 Fox News reports said Roy's walk to half-court was a more significant story than Kobe Bryant's "comeback" from scandal. The "comeback award goes to Roy Horn of Siegfried and Roy, just for successfully walking out to half court with Siegfried to welcome everyone to the game three years after he was mauled by a tiger."
We agree. We were also fascinated by the story behind the story. Why would the retired magicians make their appearance at this game? The NBA usually rewards a franchise city with the star-studded All-Star fest, so Sunday's showcase was unusual for the NBA and Las Vegas.
Las Vegas does not have an NBA franchise and is not currently scheduled to receive on by either expansion or relocation of an existing team. Strange, no?
Currently, the Nevada Gaming Commission allows betting on all NBA games -- including the All-Star game -- unless the sports book has a financial interest in the team or the game is played within the state.
(See, NGC Regulation22.120(d)(2), "No wagers may be accepted or paid by any book on: . . .(d) Any event, regardless of where it is held, involving a professional team whose home field, a court, or base is in Nevada, or any event played in Nevada involving a professional team, if, not later than 30 days before an event or the beginning of a series of events, the team’s governing body files with the commission a written request that wagers on the event or series of events be prohibited, and the commission approves the request . . .")
Las Vegas officials agreed with NBA Commissioner, to petition the Nevada Gaming Board to make gambling on the game illegal. The Gaming Board agreed with their request and sports gamblers had to watch the game without money on the line.
This brings us back to Siegfried & Roy's appearance at the big game.
Las Vegas is working as one to acquire its very own franchise.
The infamous mayor of the town, Oscar Goodman, has worked the NBA like one of the resorts "Client Relations" professionals. Seemingly anything the NBA wanted, Mr. Goodman and the town were ready to provide.
In the lingo of guest relations world, the NBA is the ultimate whale.
The city's full-court press is complete but for one tiny item.
Mayor Goodman says Vegas must be allowed to permit betting on the NBA and its own franchise -- this is not negotiable.
This small point is likely the reason the league has not based a team in Vegas.
But now the league is starting to give way. Mr. Stern has not yet announced a formal change in policy, but he does concede a team could be located in Vegas assuming it is approved by the other teams' owners.
Vegas brought out Siegfried & Roy, Wayne Newton and hundreds of showgirls for the All-Star game.
The showgirls and the stars are part of the city's strategy.
"I'm doing everything," Mr. Goodman told the Boston Globe last week. "I'm going to be drinking gin from early morning to late at night and feeling no pain. I have my showgirls all lined up. We even have some substitute showgirls because the main attractions are going to be worn out following this old mayor around."
We think it is great to see Siegfried & Roy for any reason, but their appearance this weekend again shows their dedication to Las Vegas and its citizens.
- Provided by InsideMagic |
