Making the Grade (Part 2)
The Madness is getting so close you can taste it. Hell, some of you reading this column are probably already here ready to watch the bevy of conference tournaments that call Las Vegas home. Here’s part 2 of our sportsbook preview series grading books as worthy destinations to watch, bet, and drink during high season.
Mandalay Bay (MGM Resorts)
Mandalay Bay may not be center strip but the property should be on every tourists wish list for tremendous dining options and a sensational pool. However when it comes to the sportsbook, I’m officially off the bandwagon of this popular spot. Expansive by nature with plenty of seating, what once was must see TV for sports bettors is no longer a top tier venue. I’ve never been a fan of the schoolhouse style desks (cue boarding school flashbacks) or the precarious angles with which you need to strain your neck for checking out the secondary games. LED board lettering is a bit small making those of us without 20/20 vision uneasy reading off the correct team names or betting index numbers just minutes for post. Aside from the bar at the back of the book there’s no viable food option conveniently within walking distance because the deli in the book is simply meh. When we’re talking about lines and betting options Mandalay Bay makes the grade under the MGM family umbrella but if you’re looking to buy points in a hoops game unfortunately they don’t allow it. I feel like this is one of the more polarizing books for me on the strip and it simply doesn’t make the grade with most other outfits having worked to modernize their surroundings.
Grade: B-
Aria (MGM Resorts)
Sometimes there are women in your life that you don’t give much thought to on initially meeting them yet after a while you come to appreciate they have a hidden quality worth exploring further. Aria is that type of sportsbook for me. When it initially opened I was overwhelmed yet over time and countless visits the book has grown on me quickly with a rapid ascent in my power ratings. The two massive big screens are visually stunning creating a viewing experience unlike anywhere else on the strip. Large plasmas plaster the wall meaning even if you’re trying to watch a hockey game in October on a NFL Sunday there’s a good chance they’ll make room for you. The book has a clear delineation between race and sports which I know veteran horse players appreciate. There are also high tops available for small groups if the comfortable couches and chairs are occupied. The biggest drawback in the book is that seating isn’t plentiful so make sure to get there early on busy sports days. Unlike older books there are plenty of outlets available too; a creature comfort that shouldn’t be overlooked in 2016. Also there’s an outstanding pizza shop attached to the book that will leave you feeling satisfied even if your bets haven’t done the job. Don’t believe me on the pizza and sandwiches? Just ask my good friend Big Cat about the eats. With Aria as a MGM property the lines will be the same as every other MGM Mirage property meaning limits won’t be an issue for the casual bettor. Just make sure you shop around for futures numbers before investing here. The lone drawback for me is there aren’t a lot of windows for tellers so lines can be a bit tricky during busy sporting event start times.
Grade: A-
Cosmopolitan (Cantor)
The “newest” book on the strip is ready to roll just in time for busy season. Gone is the second floor cubby hole disguised as a sportsbook adjacent to Marquee Nightclub in favor of a 21st century book you’d expect from a luxury brand like the Cosmo. While seating still isn’t plentiful, there’s not a book on the strip that feels more like a sportsbar in the heart of casino action than the newest center strip addition. State of the art visual displays, game tables, individual carrels, and the newest sports ticker create a plethora of modern technology consistent with millenials must haves. Cantor gaming doesn’t offer the same aggressive limits or wagering options as they did in the past but the book will do enough to tickle your fancy during tournament time to make this venue a worthwhile stop. The Henry (restaurant) and a slew of adjacent bars also give you plenty of “scenery” if you need a distraction from betting sports for a bit.
Grade: A-
Bellagio (MGM Resorts)
There’s not a book that’s fallen farther in my rankings over the last 10 years than the Bellagio. Call it crying over sour grapes but the iconic MGM property was once the last hold out on Las Vegas Boulevard offering free drinks and I’ve yet to recover from their move to drink tickets. Seating is limited although the handful of recliners are some of the most comfortable you’ll find in a book. Bellagio pays equal attention to race and sports customers typically dedicating half the room to the ponies. There are a handful of tables for smaller groups to congregate in back if rows of traditional seating aren’t your speed. I’m not a huge fan of the snack bar within walking distance placing on onus on finding good grub without missing too much action. Like a NFL running back experiencing a rapid fall from grace this book gets the dangerous designation of being a “has been.”
Grade: B-
Caesars
If there’s one sportsbook where my grade is biased it’s my old employer. This book used to be the gold standard; the sportsbook that everyone wanted to duplicate in their property. From it’s location in the heart of the casino to it’s expansive seating, this was the book that had to be on every sports fans bucket list. Unfortunately it’s no longer the case with a lot of the VIP tables removed and a mammoth video poker bar that actually hurts the atmosphere during major sporting events. There are booths at the back of the room but it’s more of a night club velvet rope type feel than a special place to sweat your action. Drink service remains shaky as well as the property’s appetite for big bets. I know there’s a bit of bitterness in my words for what was and still should be a flagship operation but unfortunately those times have long since passed.
Grade: C
Mirage (MGM Resorts)
Here’s a book that was left for dead a few years ago that completely changed it’s look and feel with a simple decision; invest capital. Mirage did away with the old school TV’s at the front of the room in favor of a massive digital display that can be separated into what feels like 100+ games (I’m exaggerating). The space is outstanding adjacent to bars, restaurants, and other amenities sports bettors needs during a prolonged sports binge. Limits here are again consistent with MGM properties meaning making a proper bet doesn’t requite an act of congress. If you happen to be fortunate to sit at the new age coffee tables it’s a unique feature giving customers full access to their favorite games. I liked the move to go with couches rather than just race carrels making this book one of the more underrated on the strip these days among casual fans.
Grade: A
Treasure Island
I’m not even sure why I’m bothering to write-up this particular book. I never like to be truly negative because we should cherish our sportsbooks; at least attempting to find the silver lining. However the sportsbook at TI is older than most you’ll find anywhere on the strip and while some of the property has been given a facelift the book not so much. Limits and lines are conservative (even by Vegas standards) meaning a serious player won’t enjoy his or her experience. Overall the property leaves a lot to be desired so I’m left with only one option here…
Grade: D
Westgate Superbook
I’ve saved the best for last in my 2 part series. With the recent upgrade and massive renovation there isn’t a book on the strip that offers a better combination of lines, visual displays, or overall atmosphere. Whether it’s golf, soccer, auto racing, etc they’ll have a game or match for you to bet on that other books won’t even know exists. The once dingy and smoke riddled books feels 21st century with upgrades TV’s, boards, and seating. I still don’t love the buffet or deli in the room but beggars can’t be choosers when you’re dealing with such a well run top tier venue. While it’s not the most convenient for those guests staying on the strip do yourself a favor and cab it to the Superbook; you won’t be disappointed.
Grade: A
