PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- SPORTS BETTING, PHILLIES,PLAYOFFS

-Yesterday will always go down as a day to remember in sports history. Why? The Supreme Court opened the door for  legalized sports betting to occur. In New Jersey they are already geared up for this type of gambling, which can start possibly by the end of the week. Pennsylvania won't be far behind, with sports betting allowed in casinos and racetracks, among other venues.

Attendance will grow at these establishments. TV ratings will soar as regular, everyday fans will finally have an easier time betting on their favorite teams. Yesterday's ruling will revolutionize sports and the world as we know it.

Think of the possibilities. Instead of using a bookie to bet on games, you only need to visit your local casino or race track- or use your phone, laptop or PC. There may even be betting kiosks in stadiums in time. Maybe you could wager money on a game at your local Wawa while your'e getting your morning paper and coffee. The access will be incredible so the state can get your money easy and quick.

There will always be office pools at work and betting slips. But now a gambler can bet on one or as many games as he or she would like. Bookies will still be around, offering credit and special deals. Billions of dollars are bet on the Super Bowl every year now, on all kinds of bets from the Coin Toss to the length of the National Anthem. Those simple bets, as well as the odd ones, will still be there, only everything will be much easier to wager on.

For me, a trip to Valley Forge Casino- only 10 minutes away, will do the trick. Or I can set up an account on the phone or computer and wager that way. As long as fans don't bet over their head it will be fun and increase interest in sporting events.

As with anything, initially, everyone will bet on something. The novelty will die down, but like Fantasy Football, which has grown in popularity, sports betting will only increase as well. Safe to say, if I take an extra $100 to a casino, and instead of putting it into the slots, I may play a few games instead, feeling i have a better chance at winning and a little control and expertise over my money.

Wonder what Pete Rose is thinking? He was banned from baseball for betting on sports. Of course, he was a player/manager and had influence over the outcome. And, as we now know, Rose had other issues too.

I'm sure there will be enough for everyone but picking a venue in which to do business will generate lots of competition, which is also good for customers. Let's face it: most fans already have bets on games anyway, be it thru an office pool or friendly wager with family and friends. This makes it more exciting and legal, so life will go on, better than ever. The states will make money. Jobs will be created. There's much more good that can happen than bad.  Just imagine all the money that could've been made locally if sports betting was allowed during the Eagles' magical season?

I was in Las Vegas 15 years ago. I happen to be there  the opening Sunday in September of the NFL season. It was fascinating to watch the jam-packed bettors at the sports book in a casino wager their money and root on their bets.Even at 10 in the morning on a Sunday, while others may be praying in church, here were countless gamblers wagering on football hot and heavy. To think the same scenario will play out every Sunday in the fall around my backyard is exciting.

- The Phillies start a brief two-game series with the Orioles tonight at Camden Yards. Nick Pivetta pitches in Game 1 as the team tries to close the gap between themselves and Atlanta. The Braves play in Chicago vs. the Cubs. so the odds are in Philly's favor to make up some ground during the next few days.

- In playoffs, Vegas tied their series with Winnipeg at 1-1. Will we actually see an expansion team play for the Stanley Cup? In basketball, Golden State took an early 1-0 lead over Houston in the semi-finals of the NBA Western Conference,The Warriors are too good. I do think Cleveland will rebound from their Game 1 loss in Boston and make a series of it.

- Tonight the NBA draft lottery occurs, with the Sixers having over a 97% chance of keeping their pick. If it falls at No.1 or between 4 and 12, the Sixers keep it and would  have to surrender their selection next year to Boston is there a player who can help the 76ers at, let's say, No. 10?.