVER...... OV...... -120 IF NO RUSHING ATTEMPT — TEAM WITH MORE TIME UNDER.....52.5..... UN...... -110 EXCLUDES DECLINED PENALTIES “UNDER” IS WINNER WHICH WILL OCCUR FIRST IN OF POSSESION BRADLEY PINION (TB) CHIEFS...... -120 OVER...... OV...... -110 GAME FOR THE BUCCANEERS? CHIEFS...... -150 LONGEST GROSS PUNT BUCCANEERS...... EVEN UNDER.....5.5...... UN...... -110 ANY SCORE...... EVEN BUCCANEERS...... +120 OVER...... OV...... -125 WHICH TEAM WILL HAVE THE FIRST RUSHING ATTEMPT BY: which is higher? PUNT...... -130 UNDER.....50.5..... UN...... -105 MOST PENALTY YARDS? CLYDE EDWARDS-HELAIRE* BRYSON DECHAMBEAU’S YARDS TOTAL 1ST DOWNS BY WILL PATRICK MAHOMES (KC) EXCLUDES DECLINED PENALTIES (KC) OF LONGEST DRIVE VS. PATRICK KANSAS CITY CHIEFS THROW A 1ST QUARTER CHIEFS...... -160 IF NO RUSHING ATTEMPT — MAHOMES PASSYING YARDS OVER...... OV...... -110 TOUCHDOWN PASS? BUCCANEERS...... +140 “UNDER” IS WINNER OVER...... OV...... +150 4TH ROUND ONLY UNDER.....24.5..... UN...... -120 YES...... +125 WILL THERE BE A MISSED UNDER.....3.5...... UN...... -170 WASTE MANAGEMENT TOTAL 1ST DOWNS BY NO...... -155 EXTRA POINT KICK? OPEN 2/7/21 FIRST RUSHING ATTEMPT BY: WILL TOM BRADY (TB) IF NO TD IS SCORED — DECHAMBEAU * (KC) OVER...... OV...... -120 THROW A 1ST QUARTER ALL BETS REFUNDED LONG DRIVE...... -30.5 -115 IF NO RUSHING ATTEMPT — MAHOMES UNDER.....22.5..... UN...... -110 TOUCHDOWN PASS? YES...... +240 “UNDER” IS WINNER PASSING YARDS...... +30.5 -115 TOTAL POINTS SCORED IN GAME YES...... +145 NO...... -280 OVER...... OV...... +120 UNDER.....3.5...... UN...... -140 which is higher? WILL END IN? NO...... -180 TOTAL QB SACKS BY: ODD NUMBER...... -130 BOTH TEAMS TOTAL GOALS SCORED IN PATRICK MAHOMES (KC) VS TOM first pass by tom brady* KINGS/KNIGHTS GAME VS. EVEN NUMBER...... EVEN IF NO SACK IS RECORDED — (tb) will be: BRADY (TB) WHO WILL HAVE CHRIS GODWIN TOTAL TOTAL RUSHING YARDS BY MORE PASSING YARDS? “UNDER” IS WINNER INTERCEPTION IS “IMCOMPLETE RECEPTIONS OVER...... OV...... -130 COMPLETE...... -200 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS PATRICK MAHOMES...... -160 L.A. KINGS AT VEGAS UNDER...... UN...... +110 INCOMPLETE...... +175 OVER...... OV...... -115 TOM BRADY...... +130 3.5 GOLDEN KNIGHTS UNDER.....82.5..... UN...... -115 2/7/20 at 12:00 Pm PATRICK MAHOMES (KC) VS TOM *PLAYER MUST PLAY FOR ACTION UNLESS LAK + VGK TOTAL RUSHING YARDS BY BRADY (TB) WHO WILL HAVE ­OTHERWISE INDICATED GOALS...... -120 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS MORE TOUCHDOWN PASSES? Check for current lines at sportsbook or your app CHRIS GODWIN OVER...... OV...... -115 PATRICK MAHOMES...... -185 ODDS PROVIDED 1.28.21 RECEPTIONS...... -110 UNDER.....93.5..... UN...... -115 TOM BRADY...... +150 10 nfl FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 2021 SupER Bowl Propositions

WHAT WILL BE MORE? BOISE ST + NEVADA MADE 3-PT FIELD GOALS ON SUN FEB 7 ODDS PROVIDED 1.30.21 BOIST ST + NEVADA Check for current lines at sportsbook or your app MADE 3-PT FIELD GOALS...... +110 SECOND QUARTER AT HORNETS ON SUN FEB 7 WHAT WILL BE MORE? POINTS...... PK -130 giannis antetokounmpo DAMIAN LILLARD POINTS POINTS + ASSISTS...... -4.5 -110 WHAT WILL BE MORE? AT cavaliers ON SAT FEB 6 CAMERON BRATE ALEX OVECHKIN SHOTS ON GOAL VS. FLYERS ON SUN. FEB. 7 GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO RECEIVING YARDS...... -110 ALEX OVECHKIN POINTS...... -110 WHAT WILL BE MORE? SHORTEST FIELD GOAL...... PK -110 SHOTS ON GOAL...... +100 PHOENIX SUNS POINTS VS. WHAT WILL BE MORE? CELTICS ON SUN. FEB. 7 SOLO+ TACKLES..... PK -120 STEPHEN CURRY POINTS PHOENIX SUNS WHAT WILL BE MORE? VS. MAVERICKS ON SAT FEB 6 POINTS...... -5.5 -110 FLYERS + STEPHEN CURRY CHIEFS WASHINGTON CAPITALS GOALS POINTS...... -1.5 -110 RUSHING YARDS...... -110 ON SUN FEB 7 BUCCANEERS POINTS...... -110 WHAT WILL BE MORE? FLYERS + CAPITALS WHAT WILL BE MORE? KAWHI LEONARD POINTS VS. GOALS...... -110 Photo from USA Today luka doncic POINTS, KINGS ON SUN. FEB. 7 TOUCHDOWNS...... -.5 -110 Washington Capitals F Alex Ovechkin. REBOUNDS, ASSISTS KAWHI LEONARD WHAT WILL BE MORE? AT warriors ON sat FEB 6 POINTS...... -.5 -120 LIVERPOOL + MAN CITY 4TH ROUND BIRDIES...... -125 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS GOALS L DONCIC POINTS, REBOUNDS, CHIEFS GOALS...... -120 MIKE EVANS VS. KINGS ON SUN FEB 7 ASSISTS...... -120 FIRST DOWNS...... +110 BUCCANEERS RECEPTIONS...... PK +105 GOLDEN KNIGHTS TOUCHDOWNS...... PK +100 TOTAL FIRST DOWNS WHAT WILL BE MORE? WHICH WILL BE MORE? IN GAME...... PK +100 GOALS...... +100 IOWA HAWKEYES POINTS AT JASON PIERRE-PAUL WHAT WILL BE MORE? WASTE MANAGEMENT OPEN WHAT WILL BE MORE? INDIANA ON SUN FEB 7 SOLO+AST TACKLES...... PK -120 DUSTIN JOHNSON 4TH ROUND WINNER 4TH ROUND SCORE LEBRON JAMES POINTS, BIRDIES AT SAUDI INTL WM OPEN WINNER IOWA HAWKEYES WHAT WILL BE MORE? REBOUNDS, ASSISTS POINTS...... -2.5 -110 (MUST START AND COMPLETE 4TH 4TH ROUND SCORE...... -2.5 -110 AT PISTONS ON sat FEB 6 LIVERPOOL + MAN CITY GOALS ROUND)) CHRIS GODWIN LEONARD FOURNETTE ON SUN FEB 7 L JAMES POINTS, REBOUNDS, RECEIVING YARDS...... -110 DUSTIN JOHNSON RUSH + REC YARDS...... -110 ASSISTS...... -110 PATRICK MAHOMES UNDER 2.5...... -200 YES...... -250 PASS ATTEMPTS...... PK -100 NO...... +210 TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS IN WHAT WILL BE MORE? THE GAME BY BOTH TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS IN THE DONOVAN MITCHELL TEAMS COMBINED GAME BY THE CHIEFS: POINTS AT PACERS OVER 6.5...... -110 OVER 3.5...... +13 0 ON SUN FEB 7 UNDER 6.5...... -110 UNDER 3.5...... -150 DONOVAN MITCHELL TEAM WITH MORE PENALTY TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS IN THE POINTS...... -1.5 -110 ODDS PROVIDED 1.30.21 YARDS IN THE GAME GAME BY THE BUCCANEERS: PATRICK MAHOMES Check for current lines at sportsbook or your app CHIEFS...... -135 OVER 3.5...... +14 0 RUSHING YARDS...... -110 BUCCANEERS...... +115 UNDER 3.5...... -160 What WILL BE MORE? Which team will win the TOTAL QUARTERBACK will either team make a TOTAL SACKS IN THE GAME Miami Heat POINTS VS. knicks Opening coin toss? SACKS IN THE GAME: field goal in the BY THE CHIEFS DEFENSE? ON SUN FEB 7 CHIEFS...... -102 OVER 3.5...... -160 first quarter? OVER 1.5...... -140 BUCCANEERS...... -102 UNDER 3.5...... +14 0 YES...... -120 UNDER 1.5...... +12 0 MIAMI HEAT NO...... EVEN POINTS...... -1.5 -110 WHICH HALF WILL HAVE TOTAL FUMBLES LOST BY TOTAL SACKS IN THE GAME MORE POINTS SCORED? BOTH TEAMS IN THE GAME? WHICH TEAM WILL HAVE BY THE BUCCANEERS FIRST HALF...... +13 0 OVER 1.5...... +200 MORE FIRST DOWNS DEFENSE? RECEIVING YARDS...... -110 SECOND HALF + OT....-150 UNDER 1.5...... -240 IN THE GAME? OVER 1.5...... -160 CHIEFS...... -1.5 -175 UNDER 1.5...... +14 0 WHAT WILL BE MORE? TEAM TO HAVE THE LAST WHAT WILL BE MORE? BUCCANEERS.....+1. 5 +15 5 NY KNICKS BALL POSSESSION IN THE LONGEST MADE FIELD WILL TOM BRADY (TB) POINTS VS. HEAT ON SUN FEB 2 GAME: GOAL OR TOTAL POINTS WILL THE CHIEFS SCORE THROW AN INTERCEPTION? NY KNICKS CHIEFS...... -115 IN GAME IN EVERY QUARTER? YES...... -120 POINTS...... -.5 -110 BUCCANEERS...... -105 LONGEST FG MADE... +19 5 YES...... +170 NO...... EVEN TOTAL PTS IN GAME. ... -230 NO...... -190 TOTAL INTERCEPTIONS WILL PATRICK MAHOMES RECEIVING YARDS...... -110 BY BOTH TEAMS TOTAL NUMBER OF WILL THE BUCCANEERS (KC) THROW AN IN GAME: PLAYERS TO HAVE A PASS SCORE A RUSHING INTERCEPTION? WHAT WILL BE MORE? OVER 1.5...... +13 5 COMPLETION IN THE GAME TOUCHDOWN IN THE YES...... +14 0 DAMIAN LILLARD POINTS +, UNDER 1.5...... -155 OVER 2.5...... +175 GAME? NO...... -160 ASSISTS FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 nfl 11 Super Bowl LV Propositions

ODDS PROVIDED 1.26.21 Check for current lines at sportsbook or your app ALL PROPS TO BE GRADED BASED ON NFL.COM BOX SCORE ODDS TO WIN MVP OF SUPER BOWL LV P MAHOMES (KC)...... EVEN C GODWIN (TB)...... +4500 C EDWARDS-HELAIRE (KC).... +7500 A BROWN (TB)...... +7500 D WILLIAMS (KC)...... +10000 S MILLER (TB)...... +30000 T HILL (KC)...... +1500 T JOHNSON (TB)...... +75000 S WATKINS (KC)...... +7500 J MICKENS (TB)...... +30000

M HARDMAN (KC)...... +10000 R GRONKOWSKI (TB)...... +10000 Photo from AP Photos D ROBINSON (KC)...... +50000 C BRATE (TB)...... +25000 Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady meet after Chiefs’ 27-24 win Nov. 29 in Tampa. T KELCE (KC)...... +1500 R SUCCOP (TB)...... +22500 H BUTKER (KC)...... +22500 D WHITE (TB)...... +4000 T MATHIEU (KC)...... +6000 L DAVID (TB)...... +5000 Ramirez: Brady to win No. 7 C JONES (KC)...... +12500 S BARRETT (TB)...... +5000 high 36 since last year. win, but I advise you to not only F CLARK (KC)...... +12500 C DAVIS (TB)...... +12500 Continued from p1 The Chiefs will lose this game: take the field goal, but also buy D SORENSEN (KC)...... +17500 J PIERRE-PAUL (TB)...... +6000 It’s just enough balance for if they can’t solve Tampa Bay de- the half point. A HITCHENS (KC)...... +20000 S MURPHY-BUNTING (TB).... +12500 Brady to do what he does best. fensive coordinator , The Buccaneers’ defense will C WARD (KC)...... +22500 A WINFIELD JR (TB)...... +12500 Tampa Bay scored on 47.8% of who knows what it takes to stop a keep things honest, as it comes B BREELAND (KC)...... +22500 J DEAN (TB)...... +17500 its possessions, sixth-most in the high-octane offense in the Super into the Super Bowl after allow- L SNEED (KC)...... +22500 N SUH (TB)...... +17500 league, and it’s limited the turn- Bowl. ing a league eighth-fewest 355 T BRADY (TB)...... +220 J WHITEHEAD (TB)...... +25000 overs to just 8.9% of its drives, a Bowles was the starting free points, and sixth-lowest 5,234 L FOURNETTE (TB)...... +5000 V VEA (TB)...... +30000 league sixth fewest. safety in Super Bowl XXII, which yards. Tampa Bay already has the The Chiefs will win if: for the R JONES (TB)...... +7500 FIELD (ANY OTHER PLAYER).... +17000 Washington won 42-10 over Den- No. 1 rushing defense and has same reason the Buccaneers will ver, which had the fourth-highest the personnel to make the same M EVANS (TB)...... +4500 lose this game — and that is if scoring offense (379) and tallied a adjustments other teams had suc- PLAYER TO SCORE 1ST TD IN SUPER BOWL LV Tampa Bay’s defense cannot stop league second-best 5,624 yards. cess with against Mahomes. Kansas City’s quick-hitting offense. He has a finely tuned Bucca- Mahomes has one Super Bowl M DANNA (KC/DL)...... +75000 P O’CONNER (TB/DL)...... +100000 The Chiefs scored on five con- neers stop unit that allowed a ring in one trip to the final, in M PENNEL (KC/DL)...... +75000 M REMMERS (KC/OL)...... +50000 secutive drives, and the Bills scoring drive just 33.7% of op- his three full seasons in the NFL. S MURPHY-BUNTING (TB/DB).... +25000 A WYLIE (KC/OL)...... +50000 couldn’t stop anything. Kansas posing teams’ drives, sixth lowest Brady is 6-3 in the Super Bowl, C DAVIS (TB/DB)...... +25000 M RANKIN (KC/OL)...... +50000 City, keyed by that Mahomes-Tra- in the NFL. And let’s not be coy since 2001, when he made his first J DEAN (TB/DB)...... +25000 N ALLEGRETTI (KC/OL)...... +200000 vis Kelce combination, forces op- into believing the Chiefs can’t be start. And as much as we agree A WINFIELD JR (TB/DB)...... +25000 S WISNIEWSKI (KC/OL)...... +200000 posing defensive units to watch a stalled. The Falcons held them Mahomes has plenty more Lom- J WHITEHEAD (TB/DB)...... +30000 A REITER (KC/OL)...... +500000 variety of weapons, while always to a season-low 17 points, the bardi Trophies to win, he’ll hit having to keep an eye on Tyreek M EDWARDS (TB/DB)...... +50000 D KILGORE (KC/OL)...... +1000000 Chargers limited them to 21, the some speed bumps. He and the Hill. This is the league’s most ter- Browns and Broncos each held Chiefs have time, Brady doesn’t. A ADAMS (TB/DB)...... +100000 J HAEG (TB/OL)...... +15000 rifying offense. them to 22, again the Chargers got He may have one more dominant R SMITH (TB/DB)...... +100000 D SMITH (TB/OL)...... +50000 The league average was 396.6 defensive in allowing 23. season, and another contending R COCKRELL (TB/DB)...... +100000 T WIRFS (TB/OL)...... +50000 points per team during the regu- The Bucs registered 47 sacks campaign left, but this is the year D WHITE (TB/LB)...... +15000 J WELLS (TB/OL)...... +50000 lar season, and 24.8 points per during the regular season, and the Bucs need to do it. L DAVID (TB/LB)...... +20000 A MARPET (TB/OL)...... +200000 game. The Chiefs scored a league seven more in three road playoff This is Tampa Bay’s destiny year S BARRETT (TB/LB)...... +17500 A STINNIE (TB/OL)...... +200000 seventh-highest 473 points, an games — including five in Green in many ways. A NELSON (TB/LB)...... +75000 R JENSEN (TB/OL)...... +500000 average of 29.5 points per game. Bay. That defense has just gotten The Lightning are Stanley Cup The Buccaneers have to be care- C GILL (TB/LB)...... +100000 H BUTKER (KC/K)...... +200000 better and better, clamping things champions. The Rays was the ful in covering Kelce, as they al- down in the trenches, and limiting World Series runner-up. Now the K MINTER (TB/LB)...... +100000 T TOWNSEND (KC/P)...... +200000 lowed the seventh-most recep- 10 straight opponents to 27 points Buccaneers — who this season are D BUCANNON (TB/LB)...... +100000 J WINCHESTER (KC/LS).... +1000000 tions (86) to tight ends. The Bucs or less — an average of 22.1 points 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS when catching J PIERRE-PUAL (TB/DL)...... +15000 R SUCCOP (TB/K)...... +200000 allowed nine TDs to tight ends, per game. +2.5 or more with arguably the N SUH (TB/DL)...... +25000 B PINION (TB/P)...... +200000 fifth-most numerically and tied best quarterback to play the game W GHOLSTON (TB/DL)...... +30000 Z TRINER (TB/LS)...... +1000000 for seventh with four other teams. Sunday — are hosting the Super Bowl and V VEA (TB/DL)...... +30000 FIELD (ANY OTHER PLAYER).... +16500 Since taking over as starter in Kan- Chiefs -3 vs. Buccaneers: From can land Tampa, Florida its second R NUNEZ-ROCHES (TB/DL).... +75000 NO TD SCORED...... +75000 sas City in 2014, Kelce leads all there we have the segue into why trophy. BUCCANEERS tight ends with 121 touchdown S McLENDON (TB/DL)...... +75000 I think Tampa Bay is the play in this Season: 55-54-1 receptions — including a league- game. I think the Buccaneers will [email protected] 12 nfl FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 