Joseph D'Amico
Rocky Atkinson
My Handicapping and Betting Philosophy: I use my own unique power ratings for each sport along with trend analysis, stats and line value.
Carlo Campanella
Carlo Campanella is a professional sports and horse racing analyst who knows about winning.
Mark Franco
Mark Franco helped start Vegas Insider in 1997 and worked under some of the most well respected handicappers in the Nation.
Matt Fargo
Matt Fargo is becoming recognized as one of the best and most consistent handicappers in the world.
Super Bowl memories: 44 and counting by The Gaming Todays Jimmy Vaccaro
Super Bowl XLV is up next and in some fashion I have been involved in them all.
Jan. 1967, I had the Chiefs +17 over the Lombardi-led Packers. Put a “bean” (all I had) on them at Cyrak’s gas station in Youngstown, Ohio. Seem like only yesterday.
We’ve already discussed the evolution of the Super Bowl and how mainstream America took to the betting part of the equation with gimmicks/props that made Nevada the Mecca it is today. Now, for a few games early on that re-shaped the Super Bowl.
1979: Steelers 35, Cowboys 31. Wasn’t pretty but a lesson in moving lines maybe too quickly and not utilizing other forms of wagering. Now the ties lose cards, props and moving money, not points, are a great advantage for the bet takers.
1981: Eagles -3 over Raiders. The start to seeing influence of a West Coast team in the finals. Lots of money, no matter what price was offered. Northern Nevada really got punished.
1982: Niners -1 over Bengals. Another West Coast team, but the caveat was young owner Eddie DeBartolo. Junior brought money and plenty of excitement as his followers back east wanted to be here. Junket bookings went through the roof.
1985: Niners over Dolphins. SF mania was now in vogue even against Miami and most were compelled to think of reducing the liability with some creative bookmaking. Opened Joe Montana -3 and did not get a bet until we at least went to 4. Another lesson learned.
1995: Niners over Chargers. Began trend to bet the dog on the money line and root your face off. The 49ers opened -20 and the short drive to our little Mecca seemed too inviting to our Southern California friends. We opened the money line at -800 (+600) and took a big play at -800. Game day you could have layed -300 on the favorite as a three touchdown choice.
The point is, everything we have done and will continue to do come as people and their attitudes keep evolving. Nothing will be like it as we hit SB XLV.
One thing that will remain constant is we will pay on the final score as always. From someone who has seen them all, I will still get excited this Sunday as I did so long ago.
Take care, Jimmy V.
Jimmy Vaccaro is the director of sports operations for Lucky’s sports books.
