Election special

In the main event, Sen. Kamala Harris (D) had been looking like a lock for the veepstakes but former U.N. ambassador Susan Rice has come on strong lately … although the odds here are too volatile to repost. And Donald Trump has his work cut out for him: PredictIt only gives him 40 cents to Joe Biden‘s 62. The site isn’t taking odds on loyal soldier Vice President Mike Pence‘s future, even though we hear persistent buzz that either Rep. Elise Stefanik (R) or former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley will supplant him. That would be cruel.

In a setback for slot routes, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) extended closure of bars in four counties for an additional week. Taverns that serve food are exempted (but with restrictions). Also, perhaps feeling the heat for going easy on Big Gaming, Sisolak promised closer scrutiny of casinos. With more than a touch of asperity the guv said, “To put it bluntly, the time for education is over. Businesses, Nevadans, and visitors should all be familiar with the expectations of reduced indoor capacity, required face coverings, and social distancing. We are close to five months in. No more excuses. If people aren’t following the rules to keep us safe, there needs to be consequences.” Indeed there do.

Speaking of consequences, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has opened disciplinary procedures on three casino companies, including a slot route, for noncompliance, one of the scofflaws being quite obnoxious about it. Fines are recommended. All of the violators are small fry. We’re hearing that a prominent Downtown casino has been fined but are waiting for confirmation.

The NFL is still proceeding as though it’s business as usual but that darned Coronavirus keeps rearing its ugly head. On the New England Patriots alone, linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung and right tackle Marcus Cannon are all opting to sit out the 2020 season and doubtless there will be others. Sports-betting handle in Colorado, meanwhile, grew to $38 million last month. Saying that Colorado wagering “surpassed expectations,” analyst Dustin Gouker continued, “That quick start should have Colorado’s online sportsbooks well-prepared for a much higher level of engagement, which is already happening.” Despite strong NBA futures bets, table tennis dominated the wickets with $9 million in wagers. The pandemic has been hard on sports books but they’ve responded with resilience and creativity.