Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Nothing’s bigger than the NFL and as much as the league’s old farts hate to admit it, gambling has helped make it an American institution. Betting on the fights, used to be part of the reason boxing was so big, but with a limited schedule and fewer household names the betting handle on boxing has dropped significantly.

According to Rob Akers, an assistant sportsbook director in Las Vegas, that’s where MMA’s rise to prominence comes in,

“I think it’s directly related to boxing’s downfall over the last few years,” Akers told the Las Vegas Sun. “Pacquiao is a one-man show. He’s the only guy who can bring any handle and people want to bet on a combat sport. They are always going to find some way to bet on one and lately it’s been the UFC.”

Akers makes the numbers for the sportsbook at the Venetian and Lagasse’s Stadium in Sin City.

WRITTEN BY Steve Cofield & FULL STORY HERE