Tuxedo…check. Black tie…check. VIP invite to the new Circa Hotel and Casino…check. Mask…check. Daily reminders of how 2020 has changed our lives come in many shapes and forms. Adding a black mask to my tuxedo this week as I attended the Circa’s pre-opening Grand Opening party was yet another. That said, not even a mask and social distancing could stop what was a fabulous evening.
This week, my friend Derek Stevens officially opened the Circa Resort Casino at the corner of Main Street and the Fremont Street Experience. The project, the first all-new built-from-the-ground-up hotel-casino in downtown since 1980, actually came in two months ahead of schedule – an amazing feat given the times we live in today.
And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Circa encompasses a full city block – 2.78 acres – with a striking 44-story hotel structure that is second only to the Strat Tower in height among downtown buildings. Of course, my focus was on the massive three-level sportsbook that is unlike anything that has preceded it. I have always been partial to the old school feel of Downtown Vegas versus the Strip. Downtown captures what Vegas is truly all about and still maintains some old Vegas flavor. For sportsbooks, the South Point, Westgate and even Caesars have offered a setting that surpassed what you could get Downtown. Not anymore. Derek’s new palace caters to the sports bettor’s every whim and certainly will be at the top of my list for where I take my action. The race and sportsbook features a three-story multiple screen television and a studio for VSiN, where I appear as a guest each week.
I was lucky enough to spend time with Derek at the opening. From our chat, I can tell you that he has every intention to make this a VIP experience for every guest. Next time you plan a trip to Vegas, make sure you block out time for a visit, and tell them the Krackman sent you. Let’s dig into my sports betting picks recap from the past week.
Sports Betting Picks Recap
Last week was a winning week for KrackWins Nation, highlighted by a 4-0 day in the NFL on Sunday.
Sunday’s games featured two all-time wild results for the betting public. Detroit at Atlanta opened at Falcons -3 and closed at -1. With the Falcons down 2 and a minute left, the sea opened for the Falcons’ Todd Gurley from the 10. He meant to fall down before the goal line and set the Falcons up for a game-winning chip shot FG. Instead, he stumbled and accidentally crossed the goal line. The subsequent 2 point conversion put the Falcons up 6, leading to cheers from Falcon bettors. That joy quickly turned to despair as Matt Stafford marched the Lions to the winning TD with no time left and a 23-22 final score. Depending on who you had and when you bet it, it was a chaotic roller coaster rarely seen.
Not to be outdone, the Browns (-3.5) were down 3 when they scored a TD against Cincinnati with 10 second left to go up 3. Browns kicker Cody Parker (Mr. Double Doink) then proceeded to miss the extra point and a 37-34 final score had Browns’ bettors using their tickets to wipe their tears. Cleveland can’t even win right.
Two more case studies for two of my biggest soapbox tenets on line-shopping and the challenge of betting NFL sides without an edge. If you want more insider insights, tune into Wise Kracks Episode 3, which features special guest Dr. David Chao, The Pro Football Doc. I also will be on WFAN breaking down the latest at the end of this week.
In total, the NFL went 6-3-1 (+5.6 units) and is now a glowing 62-27-4 (69.7%) on the year. NCAAF went 4-5 (-2.65 units) and PGA went 1-1 (-.2 units). Overall for the week, we landed 11-9-1 (+2.9 units).
The PAC-12 returns to football next week, leading to the first true board of the season. And, knock on that wood, college basketball, a big KrackWins cash cow, tips off in less than a month. We can’t turn the page on 2020 fast enough, but there’s no reason we can’t end the year on a high note and take those profits into 2021. As always, thank you for your continued support and let’s keep grinding.
