Jeff Stoneback, director of trading for MGM Resorts sportsbooks in Vegas
Clemson vs. LSU
Open: -5.5; Move: -6; Move: -5.5; Move: -5; Move: -5.5; Move: -5
One of the reasons the money is so close at MGM books ... (As Mentioned in previous posts) ... a large casino player who’s been firing at will the past few weeks decided in the past 24 hours to get on Clemson and the Over. Among a few six-figure and two five-figure plays are two $110,000 bets on Clemson +5.5.
And although the total dipped from the opener of 70 to 67 by today at MGM books, this bettor also has $110,000 on Over 68.5. Hence, MGM’s need on the Under, which happens to be the sharp side, too.
“That’s because of him. A lot of times, he’s been on the other side of the sharps. It’s worked out well for him,” Stoneback said. “We’re at about 2.5/1 money on the Over, but throw out his bet, and we’re 3/2 on the Under. Tickets written on the total are almost exactly even, like eight more tickets on the Over.”
All that considered, and even with the large casino player on Clemson – including with full-game and first-half moneyline bets – Stoneback said Clemson winning outright and Under is the best-case scenario for MGM books.
MGM also has several proposition offerings available, including a couple in particular getting some attention.
“The most popular one is alternate pointspread Clemson -3.5. We’re at +250 on that, after opening +320,” Stoneback said. “And on a score in the first 5½ minutes of the game, Yes is popular. That opened -130 and is up to -165, and the ticket count is about 2.5/1 on the Yes.”