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Big hopes for punters’ interest in US baseball

Close match draws should create a betting frenzy among sports fans

Thursday 7th October 2004

In the US, it is anticipated that unusual matches and entries into wild card play offs, will produce a peak in betting on the sport this season. A mix of strong and expected favourites lining up for the World Series, and the more surprising cases of underdogs turning their fortunes and suddenly becoming contenders, should create an exciting atmosphere for the sport, enticing punters to take a bet on the outcome of many interesting games.

Jeff Sherman, the assistant manager of the Las Vegas Hilton race and sports book, is certainly of the opinion that this season is set to provide a lot of motivation for sports fans to take a punt on teams involved in some very tense and balanced matches. As Sherman put it: 'From a betting standpoint these are all great matchups. We're expecting a really good handle, mostly because there are so many bettable matchups.'

The specific games to which he’s referring include the meet between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankess, which could determine which team will gain entry to the World Series. Another interesting match will be that between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves who will play in the wild card playoffs. The Astros had not been considered as a realistic contender, but is now going into the game as favourites. As for overall favourites, currently it is the St Louis Cardinals who are tipped to win the World Series title. Sherman went on to add to his comments that: 'The Yankees are not as public as they used to be. The Red Sox draw a ton of action now, too. And the Cardinals have been attracting money from bettors throughout the season. ... Overall, the handle on the playoffs should definitely exceed previous years.'




Source: OnlineCasinoNews