“Linsanity” has spread to the sportsbooks, with at least one offshore shop reporting a noticeable increase in betting action on New York Knicks’ games.The offshore sportsbook
Sportsbetting.com has received approximately 15 percent more betting volume on the last two Knicks’ games compared to their previous 10 games, according to manager Chris Redmond.
Knicks’ guard Jeremy Lin, who has exploded into NBA lore with a five-game outburst, is undoubtedly the reason behind the increased betting attention. Lin rocked Madison Square Garden on Friday, dropping 38 points on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Following the their 100-98 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday game, the Knicks are 5-0 straight up and against the spread since Lin took control of the team's offense.
Even with Lin’s emergence, the Knicks’ odds to win the NBA title are at their highest point – 50/1 – at the LVH SuperBook and haven’t budged this week. However, sportsbook manager Jeff Sherman did report some recent support coming in on the Knicks at 50/1, just not enough to move the odds.
Jay Rood, sportsbook manager of the MGM Mirage in Las Vegas, isn't taking much action on the Knicks' futures odds but believes it could pick up if they continue winning.
"We are at 25/1 and not much action to them recently," he told
Covers.com. "If (Lin) keeps dropping 35-plus and they keep racking up wins, I am sure it will change quickly to 'LIN-VP'."
Redmond reported similar interest offshore.
“While we haven't seen a surge in Knicks' futures betting action, we have seen more action come in on them this week than any previous week since tipoff,” Redmond told
Covers.com in an email. “So Lin has certainly created more interest.”
Redmond added that the majority of futures bets on the Knicks are to win the Atlantic Division, but, like the LVH, the action hasn’t been significant to adjust any odds.
“Although another couple of 'Linsanity' performances and we'll definitely be moving the Atlantic Division odds,” said Redmond.