SUPER BOWL lv STATISTICS Kansas City Chiefs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Individual Statistics Individual Statistics Pssiga n Pssiga n Name Att Comp Yds TD INT Name Att Comp Yds TD INT Patrick Mahomes 588 390 4,740 38 6 Tom Brady 610 401 4,633 40 12 38 28 248 2 0 Blaine Gabbert 16 9 143 2 0 Tommy Townsend 1 1 13 0 0 Travis Kelce 1 1 4 0 0 Rushing Name Att Yds Avg TD 1 0 0 0 0 Ronald Jones 192 978 5.1 7 Rushing Leonard Fournette 97 367 3.8 6 Name Att Yds Avg TD Ke’Shawn Vaughn 26 109 4.2 0 Clyde Edwards-Helaire 181 803 4.4 4 LeSean McCoy 10 31 3.1 0 Patrick Mahomes 62 308 5.0 2 Blaine Gabbert 9 16 1.8 0 Le’Veon Bell 63 254 4.0 2 Scotty Miller 3 14 4.7 0 Darrel Williams 39 169 4.3 1 Tom Brady 30 6 0.2 3 Tyreek Hill 13 123 9.5 2 Antonio Brown 2 -2 -1.0 0 27 97 3.6 1 Mecole Hardman 4 31 7.8 0 Photo from USA Today R eCEIving Name Rec Yds Avg TD 3 8 2.7 0 Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire Mike Evans 70 1,006 14.4 13 DeAndre Washington 3 5 1.7 0 Chris Godwin 65 840 12.9 7 Sammy Watkins 1 3 3.0 0 Rob Gronkowski 45 623 13.8 7 Chad Henne 7 -2 -0.3 1 Scotty Miller 33 501 15.2 3 R eCEIving Antonio Brown 45 483 10.7 4 Name Rec Yds Avg TD Cameron Brate 28 282 10.1 2 Travis Kelce 105 1,416 13.5 11 Leonard Fournette 36 233 6.5 0 Tyreek Hill 87 1,276 14.7 15 Tyler Johnson 12 169 14.1 2 Mecole Hardman 41 560 13.7 4 Ronald Jones 28 165 5.9 1 45 466 10.4 3 O.J. Howard 11 146 13.3 2 Sammy Watkins 37 421 11.4 2 LeSean McCoy 15 101 6.7 0 Clyde Edwards-Helaire 36 297 8.3 1 Justin Watson 7 94 13.4 0 Byron Pringle 13 160 12.3 1 Jaydon Mickens 7 58 8.3 0 Darrel Williams 18 116 6.4 0 Tanner Hudson 3 41 13.7 0 Le’Veon Bell 13 99 7.6 0 Ke’Shawn Vaughn 5 34 6.8 1 Darwin Thompson 7 65 9.3 1 6 63 10.5 0 Kgickin Name 20-29 30-39 40-49 50+ LONG 7 36 5.1 0 Ryan Succop 10-10 9-9 7-9 1-2 50 1 11 11.0 0 1 10 10.0 0 Pigunt n Anthony Sherman 1 5 5.0 1 Name Punts Yds Long Avg nET avg Eric Fisher 1 2 2.0 1 Photo from USA Today Bradley Pinion 55 2,486 62 45.2 40.2 DeAndre Washington 1 2 2.0 0 Buccaneers K Ryan Succop Kgickin Tae m Statistics Name 20-29 30-39 40-49 50+ LONG KC TB KC TB Harrison Buker 7-7 9-9 3-5 4-4 58 Points per Game 29.6 30.8 Passing (Att.-Comp.-Int.-Avg.) 630-420-7-303.4 626-410-12-289.1 Touchdowns 57 59 First Downs 397 364 Pigunt n Total Offensive Yards 6,804 6,295 Third Down Conversions 95-194 83-191 Name Punts Yds Long Avg nET avg Offense (Plays-Avg. Yards) 1,057-425.3 1,107-393.4 Fourth Down Conversions 9-16 8-14 Tommy Townsend 52 2,339 67 45.0 40.4 Total Rushing Yards 1,799 1,519 Sacks 24 22 Kansas City Chiefs Results Tampa Bay Buccaneers Results D ate Opponent W-L Score D ate Opponent W-L Score Sept. 10 Houston W 34-20 Sept. 13 at New Orleans L 34-23 Sept. 20 at LA Chargers W 23-20 (OT) Sept. 20 Carolina W 31-17 Sept. 28 at Baltimore W 34-20 Sept. 27 at Denver W 28-10 Oct. 5 New England W 26-10 Oct. 4 LA Chargers W 38-31 Oct. 11 Las Vegas L 40-32 Oct. 8 at L 20-19 Oct. 19 at Buffalo W 26-17 Oct. 18 Green Bay W 38-10 Oct. 25 at Denver W 43-16 Oct. 25 at Las Vegas W 45-20 Nov. 1 NY Jets W 35-9 Nov. 2 at NY Giants W 25-23 Nov. 8 Carolina W 33-31 Nov. 8 New Orleans L 38-3 Nov. 22 at Las Vegas W 35-31 Nov. 15 at Carolina W 46-23 Nov. 29 at Tampa Bay W 27-24 Nov. 23 LA Rams L 27-24 Dec. 6 Denver W 22-16 Nov. 29 Kansas City L 27-24 Dec. 13 at Miami W 33-27 Dec. 13 Minnesota W 26-14 Dec. 20 at New Orleans W 37-29 Dec. 20 at Atlanta W 31-27 Dec. 27 Atlanta W 17-14 Dec. 26 at Detroit W 47-7 Jan. 3 LA Chargers L 38-21 Jan. 3 Atlanta W 44-27 Jan. 17 Cleveland W 22-17 Jan. 9 at Washington W 31-23 Jan. 24 Buffalo W 38-24 Photo from AP Photos Jan. 17 at New Orleans W 30-20 Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Jan. 24 at Green Bay W 31-26 FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 nfl 13 Bookies: Win some, lose some Continued from p3 Humphries started a drive at his own 8-yard line, with 99 seconds in New Orleans, the game had remaining, and guided the Char- remained solidly at Packers -14 gers to the San Francisco 35. Three points in its two-week run-up. downs remained. Two passes were “The Great Refund,” said Magli- incomplete. ulo, who closes his eyes and still Fourth-and-one, mere seconds sees that long line snaking around left. A hefty six-figure sum was the casino floor. “We were refund- about to remain in the Hilton’s ing for twenty-four hours!” cash registers or be handed to Which compelled him to brain- fortunate ticket-holders. storm a generic line—NFC -2.5 “Remember, back then they over AFC—on the next season’s weren’t allowed to talk about Super Bowl. He aimed to catch point spreads,” says Manteris. the attention of everyone in that “And Al says to (Dan Dierdorf), never-ending line. It worked. ‘I’m sure I know some people are “I thought, ‘Let’s take a shot,’ sitting on the edge of their seats in and we did six figures on the fol- Las Vegas watching this play.’ lowing year’s Super Bowl, right “I look at (protégé) Chuckie Es- there,” he says. “It was fantastic. posito. We were literally sitting on ‘Gimme a hundred on AFC … the edge of our seats on chairs in five hundred on NFC,’ and no- my office, and he looks at me.” body knew who would be in it. Humphries’s pass sailed out of Think about that. What were we the back of the end zone. going to do, give all that money “We lose. But I’ll always remem- back? ber laughing when Al said that. “We were saying, ‘Wow, look at He knew exactly what I was going this. Don’t forget to bet next year’s through, and I knew exactly that game!’ It’s really quite amazing he was referencing me. Chuckie to see how the Super Bowl has and I laughed, then we cried when evolved, not only into such a great the pass went incomplete.” event but such a great betting event, as well.” The Fridge Chicago coach Mike Ditka had Photo from Steve Carp On Seat Edges put 350-pound defensive tackle Art Manteris of Station Casinos has booked dozens of Super Bowls. With his regular patronage of William “Refrigerator” Perry into the Hilton, broadcaster Al Mi- the Bears’ backfield on goal-line er. “It cost the book. We went from sports marketing, promise that chaels and SuperBook director Art situations during the 1985 season, big winners to big losers. And I $2.4 Million he wouldn’t tell anybody. Vaccaro Manteris formed a friendship that and the Fridge had scored two remember Art screaming, he was In advance of that 49ers-Char- promised. endures today. Michaels prefers touchdowns. so upset that Perry scored that gers Super Bowl, financier Carl “Then he went to play poker table games to sports, and his For Super Bowl XX, Manteris, touchdown. Icahn rang Jimmy Vaccaro at the with the Stuey Ungars of the world friends became tight with Man- then directing the Caesars Pal- “They didn’t give it to Walter Mirage and had $2.4 million wired and he told all of them, and they teris, too. ace sportsbook, and his team had Payton, and we lost tons of mon- from his bank to the property’s told their friends. A guy soon rang Michaels would ring Manteris produced a prop on Perry scor- ey. I went, ‘Oh, boy.’ Those props cages. me and said, ‘Jimmy, I heard …’ I for line movements and updates, ing against the Patriots. Manteris have just taken off over the years, When Icahn visited, he and Vac- said, ‘Yeah, it’s true.’ Here’s a (ex- and that’s what Michaels did be- opened it at 20-1, which an ava- but that’s the one that sticks out in caro strolled to the cage, Icahn pletive) guy who told me not to fore San Francisco played San Di- lanche of cash whittled to 2-1 by my mind. Everybody in the world obtained the high-dollar marker say anything …” ego in Super Bowl XXIX. The 49ers kickoff. bet that the Fridge would score a and they returned to the book. Of course, Icahn won the were favored by 18 points. Late in the third quarter, the touchdown.” Icahn put it all on San Francisco, $300,000. That was the largest “And I told Al how badly we Bears had the ball on the New Decades later, Manteris, the vice at -800 on the moneyline, to win bet Vaccaro has ever taken in a needed the Chargers,” says Man- England 1-yard line. Ditka put the president for race and sports oper- $300,000. legendary career, and he says he teris, “that all the money was on Fridge in. Sterling tailback Walter ations at Station Casinos, says that “I jokingly said to him, ‘Do you didn’t flinch. Icahn, 84, is one of San Francisco and I was really go- Payton served as a decoy. Perry single prop cost Caesars $250,000. want any more?’ I knew, with San Wall Street’s most successful fi- ing to be sweating the game.” plunged into the end zone to give Asked if a Mount Manteris erup- Diego being in its first Super Bowl, nanciers, worth about $15 billion San Francisco had taken a 49-18 Chicago a 44-3 advantage. tion compares to Mount Etna, he that we were going to get car after today. lead, but San Diego battled back. That scene dominates the mem- laughs. car after car coming to town to bet “Two point four million or two The Chargers scored, making it ory of Tony Miller, now sportsbook “We got killed on that prop, and on San Diego,” said Vaccaro. hundred and forty dollars, what 49-26, held the 49ers and got the director at the Golden Nugget I was furious. But the next day I got “This knucklehead (Icahn) the (expletive) is the difference?” ball back. who was then writing tickets for calls from the president of Caesars would come to town once or twice says Vaccaro. “The bottom line is, “Now, all of a sudden,” says Manteris at Caesars. World, the president of Caesars a year and bet these huge, huge You give us money. If you win, in Manteris, “we found ourselves in “I can remember Art standing Palace, everyone congratulated amounts on stuff like that.” three hours, you get it back. If you position for a late backdoor cover.” out there when William Perry me because it got so much na- Icahn made Vaccaro, now the lose, we keep the money.” San Diego quarterback Stan scored that touchdown,” said Mill- tional attention.” South Point’s vice president for [email protected] 14 nba FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021

Colorado State at Wyoming (Thursday) Kansas at West Virginia (Saturday) Weekend’s There is not going to be much room for Mountain West teams in the Big revenge game for the Mountaineers, who were embarrassed in Big Dance. Every game is crucial, and the third-place Rams are reeling Lawrence on Dec. 22 when getting crushed 79-65. Morgantown is one from a home loss to Boise State. COLORADO STATE very tough place for a visitor. WEST VIRGINIA Kansas City Chiefs -3 (-120) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Total 56 (Sunday) (Sunday) No question the Brady story is terrific. I’m siding with history and Chiefs We see a real shootout in South Florida. Tom Brady’s looking to get a D-coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s SB record against the GOAT. CHIEFS 7th ring. Patrick Mahomes will be very hard to slow down. OVER Winners Howard Barish: Last week: 1-0; 2021 season: 3-4 Richard Saber: Last week: No selections; 2021 season: 3-3 Strange finishes expected in a weird year Teams trailing by five points knocked down 11 3-pointers in Mavs despite a four-game deficit. time since Wall was injured for points. HEAT inside the final 10 seconds won the first quarter on Monday, set- New Orleans would net you the reigning Rookie of the Year’s Last week: 2-1 back-to-back nights over the ting a league record in these zany +1000, which is too good a value entire first season, so that alone is Season: 12-8 weekend. They didn’t even need times? Houston finished 28-for-52 bet not to make. Loyal readers worth the price of admission. [email protected] overtime. of this column know I picked the Memphis center Jonas Valanci- Damian Lillard’s heroics lifted Pelicans to surprise and finish as unas has been out due to COVID Parry’s the Blazers past the Bulls on Sat- Nothin’ Southwest Division champs due protocol but should be back in urday and Bradley Beal and Rus- But Bet to Stan Van Gundy’s arrival, Steven the mix for this one. Expect both Power sell Westbrook matched his two Adams’ impact and the continued teams to go all out on the defen- Guide 3-pointers to help the Wizards Tony Mejia improvement of Zion Williamson sive end with first place in the stun the Nets the following night. and Brandon Ingram. Despite a Southwest at stake. UNDER for NBA It’s been that type of season so @TonyMejiaNBA slow start, they’re just four games Saturday far in the NBA, one that feels even back themselves and are report- Week beginning Feb 2, 2021 stranger than the one just complet- from beyond the arc in a 136-106 edly in talks to shake things up by Raptors at Hawks: Toronto Denver...... (1) 62.1 ed in a bubble on Disney property win at Oklahoma City, falling just dealing the likes of or will visit Brooklyn for a nationally LA Lakers...... (2) 61.9 in Orlando a few months ago in the one short of the NBA single-game J.J. Redick. There’s definitely value televised game on Friday night midst of a global pandemic. With high. It has won six consecutive in riding the Pels to turn things but has to turn around and trav- Houston...... (3) 60.7 COVID-19 still wreaking havoc in games entering Wednesday’s re- around. el south afterward to square off Utah...... (4) 60.5 the world and toying with sched- match with the Thunder in OKC LaMelo Ball (-125) has emerged against a Hawks team that is just Memphis...... (5) 59.3 ules as leagues everywhere try and and are 7-3 since trading James as the favorite to win Rookie of the 5-5 at home but beginning to find LA Clippers...... (6) 59.1 press forward as safely as possible, Harden to Brooklyn. Year roughly 30 percent of the way their footing. Philadelphia...... (7) 59.0 the bizarre is around every corner. Forward Christian Wood is play- in, which is still great value since Trae Young has snapped out ...... (8) 56.0 Trying to hang with the twists ing at an All-Star level and De- he’s definitely earned the early nod of his slump and Atlanta hung Phoenix...... (9) 54.6 and turns has been impossible, Marcus Cousins is further along through an impressive start that with the Nets and Lakers at Phil- Sacramento...... (10) 54.5 but I’ve done my best to follow than anticipated in his return from is far more substance over hype. ips Arena this past week and will San Antonio...... (11) 54.1 along on this ride in order to en- his latest ACL tear, while