Gamblers find right symmetry

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Lines were out the door at some Las Vegas sports books in the hours before the Super Bowl, with bettors eager to take their shot at a game that oddsmakers called a tossup.

At the South Point book, oddsmaker Jimmy Vaccaro said the pick ‘em line was the first he could remember since the 1982 Super Bowl, with money balanced evenly on each team.

“The best job we’re doing today is staying out of the way and taking their cash,” Vaccaro said. “We have nothing to be concerned about. We win no matter who wins.”

With two hours left before the game, the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook had all windows open and the Seahawks favored by a point, though oddsmaker Jay Kornegay said he was about to change the game to pick ‘em.

“It’s rush hour right now,” Kornegay said. “We had lines literally outside most of the day, which was pretty much what we expected.”

Seattle opened a favorite two weeks ago, but the line switched to New England when early money came in on the Patriots. The late money was on the Seahawks, evening the game out as pick ‘em at most legal books.

“This is the easiest game I’ve ever been involved with,” said Vaccaro, who began making odds in the 1970s. “Barring something silly like a 4-0 game it’s going to be very good for the books.”

Vaccaro said the betting could surpass the $119.7 million wagered on last year’s Super Bowl in Nevada sports books, which was a record