Poll : 29 July - 11 August 2009

Analysis

This was a fairly predictable result, as the Las Vegas Hilton's Superbook -- conceived by Art Manteris and now guided by the apt hand of Jay Kornegay -- has asserted itself in recent years as Las Vegas' number-one sports book. The Superbook takes big action, runs half-juice days during football season, puts on big parties, is the Las Vegas leader in prop bets for big games, and hosts the world's most prestigious NFL handicapping contest, the SuperContest (and even the pros like it, see below).

That Caesars Palace finished second is also no surprise, given its grand name in just about all things gambling -- we'd rate it the most powerful gambling brand in the world -- though one descenter points out an interesting negative below. Orleans, Mirage, and Bellagio all have big books with a loyal clientele and figured to be high on the list. If anything rates as surprising, it was the low finish of Wynn and Palms.

It's interesting to note that given a different set of criteria, a different group of sports books emerges. We're referring to the "Best Bet Sports Books" chosen by professional sports bettor Fezzik at LVASports.com. For guys like Fezz, it's not about comfort and parties, but taking big limits, offering narrow spreads on lines, and treating winning players fairly. In Fezzik's estimation, the top three (in alpha order) are LV Hilton, M Resort, and South Point.

Here are a few good comments from poll respondents:

• "This is truly a tough call. Vegas is loaded with nice sportsbooks and I’ve been to most on your list. If your criteria is comps and variety of betting options, it’s hard to beat the Hilton. My vote went to the Bellagio because of seating comfort, very nice and liberal comp drinks, and management that doesn’t fret the little things like free racing forms and programs. And you don’t have to be a hotel guest to get the good treatment. They should be commended for the mature manner in which they treat their sportsbook customers."


• "Picked LVH because it's roomy, screens are clustered to be able to watch more than one game with just a turn of the head, dark enough for a theater-like effect plus, if a guy wants to play a little while viewing, close enough to VP machines where you can sit and play (occasionally) and get free drinks."


• If you are going to sit in a sports book for hours it needs to have comfortable seating. Some of the properties on the Strip have not updated their seating for years and the chairs are completely shot! Ceasers is one good example."
• "My favorite sports book is the South Point because it's like betting and watching the game in your favorite bar. Good drinks, comfortable chairs, lots of TVs, and well-ventilated. I'd rather sit around a nice round table with my friends. Some sports books are like sitting in a classroom, everyone facing forward, with an itty bitty table. The only thing that would make the South Point perfect is some recliners like they have at ESPN Zone."