guards If you’re interested in a long shot, welcome in the Mavs and Jazz on Charlotte...... (12) 54.0 tertain you and help you invest as John Wall and Victor Oladipo are take a look at ’s Immanuel Wednesday and Thursday before soundly as possible despite all the co-existing while attempting to Quickley, who has really come on closing out a four-game homes- Brooklyn...... (13) 52.9 chaos. I hope I’ve succeeded to prove everyone who wrote them strong off the Knicks’ bench and tand against Toronto Saturday. Ex- Milwaukee...... (14) 51.4 your satisfaction. off that they were wrong. These has the world’s largest media mar- pect the Hawks to win and cover Dallas...... (15) 50.3 This will be my final NBA column guys have bought into playing ket trumpeting his case if he can as a short favorite. HAWKS Golden State...... (16) 50.3 for the print version of Gaming with one another and are actually help the long-suffering franchise New York...... (17) 49.4 Today, a Las Vegas institution I was taking pride in putting in the work snap their playoff drought. Sunday Atlanta...... (18) 48.9 proud to contribute to over the on the defensive end. A similar situation is in place in Heat at Knicks: You know you’ll Detroit...... (19) 48.1 past few years. I appreciate all who Whether that lasts remains to be the race for Sixth Man of the Year, be looking for things to parlay Oklahoma City...... (20) 47.4 have followed along and can’t seen, but the Rockets have moved as Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson has with the Super Bowl, so instead Chicago...... (21) 46.7 say enough about the leadership above .500 and are just behind separated himself from the pack of dabbling in Gatorade flavors or Indiana...... (22) 46.7 that has guided the publication the Southwest Division-leading early. The price is in a similar -125/- coin flips, take a shot with Miami Portland...... (23) 46.5 through unprecedented times. Grizzlies in the standings. Mem- 150 range but unlike the rookie in New York. The Knicks may actu- GM Howard Barish, senior editor phis had a seven-game win streak race, there’s no one even close. I ally have the better record enter- Washington...... (24) 46.2 Steve Carp and everyone who working entering Tuesday’s visit expect Clarkson to be a wire-to- ing this one but won’t be favored Toronto...... (25) 45.5 read copy and helped facilitate to Indiana and will host the Rock- wire winner given his impact on despite this game being played at New Orleans...... (26) 44.7 the production of this paper went ets on Thursday, so one of those Northwest Division-leading Utah. Madison Square Garden. Cleveland...... (27) 42.5 above and beyond, which I and my two will likely enter the weekend While taking the home ‘dog is Miami...... (28) 42.4 fellow writers have appreciated. leading a division that most ex- Thursday tempting, Jimmy Butler is back Minnesota...... (29) 41.8 It’s been a pleasure. pected Luka Doncic’s Mavericks to Rockets at Grizzlies: We dis- from a bout with coronavirus, Ty- Orlando...... (30) 40.3 With that written, I’ll look to be heading up. cussed this matchup above, and ler Herro is in the mix after dealing How to use the ratings: 1. Add 6 points close out this chapter by talking In fact, most of the online bet- two things will be noteworthy in with a neck issue and Bam Ade- to the home teams rating. 2. Pair the two teams that play each other. 3. The futures and hopefully delivering a ting sites still list Dallas as ‘chalk’ this first meeting between divi- bayo is taking his game to another difference between the two ratings in- few winners on the way out. despite its slow start, with Bet- sion rivals. Ja Morant will be squar- level and should prove disrup- dicates the predicted margin of victory. Did you see the Rockets MGM placing odds of -110 on the ing off with John Wall for the first tive against Julius Randle. Lay the Copyright 2021 by Noland Parry. FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 nba 15 Hot seat’s warming up Nearly 300 games have been San Antonio’s head coach since executive Pat Riley, Spoelstra rose tion about his played in the current NBA season, December of 1996 is truly remark- through the ranks and has led the team’s recent an average of 20 per team, rang- able. Heat to a pair of NBA titles in addi- performances. ing from a low of 15 (Memphis) tion to a pair of losses in the NBA Projected to tie to a high of 22 (Brooklyn, the Lak- Finals, most recently last season. for fourth in the ers and New York). Small sample Bettin’ on A good part of Miami’s poor Western Confer- sizes to be sure but enough to get start to this season has been inju- ence based on a reading on whether teams are B-Ball ries. And let’s also note that Miami Season Win To- playing at above expected lev- Andy Iskoe and the Lakers had barely a two- tals, Dallas start- els or are struggling to find their month offseason after the NBA ed 2-4 before rhythm. @vegasandy711 Finals ended in October seeming to turn Two teams that have struggled Carlisle’s situation is different. things around over the first month and a half Dallas’ Rick Carlisle and Miami’s Dallas won the NBA title in his with a four-game have two of the longest tenured Eric Spoelstra have each coached third season, ironically enough winning streak coaches in the NBA, each hired nearly 1,000 games with their cur- defeating Spoelstra and Miami. to stand 6-4 two within a few weeks of one another rent teams. Each has a winning But in the nine seasons since, the weeks into Janu- during the offseason following the record with Spoelstra winning Mavericks have failed to advance ary. 2007-08 season. nearly 60 percent of his games. past the first round five times and But it’s been Coaching is a grinding profes- Both teams are off to surprisingly missed the playoffs in the other steadily down- sion, especially in the NBA and to slow starts this season and natu- four, including in three of the last hill since. Since last more than a decade with the rally there will be questions about four seasons. that high water same team is a significant accom- whether a coaching change is Luka Doncic is having an MVP mark, Dallas has plishment. The fact that Gregg needed or warranted. season, averaging 27.3 points, 9.0 gone 2-9 and en- Photo from USA Today Popovich – the of the Spoelstra is in a much better sit- rebounds and 9.4 assists through ter Wednesday’s Is Dallas’ Rick Carlise on the hot seat? NBA in terms of length of service uation than is Carlisle. A protégé of 20 games. But the 21-year-old star game in Atlanta and degree of success – has been longtime player, coach and team is also been expressing frustra- losers of six straight. Four of the have the three elite players — losses have been at home. Own- often considered a prerequisite er Mark Cuban has been patient for seriously contending for an NBA Records and Scoring Averages but it might not be surprising if a NBA title. change is made if February’s re- Philadelphia is another East- c/o Andy Iskoe sults show marked improvement. ern Conference contender with S/U S/U ATS ATS ATS HOME HOME HOME ROAD ROAD ROAD The NBA remains a business and, a balanced roster featuring Ben TEAM W L W L P OV UN P HW HL PF PA MRGN RW RL PF PA MRGN even in challenging times, hard Simmons and Joel Embiid. After Boston 10 8 10 8 0 9 9 0 5 3 111.8 107.4 4.4 5 5 111.5 110.6 0.9 decisions are often needed to be starting the season playing five Brooklyn 13 9 9 13 0 16 6 0 9 4 120.2 114.6 5.6 4 5 125.1 122.1 3.0 made. straight Unders, the 76ers went New York 9 13 10 12 0 7 15 0 4 5 102.9 104.9 -2.0 5 8 101.7 103.7 -2.0 over the Total in 11 of their next 16 Philadelphia 15 6 12 8 1 11 10 0 10 1 119.1 112.0 7.1 5 5 108.1 107.2 0.9 Friday games. The Nets started 5-1 to the Toronto 8 12 7 13 0 10 10 0 6 5 109.6 106.5 3.1 2 7 113.2 114.9 -1.7 Wizards at Heat: Miami has Under, but then played 12 straight Chicago 8 11 12 7 0 11 8 0 3 6 111.8 116.8 -5.0 5 5 118.6 118.4 0.2 been one of the early season’s Overs. And after an Under ended Cleveland 10 11 10 11 0 8 13 0 7 4 110.1 108.4 1.7 3 7 97.2 107.9 -10.7 most disappointing teams fol- that streak, the Nets went Over in Detroit 5 15 10 9 1 11 9 0 4 7 106.9 107.5 -0.6 1 8 110.1 118.9 -8.8 lowing after making last season’s their next three games. OVER Indiana 11 9 10 10 0 12 8 0 6 6 113.8 112.4 1.4 5 3 112.1 109.2 2.9 NBA Finals. Washington has also Milwaukee 12 8 9 11 0 12 8 0 8 2 121.8 108.9 12.9 4 6 119.2 115.8 3.4 greatly underachieved, standing Sunday Atlanta 10 10 11 9 0 5 15 0 5 5 109.9 107.5 2.4 5 5 115.1 112.5 2.6 4-12 through Monday despite a Jazz at Pacers: No team has Charlotte 10 11 12 9 0 10 11 0 5 5 107.1 107.6 -0.5 5 6 111.9 112.5 -0.6 Miami 7 13 6 13 1 10 10 0 5 6 106.9 111.4 -4.5 2 7 106.8 113.4 -6.6 Season Wins Total of 32.5 which been hotter than Utah, whose Orlando 8 13 9 12 0 10 10 1 4 6 102.9 108.1 -5.2 4 7 106.3 113.8 -7.5 was ninth-best in the East. 11-game winning streak finally Washington 4 12 7 9 0 10 6 0 2 6 121.4 124.4 -3.0 2 6 112.2 119.1 -6.9 Miami is getting healthy. Jimmy ended with a loss in Denver last Dallas 8 13 9 12 0 8 13 0 2 6 104.9 110.8 -5.9 6 7 111.0 110.6 0.4 Butler just returned after miss- Sunday. What’s impressive about Houston 10 9 9 10 0 7 11 1 5 4 108.0 105.7 2.3 5 5 116.2 112.7 3.5 ing 10 games due to health and the streak is that the Jazz covered Memphis 9 6 9 5 1 6 9 0 3 5 104.5 108.4 -3.9 6 1 116.0 106.0 10.0 safety protocols which restores in all 11 wins, including six by dou- New Orleans 7 12 7 12 0 12 7 0 4 5 114.4 114.9 -0.5 3 7 106.9 111.4 -4.5 a good inside-outside presence ble digits. San Antonio 11 10 12 9 0 11 10 0 5 7 110.6 114.5 -3.9 6 3 112.1 109.3 2.8 with teammates Bam Adebayo The Pacers are adjusting to the Denver 12 8 10 10 0 14 6 0 5 5 116.3 113.3 3.0 7 3 116.9 110.0 6.9 and Goran Dragic having solid Victor Oladipo trade and although Minnesota 5 15 9 11 0 9 11 0 4 7 106.5 111.9 -5.4 1 8 106.1 120.1 -14.0 seasons. they are on a current 3-5 SU, 2-6 Oklahoma City 8 11 10 9 0 10 9 0 1 7 106.9 123.6 -16.7 7 4 107.5 109.5 -2.0 The Wizards are seeking an ATS run they’ve been favored in Portland 10 9 8 11 0 10 9 0 5 5 112.4 116.5 -4.1 5 4 116.9 117.2 -0.3 Utah 15 5 14 6 0 8 12 0 8 2 114.6 104.1 10.5 7 3 112.6 108.4 4.2 identity with key offseason acqui- their last six games. They’ll like- Golden State 11 9 10 10 0 9 11 0 8 4 115.4 108.4 7.0 3 5 107.9 120.6 -12.7 sition Russell Westbrook getting ly come a small underdog here LA Clippers 16 5 13 8 0 12 9 0 8 2 115.1 107.7 7.4 8 3 113.9 105.8 8.1 acclimated with his new team- and should benefit from the early LA Lakers 16 6 11 11 0 7 15 0 4 4 116.5 110.0 6.5 12 2 109.1 100.6 8.5 mates.. HEAT starting time on Super Bowl Sun- Phoenix 11 8 11 8 0 7 12 0 4 4 112.0 107.5 4.5 7 4 109.2 107.5 1.7 day. PACERS Sacramento 9 11 10 10 0 12 8 0 5 6 114.5 121.9 -7.4 4 5 112.0 115.9 -3.9 Saturday Last week: 3-0 Copyright 2021 by Andy Iskoe. The above chart shows each team’s Overall Straight Up (S/U), Points Spread (ATS) and Over/Under results Nets at 76ers: After trading Season: 11-10 plus their Neutral records and Scoring Averages/Margins through the games of Monday, February 1, 2021 for the Nets now [email protected] 16 FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 Clutch Eastern Kentucky turning heads Neither Baylor nor Gonzaga has gnant since the 40-year-old Ham- cousin had died, at 13, from the a go-to player, according to Ken ilton had his world turned upside malady. Pomeroy’s parameters, and no- down this past summer. At the University of Kentucky’s body among its top-20 can claim Markey Cancer Center, Dr. Joseph two. The Valentino operated on Hamilton My select program boasts of Gym for four hours, removing a can- three such figures. With an addi- cerous tumor and lymph nodes tional major contributor and sig- Rat from his neck, which had no can- nificant contributor, it should sur- Rob Miech cerous cells. He and wife Chel- prise nobody why this program is sea have three young children, rolling, especially with six double- @robmiech so they treated the good news digit scorers. And this program is with immense relief. He installed the second-best cover team (11-2- He had not undergone a thor- his “Most Exciting 40 Minutes in 1 through the weekend, an 83.3% ough physical examination in 17 Sports” with renewed vigor. rate tied with Grand Canyon) in years, but assistant coach Steve The Colonels’ 80.6 possessions the country, behind only Drake’s Lepore’s June stroke prompted average is second in the country, magnificent 14-1 record against Hamilton to see a doctor. A mole and they play even faster on the the spread. behind an ear prompted further road. They are exceptional in tak- Photo from AP Photos It’s Eastern Kentucky. testing, with a Stage II melanoma ing care of the ball and swiping it A.W. Hamilton has Eastern Kentucky rolling. at 13-2. “I’m coaching Eastern Kentucky diagnosis. from others, as their 11.4 steals per and I feel like I’m coaching the Lepore having that stroke, Ham- game lead the nation. recorded five double-doubles, is them to get a physical or see a Boston Celtics,” said third-year ilton told the Lexington Herald- KenPom lists Brandon Knapper the major contributor. dermatologist. coach A.W. Hamilton. “It feels like Leader, “might have saved my life.” (18.3 ppg), Wendell Green Jr. (13.3) Freshman swingman Curt Lewis Helping others has become a a dream come true.” The Mayo Clinic considers mela- and Jomaru Brown (11.8) as Ham- (11.1 ppg) is the significant con- mission. Said Hamilton, “That’s the Those accolades are commend- noma the most serious type of ilton’s go-to guys. Junior forward tributor, and sophomore forward impact I want to have.” able, but they’re especially poi- skin cancer. Moreover, a Hamilton Tre King (17.6 ppg, 8 rpg), who has Michael Moreno, averaging 10.5 points, rounds out the double- Thursday figure sextet. Austin Peay at Eastern Ken- 2020-21 Men’s NCAA However, there are two aster- tucky -5: The Colonels beat Peay isks. Brown, a junior guard, suf- by five on its own court Jan. 2. B asketball Championship fered a torn labrum in mid-De- The visitors will struggle against a - Indianapolis, Indiana cember. and is out for the season. stingy 3-point defense that is top- Monday April 5, 2021 Of more concern is Knapper, a 25 in the land, at 29.1%. ODDS PROVIDED BY SuperBook at Westgate 1.18.21 junior guard who transferred from Inside the arc, Eastern will thrive West Virginia, who didn’t play in against the Governors’ flimsy GONZAGA...... 