Internet Gaming in Nevada All bets are off on the Reno Aces. For now, at least. Citing a 24-year-old provision enacted at the request of Major League Baseball, the Gaming Control Board has informed Nevada sports books that they no longer are allowed to accept bets on the Reno Aces. As a result, fans of the Triple-A baseball team who liked to enhance their excitement at Aces Ballpark with a bet on the game are left with one fewer entertainment option. Meanwhile, nearby sports books have lost business from what local oddsmakers say had become a popular draw. "People liked it," said Nick Bogdanovich, race and sports book director for the Club Cal Neva. "There was a decent amount of wagering on it, and it would have been interesting to see where it went. "We had a brand new product and people were taking to it. The Aces generated more business than I thought they would." The Cal Neva and its satellite locations offered bets on the Reno Aces; most Northern Nevada casinos also carried the wagers. Harrah's Reno and the Peppermill Resort Casino were among other properties that booked bets on the Aces. "How am I supposed to have fun at a Reno Aces game if I can't bet on it?" said Reno sports fan Thomas Rossi, a self-described avid sports bettor. "Oh well, it was fun while it lasted." Once the Gaming Control Board found out that Northern Nevada sports books were taking wagers on Aces games, members researched whether the bet was permitted under gaming regulations. In the end, the sports books struck out. The Gaming Control Board pointed to a 1985 provision, instituted at MLB's request, that bans sports books from accepting bets on Nevada-based baseball teams. "When that came to our attention, we immediately notified the sports books that the bets were not acceptable," said board member Randall E. Sayre, who authored a memo detailing the board's findings. Nevada Gaming Control Board Regulation 22.120 reads, in part: "No wager may be accepted or paid by any book "ยป involving a professional team whose home field, court or base is in Nevada." (2 of 2)
"I don't know I would consider that a big surprise," the board member said. "I would suggest that it's a concern that they need to be aware of the regulations. Ultimately, the books have an obligation to stay educated on what is and what is not acceptable." Sayre said for the Gaming Control Board to consider lifting the ban, it would have to receive proof that MLB has changed its stance toward betting in Nevada. The state's sports books likely would have to pitch their case to MLB. "I would not be offended if there was support for reconsidering our position," Sayre said. "Am I going to lead the charge? No, but if the charge was led, it wouldn't bother me at all." However, it's unlikely MLB is eager to change its stance. The league has long enforced a no-tolerance policy when it comes to gambling, and just last year Baltimore Orioles scout Alan Marr was fired after being linked to sports betting. Oddsmakers such as Cal Neva's Bogdanovich greeted the news with mixed feelings. Although the sports books benefited from the action generated by the Reno Aces, Bogdanovich said he was relieved he no longer has to endure the arduous task of setting odds for minor league baseball games. Setting an accurate line on Aces games was difficult for several reasons, he said. For one, the players aren't as well known as their high-profile MLB counterparts, so it was difficult to gauge the talent and strengths of each team. What's more, the teams' strategy and distribution of playing time often is dictated by its major-league affiliate. Winning the game, at the Triple-A level, isn't always the first goal. Although sports books took a hit when the Aces won their April 17 home opener 11-1 over the Salt Lake Bees, the tide turned back in their favor when the Aces went on to lose five of their next seven home games. "I basically polished off darts and threw them," Bogdanovich said. Sayre noted that although the board's regulations clearly prohibit wagers on teams such as the Reno Aces and Nevada's other Triple-A club, the Las Vegas 51s, he wasn't exactly caught off-guard upon learning that the bets were being taken. "I don't know I would consider that a big surprise," the board member said. "I would suggest that it's a concern that they need to be aware of the regulations. Ultimately, the books have an obligation to stay educated on what is and what is not acceptable." Sayre said for the Gaming Control Board to consider lifting the ban, it would have to receive proof that MLB has changed its stance toward betting in Nevada. The state's sports books likely would have to pitch their case to MLB. "I would not be offended if there was support for reconsidering our position," Sayre said. "Am I going to lead the charge? No, but if the charge was led, it wouldn't bother me at all." However, it's unlikely MLB is eager to change its stance. The league has long enforced a no-tolerance policy when it comes to gambling, and just last year Baltimore Orioles scout Alan Marr was fired after being linked to sports betting. Oddsmakers such as Cal Neva's Bogdanovich greeted the news with mixed feelings. Although the sports books benefited from the action generated by the Reno Aces, Bogdanovich said he was relieved he no longer has to endure the arduous task of setting odds for minor league baseball games. Setting an accurate line on Aces games was difficult for several reasons, he said. For one, the players aren't as well known as their high-profile MLB counterparts, so it was difficult to gauge the talent and strengths of each team. What's more, the teams' strategy and distribution of playing time often is dictated by its major-league affiliate. Winning the game, at the Triple-A level, isn't always the first goal. Although sports books took a hit when the Aces won their April 17 home opener 11-1 over the Salt Lake Bees, the tide turned back in their favor when the Aces went on to lose five of their next seven home games. "I basically polished off darts and threw them," Bogdanovich said. This article is a reprint from the Reno Gazette-Journal. To view the original story, click here 2009 OSGA, LLC |