Columnist Jeff Haney: Read lines in books before you buy

Wednesday, July 27, 2005 | 9:34 a.m.

Jeff Haney's sports betting column appears Wednesday. Reach him at (702) 259-4041 or haney@lasvegassun.com.

Palms drops the puck on betting season

The sports book at the Palms wasted no time in posting odds to win the 2006 Stanley Cup after the NHL ended its labor strife, clearing the way for the pro hockey league's 2005-06 season.

The Detroit Red Wings, who are expected to begin discussions soon with 40-year-old Steve Yzerman about returning for a 22nd season, opened as 6-1 favorites.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, winner of the 2004 Stanley Cup, is a 7-1 second choice.

Four long shots are each listed at 75-1.

Oddsmakers at the Palms are believed to be the first in the world to post betting lines on the winner of the 2006 Stanley Cup.

In years past it was not uncommon for only a handful of Las Vegas casinos to offer over/under wagering on NFL teams' season win totals.

This year, at least a dozen distinct Las Vegas sports books are offering it, including: Binion's, Caesars Palace, El Cortez, Harrah's, the Las Vegas Hilton, the Imperial Palace, the Palms, the Plaza, the Stardust, Cal-Neva (lines available at the Tuscany), the Venetian and Wynn Las Vegas.

With so many casinos posting individual betting lines, it's especially critical to find the best number before wagering.

For example, if you expect the Kansas City Chiefs to revert to their 2003 form and go "over" their posted win total, then don't bet at a sports book that has the Chiefs listed at 9 1/2 wins. Likewise, if you think the Chiefs are due for a poor season, don't bet them "under" at a sports book that lists them at 8 1/2 wins.

In either case, if the Chiefs finish with exactly nine wins, it would constitute a catastrophe to your bankroll, as you would have essentially turned a winner into a loser.

While there has been some movement in the season-win line on the Chiefs, other teams have had fluctuations as well, including the Arizona Cardinals, whose stock is drifting up; the Green Bay Packers, whose stock is drifting down; and the Miami Dolphins, whose numbers are all over the place, a function of the wide disparity in opinions on how Ricky Williams' return will affect the team.

Here's a rundown of current prices around Las Vegas, focusing on teams that are generating attention leading to the NFL regular season, which begins Sept. 8:

(Minus 240 means bettors must risk $2.40 for each $1 they're trying to win.)

A typical price on Arizona over is 7 wins, minus 180, at the Palms.

Under bettors should check out the Hilton -- 7 1/2 wins, plus 105. Arizona was 6-10 last season, squeaking out a victory for over bettors.

(Plus 105 means bettors win $1.05 for each $1 they risk.)