Vol. 2, No.7, July 2005
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No Basketball Bets
The National Basketball Association has filed a request with the Nevada Gaming Control Board to halt all wagering on the 2007 NBA All-Star Game should the league choose to allow Las Vegas to play host to the mid-season contest.
Gaming executives are not expected to oppose such a move because area casino resorts are sure to generate more revenue from hotel rooms, restaurants and entertainment compared to what could be made from the sports book, which usually experiences only minimal betting action for sports' all-star competitions.
NBA officials are expected to announce the site of the 2007 contest sometime this month. Las Vegas is said to be competing with Memphis for the game.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has worked overtime to lure the big mid-season game, offering the use of venues for related activities, 100 hotel rooms and 30 suites for four nights as well as a payment of $750,000. Mayor Oscar Goodman, who chairs the LVCVA board, and George Maloof, who owns the Palms and Sacramento Kings along with other family members, have been the most outspoken in trying to acquire the game.
