Jeremy Lin has become the NBA’s Tim Tebow, through no fault of his own.
The garbage from networks, talk radio and social media (more like anti-social) about his Asian heritage is appalling. What you will read here in GT is what a blessing Linsanity has been for sports wagering around the state.
Las Vegas is where race and sports books go into ICU once the NFL ends. Oh, there’s daily wagering but the numbers pale compared to "The National Football League" and even college football. Well, the books have caught some unexpected good luck we hope can be bottled and enjoyed for quite some time.
Lin had the best four-game start in the history of the NBA. That includes Wilt, Jordan, Magic, Kobe, LeBron, the Big O, West, Shaq – anyone. Now after nine games with Lin running the point, the Knicks are 8-1. This was an 8-14 team when Lin was inserted in the lineup as a last resort due to multiple injuries.
Now he’s a worldwide sensation and justifiably so. Knicks games are now exciting and relevant in the books. There are Lin props going up before games. That’s unheard of. Last Sunday’s game at Madison Square Garden was nationally televised and an upcoming clash with LeBron, D-Wade and the Miami Heat will draw huge ratings.
The books also are benefitting from having a Daytona 500 with Danica Patrick, whose odds were reduced from 100-1 to 60-1 by her sheer popularity. Whether it’s her beauty or driving skill, of which she has plenty, Patrick’s Daytona debut hype was accurately portrayed by GT motorsports guru Micah Roberts in his front page column.
And with Tiger Woods committed to playing three straight golf events heading straight into NCAA March Madness, this is a pleasant boost for all of us homesick for more football.
Hopefully a new star or team will start off strong in baseball. Perhaps the Detroit Red Wings can take their record 23-game home win streak into the 30s and 40s so the NHL can get a betting lift.
Maybe Lin can work some more magic in the playoffs if the Knicks can keep up their current success.
All I know is I’m officially a member of the Lin-fantry and watching Knicks games anytime I can. Now, if I can just get a hold of Spike Lee’s No. 4 Lin Harvard jersey.
But, I’ll settle for 17 New York.
GamingToday’s Micah Roberts went right back to the Oracle for a new Preakness pick and Jay Rood came up with his selection once he knew Union Rags was not headed to Pimlico.
An Internet gambling bill being considered by New Jersey lawmakers could allow Atlantic City’s casinos to take bets from people in other states or countries, although key details remain to be worked out.
The nation’s commercial casinos continued their slow-but-steady comeback from the recession last year, with revenues up 3 percent nationwide and jobs holding nearly steady, according to a report released Wednesday.
Revel, the $2.4 billion casino resort widely seen as Atlantic City’s best hope of survival, trailed most of its competition in its first month of operation, placing 8th out of the city’s 12 casinos.
New signs are up to direct visitors, the sidewalks have been power-washed, crosswalks have been freshly painted and 1,600 people have been hired to inaugurate the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland on Monday.
