By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
The Vegas Golden Knights now know their second round opponent — the Vancouver Canucks, a real-deal team that dispatched the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues Friday night in round one. The Knights play the Canucks in Game 1 Sunday at 7:30 PM Vegas time.
The Golden Knights are based in Las Vegas, home of many a sportsbook where fans and sports bettors have been known to place a wager on the VGK.
LVSportsBiz.com caught up with Jay Kornegay at the SuperBook to get his thoughts on the Knights and the bets.
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LVSportsBiz.com: When the VGK are in the postseason. do you see a bump or spike of bets placed on the Golden Knights?
Jay Kornegay: Hockey is up 35 percent over last year’s playoff games. The NBA still gets the bulk but puck numbers are very solid.
LVSB: From your anecdotal observations, do you find many people placing bets on the Golden Knights purely for sentimental or rooting interests?
JK: There’s always home time sentiment no matter which sport or team. The Knights definitely get their share of home town support.
LVSB: When it comes to VGK games, what’s the most popular bet?
JK: The side is usually the most popular. However, the “over” and the “goal line” are right behind the game line. Most of the parlays include the side and “over”.
LVSB: What is your most interesting VGK prop bet option?
JK: Our players (“fans”) love the player to score the first goal. It’s a fun prop but also has the low risk, high reward scenario. Bettors are getting odds on all the players.
LVSB: NHL playoffs are usually low-scoring so how nervous are bettors that an empty net goal could mean money swings?
JK: Usually, the general public is rooting for the empty netter(s) for the over or the goal line. Usually when the favorite wins by 2 goals or more, it’s a losing proposition for us.
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