“Vegas Runner” has been featured by CNBC and ESPN – and is a columnist for Gaming Today – a weekly magazine distributed to all the major Las Vegas casinos. VR joined host RJ Bell for Friday’s “Today in Sports Betting” podcast. Here is the news from the interview . . .
Interleague Baseball Betting
There are two types of interleague series: a) yearly rivalry matchups; b) rotating matchups that do not repeat yearly. The non-repeating matchups offer a strong UNDER opportunity with total betting – since pitchers have the advantage when hitters are unfamiliar with them. (Similar to the rookie pitcher's advantage his first time around the league).
American or National League rules are in effect during interleague play based upon who is the home team. Although the transition for National League teams using the DH is not insignificant, the transition for American League teams without the DH is more substantial. Look to bet against American League teams on the road during interleague play.
When comparing statistics between American League and National League teams it is important to keep in mind that American League teams will score more runs and pitchers will have a higher ERA. Data driven handicappers are at a disadvantage during interleague play (similar to early in the season) – while fundamental handicappers have an advantage.
Betting Markets
Whichever sport is the most popular at a given time of year receives an equally large percentage of the overall sports betting action. So it naturally follows that the betting pool for the most popular sport will have a higher percentage of public action and a lower percentage of sharp action.
Currently, the NBA playoffs are the most popular sport, meaning that MLB action has less public action (and more sharp action). Greater than 50% of MLB action is on parlays this time of the season.
A prime opportunity exists around the time of transition between number one sports at various points during the calendar year. For example, in mid-June when the NBA ends, baseball will become the most popular betting sport, and the pool of bettors will become more square – offer increased opportunity for the sharp bettor.
Specifically, Vegas Runner has seen the market adjust downward on totals – taking away much (if not all) on the potential value of this season’s low scoring trend. VR expects the increased public action in the next month to place upward pressure on MLB totals – likely offering increased value.
VR stressed that a smart bettor knows what he doesn’t know, and horse racing is not his area of expertise. He recommended Marco D’Angelo’s free videos at www.Pregame.tv for the 2011 Preakness.
Also discussed is VR’s trip to Zab Judah’s gym for a feature story, and his feelings that the Dallas Mavericks and the Chicago Bulls will advance to the NBA Finals.
Click to play podcast and here VR and RJ discuss these concepts
Comment below: Do you like to bet interleague play MORE, LESS, or the SAME?
Related links:
VR’s Top 5 overrated and underrated teams this week [PregameBlogs.com]
Follow Vegas Runner on Twitter: @VegasRunner
Follow RJ on Twitter: @RJinVegas
Vegas Runner Discusses Baseball Betting