Columnist Joe Delaney: Finding great entertainment in local sports books

Joe Delaney

Friday, Jan. 29, 1999 | 12:26 p.m.

Sports and sports betting are an integral part of a Las Vegas hotel's entertainment package. ... That's why top hotels spend millions of dollars on their sports and race books. ... Check out the action everywhere in town this Super Bowl Sunday, when the Atlanta Falcons try to corral the Denver Broncos, or, for the bettors, stay within six points of Elway and Co.

Be at any sports book during March Madness, when college basketball starts with 64 teams and ends with one over a four-week period. ... In the fall, Saturdays are wild with college football and Sundays with NFL action. ... Las Vegas and its sports books are beehives during a heavyweight championship fight.

For involuntarily-retired horse players like myself, there still has to be a bet or two on the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont and Breeder's Cup on various Saturdays through the year. ... Rooting your horse home in a close finish and winning is a major experience.

A true sports fan

In 1981, I was in New York City on a press junket for two films, one of which was "Eye of the Needle," starring Donald Sutherland and Kate Nelligan, a World War II spy story based upon a best-selling book by Ken Follett. ... Our Sutherland interview dealt with his life-long love of sports, particularly major league baseball.

Sutherland told us he would not make a film during the big league baseball season. ... He attended a ball game every possible day. ... He enjoyed the fact that there was a beginning, middle and ending each game, with heroes and goats and breathtaking achievements. ... The important thing was a brand new beginning the next day, a new ball game.

As a youngster in the 1930s and 1940s, baseball was -- and still is -- my favorite sport. ... I was so into it, so knowledgeable, that bets were settled on all aspects of the game on my say-so.

Be forewarned

With the preface that my choices two weeks ago were both losers, the Jets and the Vikings, we offer our analysis of this year's Super Bowl (not to be taken seriously). ... The key for Atlanta is its coach, Dan Reeves. This could be the year of Reeves' Revenge for being fired by the Broncos. ... Atlanta should at least stay within the point spread.

Anent Buddy Greco

Greco wraps up his fortnight in the Bellagio's Fontana Lounge this weekend. ... A very young 70, a brilliant pianist and vocalist with best-selling records and albums, Buddy deserves a long-run engagement in a class venue like the Fontana Lounge. ... Let him sit there and build an identification with the Bellagio, the way it was once done here.

Two-week engagements several times a year are not productive. ... Performers worth it should be allowed to build a relationship with the hotel and become part of its marketing program.

Some jazz notes

The Green Shack has been on East Charleston since 1930, one of the great early watering holes, noted for its chicken dishes. ... On Wednesday nights, trombonist Brian O'Shea; Chan Johnson, trumpet; Tony Wells, saxophone; Buddy Yeagan; piano, Ed James, bass; and Wayne Brumfield, drums, plus mainstream jazz from 5-7 p.m., followed by a piano trio. ... It goes great with chicken.

Elsewhere, it's the Mike Breene Trio (Santa Fe) Wednesdays through Saturdays, and The Jazz Organ-ization from noon on Sundays. ... Marv Koral's All-Stars are at Carollo's, 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Sundays. ... Friday's jazz is at Pogo's and on Mondays, it's the Don Menza Big Band (Riviera).

P.J. Belly and his Texas Thunder are at Arizona Charlie's through Sunday. ... P.J. and one of our favorite blues bands are Monday night regulars at Arizona Charlie's, plus Fridays and Saturdays at Charlie's Bar.

Friday addenda

Gary Frick is a good next-door neighbor; a cab driver when he first moved in, his ambition was to eventually open Academy Fine Books and Antiques. ... It took time and much hard work, but he is now set in the back southwest corner of Antqiue Square with a fine collection of early Las Vegas entertainment memorabilia as well, a LV success story.

If you know of similar LV success stories, please contact us at the Sun. ... We would like to share them with our readers. ... Enjoy this weekend the most, spend it with friends in your favorite sports book. ... See you next Friday.