May 17, 2012

The Bullet Points of Our Las Vegas Football Contests

August 24, 2010 By 10 Comments

This post was for the season of The Pack and not The Favre.
Read our Great Giveaway post for the upcoming 2011-12 season.

WELCOME LAS VEGAS football fans, as well as people who want to win a house, car, truck or enough cash to buy a car or put a down payment on a house (Great Giveaway payout info here). Station Casinos Las Vegas football contests are back like No. 4 so it’s time to bone up on what’s up for the upcoming season.

Not as a Station Casinos Team Member (that means I work here), but as an avid participant in our college and pro football contests, I’m here to give you some information (about the contests) that you might not be able to get anywhere else. In other words, I work here but have also played in almost every one of our football contests.

So here’s some info I find interesting as a fellow football contest participant.

Dates to know:

Check your record throughout the season at the Great Giveaway website

The Great Giveaway contest has a “No Lose Guarantee.” In betting terms, it’s a push. Here’s what you need to know about this:

  • You have to complete your Great Giveaway picks at the kiosk all 17 weeks on all your entries. If you have three entries, then all three. TIP: Remember to print your cards from the kiosk.
  • You don’t get your entry fee back if you are a weekly or end-of-season winner. So, if you happen to win $200,000 for being the Fiddle-in-the-Middle then you don’t get your $25 back for signing up. I could live with that.
  • You can bet four weeks in advance at the kiosk.
  • Entry fees are returned in slot play, starting January 21, 2011 (valid for 30 days once accepted) and must be activated by February 21, 2011. The Super Bowl is February 6, for a frame of reference.

Official Rules for Great Giveaway

Next, as sports fans/sports bettors, we like statistics. Here’s some worth knowing from last year’s contests:

  • The winner of the Great Giveaway for Most Wins went 183-62
  • The “winner” for Most Losses went 63-182
  • 946 Fiddle-in-the-Middle winners each had a record of 122-123
  • The winner of the Last Man Standing (pro) made it to Week 10
  • The winner of the Last Man Standing (college) made it to Week 8
  • One player won the Million Dollar Parlay Card. (He actually went 15-for-15 and won $100,000; no one went 20-for-20 for the million.)
  • One player won the weekly prizes for both Most Winners (15-1) and Most Losers (1-15). He took home cash and a truck in the same week!

You can bet by phone and computer with a Sports Connection account

More good info:

  • It’s still $25 per entry for Great Giveaway. Buy two, get third entry free.
  • We added a Camaro to the choices of weekly prizes
  • The biggest loser (Most Losses) also wins a house this year

If I don’t win, I hope you do!

Need any more info about our Las Vegas football contests? Let me know below!

Filed Under: Gaming, Race & Sports, Sports, Winners Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Thursday, 3/18 is Rebels Night at Santa Fe Station

March 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UNLV Runnin’ Rebels on their Tournament Invitation!

Please join us in showing UNLV Pride on Thursday night, March 18th at Santa Fe Station for REBELS NIGHT.

Rebels Night at Santa Fe Station

Rebels Night at Santa Fe Station - March 18, 2010 - 4pm Tipoff at 4949 Lounge.

First, get to 4949 Lounge for the UNLV vs. Northern Iowa Game Viewing Party at 4pm

  • Wear your Rebel Red and the first drink is on us! (domestic beer & well)
  • During  the game, enjoy $1 Bud & Bud Light – in addition to our regular happy hour specials

After the game, head over to Cabo Mexican Restaurant

  • Choose any two of your favorite Mexican classics for dinner for only $8.99 (More info.)
  • Fajitas for two and two margaritas for $19.99

Finish your night off at REVOLVER!

  • Local’s Night: Bring your local ID and get in for just $2
  • $2 Bud and Bud Light until midnight

CONTEST: You can enter to win a VIP Booth/Bottle package for 8 with our Tournament Tipoff VIP Party Giveaway! Here’s how: Using Twitter, just follow @stationcasinos and Re-Tweet our Rebels Night messages using #REVOLVERHOOPS to enter. Winner will be announced on Thursday before the game. See complete contest details below.

