MY BOOKIE VINNY
Veteran Vegas oddsmaker answers bettors’ questions
New York native Vinny Magliulo is a VSiN oddsmaker and the sports book director for Gaughan Gaming in Las Vegas. He attended St. Anthony’s High School (then in Smithtown) before moving to Vegas 40 years ago to pursue a career that included running the sports books at Caesars Palace and Wynn Las Vegas. Catch Vinny with Brent Musburger on “My Guys in the Desert,” weekdays from 6 to 8 p.m. on VSiN.com and SiriusXM 204.
When it comes to betting baseball, please explain the difference between “listed” and “action” when it comes to pitchers. If I select “action” and there is a major pitching change like Clayton Kershaw out and Joe Smith in, what happens to that inflated line? — Gary Kane, Brooklyn
Vinny: In Nevada, the bettor can specify (“list”) either pitcher or both pitchers scheduled to start. If you don’t list any pitcher(s), you have action on the game (sides) even if there’s a pitching change. If you list a pitcher and he doesn’t start for the side you select, then no action. If you list both and either one doesn’t start, no action. Any starting pitching change also affects totals and run lines: no action for either in the case of a starting pitching change. As for your example with Kershaw and Joe Smith with action: you will get an adjusted price, sometimes higher, sometimes lower. Make sure you check the rules for whatever sports book you use.
Why does Vegas not allow you to buy half-points on college and NFL games? — Barry Braud, New Orleans
Vinny: As for buying a half point, it is offered here in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada. The price (typically 10 cents per half) can vary at properties/ companies. Some locations may not offer it on certain numbers such as 3 or 7. As always, review the offerings and rules at the establishment you’re in.
Why can’t you bet a side and that team total in a parlay. Example: My guy won’t take a parlay on the Yankees and the Yankees runs Over in the game. Can you please explain why not? — Marlon Barnes, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Vinny: While I don’t critique the practices of other bookmakers, I can say this: In your example, which is a “correlation parlay” — favorite to the Over, underdog to the Under — some books don’t want to take on the extended risk these parlays can have. It takes place in football more than baseball.
Why isn’t NHL betting appreciated more around America? — Mike, Queens
Vinny: NHL betting has increased considerably the last few years, especially here in Las Vegas with the success of the Golden Knights. One of the factors that will add to it will be the expansion of sports wagering around the country and more games being televised/ video streamed. People like to watch what they bet on! Also, an expanded wagering menu will be attractive: futures, propositions, in-game. At the South Point/Gaughan Gaming and other books, you also have the choice of wagering on the money line or puck line.
I’m a fun-loving, levelheaded female gambler from Miami summering in Atlantic City, and want to get in on the sports betting action at the Ocean Resort. I’m a little intimidated because it looks like a man cave! I listen to my kids discussing their DraftKings/FanDuel picks and I got interested in football. Do I just bet a team with the Over/Under or do I pick players like in FanDuel? — Wendy Rothstein, Miami
Vinny: I know that first trip to the betting counter can be intimidating. The first thing to do is see if they have a “How to Bet” brochure and look it over. When you decide to bet, don’t step up when it’s close to the start times of games; approach a ticket writer when there’s nobody in line and let them know it’s your first time and tell them what you’re looking to bet on. I have always preached customer service, and it starts at the betting counter, so they should be willing and able to assist you. You won’t be the only person asking, trust me! You’ll mainly be betting on teams and their results versus the spread and total points, instead of individual players’ stats. As always, bet an amount you can have fun with and a selection you can easily follow.
Can you tell us one of the biggest bets you have ever taken? — Joe Salvatore, Blue Point, N.Y.
Vinny: Terrific little neck clams and blue claw crabs in Blue Point! Over the years I’ve taken many five-, six- and seven-figure wagers — especially on major fights and championship games. One example: $500,000 money line and $550,000 point-spread on the Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII made by the same person.