5-2 CREIGHTON...... 40-1 VIRGINIA TECH...... 100-1 the Colonels’ first seven games 2-point defense, in the bottom- BAYLOR...... 7-2 OREGON...... 50-1 ST LOUIS...... 200-1 after having a knee scoped. He 10-percentile of the nation at TEXAS TECH...... 30-1 LSU...... 100-1 MINNESOTA...... 100-1 played in four of five, performing 57.2%. EASTERN KENTUCKY VILLANOVA...... 12-1 ARKANSAS...... 100-1 MARYLAND...... 200-1 at a high level, but hasn’t played KANSAS...... 60-1 ALABAMA...... 20-1 PENN ST...... 300-1 since. Saturday DUKE Blue...... 60-1 RICHMOND...... 200-1 XAVIER...... 100-1 At first, says an East Coast in- UCLA at USC -4, Total 136: Ken- sider, a hamstring tweak put Pom has designated Iowa’s Luka VIRGINIA...... 30-1 MICHIGAN...... 12-1 PROVIDENCE...... 300-1 him back on the shelf. But an un- Garza with 11 Game MVP honors WEST VIRGINIA...... 50-1 PURDUE...... 100-1 WESTERN KENTUCKY.....300-1 specified off-campus incident has this season, matched by only one HOUSTON...... 20-1 OKLAHOMA...... 80-1 SAN DIEGO ST...... 200-1 turned into an indefinite suspen- person — Trojans 7-foot freshman FLORIDA ST...... 40-1 UCLA...... 80-1 UTAH...... 500-1 sion, with no timetable for his re- center Evan Mobley (16.4 ppg, 8.9 MICHIGAN ST...... 100-1 STANFORD...... 300-1 OLE MISS...... 500-1 turn. rpg). It’s the first game of genuine IOWA...... 12-1 ILLINIOS...... 25-1 GEORGIA TECH...... 100-1 The Colonels are 0-for-8 in the significance between these two, NCAA Tournament, so erasing that with both alone in first or second TENNESSEE...... 25-1 UCONN...... 200-1 DAYTON...... 500-1 doughnut must be high on Ham- in the league, in 29 seasons. The KENTUCKY...... 300-1 COLORADO...... 80-1 DAVIDSON...... 500-1 ilton’s priority list. Games against Trojans’ 40.7% field-goal defense, FLORIDA...... 80-1 USC...... 100-1 SETON HALL...... 100-1 Ohio Valley titan Belmont (Feb. 11 third in the nation, will be the dif- LOUISVILLE...... 80-1 WICHITA ST...... 500-1 LOYOLA CHICAGO.....200-1 away, Feb. 25 home) will be critical ference. USC and UNDER NORTH CAROLINA...... 60-1 SMU...... 300-1 UNLV...... 10000-1 to OVC tournament seeding. TCU at Baylor -21: The Bears WISCONSIN...... 20-1 CLEMSON...... 300-1 BYU...... 300-1 Then again, that priority list has lead the country with a 43.4% been altered. Hamilton, who will 3-point touch, which has powered TEXAS...... 25-1 SYRACUSE...... 200-1 UTAH ST...... 300-1 undergo follow-up CT scans, has them to triple figures four times, OHIO ST...... 60-1 MISSOURI...... 100-1 VCU...... 300-1 vowed to tell his story, to help save in the 90s twice and in the 80s on RUTGERS...... 100-1 MEMPHIS...... 300-1 BOISE ST...... 300-1 someone else’s life. five occasions.. It’s a TKO by the INDIANA ...... 100-1 NC ST...... 200-1 NEVADA...... 2000-1 A video of his ordeal has been second TV timeout. BAYLOR viewed nearly 100,000 times. Hun- Last week: 2-2 For a complete list of odds, visit GamingToday.com dreds of strangers have called and Season: 16-13 on the Sports Menu under Futures thanked him, tell him he inspired [email protected] FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 college basketball 17

Parry’s Power Guide Rematches tough to gauge NCAA ­Basketball

A strange year for college Army survived a second-half surge were 10-6 straight up and 9-7 ATS in Team Ranking Team Ranking basketball has produced some by Colgate and won a shocker, 75- the second. Those numbers include Week beginning Feb 2, 2021 strange scheduling for teams try- 73. Colgate hasn’t lost since. a couple of perplexing results. Baylor...... (1) 163.3 Wisconsin...... (22) 152.3 ing to navigate a season played While San Jose State’s and Ar- Bryant was cruising atop the Michigan...... (2) 162.6 Florida State...... (23) 151.7 during a global pandemic. Northeast Conference standings Gonzaga...... (3) 160.4 Virginia Tech...... (24) 150.9 A number of conferences have before losing back-to-back games Purdue...... (4) 158.2 Auburn...... (25) 150.4 scheduled back-to-back games at at previously 3-9 Fairleigh Dick- Iowa...... (5) 157.9 Maryland...... (26) 150.0 a single site in consecutive days. inson. Even stranger, Winthrop, a Villanova...... (6) 157.3 Drake...... (27) 149.9 Some, like the Mountain West Courtside 12.5-point favorite, squeaked by Loyola Chicago...... (7) 156.7 West Virginia...... (28) 149.7 Conference, gave teams a day in UNC Asheville 84-80 on Thurs- Ched Whitney Ohio State...... (8) 156.2 Georgia Tech...... (29) 149.2 between games. Some of the re- day to run its record to 16-0. But Alabama...... (9) 155.9 Minnesota...... (30) 149.2 sults have been head-scratchers. @ched777 the Eagles fell 57-55 the next eve- Houston...... (10) 155.3 Texas...... (31) 149.1 On New Year’s Eve, Boise State ning. Combined scores in these Illinois...... (11) 155.0 Kansas...... (32) 149.0 won its seventh straight game, my’s second-game reversals were rematches rose from 135.2 points Oklahoma...... (12) 154.9 Xavier...... (33) 149.0 pummeling lowly San Jose State extreme, they were also part of per game to 140.7. Creighton...... (13) 154.8 Seton Hall...... (34) 148.8 106-54. Two days later, the Broncos what appears to have become a The strongest trend might in- Florida...... (14) 154.2 Virginia...... (35) 148.7 needed an Abu Kigab jumper with trend — or a couple of trends. volve teams that won big in Game North Carolina...... (15) 153.4 Oklahoma State...... (36) 148.6 two seconds left to escape with an Between Wednesday and Sun- 1. Those that posted double-digit Missouri...... (16) 153.3 St. John’s...... (37) 148.4 87-86 victory over the Spartans. day, there were 88 games played victories the first night were just Penn State...... (17) 153.1 Syracuse...... (38) 148.1 And that wasn’t even the weird- as part of back-to-back games be- 2-9-1 ATS the next. Five of the 12 Connecticut...... (18) 152.9 St. Bonaventure...... (39) 148.0 est two-games series that week. tween two conference foes on teams lost outright. Rutgers...... (19) 152.8 Arkansas...... (40) 147.7 Colgate, the Patriot League fa- consecutive days at a single site. And in most cases, the differ- San Diego State...... (20) 152.6 Tennessee...... (41) 147.7 vorite, didn’t even begin its season For our purposes, we’ll be looking ences were drastic. Some exam- Texas Tech...... (21) 152.3 UCLA...... (42) 147.7 until a few hours before Kigab’ he- at 86 of those because Detroit and ples: roics. The Raiders showed no rust, Youngstown State were pick ’em • South Dakota beat Omaha by How to use the ratings:1. Add 5 points to the home teams rating. 2. Pair the two teams that racing to a 26-7 lead over Army, en in their first of two. 32 on Friday and four on Saturday. play each other. 3. The difference between the two ratings indicates the predicted margin of The Coyotes were favored by eight victory. Copyright 2021 by Noland Parry. and 10.5, respectively. For the complete NCAA Basketball Power Guide • Binghampton routed New visit GamingToday.com Hampshire by 21 on Saturday while getting 6.5 points. New Dear readers: It has been a pleasure providing Parry’s Hampshire covered Sunday’s Power Guide to the Sports Form and Gaming Today over the 4.5-point spread, 71-65. years. Thank you for your following and loyalty to the guide. • UC Santa Barbara beat UC Da- Here’s to your future successes. vis 72-51 as an eight-point favorite and 89-86 while favored by nine. — Noland Parry • The average swing in the 12 games was 17.4 points. and six of those losses came by The Knights, who won the 2011 Oddsmakers bumped the point double digits. Belmont’s shooters Division II national title and made spreads by an average of one will be tough on Eastern Illinois’ four Final Fours over the past de- point in favor of the first-game 287th-ranked defense. BELMONT cade, started the season 3-5 (al- winners. BYU -18 at Portland, Total 144: though that included excusable There is a month left in the The Pilots don’t play much de- losses to Duke and Notre Dame). regular season, plenty of time to fense, and they don’t spend a lot They’re undefeated since and 5-1 watch these numbers. of time trying to. ATS over that stretch. Bellarmine’s Here are this week’s picks. The Portland’s defensive posses- only point spread loss came in the numbers for the spreads are based sions average just 15.9 seconds, dreaded second game of a back- on game predictions at KenPom. the 10th-shortest in Division I. to-back on Saturday at Kennesaw com. BYU hoisted 63 field goal attempts State. and 12 free throws in a 95-67 win Although they’re ineligible for Thursday over the Pilots in Provo, Utah, two the NCAA Tournament in their Belmont -12 at Eastern Illi- weeks ago. Portland gave up 70 first year at this level, the Knights nois: The Bruins have flown most- and 30 to Gonzaga in a 116-88 are tied for first in the Atlantic Sun. ly under the radar, despite the fact home loss Jan. 9. Bellarmine is not a defensive that they haven’t lost — a shock- Portland won’t be able to slow force, but that won’t be a killer Photo from AP Photos ing 13-point home loss to Samford down the Cougars here. BYU and against the Dolphins. And the Boise State’s Abu Kigab. — in nearly two months. OVER Knights’ shooters (they’re 23rd It’s a down year for the Ohio nationally in KenPom’s effective route to a 101-57 win. Colgate shot Teams that covered the spread Valley Conference — Belmont is Friday field goal percentage) should have 65% from the field, including 29- in the first game found the return the only team among the top 150 Jacksonville at Bellarmine -7: a big advantage against the Jack- of-38 from 2-point range. matches more challenging. They at KenPom — and Eastern Illinois What happens when a Division sonville defense. BELLARMINE The next afternoon, the Raid- were 22-21 SU but just 17-25-1 ATS struggled, nonetheless. II power ascends to a lower-tier Last week: 1-1 ers found themselves trailing the in the rematches. Favorites that The Panthers have lost eight in a D-I conference? Well, look at Bel- Season: 21-8-4 Black Knights by 11 at halftime. failed to cover in the first games row since an upset of Murray State, larmine. [email protected] 18 nhl FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 Habs a force in the North The Montreal Canadiens are of our attention. This division re- their inaugural draft (Cody Glass, good. alignment has made for some Erik Brannstrom). Glass, of course, There was some skepticism on intriguing starts, but none more is the lone wolf remaining with whether the Habs would be able Brannstrom in Ottawa as a part of to capitalize off their effort from the Mark Stone trade. By the way, the Stanley Cup Playoff bubble. the Stone trade is looking like the Montreal, the No. 12 seed in the greatest heist this side of Herschel Eastern Conference, ended the Rinkside Walker. Pittsburgh Penguins’ season in Danny Webster Suzuki has slowly developed the qualifying round. We can talk a trusted 200-foot game while about the imploding Penguins @dannywebster21 being a sneaky playmaker for the another day. Habs. He came into the league But for now, there’s cause for compelling than the North Divi- with a wicked shot that would celebration in the streets of Mon- sion. Montreal, as of Tuesday, is destroy light fixtures at the Las treal (socially distanced, of course) one point behind the Toronto Ma- Vegas Ice Center. Now, he’s add- because the Habs are one of the ple Leafs for first in the North, with ed the passing to his repertoire. early-season darlings deserving a game in hand. He’s the star Montreal can build If the playoffs started today, the around. North would have a foursome of Montreal leads the league at a Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and whopping 4.33 goals per game, Winnipeg. Sign me up. and that number has helped Parry’s Power Guide But the Habs, much like they did on the books. The Habs are 7-2 in the bubble, are relying on depth against the spread with the over NHL Hockey during their 6-1-2 start. Only this cashing five times, including Mon- Week beginning Feb 2, 2021 depth is more explosive than the day’s win against Vancouver. Mon- Carolina...... (1) 53.7 bubble. Montreal added wings Ty- treal is 3-0-1 against Vancouver ler Toffoli (four-year contract) and with each win by at least three Photo from USA Today Tampa Bay...... (2) 53.0 Josh Anderson (seven-year con- goals. Nick Suzuki has been impressive for the Canadiens. Boston...... (3) 52.5 tract) to provide a much-needed That 6-2 win against Vancouver Dallas...... (4) 52.5 scoring punch. came after a 2-0 loss at Calgary has cashed in three of those wins, road games, Pittsburgh has won Philadelphia...... (5) 51.8 Toffoli leads Montreal with on Saturday. Teams in the North and if it comes down to goalten- four of five away from PPG Paints St. Louis...... (6) 51.8 seven goals, while Anderson has Division are 6-1 this season in their ding, we know what Sergei Bo- Arena. Given New York’s struggles Montreal...... (7) 51.7 regained his former Columbus first home game after playing on brovsky will not bring to the table. of late, and Sidney Crosby finding Calgary...... (8) 51.4 form with six points (four goals, the road; overall, teams are 18-6 PREDATORS his scoring touch, it’s a perfect two assists). this year. mix. PENGUINS Colorado...... (9) 51.3 Saturday Florida...... (10) 51.3 Defenseman Jeff Petry has In short, this team is danger- Last week: 1-2 Chicago...... (11) 50.9 forced himself into the very-ear- ous. Carey Price’s numbers could Penguins at Islanders: After Season: 5-4 allowing 11 goals in their first two [email protected] Nashville...... (12) 50.9 ly Norris discussion, leading the be better (2.77 GAA, .903 save Habs with 11 points (four goals, percentage), but the name of the Columbus...... (13) 50.8 seven assists). He’s been one of game is to score more goals than New Jersey...... (14) 50.8 the best two-way defensemen in the other team, and Montreal has Toronto...... (15) 50.8 the game, but the scoring touch done that better than most. Odds to win 2021 Stanley Cup Washington...... (16) 50.8 adds an element to this Montreal Good goaltending, a young ODDS PROVIDED BY SuperBook at Westgate 2.1.21 Minnesota...... (17) 50.7 blueline that already has Shea We- team, in a realigned division that is Edmonton...... (18) 50.6 ber and budding rookie Alexander up for grabs. Don’t look now, but LIGHTNING...... 