*Parties of 8 or more with 21+ ID only. SKYY Vodka bottle. Gratuity not included. Doors open at 8PM. Must check in by 10:30PM. Offer valid night of Thursday March 18th only. Dress code enforced. Management reserves all rights.

Filed Under: Dining, Entertainment, Events, Race & Sports, Santa Fe Station, Sports Tagged With: , , ,

Ira Won a New House in the Great Giveaway Football Contest

February 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Ira picked 183 pro football winners during the season.

NEW ORLEANS MIGHT be the winner of the Big Game, but Ira is the winner of the Big Prize.

With a record of 183 wins and 62 losses, Ira outlasted all contestants to win Station Casinos‘ 2009-10 Great Giveaway grand prize of a new house.

Congratulations Ira. And thanks to all for playing in the sports books this football season!

Filed Under: Events, Gaming, Race & Sports, Sports, Winners Tagged With: , , , ,

Props bets ready at our Las Vegas Sports Books

February 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Nine pages and hundreds of props printed and ready in the Sports Books!

BITTERSWEET IN THE Sports Book. It’s the last weekend of football (boooo!). It’s the best weekend of football (yeah!).

Talking about betting on the Big Game, of course. The prop-bet sheets are printed and ready in all Station Casinos’ Las Vegas Sports Books. Nine pages and hundreds of props including some of my annual favorites such as:

  1. Jersey Number (odd or even) to Score First Touchdown
  2. Shortest Touchdown Scored by Either Team
  3. First Team to Challenge in Game

Here’s some quick advice from my years of betting props on the pro football championship game.

  • Don’t “over bet’ on the first score/touchdown of the game. There are many props on who will score first, but remember there’s four quarters (and maybe overtime?) so spread out your wagering fun.
  • Pick a scenario and go with it. If you think both quarterbacks are going to have big games, pick the props that support that thinking like Individual Passing and Receiving Yards and Overs on Longest Plays.
  • Take a few shots. It’s the last pro football game for awhile so have fun. Will there be a safety? Will there be overtime? Exact score by either team. All have big payoffs (and long odds).

Enjoy!

Go this a way for information on our 2011 (GB vs. Pitt) Big Game Parties

Big Game happenings at Station Casinos

  • $1 Hot Dogs and $1 Budweisers in all Station Casinos, Fiestas and Wildfires during the game!
  • Red Rock Resort has a hotel package deal that includes two tickets to its exclusive party for the Big Game
  • Sunset Station is hosting a Gridiron Finale Party at the Strike Zone Bowling Center. Admission is free with special prices on food and drinks, and prizes. Doors open at 2pm.

What’s your favorite prop bet for the game? How do you see the game going? Let us know below!

Filed Under: Events, Gaming, Hotels & Casinos, Race & Sports, Sports Tagged With: , , ,

‘Red Rock Shootout’ to kick off 2010 NHC Tour

January 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas — host of the $1 million Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship (NHC) on January 29-30, 2010 — will host the second annual “Red Rock Shootout” on Sunday, January 31. The handicapping tournament again serves as the new year’s first NHC Tour event.

The Red Rock Shootout is a one-day tournament that will carry an entry fee of $100 and have a limit of one entry per person. All contest entry fees will be returned to participants in the form of prize payouts to the top five finishers on a 50%-20%-15%-10%-5% basis. The top two finishers will also receive qualifying spots to the 2011 NHC. Top finishers will also be awarded points as part of the 2010 NHC Tour.

All players must be at least 21 years of age to participate in the Red Rock Shootout. Contestants must make eight mythical $2 win and place wagers from available contest tracks. Four plays can be made at the player’s choosing from available tracks, and four will be made on designated mandatory races. For official rules or additional information, please contact Jason McCormick of Red Rock at 702-797-7798.

