LAS VEGAS - The first game is in the record books. The fantasy leagues are in full swing. Football is back, and Las Vegas businesses are hoping the NFL's opening weekend brings business back with it.
"It's huge," said sports bettor Peter Smith. "It's going to dictate the rest of the season."
"Night and day from what we saw about a week ago," said Las Vegas Hilton Sports Book Vice President Jay Kornegay. "The excitement and atmosphere has changed dramatically."
Kornegay says the first week of the NFL season brings an influx of visitors to Las Vegas. "Everybody plans their vacations, their dates all around opening date," he said.
Paul Mistak is one of those tourists. He traveled from San Diego this weekend to watch his favorite team's season opener. "Ritual every year," he said. "We've done it last two years in a row. This is the third year."
Fans like Mistak also bring money to bet on the games. "Honestly me, maybe like 4 G's ($4,000). That's how much I brought, but that all depends," he said.
"We are going to hit a few of the sports books later on and see what the lines are saying," added Smith. "See what the bookies are placing their bets on for the year."
Kornegay says this weekend goes beyond betting, because visitors in town for the games will also spend money in other areas. All those football fans need places to eat, places to stay and ways of getting around Las Vegas. That adds up to more money for the city. "Everybody benefits from the NFL, from the sports books to all the bars, the restaurants, and taxi cab drivers and people at the airport," Kornegay said.
While die-hard fans admit they're more than willing to part with their money, they still hope to walk away winners. "The first day is huge," Mistak said. "Once you're on top, you're fine. You can play with their money. You don't want to play with your own money."
Kornegay says the Hilton has set up a special viewing room just for football fans to accommodate this weekend's demand.
