Our long national nightmare is finally over — football is back, baby! Think of all the things that have happened since Super Bowl LVIII: the Tropicana and Mirage shuttered, Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race, Jonathan Marchessault left Vegas, and Celine Dion ended her singing hiatus. What a time to be alive!
But now all is right in the world as the pigskin once again commences. With all that in mind, let’s quickly review the past week in sports and peek at what’s ahead on the STN Sports app and at the STN Sports Books…
Hall of Fame Game
The Hall of Fame game line has already seen more movement than a backup dancer’s hips. The Chicago Bears opened as short favorites over the Houston Texans, but that number changed drastically after it was announced that Chicago’s starters, including Caleb Williams, would not be playing. Houston has now emerged as a small favorite. Even our housekeepers don’t see shifts like that.
“A lot of rookies and third and fourth stringers will be getting an opportunity to make the team and showcase their talent, so it’s not even an exhibition game. It’s more of an exhibition exhibition game,” said Chuck Esposito, Station Casinos Race and Sports Book Director. In addition, the game is expected to be deprived of offense. “The total is ridiculously low. Historically, in this game, there’s not a lot of scoring, but the total has gone down from its opening number. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the total in a regular season game this low without a hurricane.”
Last Man Standing
Signups for the Last Man Standing competitions in both the NFL and college football begin on August 1. Guests must sign up in person at any Station Casinos Sports Book at the price-friendly cost of $25 per entry. Each contestant who purchases four entries will receive a fifth free. While still active in the competition, guests must turn in their weekly picks in person. Active participants must select one game against the spread for each entry. For reference, the Last Man Standing competition in the college field will win a guaranteed minimum of $100,000, and the NFL’s Last Man Standing will take home a guaranteed minimum of $150,000.
Olympics
The best athletes in the world are putting on a show in Paris, and bettors are having their say, too.
“There’s definitely been some interest, and I’ve seen guests really getting into some of the events on TV,” Esposito said. To little surprise, men’s and women’s basketball have been seeing the most action, largely due to the familiarity of the players. “The U.S. has been really dominant in the past, so there’s a lot of excitement to watch those games.”
U.S.A! U.S.A! There’s bound to be just as much country pride at Dustin Lynch’s concert at Red Rock this weekend.
MLB
For oddsmakers, baseball is more frustrating than a multi-day I-15 closure. “Baseball this time of year is not a bookmaker’s friend. The bettors are not only betting on the good teams, but they’re clearly betting against the bad teams,” Esposito said.
“The White Sox, Marlins and Rockies are all really, really bad, and they are clear bet againsts.” Several teams upgraded their rosters before Tuesday’s trade deadline, but there wasn’t a blockbuster deal that truly shook up World Series odds. The White Sox held onto Garrett Crochet, and the Tigers kept Tarik Skubal. But, the Tigers did deal Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers, who arguably won the trade deadline after also acquiring Michael Kopech, Kevin Kiermaier, Amed Rosario and Tommy Edman. The Dodgers’ Southern California rival, the Padres, snatched up lights-out closer Tanner Scott, as well.
Clearly, several teams are on the rise, whereas a host of teams have gone more flat than Dave Cokin’s cap. RIP.
Worry-Free Promotion
Don’t worry about a thing. On Aug. 1, STN will kick off a promotion unlike any other with its “No Worry Wager.” New STN signups can make a bet up to $250, and if they lose, the money will be refunded. Rules and details are available at sportsbooks and on the STN Sports App.
Bets To Know
ICYMI, every single day, the STN Sports App now showcases a Match of the Day. This matchup is typically one of the most popular games of the day, and offers a 10% odds boost on the moneyline of either side of the wager. Can’t beat that.
Weekly Winners
$2 8-leg baseball parlay…why not? it had this STN bettor collecting a nice $209.05 on July 29:
-Diamondbacks -155 vs. Nationals
-Red Sox -113 vs. Mariners
-Mets -110 vs. Twins
-Cardinals/Rangers over 8.5 -110
-Royals -168 vs. White Sox
-Pirates -129 vs. Astros
-Astros/Pirates over 7.5 +100
-Orioles -158 vs. Blue Jays