“The ‘Red Rock Shootout’ gets the NHC contest year off to a running start, coming right on the heels of the million-dollar NHC finals,” said Keith Chamblin, senior vice president of the NTRA. “The Red Rock Shootout affords NHC participants and spectators, alike, a fun and convenient opportunity to qualify for NHC XII in January 2011.”

The Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship is the most important tournament of the year for horseplayers and is the culmination of a year-long series of NTRA-sanctioned local tournaments conducted by racetracks, casino racebooks, off-track betting facilities and horse racing and handicapping Web sites, each of which sends its top qualifiers to the national finals. This year, more than 100,000 people are expected to attempt to qualify for the 2010 NHC at Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas. 

The NHC Tour is a yearlong bonus series offering additional prize money and qualifying berths to the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship. Participants must pay an annual $125 registration fee. Tour members then receive NHC Tour points for top finishes in NHC qualifying events held during the year. Additional benefits for NHC Tour members include automatic enrollment in the Horseplayers’ Coalition. The Coalition seeks legislative and regulatory solutions to tax and business issues that impact pari-mutuel racetracks and their customers and provides grass roots support for the NTRA’s lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. Tour members also are automatically eligible to participate in NTRA Advantage, offering preferred pricing on products and services from leading suppliers, including John Deere, Sherwin-Williams, OfficeDepot, UPS and Toshiba.

The AAA four-diamond rated Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa is located 10 miles west of the Strip in Las Vegas and features more than 800 guest rooms, a spa, an array of gaming, 10 restaurants and entertainment offerings including Red Rock Lanes and a 16-screen movie theatre.  To learn more about Red Rock visit www.redrocklasvegas.com.

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers, horseplayers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and Rye Brook, N.Y. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com.

Filed Under: Events, Hotels & Casinos, Press Releases, Race & Sports, Red Rock Resort, Sports

The Last Man Standing is a Woman!

December 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Hey, guys. Kirsten know football!

Hey, guys. Kirsten knows football!

Kristen outlasted everyone (she actually tied for first) and took home $39,000 in the Last Man Standing pro football contest.

More about Last Man Standing

Filed Under: Gaming, Race & Sports, Sports, Winners Tagged With: , , , ,

LET’S GO BOWLING: Early Lines for Bowl Games Now Available

December 8, 2009 By 1 Comment
Sports books at all Station Casinos locations, including at Red Rock Resort, are ready with the early lines for college bowl season.

Sports Books at all Station Casinos locations, including at Red Rock Resort, are ready with the early lines for college bowl season.

Trivia Time: Which of the following is not a real college bowl game?

  1. Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
  2. Eagle Bank Bowl
  3. Chick-Fil-A Bowl
  4. Humanitarian Bowl
  5. Emerald Bowl

Answer: None of the above. These are five of  34, yes 34, games this bowl season. (By the way, Chick-Fil-A is delicious.) Depending on your point of view, 34 bowl games is either somewhat ridiculous or just awesome.

Jason McCormick, Director of Race and Sports, tells the Blog that the early lines for the BCS Games are currently available at Station Casinos Sports Books and the odds for the rest of the other 29 bowl games will be on the board by the end of the week. The first bowl game kicks off Saturday, December 19.

With all the upcoming college football bowl games, along with college hoops, pro hockey, basketball and football, now is a great time to check our Sports Connection, Station Casinos’ remote-betting option.

Here’s what we know. Who do you think is favored at the Sports Book?

  • Alabama looked awesome beating Florida. Texas needed an end-of-game field goal to get by feisty Nebraska.
  • Undefeated and unknown Boise St. will face undefeated and hardly known TCU. The winner will likely be left as the only undefeated team (assuming a Cincy lost) this season not to be called national champions.
  • Cincinnati puts its undefeated record on the line versus defending-champion Florida.

If you want to argue about which is the best team this year, tell us below or vote at our poll to the right.

Happy Bowling!

