You could make the argument Nevada is at the center of the sports world right now.
The World Cup is attracting a decent handle at the books, with all kinds of props.
But Mitch Moss with VSIN says the handle would be even bigger if team USA was playing this year.
"It is the biggest event during the summer every four years, and it is the biggest event in the world & people get on this bandwagon," he said. "You have seen it from Kansas City to Sacramento to all across the country."
And when people join a bandwagon, they tend to bet on their teams.
As far as who to watch now during the knockout round of the World Cup , Moss suggests Sweden. He said the left side of the bracket is so good it would shocking to see a team on the right side win the whole thing, but Sweden has been playing great soccer.
NBA SUMMER LEAGUE
The NBA Summer League starts Friday in Las Vegas. Not too long ago, newly drafted NBA players played each other at high school gyms across the country.
Now, it is an event that is growing in popularity, and -- for the first time -- players from every team will be competing in the summer league.
Moss says Las Vegas is a basketball town more than any other sport, and he believes NBA would admit it should have set up shop in Southern Nevada first.
"I think the NBA is going to regret not being the first sport here in this city down the road," he said.
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS
As for the first major league sports team to come to Las Vegas, Moss says the Golden Knights' efforts to get star Erik Karlsson were tricky because they might have had to give up a lot to get him.
"He is a very good player at this level," he said. "So, it would bring in a totally different dimension. It would have that kind of sexiness to it -- 'Hey, the brought in a star player and he’s going to be the face of the franchise.'"
But the Knights might have lost too much to get him.
THE RAIDERS
As for now, the next team to call Las Vegas home will the be the Raiders. People have speculated that the city won't rally around them unless they win.
Moss is not concerned mainly because football is still king, but also because a new team will do well in a new city.
"If the Raiders are going to work anywhere outside the Bay Area, I think the one city where it would be a success would be Las Vegas because it fits both brands," he said.
He believes the Raiders will be a big draw for opposing teams, and their regional rivalries will translate into strong ticket sales.
Moss might be a little more concerned about filling the 65,000 seat Raiders' stadium if the team starts a losing streak that lasts several years.
Mitch Moss, VSIN