7-1 PREDATORS...... 30-1 ...... (19) 50.6 Romanov. the Canadiens are coming. AVALANCHE...... 6-1 BLUE JACKETS...... 60-1 NY Rangers...... (20) 50.5 We haven’t even reached the Vancouver...... (21) 50.5 mainstays; Brendan Gallagh- Thursday GOLDEN KNIGHTS...... 6-1 JETS...... 60-1 NY Islanders...... (22) 50.3 er (four goals), Tomas Tatar (six Stars at Blue Jackets: This BRUINS...... 10-1 DEVILS...... 100-1 Vegas...... (23) 50.0 points) and Jonathan Drouin (nine matchup is going to come down FLYERS...... 18-1 PANTHERS...... 80-1 points in nine games) have all to goaltending, which I expect to Arizona...... (24) 49.9 CAPITALS...... 20-1 COYOTES...... 100-1 been great. favor Columbus. Entering Tuesday, Pittsburgh...... (25) 49.8 MAPLE LEAFS...... 12-1 WILD...... 60-1 The MVP, however, is Nick Su- the Jackets have gone under the San Jose...... (26) 49.3 zuki. A name that Vegas Golden total the past three games. If Dal- BLUES...... 20-1 CANADIENS...... 16-1 Buffalo...... (27) 49.2 Knights fans are likely cheering las is starting Jake Oettinger, the PENGUINS...... 25-1 SHARKS...... 100-1 Winnipeg...... (28) 49.2 for if they can, Suzuki is also at a CBJ should have enough to get by. STARS...... 20-1 KINGS...... 200-1 Detroit...... (29) 49.1 point-per-game pace with nine BLUE JACKETS CANUCKS...... 60-1 SABRES...... 100-1 Anaheim...... (30) 48.6 points (three goals, six assists) af- OILERS...... 60-1 BLACKHAWKS...... 300-1 ter a two-point night Monday. Friday Ottawa...... (31) 46.8 HURRICANES...... 16-1 DUCKS...... 200-1 Suzuki, along with Tatar, were Predators at Panthers: If Nash- How to use the ratings: 1. Add 0.5 ISLANDERS...... 40-1 SENATORS...... 500-1 points to the home teams rating. 2. Pair the main pieces in the infamous ville could play on the road all year, the two teams that play each other. 3. RANGERS...... 40-1 RED WINGS...... 500-1 The difference between the two ratings Max Pacioretty trade with Vegas in it might as well. Entering Tuesday, indicates the predicted margin of vic- 2018. Suzuki was one of the triplets all of the Preds’ wins have come FLAMES...... 40-1 tory. Copyright 2021 by Noland Parry. Vegas selected in the first round of away from Nashville. The under FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 GOLF/SOCCER 19 One last time around the course Well, we’ve reached the 18th where. fans and safety protocols, it’s sure here and a bad read on a putt green and we’re looking over the On the course, which actually to be a more serene atmosphere. Bowman’s Top 5 there — shows he’s close to win-  nal putt for ‘From the Tee.’ But looks like brilliant green strips of At the top of our list this week at Waste Management Open ning again. before we stroke that last putt, grass draped perfectly over the is a guy with strong Scottsdale Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve let’s check out one  nal PGA Tour ties, Bubba Watson. He’s a for- 1. Bubba Watson (40-1) got a 10-footer for birdie as we event. mer hometown boy who lived in close out this fabulous  nal round 2. Jon Rahm (7-1) The Tour sets up shop in Scott- Tee to Scottsdale for nine years before at Gaming Today. It’s been a great sdale, AZ, for the Waste Manage- settling on Florida as a home base. 3. Webb Simpson (14-1) two-year run and we’d like to ment Phoenix Open. Not a drop of Green His track record here is good as he 4. Xander Schau ele (10-1) thank Gaming Today’s Bill Paulos, water anywhere in sight this week,  nished T-40 in 2018, T-4 in 2019 managing editor/GM Howard Bar- Bill Bowman 5. Sungjae Im (30-1) well, except for ponds on the im- and T-3 last year. ish, senior editor Steve Carp, the pressive TPC Scottsdale Stadium Trending? We think so. Winning? behind-the-scenes staff and, of Course. desert landscaping, players will We’re betting on it. ning. He was T-7 at the Masters. course, our readers for joining us The desert surroundings at TPC  nd a variety of challenges. He’s had two stellar  nishes in He was T-7 at the Sentry Tourna- as we took in the sites and action Scottsdale are an acquired taste. The most notable challenge at his last two outings with desert ment of Champions. He was T-7 at some of golf’s most impressive There is very little humidity so the this event won’t come into play themes. He was T-7 at the CJ Cup last week at the Farmers Insurance destinations. ball travels forever. For average this year  the 500,000 fans that at Shadow Creek in Vegas and Open. It doesn’t get much more From start to finish, everyone golfers that’s great. For the PGA used to spend four days party- T-4 at the ZOZO Championship in consistent than that. at GT has worked tirelessly to put Tour pros, that means they will ing like there’s no tomorrow. They SoCal. Despite the MC last week, But this week, playing a home out the best product possible. need to spend a little more time stop the party just long enough we’re hoping Watson’s gotten rid game, we’re thinking the former No matter your sport, the staff double-checking the surround- to boo or cheer golfers (depend- of any rust in his game. Arizona State Sun Devil’s shot strived to give everyone the best ings and yardages to trouble spots ing on the shot), especially on the We’re also going to back a guy making comes together and he and most up-to-date information before pulling out that driver. Hit- fabled par-3 16th. who also happens to call this place could  nd himself back in the win- to help bettors make informed ting it 350-plus yards won’t pay And the biggest cheer, maybe home: Jon Rahm. He’s about as ner’s circle. He was T-16 here in wagers. o if the ball lands in the desert anywhere in golf, came right here hot as they come. He was T-2 at 2017, T-11 in 2018, T-10 in 2019 and What? The putt’s good? Thank surroundings, in the water or any- in 1997 when Tiger Woods aced the ZOZO Championship in Cali- T-9 last year. He’s improving his you and we’ll see you on the ‘Tee’ where near one of those damn the hole. Needless to say, the place fornia late in 2020. He then was as play here every year and his game again soon. cacti that seem to pop up every- erupted. But now, with limited consistent as can be without win- recently — minus a loose shot [email protected] Leeds manager marches to own beat The group of 20 ru ans, or bar- UK edition. tino and Gabriel Batistuta. Bielsa was pregnant, in the hospital and And that’s only a quarter of the ras bravas, knocked on coach Mar- The coach guided Leeds United named a new training complex, there were complications. way through the tome’s 400-plus celo Bielsa’s front door after a lack- from the Championship into Eng- which cost him nearly $3 million “I have told her that in an emer- pages. It resides on the special luster display by his Newell’s Old land’s top  ight this season. It’s in and was finished in November gency she can call her parents or shelf on the special bookcase. Boys club in Rosario, Argentina. 2018, in Gri a’s honor. a sister, but not me. If one of you Was the grenade real? Only Bielsa They demanded he face them. He “He taught me his uncondition- needs a telephone for a situation knows. did. Holding a grenade. Free al love for football and a decency more urgent than that, then you If you don’t go now, Bielsa told that has survived in a world full can use it.” Saturday them, I will pull the pin. His wife Kicks of vices,” said Bielsa. “He had the Bielsa watches matches while Napoli -149 at Genoa: In their and young daughter were inside Rob Miech idea that a job must be done in a sitting on an overturned bucket past 17 meetings, the visitors own the house. The crowd dispersed. professional manner, even if you just o the touchline. He opts for a 12-0-5 edge and 33-11 goals ad- “The madness sparkled in his @robmiech receive nothing in exchange.” Spartan accommodations — a cot, vantage. Napoli tops Europe with eyes,” said one of the scallywags. Bielsa also coached Vélez Sars- a television and a video recorder 28.78 scoring chances per match, “Nobody could look at Bielsa, only the middle of the Premier League field in Argentina, Atlas, Club in the dormitory — over  ve-star while Genoa’s 13.42 is the seventh- at the grenade. We imagined he table, which is impressive. América, Espanyol, Bilbao, Mar- luxury. He had players take weekly worst  gure. NAPOLI would face us with a shotgun, not The book reveals an authentic seille, Lazio and Lille. Said former 90-minute runs, wearing weight- a grenade.” soul of the sport, a man consid- Newell’s player Gerardo Martino, ed vests, on the lip of a volcano at Sunday After one stinging loss, he said, ered to be comprised of equal “He has left his footprint wherever 11,500 feet. AS Monaco -1 -153 at Nîmes, “I die after each defeat. The week measures genius and crazy, and he has been.” “I found him mad, but in a posi- Total 2.5 Ov -178: Through the that follows is hell.” After another, what drives this tortured South He approximates the Total tive way,” said one player. “We weekend, Monaco was on its best he discussed suffering. “For me American perfectionist to mine Football of elegant striker Johann had the impression that he never scoring run of the season, with 16 it is terrible. I am shattered. But I the best out of his charges. Cruy , Ajax Amsterdam and the slept.” goals over  ve matches. The home believe that the great defeats lead Bielsa, 65, hails from Rosario, Dutch national side in the early Bielsa’s venture to Guadalajara side is the Ligue 1 bottom feeder, to the next triumphs.” 200 miles northwest of Buenos 1970s. Players defend or attack Atlas sounded necessary. having been outscored 25-6 in its Bielsa is known, mostly af- Aires, also home to Lionel Messi, — no middle ground — a single- “I had to go to Mexico because previous 15 games. It is in Europe’s fectionately, as El Loco. He’s the Ángel di María, César Luis Menot- mindedness that cost Argentina I needed to iron out some exag- bottom seven in goals against fascinating subject of Tim Rich’s ti, Mario Kempes and Tata Mar- when Bielsa took it to a World Cup. gerated aspects of my character. (2.05) and goal-creating actions extensive and thoroughly enter- tino. He and Newell’s academy On the eve of a big Newell’s It was in Mexico that I became a (1.25). AS MONACO and OVER taining new book “The Quality of manager Jorge Gri a scoured the match, Bielsa once demanded more re ective person.” Last week: 2-1-1 Madness.” Unable to wait for its sticks of the country for young tal- complete concentration from his Said Batistuta, “He took street Season: 35-37-5 U.S. release, I obtained a  rst-run ent, unearthing Mauricio Pocche- players, informing them his wife kids and made them into heroes.” [email protected] 20 horse racing FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 Derby hopefuls looked sharp The Kentucky Derby prep sea- 2013, had a very similar start to tion, Greatest Honour quickly son is underway, and contend- his career. ranged into contention, looped ers are starting to separate them- Lindo Greatest Honour showed im- the leaders around the far turn, Horses to selves from the pretenders. Report mediate improvement when and drew clear to win without be- Last weekend’s Holy Bull Stakes stretched out to 1 1/8 miles at ing fully extended. Watch at Gulfstream Park and the Rob- Jon Lindo Aqueduct in November. He im- Gulfstream Park is a track known ert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita proved again when he shipped to for being kind to early speed, es- Richard Saber confirmed several legit Derby pos- @JonLindo60 Gulfstream Park to defeat Maidens pecially at the 1 1/16-mile distance sibilities. Gaughey. The son of Tapit was around two turns on Dec. 26. In with the short run to the first turn. @RSaberGT The Holy Bull Stakes was won given a solid racing foundation the Holy Bull, Greatest Honour The way Greatest Honour was able SANTA ANITA by Greatest Honour, who is fol- with two sprint races to begin his was outrun early but was always to overcome the track profile is HOCKEY DAD: 3-year-old lowing a very successful pattern career. Orb, who won the Ken- within striking distance. When proof of his quality. maiden was listed at 6-1 on the for Hall of Fame trainer Shug Mc- tucky Derby for McGaughey in jockey Jose Ortiz asked the ques- The dam of Greatest Honour, morning line and just got ham- Tiffany’s Honour, was purchased mered at the wagering windows for $2.2 million and is a half-sister in this six-furlong grass sprint. He to champion three-year-old filly stalked the speed and just blew and Belmont Stakes winner Rags by them down the lane in what Road to Kentucky Derby to Riches as well as Belmont Stakes was an explosive win. We think winner Jazil. His second dam, Bet- he will repeat against winners Date Race...... Distance...... Track...... Time Winner ter Than Honour, was the 2007 sprinting on the grass. 9-5-20 Iroquois...... 1 1/16 M...... Churchill...... 1:35.00 Sittin On Go, Midnight Bourbon, Super Stock Broodmare of the Year. Per his CONSTANTIA: Was coming 9-26-20 American Pharoah...... 1 1/16 M...... Santa Anita...... 1:44.92 Get Her Number, Rombauer, Spielberg breeding, added distance should off a big maiden win sprinting on 9-26-20 Royal Lodge...... 1 M (T)...... Newmarket...... 1:37.86 New Mandate, Ontario, Cobh not be a problem. this grass course and showed 9-26-20 Beresford...... 1 M (T)...... Naas...... 1:45.28 High Definition, Monaasib, Snapraeterea Greatest Honor has improved 10-3-20 Breeders’ Futurity...... 1 1/16 M...... Keeneland...... 1:44.37 Essential Quality, Keepmeinmind, Super Stock that it was no fluke. He had a on speed figures with each start, 10-4-20 Prix Jean Luc Legardare.... 1 M (T)...... Longchamp...... 1:23.49 Sealiway,Nando Parrado, Laws of Indices very tough start but once clear including the Holy Bull where he 10-10-20 Champagne...... 1 M...... Belmont...... 1:35.42 Jackie’s Warrior, Reinvestment Risk, Midnight Bourbon he made an eye-popping move 10-24-20 Vertem Futurity...... 1 M (S)...... Doncaster...... 1:41.98 Mac Swiney, One Ruler, Baradar earned a Beyer Speed Figure of down the lane, blowing away the 11-6-20 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.... 1 1/16 M...... Keeneland...... 1:42.09 Essential Quality, Hot Rod Charlie, Keepmeinmind 89 in his victory. He has the right competition. He loves this course 11-28-20 Kentucky Jockey Club..... 1 1/16 M...... Churchill...... 