Filed Under: Gaming, Race & Sports, Sports Tagged With: , , , , ,

Furballs & Footballs: In Search of Pigskin Purrrrfection

November 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Sometimes in life, in order to accomplish great feats, you need to think outside the box – in this case… the litter box.
YouTube Preview Image

Like for many, the lure of the Million Dollar Parlay Card for football games, offered every Wednesday and Friday at Station Casinos’ Sports Books across the Las Vegas Valley, has been too tempting to ignore. The task is daunting: correctly pick 20-out-of-20 college and/or pro football games, against the spread, to win
$1 million. The $5 card offers something everyone enjoys: a fun chance to risk little and win big while calling the shots.

Anyone who wagers on football knows how difficult it is to pick 20 out of 20. (Before you say it can’t be done, check out Dohn, who hit 15-for-15 for $100,000 a couple weeks ago.) So it’s not impossible, but after trying for several weeks it does seem out of my comprehension as a human. So for this week’s picks, I have tapped the animal kingdom and enlisted the help of Tochka. Tochka is a four-year-old Black Russian cat. When not licking himself, Tochka enjoys sleeping and eating (remember, he’s a cat). Tochka boldly made his 20 picks (I picked the same games) by selecting a treat from his owner’s right or left hand (see video where Tochka decisively takes Philadelphia to upset San Diego).

For the record, Tochka and I…

agree on:

  • Iowa over Ohio St.
  • Duke over Georgia Tech
  • South Carolina over Florida
  • Tulsa over East Carolina
  • New York over Jacksonville
  • Pittsburgh over Cincinnati
  • Carolina over Atlanta
  • Tampa Bay over Miami
  • Oakland over Kansas City
  • Arizona over Seattle

disagree On:

  • Mississippi (T) and Tennessee (CS)
  • USC (T) and Stanford (CS)
  • California (T) and Arizona (CS)
  • Missouri (T) and Kansas St. (CS)
  • Air Force (T) and UNLV (CS)
  • Washington (T) and Oregon St. (CS)
  • Auburn (T) and Georgia (CS)
  • Denver (T) and Washington (CS)
  • Philadelphia (T) and San Diego (CS)
  • Green Bay (T) and Dallas (CS)

If Tochka wins the million bucks, he has been promised a new scratching post as well as a lifetime supply of string. He seemed pleased at the prospect.

Filed Under: Gaming, Misc, Race & Sports, Sports Tagged With: ,

Underdogs & Hot Dogs: Great Giveaway off to a delicious start

October 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Station's race & sports director says you got to take a chance if you want to win big in the Great Giveaway football contest!

Station's race & sports director says you got to take a chance if you want to win big in the Great Giveaway football contest!

Three weeks into the Great Giveaway football contest, and two bites into a second hot dog (That’s an oh-so-subtle company plug for $1 hot dogs during football games on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at our sports books. Budweiser beers are a buck, too, by the way.), one thing is becoming clear: craigstations better start doing better at picking these games if craigstations wants to win the grand prize of a new house.

With the maximum three entries, me best ticket so far is 33-14 after opening weeks of 12-3, 10-6 and 11-5, respectively. In case you didn’t know:

  • 65 (that’s right, 65!) very, very smart/lucky contestants went 15-0 in Week 1
  • Week 2 the winning record was 15-1 (did anyone pick Cincy over GB?) and only two (that’s right, only two) contestants had that best one-loss record
  • Last week, Week 3, six prognosticators went 16-0 (nice pick on Detroit)

Another “in case you didn’t know,” your picks as well as the records of the winners each week can be viewed online at www.mygreatgiveaway.com.

