Two Tales Of NBA Betting
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Tennis.
Two Tales of NBA Betting
The NBA's 2006/07 season begins on October 31st, sparking memories of legendary NBA bettors from past seasons.
One name that stands out in the annals of NBA betting is "Cryin' Kenny," infamous for betting on the 'under' during the 1970s in North Las Vegas sportsbooks. Kenny was known for his tears, especially intensified by alcohol. In 1976, he placed a significant wager on Game 5 of the NBA Championship between the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns, sticking to his strategy of betting 'under' at the Del Mar Race and Sportsbook.
Initially confident as the game seemed to align with his bet, things went awry when it entered overtime. An unusual timeout call by the Suns led to a second overtime. Remarkably, the game was still under the total until Phoenix’s Garfield Heard made an unforgettable shot that forced a third overtime.
It was a legendary "bad beat" for Kenny, requiring a rules manipulation, an iconic shot, and triple overtimes to lose his bet. For once, Kenny's tears were justified.
As the overtimes extended, Kenny became agitated, pacing the worn carpet at Del Mar. When the game finally went 'over', he left silently, an unusual departure that stunned those used to his loud complaints.
However, Kenny returned shortly, armed with a handgun. He aimed at the TV that had broadcast the Celtics-Suns game, but missed. The bullet lodged in a cinder block, becoming a topic for countless tales in the years to follow.
Remarkably, Bill Dark, a creative bookmaker in Las Vegas, didn't call the police or ban Kenny. Why? Because Kenny owed him money.
Fast forward to the mid-1980s, when another notable betting group emerged on the Las Vegas Strip, focusing solely on Detroit Pistons games. This syndicate had a unique strategy, betting either 'over' or 'under' on these games, often wagering substantial amounts.
Their success, including a streak of winning 16 out of 18 games, raised eyebrows. Rumors swirled that they had an inside man, possibly manipulating the game clock. However, after reviewing game tapes, bookmakers found no evidence of clock manipulation.
So, what was the secret of the Pistons Syndicate?
Back then, officiating quality varied greatly. Some referees called numerous fouls, resulting in higher scores, while others allowed rougher play, leading to lower scores. The syndicate cleverly obtained advance knowledge of which officiating crews were assigned to Pistons games and bet accordingly.
Today, this tactic wouldn’t work. Officiating disparities have largely been eliminated. Differences in foul calling are minimal and unpredictable, offering no edge for bettors.
Moreover, the NBA has refined its procedures for the sake of security and integrity. Referees' identities are no longer disclosed pre-game, and they travel under assumed names without set schedules.
With these changes, the Pistons Syndicate dissolved, passing into folklore alongside Cryin' Kenny.
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