Obviously, this is something of a subjective question, since many factors are involved when judging the "best." We posed this question to sports-betting guru Fezzik, whose answer follows.
Las Vegas has more than 25 sports books with independent lines. So what makes for a top book? I personally consider a variety of factors, including:
1. Favorable odds* 2. An easy-to-read betting board filled with product 3. High betting limits 4. Attitude ** 5. Large and plentiful viewing screens 6. Accessible parking and seating 7. Ambience 8. Character 9. Comping policy *** 10. Intangibles
* This refers to everything from select nickel-juice promos, dealing dime lines in baseball, and high parlay payouts to good future odds, low money-line vig spreads, etc.
** This refers to the attitude of both the ticket writers and management. For example, any establishment that openly backs off, bars, or disparages sharp bettors has no business being a top-ranked book.
*** Ideally, one where comp points are awarded at a favorable rate and accumulate over time to be used anywhere in the establishment.
Recognizing that different factors are more important to different people, here is my personal list of the top 10 books (in alphabetical order).
Caesars Palace: Everyone should spend at least one NCAA tournament opening weekend at Caesars, just taking in the games and the environment. The book can get very crowded, but it’s all worth it once you have a seat looking at the big screens, knowing that if you want to make a substantial bet on a game, your action will be welcomed.
Coast Properties: The other properties may have the glitz, but Coast is more willing to gamble than most. Want to make a big bet? The Coasts will take it, and you don’t have to be staying in the hotel, have a Double Emerald card, or clearly be a losing bettor. Also, in sports, Coast doesn't sweat winners. Plus, they gladly issue you drink tickets, and while the drinks there may be on the small side, you can pretty much order what you like.
Golden Nugget: The Nugget is the best place to stay and play downtown. The book fades surprisingly high limits and isn’t afraid to gamble. It sponsored the highest-limit gambling contest in town in 2004, with a $5,000 buy-in and a guaranteed $500,000 in prize money. Additionally, it dealt nickel lines on select TV-game money lines -- a great value.
Hard Rock: It has a hip environment and has just been remodeled. In '04, the Hard Rock offered one of the best football contests in the Valley (and it's easy to get in and out to submit your picks). It's also worth mentioning that the games aren’t the only things that're fun to watch at the Hard Rock ...
LeRoy’s: You just can't argue with convenience. Not only can you cash a winning ticket anywhere in the Valley, but this chain is working hard to reinvent itself, with great contests rewarding loyal customers.
Las Vegas Hilton: New sports book director Jay Kornegay is a visionary and has led the charge to make the Hilton the place to bet sports in Las Vegas. The $1,500-buy-in Super Contest sets the industry standard as the top handicapping contest in the country. The Hilton is easy to get to, with convenient parking in the back lot off Joe W. Brown. And for those without their own transport, the Las Vegas Monorail will take you there as well.
Mandalay Bay: MBay makes its own lines and is willing to take large action -- often higher than the big boys down the street. The book is awesome looking and the clientele is top-notch, with beautiful people betting on their favorite teams and living the dream at what many think is the best place to stay in Las Vegas. Make some money, then take in dinner at Red Square or Lupos, or gorge yourself at Rumjungle.
Mirage: You simply can't beat the sports book at the Mirage for its layout and excitement. Bet the games, soak up the atmosphere, and then kick back at California Pizza Kitchen, while watching the Hawaii game late Saturday night.
Palms: Lots of funky product, surprisingly high limits, and good looking people everywhere. Note: No NBA betting due to the Maloof’s ownership of the Kings does make this book a questionable pick during the NBA playoffs. However, all of the other product on the board helps make up for this, as do the cocktail waitresses.
Stardust: The ‘Dust is a great throwback to Old Las Vegas, with wise guys aplenty calling it their main book, and a sports statistics library in the back. Check out The Stardust Line weekdays on 720 AM, at 8:30 a.m
What’s my personal favorite?
It’s the Las Vegas Hilton, as it offers everything that I look for in a book. Most impressive is the wide array of product that the Hilton's been churning out of late, which included over 300 Super Bowl proposition bets, with many of these being props that the Hilton produced independently, rather than just copying those of other books. These guys are working round the clock to continually improve. Plus at 0.45% (i.e. $1 in comps for every $220 bet on sports), their comping policy is among the most generous in town.
My only complaint is that I finished out of the money in their $1,500 buy-in NFL handicapping contest the last few years. But just wait until next season!
Fezzik is a professional gambler who can be reached at fezziksplace.com, and can also be heard Monday-Friday from 2 - 3 pm on 1460 AM Fox Sports Radio, on Larry Grossman’s "You Can Bet On It."
