LAS VEGAS - Sportsbooks couldn't script it any better. A missed field goal by the Baltimore Ravens Sunday sent the New England Patriots, one of the NFL's most popular teams, into the Super Bowl.
"The action has been terrific. Atmosphere has been electric. A lot of football in the sportsbooks this weekend," said Las Vegas Hilton Sportsbook Director Jay Kornegay.
The Las Vegas Hilton Sportsbook hopes that intensity turns into big bets.
"I think that was the best case scenario for us as far as a popularity ranking for us is concerned," Kornegay said.
Fans like Chuck Lamoncia have traveled from all over the country to cash in on their playoff chances.
"For this, the football, the excitement and the girls," he said.
Chuck put $200 on the New England Patriots. "They won. They didn't beat the spread though," he said.
Vegas sportsbooks say all sports, especially football, are crucial to their business and Las Vegas' economy.
"The entire city of Las Vegas benefits from the football season," Kornegay said. "The entire football season, not just the sportsbooks, but the restaurants, bars, the waitresses, the bartenders you name it. Everyone benefits from the football season."
With that in mind, the stakes are even higher for the Super Bowl in a couple of weeks. Sportsbooks are getting creative to get you to wager your cash.
"The propositions had become such a big part of Super Bowl weekend years ago. There were maybe 20 or 30 propositions," Kornegay said. "Now, we are looking at over 300."
The week leading up to the Super Bowl is one of the busiest of the year. Extra staff will be on hand to handle the crowds.
Nevada sportsbooks took more than $87 million in bets for last year's big game. Las Vegas Hilton Sportsbook officials expect Nevada will either match or beat that total this year.
