It was open season on the STN Sports Books on Sunday after Wyndham Clark’s win at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Clark entered the US Open with odds of 30-to-1, and bettors fired away, including one guest who placed a $3,000 wager, eventually netting $90,000.
“It was not an ideal outcome for us,” said Chuck Esposito, Station Casinos Race and Sports Book Director. “What talk about ‘anyone, but’ guys, meaning we need anyone but that guy to win. Unfortunately, Clark was on that list. Not a good result.” Having said that, the $3,000 bet was pennies when compared to some of the World Cup bets that have come in, which have made oddsmakers sweat more than an Instagram thirst trap.
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 the STN Sports Books…
World Cup
Because of the World Cup (and the fans!), our attention to soccer has risen like an airport parking rate. Guests, too, appear to be all in, judging by their bets.
“As far as handle, the crowds in the room and the atmosphere, it’s been tremendous,” Esposito said. “Unfortunately, it’s been very, very chalky and favorite-laden, so overall, it has not been good for us as far as winning. The group stage has been really good for the guests right now.”
“Hopefully, when we get to the knockout stage, there’s a little bit more parity,” Esposito said. Although soccer has never been America’s sport, guests are falling in love with the USA squad, as they’re consistently getting over 80% of the ticket count. Bets are raining in like a Vegas monsoon.
“We all want them to advance and do well, but it’s a little bit quasi-Knights when the Knights are playing really well. Similarly, everybody is backing the USA,” Esposito said. “We have really big decisions when the USA is playing, and they’ve walked through their first two opponents.”
NBA Movement
The Miami Heat added a big chip to its bag on Monday night: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The fact that the former two-time MVP was traded isn’t a surprise whatsoever, but the mystery centered on where he’d go. Miami sent the Milwaukee Bucks a king’s ransom of draft picks and role players, but the Heat also saw their NBA Championship odds slashed because of the newest resident of the 305 area code. Prior to the trade, Miami had title odds of 25-to-1, but they now sit at 16-to-1. With the Greek Freak now paired with Bam Adebayo, Miami has more size than Bill Foley’s sports portfolio.
“I think it’s the first domino to fall,” Esposito said. “I’m not sure that the Wheeling and Dealing is done in the NBA. I think we’re in a wait-and-see mode a bit to see what other trades transpire.”
MLB Surprises
Two years ago, the White Sox finished with the worst record in baseball history, seeing more losses than a funeral home. Last year, they lost 102 games and finished 28 games out of first place. But a funny thing is happening right now — They’re fighting for the division lead and recently took a series from the Dodgers… Yes, those Dodgers!
Still, guests have been wary all season about betting the ChiSox, and they’re getting hurt because of it, too.
“It’s massive for our side of the counter when you’ve got an expectation that teams aren’t going to be good, yet we have so much parity overall. The White Sox are a wildcard team right now. I don’t think anybody in their wildest dreams expected that, and the A’s are fighting for a wildcard spot. That is beaucoup surprise. Most people expected them to be horrific,” Esposito said.
Bets To Know
Can’t forget about tennis! Wimbledon is off and running, with betting options for every match on the STN Sports menu.
Weekly Winners
One bettor had a LOT to put up on favorite Argentina this past Monday! Placing $777,000 to collect $1,138,395, the bettor can thank superstar Lionel Messi, who netted two goals in the win.