1:44.52 Keepmeinmind, Smiley Sobotka, Arabian Prince style, the right breeding, and the and can move up again and win. 11-28-20 Cattleya...... 1 M...... Tokyo...... 1:36.40 Lemon Pop, Takeru Pegasus, Plus Ultra right connections to be a major 12-5-20 Remsen...... 1 1/8 M...... Aqueduct...... 1:50.60 Brooklyn Strong, Ten for Ten, Known Agenda player moving towards the Ken- 12-16-20 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun.... 1 M...... Kawasaki...... 1:40.70 Alain Barows, Ranryo O, Luce d’Oro tucky Derby. 12-18-20 Springboard Mile...... 1 M...... Remington...... 1:37.87 Senor Buscador, Cowan, Red N Wild At Santa Anita, Medina Spirit 12-19-20 Los Alamitos Futurity...... 1 1/16 M...... Los Alamitos.....1:42.56 Spielberg, The Great One, Petruchio needed to prove his runner-up 1-1-21 Jerome...... 1 M...... Aqueduct...... 1:38.02 Capo Kane, Eagle Orb, Hold the Salsa effort behind highly regarded sta- 1-2-21 Sham...... 1 M...... Santa Anita...... 1:36.63 Life Is Good, Medina Spirit, Parnelli blemate Life is Good in the Sham 1-16-21 Lecomte...... 1 1/16 M...... Fair Grounds.....1:44.41 Midnight Bourbon, Proxy, Mandaloun 1-22-21 Smarty Jones...... 1 1/16 M...... Oaklawn...... 1:38.19 Caddo River, Cowan, Big Thorn Stakes was no fluke. He did just 1-30-21 Holy Bull...... 1 1/16 M...... Gulfstream...... 1:43.19 Greatest Honour, Tarantino, Prime Factor that winning the Robert B. Lewis 1-30-21 Robert B. Lewis...... 1 1/16 M...... Santa Anita...... 1:46.26 Medina Spirit, Roman Centurian, Hot Rod Charlie Stakes. 2-6-21 Withers...... 1 1/16 M...... Aqueduct...... Medina Spirit was sent from his 2-6-21 Sam F. Davis...... 1 1/16 M...... Tampa Bay...... inside post to duel on a fast early 2-6-21 John Battaglia Memorial.... 1 1/16 M...... Turfway...... pace over a track dulled by rain. IDOL: Was sent off at even mon- 2-13-21 El Camino Real Derby..... 1 1/8 M...... Golden Gate..... He had every reason to throw in ey in the Grade 2 San Pasqual. 2-13-21 Risen Star Division...... 1 1/8 M...... Fair Grounds..... the towel when Breeders’ Cup Ju- Jockey Gabriel Saez looked to 2-15-21 Southwest...... 1 1/16 M...... Oaklawn...... venile runner-up Hot Rod Charlie be sitting in a perfect spot be- 2-27-21 Fountain of Youth...... 1 1/16 M...... Gulfstream...... and Roman Centurian rallied out- 3-1-21 Patton...... 1 M (S)...... Dundalk...... hind the front-runners, but he side entering the stretch. Instead, 3-4-21 Road to Derby Condition.... 1 M (S)...... Kempton...... rushed him up and had to check Medina Spirit dug deep to hold off 3-6-21 Gotham...... 1 1/16 M...... Aqueduct...... him back to last. That premature 3-6-21 Tampa Bay Derby...... 1 1/16 M...... Tampa Bay...... the closers by a neck and stayed in move cost him the race and we 3-6-21 San Felipe...... 1 1/16 M...... Santa Anita...... front on the gallop out. doubt that we will see Saez on 3-13-21 Rebel...... 1 1/16 M...... Oaklawn...... By little known stallion Protoni- this one next time out. 3-20-21 Jeff Ruby Steaks...... 1 1/8 M...... Turfway...... co, Medina Spirit is not one of the ROMAN CENTURIAN: Just 3-20-21 Louisiana Derby...... 1 3/16 M...... Fair Grounds..... high-priced blue-bloodied young- ran super in the Robert B. Lewis 3-27-21 Florida Derby...... 1 1/8 M...... Gulfstream...... sters usually associated with the when let go at 11-1. He sat last in 3-27-21 Sunland Derby...... 1 1/8 M...... Sunland...... Bob Baffert stable. He cost just this 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Derby 4-1-21 Cardinal Condition...... 1 M (S)...... Chelmsford...... $35,000 at a two-year-olds in train- prep. He launched a big late run 4-3-21 Blue Grass...... 1 1/8 M...... Keeneland...... ing sale last summer. Medina Spirit 4-3-21 Santa Anita Derby...... 1 1/8 M...... Santa Anita...... and missed by a half-length be- is versatile, too, as he rallied from 4-3-21 Wood Memorial...... 1 1/8 M...... Aqueduct...... hind the lone speed. He was a 4-10-21 Arkansas Derby...... 1 1/8 M...... Oaklawn...... off the pace to be runner-up in little green down the lane and 4-10-21 Lexington...... 1 1/16 M...... Keeneland...... Photo from Benoit the Sham prior to this wire-to-wire this 3-year-old will only get bet- TBA Hyacinth...... 1 M...... Tokyo...... Medina Spirit wins win. He earned a Beyer Speed Fig- ter and can run all day. TBA Fukuryu Stakes...... 1 1/8 M...... Nakayama Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. ure of 91. Please see Lindo p21 FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 sportsbook biz 21 It just won’t be the same Sunday Let’s get this Super Bowl party Any chance of dropping to -2.5? been doing it better than anyone started, Las Vegas-style, with a “For us to move to 3-flat it’s go- for almost two decades. The last 2021 pandemic twist attached like ing to take a lot,” Sherman said. few seasons they’ve seen their an asterisk. prop action equal the amount bet The point spread has stayed idle on the game itself (spread, total, and stale for the first week of Su- Las Vegas money-line) but Sherman says per Bowl like never seen before at it’s even higher this season and most sportsbooks, with the excep- Sportsbooks they’ve had a couple of props run tion of the South Point which uses one way. Micah Roberts exclusively flat numbers. “The total yardage of all field “It’s all Chiefs money when @MicahRoberts7 goals made combined has gone we’re -3 (-110) and all Bucs when from 112 to 119.5, and total kick- we’re at +3.5 (-110),” said South “And there’s no chance we’ll be off returns combined from both Point sportsbook director Chris at -2.5.” teams was bet from 3.5 under -190 Andrews, who has the world’s To say “no chance” at -2.5 is a big to -130, and will Micole Hardeman best number at each move. He’s deal at this stage of betting the score a TD has dropped from 4-to- bounced back-and-forth five Super Bowl because the public 1 to +330, and I probably should times since the opener through usually comes in from out of town drop it lower,” Sherman said as he Monday. loaded with cash on the week- was assessing the liability. Other books have some varia- end and they always decide what My favorite prop as a bookmak- tion of money attached to the the spread will be pushed to. But er was always the first player to spread like BetMGM at -3.5 -105 things are vastly different with the score because it was our first big where its VP of trading Jason Scott pandemic hovering. win of the day we posted, unless says they’re getting even action “It’s definitely different and we it was 2007 with Devin Hester re- on both sides. The Westgate Las don’t know what to expect as our turning a kick 92-yards for a TD to Vegas SuperBook has been steady book is allowed only 25% of ca- Photo from USA Today open the game paying out 35-1 at -3 -120 since last Sunday night. pacity with the seats all spaced Chiefs DB Tyrann Mathieu is getting MVP support. odds which everyone seemed to “We’re getting more action on out and we’ll also have three sepa- have because the rookie Hester the Bucs spread so far, but we have rate viewing areas with 50 people the room’s open spaces and aisles, known it will be altered. had five returns for a TD during more tickets bet on the Chiefs,” each allowed as well as the bars part of the very reason that watch- What we do know is that the the 2006 season. said SuperBook VP of risk manage- showing the game,” Sherman said. ing with a big crowd was so fun. number 3 lands more often than “We have the most cash and ment Jeff Sherman. “Our larger The Westgate security team will And is it possible that no final any other margin of victory in the tickets bet on (Patrick) Mahomes bets have been on the Bucs with be handling the people count. If rush will happen? Maybe people NFL. In Week 12, the Chiefs won to score the first TD and have the largest being $80,000 from someone leaves, they’ll allow a just stay home and watch it. Maybe 27-24 at Tampa Bay with the Buc- dropped him from 16-1 down to someone who brought to +3.5 new person to come in. Nevada’s the rush comes from the phones, caneers covering +3.5. 14-1,” Sherman said. “Another in- laying -135. We’ve seen about 75% Gaming Control Board will be in or maybe Californians have to The best way to offset possi- dex prop like that is the player to of the cash on the spread so far be charge of enforcing the state rules continue to bet illegally with their bly getting sided in this Super win MVP and our biggest risk so Tampa Bay, and a 6-to-1 cash ratio and will be monitoring through- bookie rather than drive to Las Ve- Bowl — push with favorite -3, lose far is Tyrann Mathieu who was on the Bucs money-line which we out. No casino wants a citation gas. It’s hard to tell what the overall with dog +3.5 — if it lands 3 is to 60-1 and is down to 40-1. just dropped from -170/+150 down with a big fine attached. Sadly, no effect will be, but we can all assume offset the action with props, and “They also like Antonio Brown to to -165/+145.” more standing room only packing the Vegas Super Bowl vibe as we’ve the crew at the Superbook have win MVP and he’s dropped from 50-1 to 40-1, but both QB’s are the top two money attractions to win MVP.” Lindo: ‘Smiley’ makes 3YO debut A QB has won the MVP in 30 of the 55 Super Bowls with Tom Continued from p20 They could be the biggest threats to Smiling Sobotka. Brady winning it a record four In New York, a relatively small field is taking shape for the Withers times. But two of the last seven Roman Centurian was making his first start vs. winners and has Stakes at Aqueduct. The 1 1/8-mile race could draw Donegal Bay. The MVPs were defensive players — plenty of upside based on his good runner-up effort, while Hot Todd Pletcher trainee was an impressive Maiden winner in a one turn Malcolm Smith and Von Miller. Rod Charlie got plenty of conditioning in his first start since his mile at Gulfstream Park Dec. 12. The runner-up from the race, Simov- “We also saw a run on the Chiefs Breeders’ Cup Juvenile runner-up finish at 94-1. All three horses itch, has already returned to win. to score a rushing TD from +200 should be followed as the waters get deeper in upcoming Derby Pletcher stablemate Overtook is also probable, as are Jerome down to +160,” Sherman said. preps. Stakes 1-2 finishers Capo Kane and Eagle Orb. I asked Andrews how a 26-24 Lindo Report Play for Gaming Today: Santa Anita Friday, Race Chiefs win would work out for More Derby preps 4 – Desmond Doss (No. 6). A new rule in California allows Cal-breds the South Point, the bookmak- The Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs Saturday is a prep who have won a state-bred Allowance race on one surface to be eli- ers’ dream with the favorite win- for the Tampa Bay Derby in March. Smiley Sobotka, runner-up in the gible to win that same condition on another surface. Desmond Doss ning but not covering and the dog Gr. II Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs in November makes beat Cal-breds on the grass a year ago, showed he could handle the money-line losing while keeping his three-year-old debut, but trainer Dale Romans is currently on a dirt in his Jan. 16 return and stretches back out around two turns. He the game under. cold streak at Gulfstream Park. Hidden Stash is unbeaten around two appears well meant. “That would be beautiful,” he turns and Candy Man Rocket comes off a daylight Maiden sprint win. [email protected] said. [email protected] 22 sportsbook biz FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 Iowa glad to see Chiefs back in game As the COVID-19 pandemic clos- clash into likely unprecedented around a field goal in the Chiefs’ es in on taking a full lap around betting territory on its own. Add favor does open up the possibility the sports calendar, the Super in the expansion of sports wager- for another net loss for Midwest Bowl is the last major event to feel ing across nearly half of U.S. states, books, which continue to see a the coronavirus pinch. and the conclusion almost speaks heavy volume of wagers toward You don’t have to tell Brad for itself. Kansas City. Rhines that to make him aware. The game’s result — a 31-20 The executive vice president Chiefs victory that easily covered and chief strategic officer for Prai- Midwest enhanced spread lines — was a rie Meadows Racetrack and Casino Musings large contributor to why February in greater Des Moines, Iowa, has 2020 has been the lowest-revenue regional interest for the big game Danny Lawhon month statewide for books since for the second straight year, with Iowa went live in August 2019. @DannyLawhon the favored Kansas City Chiefs in- (April, May and June of 2020 were Photo from Facebook volved. The Plains almost scored excluded from this comparison Chiefs bettors will flock to sportsbook at Prairie Meadows. a Midwest double with the Green “Often it doesn’t matter who because of the virtual shutdown Bay Packers, too. plays in the game, but if you do of North American sports during “We’re prepared, and we’re ex- forge ahead. The region has sev- And yet … have two popular teams, it makes the first throes of the pandemic.) cited,” Rhines said. “We’re cau- eral pockets of avid bettors who “The Super Bowl is the biggest the game even bigger. I can just Add in the lack of public hoopla tiously optimistic that something will be carrying these markets into sporting event we have in this feel that this year will be a huge available for casinos such as Prai- (more special) can happen.” the future, and it has already un- country. Not being able to make betting game for the overall mass- rie Meadows in social distancing earthed several success stories a showcase of it and do unique es,” DraftKings sportsbook direc- conditions, and it’s just another Thanks and farewell of businesses and personalities things with it (this year) is disap- tor Johnny Avello said. “I almost bad hand to be dealt with until This entry will be my last from embracing the possibilities ahead. pointing,” Rhines told Gaming know already this will be our big- normalcy can return. The game the Midwest, as the Gaming Today For anyone who has read my Today. “But it fuels us for the fu- gest Super Bowl. Even with juris- will be on and the sportsbook print product wraps its run next work or learned more from me ture, and it’s wonderful to