For the first time, the World Series of Poker Main Event final table will be televised live. Nevada viewers who are so inclined can have incentive to tune in to the broadcasts by wagering on the action.
After receiving a fairly positive reception to the debut of live poker over the summer, ESPN decided to air the final table, in which the “November Nine” compete for the Main Event title, on just a 15-minute delay to TV audiences. The broadcasts start at about 12:30 Pacific on Sunday.
Nevada sportsbooks took advantage of the recent ease in regulations for nontraditional wagers, and most of them offer some sort of action on the WSOP final table.
Most books are simply sticking with futures on players to win, which is fine, but the poker junkie in me craves more action. These bets came courtesy of Lucky’s Race & Sports Book, which offers a whole sheet of props akin to a playoff football game or March Madness.
I don’t know what the offshore books are offering or which other books in Nevada have similar props but in the northern part of the state where I live, Lucky’s has by far the most options. They have books in Reno and Las Vegas.
In the interest of generating a little buzz about the bet-and-watch option for gamblers, I wrote up a preview piece for the Reno Gazette-Journal.
In handicapping the field, I suggest taking a look at the four 26-year-olds, all of whom appear capable of winning the title and fit the blueprint of recent champions. Props worth considering include total number of hands dealt (my bet is over 301) and first player to bust.
Check out the link below if you are interested in my preview:
http://www.rgj.com/article/20111104/SPORTS08/111040427
The field will play down to the final three on Sunday, and the remaining players will battle for the title Tuesday night on ESPN. I’ve talked to Lucky’s about offering a price on the remaining two or three players, and it looks like this is going to happen.
If so, keep an eye out for this blog or on the main Covers site for a preview of the heads-up match. Good luck if you bet the WSOP.