A New York native, Vinny Magliulo is a VSiN oddsmaker and the sports book director for Gaughan Gaming in Las Vegas. He attended St. Anthony’s High School (then in Smithtown), before moving to Vegas 40 years ago to pursue a career that included running the sports books at Caesars Palace and Wynn Las Vegas. Catch Vinny with Brent Musburger on “My Guys in the Desert,” weekdays from 6 to 8 p.m. on VSiN.com, fubuTV and SiriusXM 204.
I love to bet NFL teasers and have done pretty well with them. My buddies laugh and say, “Those are sucker bets!” Looking for a little support from you, Vinny, please! — Sid in Boca Raton, Fla.
Vinny: Let me begin by explaining to some readers what teasers are: A football teaser is a type of wager where the point-spread is adjusted by 6, 6 ½ or 7 points. These points are added to the underdog or subtracted from the favorite. With these adjustments, teaser payoff odds are lower than parlay payoff odds and there’s a different payoff schedule for 6, 6 ½ and 7.
As for them being “sucker bets,” they’re not … if you follow some basic strategy: Include underdogs and get as many points through the key numbers of 3, 4, 6, 7. Keep these numbers in mind when using favorites, too. Be mindful that if a game falls on the adjusted number, the bet is reduced by one (i.e.: a four-teamer becomes a three-teamer and down the line. Note that in the event of a tie in a two-teamer, the bet is a refund, no matter if the other selection wins or loses. Frankly, as a matter of history from our side of the counter, we’ve had to increase the vigorish/juice on these bets over the years because people (including professional bettors) have done quite well with them following the strategy I mentioned.
Is a line move that occurs very soon after it is posted a sign sharp money hit one side or the other? If not, how does a regular guy like me find out whom the sharps are betting? — Pete
Vinny: Pete, you’re a recreational or casual bettor and that’s fine. I’m sure you have an opinion and base it on analysis/information. Typically, line movement that occurs at the time numbers are posted is based on professional action. Pros make their prices in advance and compare them to what we post; they don’t bet every game. They then monitor line movement up to game time and decide if they’ll get more involved. As I’ve stated previously, professionals bet numbers not teams. There are events such as the Super Bowl and World Series where casual bettors and professionals jump in early when the numbers are posted.
A recent Mets-Cubs game was stopped at 1-1 and suspended in the 10th inning. I (lost) a bet on Over. You explained it on VSiN as after 8¹/₂ innings, the bet is honored. That’s unfair because who is to say the Mets would not have scored a lot of runs later on? What is the rule for NFL Over/ Unders getting honored ? — Gene Shields, Staten Island
Vinny: No question that anything can happen in a game, Gene. However, understand that as much as possible, we strive to have results from a wagering perspective, and in the case of baseball game totals, they are based on nine innings (8½ if the home team is ahead). Also realize that while you and some others bet the Over, others cashed on the Under in that game. As for pro and college football: sides, totals and money lines are considered official for betting purposes once 55 minutes of play are concluded. As always, know the rules where you bet.
Vinny, please settle a bet amongst friends. What’s your favorite gambling movie? There are five of us and we all have a different one. You’ll decide the winner for dinner! — Luciano in East Rutherford
Vinny: A little dinner action amongst friends — I can hear the conversation now! While “Casino,” “Bugsy” and “Sugartime” have historical perspectives, here are several I’m fond of, in no particular order: “The Cincinnati Kid,” “The Sting” and “Let It Ride.” I have to put the original “Ocean’s 11” on the list for sentimental reasons — early Las Vegas with the Rat Pack. Here’s one that should get more attention: “High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story.”
But to settle your action, my favorite is “The Hustler” starring Jackie Gleason, Paul Newman, George C. Scott and a guy who was pretty good with a cue named Willie Mosconi. Mangia!
Have a question for Vinny? Send it to AskVinny @VSiN.com