As for craigstations’ dilemma, and perhaps your dilemma as well, according to Jason McCormick, Station Casinos’ director of race and sports, the grand-prize winner in last year’s Great Giveaway had a final record of 172-70 (worst record, or most losers, was 68-174 last year). So, like we agreed, craigstations needs to step it up. What is really needed here is some expert advice. If there was only someone to ask…

“My advice in going after that perfect week is to take one ‘shocker,’ ” Jason says. “Take that one big underdog and then pick the rest of the games as you see them. If that big upset comes in you’ll be sitting up top all by yourself with $10,000 or a new truck!!  Also, put your picks in on Tuesdays and stick with them! Your first thought is usually ‘on the money.’ ”

Thanks for the insider info, Jason. More good news is that there are also unbelievable weekly cash prizes and a small fleet of sweet F-150 trucks up for grabs. In fact, if you get your picks in all 17 weeks and win nadathing all season, you get your entry fee back (see official rules). In fact, in fact, if you’re not part of Great Giveaway yet you can still sign up and win big each week (sans the house and other end-of-year prizes).

Now, where’s that third $1 hot dog?

Filed Under: Race & Sports, Sports Tagged With: , , ,

Station Casinos brings back popular football contests

August 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment
This year's grand-prize winner of Great Giveaway will win a house.

This year's grand-prize winner of Great Giveaway will win a house.

LAS VEGAS – Station Casinos has brought back and expanded locations for its popular football contests including the $1.4 Million Great Giveaway, The Challenge and Last Man Standing and is introducing a new Million Dollar Parlay Card every Wednesday and Friday. All football contests will now be available throughout 16 sports book locations including all Station Casinos, the Fiestas and Wildfire properties.  There’s also no better place in town to watch and enjoy all of the excitement of professional and college football games than Station Casinos’ sports books. Adding to this year’s football festivities, guests can enjoy $1 Budweiser beers and hot dogs every Sunday inside any Station Casinos’ sports book during the entire regular football season games.

$1.4 Million Great Giveaway Football Contest
In its 23rd year, the Station Casinos Great Giveaway Football Contest is truly a “no risk” football season promotion allowing anyone who does not win any weekly or end-of-season prizes to receive their entry fee back (see details below). A $25 entry fee registers players to compete for their share of $1.4 million in total cash and prizes including the opportunity to win a 2010 FORD F-150 truck every week. Voted “Best Football Contest” in Las Vegas 15 years in a row by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Great Giveaway offers the most payouts of any football contest in town.

The contest, which only includes Sunday and Monday games, can be played at 16 properties including Aliante Station, Boulder Station, Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa, Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, Texas Station, Wild Wild West, Gold Rush, Barley’s, Wildfire Casino Boulder, Wildfire Casino Rancho and Wildfire Casino & Lanes.

Over the 17-week NFL season, Great Giveaway will award $30,000 each week with the top winner guaranteed either a $10,000 cash prize or a new 2010 FORD F-150 truck, and the top loser guaranteed $5,000 with a total of $10,000 in cash prizes awarded.  Great Giveaway will also award more than 400 contestants with end-of-season cash, prizes and free slot play totaling more than $660,000.  The contestant who picks the most season winners will win a new home valued at $200,000 or $100,000 cash. The popular “Fiddle in the Middle” returns with total cash prize winnings of $200,000 for selecting the equal number of wins and losses for the entire season.

There is a $25 fee per entry with no more than two paid entries per person allowed. Those who purchase two entries will receive a bonus third entry for free. Contestants may also use Boarding Pass, Amigo Points and WildCard points or Station Bucks for payment or partial payment of entries.

Contestants will also receive their entry fee back in free slot play if they do not win any weekly or end of season prizes.  Eligibility is based on paid entries only. Contestants must play all 17 weeks of the contest on all of their entries.

Contestants may register and submit weekly selections now for the $1.4 Million Great Giveaway with their Boarding Pass card at any of the 16 Station Casinos’ sports book locations. For added convenience, easy-to-use computer kiosks at each location allow contestants to register their weekly picks 24-hours a day. Weekly standings may be checked online at www.mygreatgiveaway.com.  End of season results will be announced on January 11, 2010.

