|
December 2006
'Twas the night before Christmas and in every casino,
Not a player was stirring, from sports book to keno.
The prices were hung on the wallboards with care,
In hopes a high roller soon would be there.
But the runners, the clipboards and even the fleas
Were wallowed in debt, right up to their knees.
And the wiseguys and sharpies - you know their names -
Had decided to wait for the New Year's bowl games.
From the Rio to Binion's and the Barbary Coast,
There was hardly a bet made about which you'd boast.
The Venetian was quiet and so was the Grand,
It sounded like clapping but just from one hand.
The Luxor, the Hilton and the Mandalay Bay,
Were as dead as a doorknob, what more can I say?
From the Hard Rock to Paris, at offshore books too,
There was hardly a bettor, not one guy to woo.
Then outside a noise loud as any pep rally's
Blared down the Strip from the Four Queens to Bally's.
When what to all wondering eyes should appear
But a huge white stretch limo with horns like a steer.
Inside was a gambler, there was doubt of that,
A very high roller in a 10 - gallon hat.
He wore cream colored trousers and brown ostrich boots
With a droopy gray mustache that still had black roots.
His enormous right hand held a sack full of money
And his voice was as smooth as pure Texas honey.
"Make sure all those bookies know Big Tex is here,
I've come to bet football, have I made myself clear?"
"I'll bet sides and totals and parlays and more,
The Cowboys to your limit, even at minus four."
From Luxor to Harrah's and that place run by Wynn,
To Excalibur, Sahara, the Trop and Aladdin,
At the Frontier, the Nugget and Caesars Palace,
He bet with both fists, this high roller from Dallas.
He said hardly a word but went straight to his chores,
And filled all the sports books with losers galore.
When he'd emptied his wallet he smiled, tipped his hat,
Turned out his pockets and said, "Well, that's that."
Then he dashed to his limo, his sacks now quite barren,
Into the night and raced off to McCarran.
But we heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night."
Here's betting that the New Year brings health, happiness, prosperity and lots of winners to our readers.
|
