2-point conversion try meant plenty to books

The game's outcome had long since been determined when Atlanta coach Dan Reeves decided to go for a two-point conversion with 2:04 to play in Super Bowl XXXIII.

But here in Las Vegas, thousands of viewers were glued to their television screens for what proved to be the single most significant play of the game for many bettors.

The Falcons missed the conversion, leaving the score Denver 34, Atlanta 19. And the difference between a 53- and a 55-point total meant a world of difference for thousands who had money on the game.

"The total fell right in the middle," Caesars Palace sports book director Vince Magliulo said. "We wound up paying some over bets and some under bets."

Most sports books opened Super Bowl betting with the total at 53, but many soon moved that number to 54 or 54 1/2. As money began pouring in under those totals, the number fell rapidly, finishing as low as 51 in some local casinos.

And all that movement may have cost Las Vegas sports books significant money, as some gamblers won by betting under 54, others won by betting over 51 or 52 and still others pushed at 53.

"When they went for that two-point conversion, that really hurt us on the total," Roger Sims, director of race and sports for the Rio, said. "That was the worst-case scenario."

Imperial Palace sports book director Jay Kornegay agreed, adding that much of the late action came in parlaying the Broncos and the over on a total that closed at 51 1/2.

"You look at the total landing in between all that movement over the last couple of weeks, and that's not great for us," Kornegay said.

Of course, that was just one of the stories that unfolded in a Super Bowl that many expect to break last year's record of $77.2 million in legal bets.

"I do believe we're a pretty good barometer for the industry, and all indications are that this could be another record," Magliulo said. "This property exceeded last year's handle."

Las Vegas Club race and sports book manager Jonathan Jester reported an increase as high as 25 percent from last year's handle, with most of the money coming in during the final weekend.

"We had a big Saturday," Jester said. "The windows were constantly busy here for the past two days. I was real happy."

Most sports books reported fairly even betting on both teams, with most of the late money coming in on the favored Broncos, who covered point spreads that ranged from 7 to 8 1/2 points.

"It was a great two-way betting event," said Art Manteris, vice president and race and sports director for the Las Vegas Hilton. "I expect the statewide handle will surpass last year's total of $77 million, and should be above $80 million."

As for proposition wagers, those betting on Denver fullback Howard Griffith to score the game's first touchdown were well compensated, drawing 25-to-1 odds at the IP.

Kornegay said that in general, the offensive players' good statistics did not bode well for the books, which likely lost many of their proposition bets.

"Most people come into this town rooting for their players, so they bet on them to do well," he said. "And that isn't good for props (for us)."

Looking ahead to next year's game, Caesars already has the NFC as a two-point favorite for Super Bowl XXXIV. And the total? It's 53, hardly a surprise after what happened Sunday.

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