have dictions who were onboard last will serve its normal amount of week. I joined the fold just before about the Midwest’s place in the regional ties with a team as good year, we’ve seen more betting in reduced-capacity customers, but the onset of the pandemic and industry, I send my sincere grati- as the Chiefs, and what maybe those jurisdictions, along with the there won’t be a public blowout little did I know what sort of year tude. I also can’t wait to get back offsets some of the in-person dis- new states we’ve added.” for the book to handle. we were all in for. to Las Vegas again when some de- appointments is that the general Iowa was a live betting market To that end, the casino is plan- Despite the shutdown and gree of normalcy returns so that I interest and fervor for this game is for last year’s Super Bowl between ning indoor and outdoor celebra- many challenges for the industry, can experience the city as a more very, very high.” Kansas City and the San Francis- tion models for the coming NCAA the region saw three new states experienced sports bettor. Indeed, the name cache Tom co 49ers, so the hoopla isn’t new Tournament in March but will re- launch sports wagering (Colora- Oh, and Kansas City 34, Tampa Brady brings to the Tampa Bay for folks in Rhines’ position. But lease those based on what vaccine do, Illinois and Michigan) while Bay 27. Buccaneers has elevated Sunday’s a national betting line sticking progress will allow at the time. Indiana and Iowa continued to [email protected] Will NH, RI bettors back Brady on Sunday? It’s a somewhat interesting di- Brady for leaving the Pats and will add a little juice to the Kansas City books would be doing big busi- full array of betting options on its chotomy facing sportsbooks in therefore back the Kansas City side in order to balance out the ac- ness had the Bills beat the Chiefs mobile menu. New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Chiefs come Sunday. tion, but it’s highly unlikely you’re in the AFC title game two weeks It will be interesting to see the and, to a lesser degree, upstate going to see 4’s or 2.5’s popping ago. But it was not to be and as betting patterns that come out of New York. up at Twin River in Rhode Island, mentioned in this space last week, the Commonwealth as fans of the The are East Coast which works with William Hill, or the fact the Bills are not in the Big and not participating in this year’s Su- in New Hampshire’s The Brook Game will impact the handle in the who domi- per Bowl. However, one of the key Scene which has DraftKings as its risk the Empire State. nate the base in the state, decide architects of the Pats’ six Vince Steve Carp partner. The Brady props may also be which way they’re going to wager. Lombardi Trophies will be in- In New York, the closest book popular, both for and against. A year from now, the East Coast volved Sunday at Raymond James @stevecarp56 to the Massachusetts border is Maybe his followers don’t care sports betting landscape will look Stadium in Tampa, Fla.. in Schenectady where BetRiv- for the Bucs but will want to back far different. Maryland will be on So for Patriots fans, the question Since the books in the New ers oversees the sportsbook. The Brady by himself. So his numer- board. Connecticut figures to also is: “Do you back Tom Brady?” England states and in New York others are toward the central and ous props — from passing yards, be in the sports betting business. Some are blindly loyal to the are all handled by the big compa- western part of the state, which to touchdowns thrown for, to in- The big news would be if mo- 43-year-old future Hall of Fame nies, don’t expect the numbers is territory. It stands terceptions, to whether he will bile betting is green-lighted in quarterback who will try and win a of Kansas City -3 and a Total of 56 to reason there’s going to be a lot rush for X number of yards — all New York, thus paving the way seventh ring personally while help- to change dramatically. The risk of Chiefs action at those estab- figure to see plenty of support at for millions of accounts in the five ing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win managers who supply the num- lishments as the Brady haters are the retail books as well as on the boroughs of , Long a second Super Bowl title. Some bers to those properties are well a powerful force within the Bills mobile apps. Island and Westchester. We could see value in taking the points with aware of Brady and the love-hate Mafia. No way are they rooting for This will also be Virginia’s first be having a very different conver- the Bucs as a side benefit. relationship with the bettors in No. 12 come Sunday. foray not betting the Super Bowl sation this time in 2022. Others may be rooting against that part of the country. They may There’s no doubt the New York legally and FanDuel will have its [email protected] FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 sportsbook biz 23

2021 World Series 2021 Masters ODDS PROVIDED BY SuperBook at Westgate 2.1.21 Augusta National Golf Club - Augsta, Georgia - April 8-11, 2021 DODGERS...... 4-1 CARDINALS...... 40-1 ODDS PROVIDED BY SuperBook at Westgate 2.1.21 YANKEES...... 6-1 BLUE JAYS...... 25-1 Dustin JOHNSON...... 8-1 Jordan SPIETH...... 60-1 Carlos ORTIZ...... 200-1 BRAVES...... 10-1 RED SOX...... 50-1 Bryson DeCHAMBEAU....12-1 Cameron SMITH...... 80-1 Dylan FRITTELLI...... 200-1 PADRES...... 7-1 BREWERS...... 100-1 Jon RAHM...... 12-1 Cameron CHAMP...... 80-1 Russell HENLEY...... 100-1 WHITE SOX...... 8-1 ANGELS...... 40-1 Rory McILROY...... 12-1 Louis OOSTHUIZEN.....80-1 Brendon TODD...... 200-1 RAYS...... 16-1 TIGERS...... 80-1 Justin THOMAS...... 14-1 Matthew FITZPATRICK...60-1 Si Woo KIM...... 125-1 ATHLETICS...... 16-1 MARLINS...... 80-1 Brooks KOEPKA...... 20-1 Abraham ANCER...... 100-1 Erik VAN ROOYEN...... 250-1 REDS...... 40-1 DIAMONDBACKS...... 100-1 Xander SCHAUFFELE....18-1 Paul CASEY...... 60-1 Lanto GRIFFIN...... 250-1 TWINS...... 20-1 GIANTS...... 200-1 Patrick CANTLAY...... 30-1 Will ZALATORIS...... 100-1 Corey CONNERS...... 200-1 INDIANS...... 80-1 ORIOLES...... 80-1 Tiger WOODS...... 60-1 Joaquin NIEMANN...... 60-1 Billy HORSCHEL...... 250-1 ASTROS...... 30-1 ROYALS...... 80-1 Collin MORIKAWA...... 40-1 Gary WOODLAND...... 100-1 Zach JOHNSON...... 250-1 PHILLIES...... 40-1 ROCKIES...... 200-1 Patrick REED...... 25-1 Marc LEISHMAN...... 100-1 Brandt SNEDEKER...... 250-1 NATIONALS...... 40-1 MARINERS...... 100-1 Hideki MATSUYAMA....40-1 Harris ENGLISH...... 50-1 Rasmus HOJGAARD....250-1 METS...... 10-1 RANGERS...... 100-1 Tony FINAU...... 40-1 Jason KOKRAK...... 125-1 Thomas PIETERS...... 200-1 CUBS...... 100-1 PIRATES...... 500-1 Webb SIMPSON...... 40-1 Sergio GARCIA...... 125-1 Bernd WIESBERGER....300-1 Bubba WATSON...... 50-1 Phil MICKELSON...... 150-1 Kevin NA...... 250-1 Matthew WOLFF...... 50-1 Matt KUCHAR...... 150-1 Ryan PALMER...... 300-1 Sungjae IM...... 50-1 Shane LOWRY...... 150-1 C.T. PAN...... 300-1 Jason DAY...... 50-1 Sebastian MUNOZ...... 200-1 Mackenzie HUGHES....300-1 Adam SCOTT...... 50-1 Kevin KISNER...... 150-1 Charl SCHWARTZEL....300-1 Viktor HOVLAND...... 40-1 Lee WESTWOOD...... 125-1 Martin KAYMER...... 300-1 Scottie SCHEFFLER...... 50-1 Francesco MOLINARI....100-1 Stewart CINK...... 500-1 Daniel BERGER...... 50-1 Danny WILLETT...... 200-1 Hudson SWAFFORD....500-1 Tyrrell HATTON...... 35-1 Ian POULTER...... 200-1 Christiaan BEZUIDENHOUT....150-1 Tommy FLEETWOOD....50-1 Henrik STENSON...... 250-1 Joohyung KIM...... 500-1 Justin ROSE...... 60-1 Matt WALLACE...... 200-1 Jimmy WALKER...... 500-1 Rickie FOWLER...... 60-1 Robert MacINTYRE.....200-1 Graeme McDOWELL....500-1

2022 Championship Lucas Oil Stadium — Indianapolis, Indiana — Monday, January 10, 2022 ODDS PROVIDED BY SuperBook at Westgate 2.1.21 Photo from USA Today Alabama...... 9-5 Utah...... 200-1 Baylor...... 500-1 Kevin Durant and are 4-1 Georgia...... 6-1 Cincinnati...... 200-1 Stanford...... 500-1 2021 NBA Championship Clemson...... 9-2 West Virginia...... 200-1 Florida St...... 500-1 Ohio St...... 9-2 Nebraska...... 200-1 BYU...... 500-1 ODDS PROVIDED BY SuperBook at Westgate 2.1.21 Oklahoma...... 8-1 Arkansas...... 200-1 Pittsburgh...... 500-1 LAKERS...... 8-5 NUGGETS...... 30-1 LSU...... 40-1 Missouri...... 200-1 Boise St...... 500-1 CLIPPERS...... 13-2 76ERS...... 20-1 Iowa St...... 40-1 TCU...... 200-1 Oregon St...... 500-1 BUCKS...... 8-1 MAVERICKS...... 30-1 Texas A&M...... 40-1 Washington...... 200-1 South Carolina...... 500-1 CELTICS...... 20-1 TRAIL BLAZERS...... 50-1 USC...... 60-1 Virginia Tech...... 200-1 Wake Forest...... 500-1 WARRIORS...... 80-1 JAZZ...... 30-1 Wisconsin...... 60-1 Arizona St...... 200-1 Mississippi St...... 500-1 NETS...... 4-1 PELICANS...... 100-1 North Carolina...... 60-1 Auburn...... 200-1 Texas Tech...... 1000-1 HEAT...... 30-1 SUNS...... 30-1 Michigan...... 60-1 Ole Miss...... 300-1 Washington St...... 1000-1 RAPTORS...... 60-1 PACERS...... 100-1 Eastern Conference Florida...... 60-1 UCLA...... 500-1 Georgia Tech...... 1000-1 Notre Dame...... 60-1 Louisville...... 500-1 Michigan St...... 1000-1 BUCKS...... 13-4 RAPTORS...... 20-1 Iowa...... 60-1 Virginia...... 500-1 Houston...... 2000-1 CELTICS...... 7-1 76ERS...... 17-4 Penn St...... 60-1 Purdue...... 500-1 Tulsa...... 2000-1 NETS...... 17-10 PACERS...... 25-1 Oregon...... 80-1 Central Florida...... 500-1 LA Lafayette...... 2000-1 HEAT...... 15-1 HAWKS...... 100-1 Western Conference Minnesota...... 100-1 Northwestern...... 500-1 Coastal Carolina...... 2000-1 Texas...... 100-1 California...... 500-1 Memphis...... 2000-1 LAKERS...... 21-20 MAVERICKS...... 25-1 Miami FL...... 100-1 Kentucky...... 500-1 SMU...... 2000-1 CLIPPERS...... 5-2 TRAIL BLAZERS...... 40-1 Oklahoma St...... 200-1 NC State...... 500-1 Nevada...... 10000-1 WARRIORS...... 20-1 JAZZ...... 9-1 Indiana...... 200-1 Tennessee...... 500-1 UNLV...... 20000-1 NUGGETS...... 15-1 SUNS...... 25-1 24 industry FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 December was a month to forget

There’s no way to sugarcoat the pre-pandemic levels, and that the December gaming and tourism best days are behind us,” said Rob scene in Las Vegas. It can only get Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands’ Chair- better and will soon enough. It’s the worst full month since casinos reopened in June during Gaming the coronavirus pandemic, and no one is surprised given rising CO- Inc. VID-19 caseloads in Nevada and Buck Wargo across the country. The absence of the National Finals Rodeo that re- @brianbuckwargo located to the Dallas area for one year and further capacity restric- man and CEO. “I have heard all tions placed on casinos also hurt. of this before for the last 20 to 30 The locals gaming market, years. This town right now is on its which has been a bright spot of back foot. There’s no question it’s being ahead or close to even with struggling, but you can’t help with 2019 for many months, fell 16.8% the vaccine — we believe there’s Photo from AP Photos in December. Downtown fell plenty of gas in the tank, and our Las Vegas Sands Chariman and CEO Rob Goldstein remains optimistic about 2021. 27.9% after gaining 1.74% in No- demand for 2022 for conventions vember during the first full month is unbelievable. Our customers with CBRE, said no one should 15,000 and above is one third of During a press conference, Bill of the Circa Las Vegas opening.’ want to come. draw any conclusions from De- convention visitors as well. It’s the Miller, president and CEO of the The Strip saw gaming revenue “It may take longer than we cember’s numbers because it’s upper tier that moves room rates. American Gaming Association, drop 50.6% after a decline of just want to. It may take until the end a slow time of the year and was “There’s quite a bit of space touted what happened in sports over 30% in October and Novem- of this year for visitation to spike. expected since capacity limits for available right now and groups of betting in 2020 and prospects for ber. Please don’t be one of those peo- casinos were reduced from 50% to 500 and below they will move a lot in-gaming wagering in 2021 when All it takes is a look at visitor num- ple who think this pandemic will 25% in late November. faster in terms of booking rooms,” athletic stadiums, (including Al- bers to see why. Traffic at McCarran put a hole in Las Vegas. It’s just “I’m still pretty optimistic about Pirosch said. “They would be mid- legiant) are opened fully to fans. International Airport was down the opposite. The demand will be 2021,” Pirosch said. “The vaccine is week. They may not change room Sports leagues and teams have 60.7% in December and overall visi- there. This is a unique town. Peo- underway, which means the soon- rates around the Strip like a big made partnerships with casino tor numbers fell by more than 64% ple want to visit, and we remain er it gets distributed the sooner one would, but there’s a potential companies. as drive-in traffic was down 17.7% very bullish on the return after the people are able to get on airplanes of calling back convention busi- “I think it’s one of the most from California when it had been pandemic.” and bring people out to Vegas.” ness this year if the vaccine gets exciting elements in the sports up in recent months. Patrick Dumont, President and Pirosch said it was impressive rolled out sooner. There’s quite a betting space,” Miller said. “What Industry executives and ana- COO of Las Vegas Sands, reiter- that Las Vegas still had more than bit of hope and optimism about hasn’t quite happened because lysts are taking it in stride. No one ated that they have a positive 19 million visitors in 2020 despite what’s possible this year.” we haven’t seen fans in stadiums is in panic mode and the decline view of Las Vegas over the long a pandemic that shuttered the There’s also been excitement in is we haven’t seen the develop- was expected and forecast by term. He called it “irreplaceable” industry for 2 ½ months in the Las Vegas and across the country ment of in-gaming sports betting. gaming companies in November in terms of a tourist destination. spring. That was a decline of 55% about sports betting that was ex- We have seen some of that. As a they announced plans to shutter There’s a huge amount of invest- from 2019 when there were 42.5 panded outside of Nevada since game that may no longer be com- some hotel towers and casino op- ment going on in Las Vegas, and million visitors. the U.S. Supreme Court struck petitive, there are a lot of in-play erations midweek. “huge amount of pent-up de- “That’s not an insignificant down sports betting restrictions sports bets that could take place The optimism about 2021 and mand.” Dumont said the current number,” Pirosch said. “It’s defi- in May 2018. That’s especially true in the stadium that could be a lot Las Vegas going forward remains restrictions in Las Vegas are based nitely a challenging time, but with football wagering and mo- of fun. “What we will see when we as the vaccine is distributed and on capacity constraints set by the there’s definitely a lot of pent-up bile sports app betting, which set bring fans back is a new element Congress weighs more stimulus to state government. demand. People are going to want records. of fan engagement that will create bolster the economy. “On the weekends we’re do- to come back and with the vaccine Sports wagers made via mobile new and more interesting oppor- That was echoed in the latest ing quite well, and there are days underway we should have an op- apps won $117.6 million on $2.5 tunities for fans to stay involved fourth quarter earnings call from where we’re almost at 2019 slot portunity to start bringing people billion in handle. These wagers in games longer, which is good the Las Vegas Sands Corp., the first levels,” Dumont said. “It’s an in- back in meaningful numbers by accounted for 57.1% of total sports for broadcasters and teams. It’s in the industry to report. teresting thing to see, and we’re the middle of or end of the year.’” wagers statewide. In 2020, football certainly good for audiences and “There has been some recent optimistic on the Vegas outlook Pirosch said a third of conven- win of $127.7 million was up 4.3% in particular in-person audiences commentary that’s fun to read of generally.” tion business is visitors of 500 on volumes of $1.9 billion, up 2.7% in stadiums.” how Las Vegas will never return to Brent Pirosch, a gaming analyst within a group or lower while compared to 2019. 