Million Dollar Parlay Card
Five dollars could very well earn you a million dollars by playing the Million Dollar Parlay Card every Wednesday and Friday during the professional and college football season at any of the 16 Station Casinos’ sports book locations.  For a $5 wager, guests must select and win 20 professional or college football games against the point spread listed on the “Million Dollar” card to win one million dollars. 15 correct selections will pay $100,000 for a $5 wager.

The Challenge
It will cost you nothing for your chance at winning in this year’s Challenge. All contestants are guaranteed to receive their $500 entry fee back for playing all 17 weeks of the contest. The first place prize is $25,000, with second and third place winners collecting $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.  No more than one entry per person.

The Challenge is based on selecting five winning teams or totals against the contest line.  An over/under may be offered on one professional football game per week and one college football game per week may be offered. Management will select the total, college and professional games offered. Winners will be determined by the most points accumulated during the 2009-2010 college and pro NFL football regular season.

Additionally, contest participants have a chance to vie for a $50,000 winners’ bonus for selecting over 67 percent winners for the season. Also, the contestant who accumulates the most points over the final four weeks of the season can win an additional $10,000 prize. All contestants that register by Monday, August 31 at 11 p.m. will be eligible to receive $100 in their Sports Connection account.

“Our objective this year in re-creating The Challenge was to deliver a football contest that local sports gamblers simply had to get in.  I believe we have accomplished that,” said Art Manteris, vice president of race and sports book operations for Station Casinos.  “Just like with Great Giveaway, you have a free-roll at serious prize money; only in this case selecting against the point spread.  If you bet football, you have to get in The Challenge this year…period,” Manteris concluded.

The Challenge may be played at all 16 Station Casinos’ sports books. Deadline to sign up for The Challenge is September 12, 2009. Contest selections must be submitted by 9 a.m. each Saturday, except where there are Thursday games and then the submission is due prior to the start of the Thursday game time.

Last Man Standing Pro and College Elimination Football Contests
Contestants have the ability to win up to $200,000 in this year’s “winner takes all” Last Man Standing Elimination Football Contests available for both professional and college football. Last Man Standing is based on picking one winning football team against the contest line weekly at any of the 16 Station Casinos’ sports book locations.  Selections will be made against the point spread listed on the weekly contest card and if it is a winning selection, that entry will remain in the contest for the following week. The fee is $25 per entry. Each contestant may purchase up to four entries total with a fifth entry for free for both contests. The prize money will be awarded to the last contestant remaining. If the weekly selection is a losing selection or a contestant fails to submit a weekly selection, that entry will be eliminated. There will be no ties and all games will be half point spreads.

Last Man Standing may be played at any of the 16 Station Casinos’ sports books. $75,000 will be the minimum guaranteed aggregate prize for the professional football contest and $25,000 will be the minimum guaranteed aggregate prize for the college football contest. 100 percent of all entry fees will be returned as prize money. Thursday, Friday and Saturday college football games may be included.

New this year will be a $100,000 winner’s bonus to player who individually wins both the professional and college Last Man Standing contests.

The weekly contest card will be available in the sports books beginning Wednesday, September 9 and will then be available every Wednesday during the season. The deadline for signing up is September 12 at 8 p.m. for the college football contest and by September 13 at 9 a.m. for the professional football contest to be eligible.

All Station Casinos’ football contestants must be 21 or older, present valid identification to participate and be a Boarding Pass, Amigo Card or WildCard cardholder.

The 16 Station Casinos’ properties offering all of these great football contests include: Aliante Station, Boulder Station, Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa, Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, Texas Station, Wild Wild West, Gold Rush, Barley’s, Wildfire Casino Boulder, Wildfire Casino Rancho and Wildfire Casino & Lanes.

Complete rules, details and prize redemption information for all of the football contests are available in the respective sports books at all participating properties. Management reserves all rights.  For more information about Station Casinos, visit www.stationcasinos.com.

Filed Under: Gaming, Press Releases, Race & Sports, Sports Tagged With: ,