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Johnny Avello Knows the Odds...
How many times a day do you look at your watch or a clock not to know the time, but because the day is dragging?
John “Johnny” Avello, executive director of race and sports operations for Wynn Las Vegas, says he never has.
Responsible for all aspects of the race and sports operation including setting waging lines, monitoring all wagering activity in the race and sports book, marketing the operation and carrying out additional goals and objectives in conjunction with executive management.
In addition, Avello is Las Vegas’ prime entertainment odds maker, offering lines on various show business activities for entertainment purposes only.
His predictions include major events such as Academy Awards, the Emmys, Golden Globes, but he’ll also offer odds on “Dancing with the Stars,” “Survivor” and who will be the next “American Idol” judge.
“I enjoy the entertainment field, so why not take advantage of what I do,” says Avello, who calls Wynn his home and where he resides with his family his “second home,” indicating the amount of hours he’s on the job. “Besides the show business numbers is great marketing for the hotel because we get a lot of media out of it.
“There’s no secret to the entertainment odds. I do lots of research and have a network of people whom are considered experts in the field,” he notes.
The hot ticket at VegasScene deadline was the selection of judges for the next season of “American Idol.” The leading contenders, according to Avello, are Steven Tyler (7-5), Randy Jackson (5-2), Jennifer Lopez (3-1), Jessica Simpson (18-1), Harry Connick, Jr. (20-1), Paula Abdul (22-1), David Foster (25-1) and Courtney Love (30-1).
Avello says that others in consideration are Sean “Diddy Combs,” Usher, Bret Michaels, Jamie Foxx, Elton John, Nigel Lythgoe, Chris Isaak, Victor Wills, Queen Latifah, Sharon Osbourne, Madonna, Justin Timberlake and Howard Stern.
On the serious side, the city is entering its busiest time of year concerning sports betting.
“Like everyone else, we’re preparing for college and pro football because they write the most money,” says the 23-year race and sports book veteran (5 years at Wynn). We have a great new contest on tap that I know our bettors will embrace.”
Avello admits the economy will have some effect on this season’s betting, claiming it will keep some players out of the game totally while lower or hinder the bets of others. He says the Wynn player is unique, “a good mixture of locals and visitors.”
“There’s a definite fear factor at first for the new player here,” he explains, “but once they try us out, they usually come back.
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