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[email protected] Knowing position is always important Most poker players are familiar with the different posi- cards and your betting position, it depends on whether are times when you need not muck your hole cards with tions at the hold’em poker table; but are they aware how there have been any raises, the number of opponents a mediocre playing hand. best to play them? staying to see the flop, your oppo- • Of course, from the Big Blind you could see the flop for Neglect or misplay them, and you nents’ playing traits, and the texture no additional investment if no one raises — a free look at are bound to be a loser. Poker by of the game. These are the key factors. the flop. Let’s assume you know the game No matter your position, these are • If it is a rather tight game (the texture) and only two of Texas hold’em well enough to un- George all important in deciding whether to opponents limped to see the flop, you might try bluff- derstand how it is played, including George ‘The call a bet — especially when you are in ing by opening the betting on the flop. Pause while the blinds and other two early posi- Engineer’ Epstein an early position. Note: The Algorithm your opponents look at their hole cards to see if there is tions, the middle positions, the late gives a point score with a bonus for a good tell. Recommendation: Be sure to use the Esther positions, and the betting sequence. The first four seating connectors and suited hole cards depending on position. Bluff — showing much confidence as you bet along with positions to the left of the button must declare first, then Early positions require a higher score. Investing with a a reverse tell.) comes the middle positions (the next two players) and, low-score in an early position is chasing — a poor deci- • If four or more opponents had limped preflop to see finally, the last three. The last to declare is “the button,” sion. the flop and there were no raises after the flop, the poten- denoted by a small circular flat disc placed in front of him. Looking for action; calling on a hunch: This applies espe- tial (implied) pot odds could make your early-position- The button has a big advantage over all the other play- cially for recreational players (like most of us). We come to hand worth a single-bet investment if it shows modest ers. In every betting round except the first, he is last to de- play. As a result, you will often see players revealing weak improvement on the flop, giving you six outs or better. clare and gets to see how all of his opponents bet before starting hands — even from an early position. And then Some parting thoughts: It has been my pleasure to he must make his decision. It is just the opposite with the there are players who stay to see the flop “on a hunch.” serve as Gaming Today’s senior poker columnist. Over the early position players; they declare first. The result is the These are our “pigeons.” (“Sharks” are just the opposite.) years, the newspaper has led the way for all things related late positions can call to see the flop with much weaker Needless to say, you would always play made hands to gaming as played in casinos, card rooms, horse racing, hands. For example, pocket deuces are playable from a (A-A, K-K, Q-Q, and A-K) and premium drawing hands (J-J, sports betting — and more. People across the country late position with no raises, but rarely from an early or 10-10, A-Q, and A-J suited) from early positions — as well have enjoyed reading and learning from its experts. middle position. as from middle and late positions. Note: Any hand worth Along with many gaming enthusiasts, I will miss read- There are many charts and tables that show when your investment from an early position is playable from ing Gaming Today in its newspaper form and writing my it is reasonable to play your hand, including my book, later positions. weekly poker columns on which so many of you readers “Hold’em for Fold’em? — An Algorithm for Making the There are situations that suggest exceptions to the have taken the time to comment. Best wishes to all. KEY Decision.” In addition to the rank of your two-hole rules, more so in early positions than in any other. There [email protected] 26 entertainment FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 Ending with a most bizarre story As I mentioned in my penultimate col- about the saga to the location where Dum- He excitedly pointed to a rutted area about court trials in which Melvin’s claim that he umn, I would revisit special memories of my mar said it all started some 38 years before. 10 yards off the road. was included in the mysterious Hughes final time in Las Vegas. Going from last week’s We brought a film crew with us to document “It was right here,” he said. “I had pulled testament was overruled. Dummar’s testi- experience at Augusta National to this the tale for a TV series we were preparing off to lake a leak, and I seen him. There was mony was shredded by a battery of Hughes’ week’s story is a trek from the sub- to sell to a net- a person lying there. I didn’t get out of my highly salaried estate attorneys. He stood to lime to the truly bizarre. work. truck at first. You don’t know what to think. inherit $156 if the document was validated. The year was 2005, and I was Vegas Melvin was I rolled down the passenger window, and I Over another 30 minutes of back-and- in the company of a talented in- friendly, a little saw him move. Then I heard a low groaning forth questioning with our team 16 years vestigative reporter, a retired FBI Vibe quirky, but a and realized he was alive. I could see he was ago, Melvin was animated, at times emo- agent and a footnote character in Jack Sheehan fun companion hurt. He had blood on the side of his face and tional, saying more than once the whole modern American folklore, whose as we made the his shirt. I helped him into the car. He was episode had nearly ruined his life. The seven name was in the title of an Oscar- @jacksheehanspks three-hour trek. shivering. It was probably 30 degrees out.” of us watching him all agreed that if the winning film. The movie was “Mel- His homespun When Melvin asked the stranger if he entire story was apocryphal, then Dummar vin and Howard,” and it dramatized the late stories tumbled non-stop from his mouth could take him to a hospital, he shook his missed his calling as an actor. Every one of 1960s story of a delivery truck driver who like ball bearings down a marble staircase as head. Over the next two hours, the man us believed he was telling the absolute truth claimed he discovered a maimed older man we made our way on the boring drive north explained in bits and pieces that he was as he remembered it. lying just off the road on a cold winter night on Highway 95. Having read a lot about his staying in Las Vegas. He was relieved to “I went from a normal working stiff, to a near Beatty, Nevada. story, I couldn’t help wondering whether learn that was where his driver was heading. national celebrity, to the butt of jokes and The story goes that in an act of kindness Dummar had attempted to pull off a mul- While he was telling the story, Melvin sud- a laughingstock in those years,” he said. “It the trucker, Melvin Dummar, picked up the timillion-dollar scam all those years ago, or denly bent over and laid flat on the ground, took a toll.” man, who appeared on the verge of hypo- whether the tale of his rescuing the legend- to demonstrate the position of the man’s Melvin Dummar stayed in touch with thermia or death, and drove him to Las Ve- ary recluse Howard Hughes, and later being body when he found him. We filmed all of it. my reporter friend and me for more than gas, where he claimed he was maintaining mentioned to receive a nine-figure settle- Then, as he dusted off his shirt and jeans, a decade after our memorable journey up a residence in the Desert Inn. ment in his will, was in fact true. we asked him how he regarded the whole north. He died of cancer in 2018. Whatever My reporter pal and I were taking Melvin I kept an open mind until Melvin had us episode. As dramatized in the movie, what really happened in 1967 went with him. and the FBI agent who had written a book pull over about 15 minutes north of Beatty. was called the Mormon Will was litigated in [email protected]. New spot no fish tale Thanks for reading Today we will be writing about another Great call Glenn as we ordered the Seared This will be my final column for Gaming brand-new restaurant and it’s going to be Branzino and the Pappardelle Sea Bass. Today. bittersweet as this will be my last article for Both dishes were amazing but we both As I’m sure all of you know, Gaming To- Winning Gaming Today. agreed in a photo finish we day will be ceasing its print version after next Strategies I had a friend in rated the Branzino the winner week’s Super Bowl edition. I can’t believe that town from Pitts- Best by a nose. Honestly, both dish- I’ve been writing this column since September Elliot Frome burgh and we all es were amazing, and I will be 2003. Over 800 columns, read by thousands of @Gambatria decided to go to Bites ordering both again. people. Tivoli Village and Marco D’Angelo The Branzino is a light but I know from the e-mails I receive that many try Boston Fish flavorful dish while the Sea of you have enjoyed reading it through the years. This column has been my primary House & Bar locat- @MarcoInVegas Bass was a very hearty dish connection to most of you. I have enjoyed writing it and I hope it has helped many ed at 400 S. Ram- with the cream sauce and Pap- of you. part Blvd., Suite 190. The restaurant just pardelle noodles. On a positive note, as one door closes, another one opens. In this case, the door opened two weeks ago and from my initial We all enjoyed our meals and will be opened a little over a year ago. visit I think they will do just fine. coming back to try more tempting dishes. In 2019, I began distributing a monthly newsletter to people who had signed up We started with several appetizers as I give Boston Fish House & Bar a rating of for it. With this change, I plan on making the newsletter a weekly newsletter with a my wife Lori ordered Bruschetta and it was 3.75 Forks. longer feature once a month. excellent. Their version had fresh mozza- I want to say thank you to everyone who I hope that many of you will sign up to receive it. It’s completely free! You rella on it which absolutely made it one of took the time to read my column. As you can go to www.gambatria.com and click on the subscribe button on the the best I’ve had in a long time. We shared can tell, I love food and being able to share homepage. an order of Crab Cakes which came with a my meals with you was a pleasure. I also To all my fellow writers at Gaming Today, it has been a privilege to share the page sriracha aioli sauce which we enjoyed a lot. want to thank all the res- with so many of you through the years. I wish you all continued success in all future I ordered a cup of the Lobster Bisque and it taurants that I have visited endeavors. To the new owners, i15 Media, I wish you much success as you move was good and had a decent amount of lob- and wrote about. I know Gaming Today into the 21st century. The media landscape is constantly changing, ster in it. Lori had a Spinach salad. it’s been a difficult year and COVID-19 has changed it yet further. You have challenges ahead of you, but I’m For our entrees, the decisions were tough staying open through a sure you will rise up to meet them. as there were so many tempting choices. I pandemic, but we all ap- Most importantly, I want to thank Gaming Today for giving me my big break back was down to two choices and really couldn’t preciate the hard work in 2003. If not for those first columns, I am not sure if the folks over at Shuffle Master make up my mind. My buddy Glenn made it and sacrifices you have made to stay open would have ever come knocking. easy as he said you get one, I’ll get the other during trying times. [email protected] and we can split them up. [email protected] FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 27 28 FEBRUARY 3, 2021 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021