Gambling news from http://www.eog.com/
July 13, 2006
by Scotty S
In my opinion these are the five most influential figures in Las Vegas sports betting history. They made my list by actually influencing, good or bad, the progression of sports betting to its current state in Las Vegas today. Of course until the past few years what happened in Las Vegas didn’t stay here (pun intended). We had a big influence on the rest of the country and globally to a smaller extent. That’s no longer the case but when it was these men were played a big part. In chronological order:
Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder - He put an early face on Las Vegas, added a mystique to the sports odds and betting visions that were perceived throughout the rest of the country. It was mostly marketing in Jimmys case because he wasn’t thought of as particularly sharp to those of us who actually dealt with him. Doesn’t matter, he was the first high profile spokesman and he was a boost for early Las Vegas (TV career came after the fact).
Bob Martin – Now we get to the real substance. Bob was the opposite of The Greek. Bob didn’t seek or need marketing, he was the real deal. Bob booked his own numbers and booked them high. Bobs numbers went out to the world, they were the Bible. You could put Bob Martins numbers up with no questions asked. Bob put the face of legitimacy and integrity on Las Vegas sports betting. Unlike The Greek, Bob Martin was held in high esteem as a handicapper, bookmaker and an all time gentleman. If there’s a #1 Bob’s it.
“The Computer” a.k.a. The Computer Group – In the mid 70s three men joined forces to form a high tech, computer driven approach to not only handicapping the right side of a game but they figured out how to get down for as much as they could. They were called The Computer Group by the media and law enforcement for that matter. To us they were simply The Computer. It’s a fascinating story that I’ll relive later, but they were the first to hammer the bookmakers with consistent winners AND also get down for as much as they could. They employed legions of “runners” and phone men and were very adept at disguising the “right side” the side they actually liked.
Michael “Roxy” Roxborough - Roxy and I traveled a rocky road together but I recognize his accomplishments and the very positive face he put on Las Vegas sportsbooks. Roxy founded Las Vegas Sports Consultants, Roxy’s gone but they’re still in business as the main, licensed Las Vegas odds service. During the time he was LVSC’s owner the Las Vegas odds/betting market busted out big time to mainstream America. Roxy got a haircut and put on a suit and tie and did a fantastic job of being the face of Las Vegas sports betting. He was our spokesman during his reign. He put a corporate, up scale spin on us that was acceptable across Middle America. He was very influential in ushering in the Las Vegas sports betting boom.
Vic Salerno – Vic and I also traveled a rocky road but he has to be included as the force behind modernizing our approach to doing business. Vic brought us out of the easy to scam, burdensome, hand written ticket days. Vic founded Computer Bookmaking Systems (CBS) and changed the way business was done forever. What took a full day/night cycle to write and grade tickets was reduced to the push of a button. And more important, now the casino owners got first count.
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