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Rematch of classic Super Bowl sets up exciting game for books
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Stephan Savoia/The Associated Press
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates after scoring a 1-yard touchdown during the second half of the AFC Championship against the Baltimore on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots beat the Ravens and will face the New York Giants in the Super Bowl on Feb. 5. At most Las Vegas sports books, the Patriots opened as 3 1/2-point favorites.
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The New England Patriots celebrate with the AFC Championship trophy Sunday in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Ravens 23-20 to advance to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis on Feb. 5. Charles Krupa/The Associated Press
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New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin celebrates with players in the locker room Sunday after the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco. The Giants won 20-17 in overtime. David J. Phillip/The Associated Press
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Updated: Jan. 23, 2012 | 8:09 p.m.
This time around, the New England Patriots are not perfect, and their opponent is far from it. But quarterback Tom Brady's return to the Super Bowl, in a rematch against the New York Giants, sets up an ideal matchup for Las Vegas sports books.
The year's biggest wagering event should be an easy sell to NFL fans, with two high-profile teams meeting for the game on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis.
At most Las Vegas books, the Patriots (15-3) opened as 3½-point favorites over the Giants (12-7). The line is 3 at some books. The total is 55.
"The Super Bowl is an event that pretty much sells itself, but I would rather take my chances with popular teams," LVH sports book director Jay Kornegay said. "It's nice to have a more appealing matchup."
It's a familiar one, too. In 2008, New England took an 18-0 record into Super Bowl XLII and was upset by the Giants, who opened as 13½-point underdogs.
It could be argued that betting on the Super Bowl is more of a tradition than voting in a presidential election.
"Over half of adult Americans are expected to have some money at risk on the game," said sports wagering analyst RJ Bell of Pregame.com.
Bell, who estimated more than $10 billion worldwide will be wagered on Super Bowl XLVI, added, "This would be the largest bet single-day sporting event in history."
About 1 percent of the handle will be wagered in Nevada. In last year's Super Bowl, in which Green Bay defeated Pittsburgh 31-25, the state's wagering handle was $87.5 million.
"If we can get to $90 million, that would be huge," MGM Resorts sports book director Jay Rood said.
Brady is the star attraction, but he was shaky Sunday in the Patriots' 23-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game. With a chance to force overtime, the Ravens' Billy Cundiff missed a 32-yard field goal with 11 seconds left.
The Super Bowl line opened a half-point lower at the LVH, where Kornegay said, "I make it 3. I don't think New England is anything special."
Eli Manning passed for 316 yards and two touchdowns as the Giants beat the 49ers 20-17 in overtime in the NFC Championship Game in rainy San Francisco. Lawrence Tynes' 31-yard field goal won it for New York.
Manning outdueled Brady for the title four years ago. The Giants have made a habit of winning thrilling games in the underdog role.
"The Giants are a marquee team, so they're going to draw attention," said Jimmy Vaccaro, director of operations for Lucky's sports books.
Vaccaro then offered his prediction -- on everything.
"The statewide handle is going to be $88.1 million, the hotel rooms will be booked, and the Patriots will win the game, 20-17."
Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.
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first time i've seen btdt on a sports story. there's hope yet. i happen to agree. i suggest betting NOW before the wiseguy money comes in. odd how biden was prophetic on that frisco game, huh?..
Bell, who estimated more than $10 billion worldwide will be wagered on Super Bowl XLVI, added, "This would be the largest bet single-day sporting event in history."
About 1 percent of the handle will be wagered in Nevada.
BEST ARGUMENT TO LEGALIZE ONLINE SPORTS BETTING IN NEVADA
brady will be out in the 1st quarter with broken leg and heart
jimmy v you are wrong on this one
BRADY ROCKS !!!!!
The Miami Dophins are going to win the superbowl!!
Giants on money line is sure thing folks; AFC is MUCH worse than NFC this year and Giants all ready destroyed NE at home, when Giants were playing far worse than they are today. Take it to the bank.
Some odds makers need to find a new careers.