Louisville tops, but no strong favorite

Overall No. 1 Louisville is a slight betting favorite to win the NCAA tournament, but Las Vegas casinos think several teams have a legitimate shot at winning college basketball’s national championship.

Executive Director Jay Kornegay of the race and sports book at the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino had Louisville at 9-2 odds on Sunday night after the tournament’s seedings were announced. Right behind the Cardinals were third overall No. 1 seed Indiana at 7-1 and three teams at 8-1 – No. 2 seeds Duke and Miami, along with Florida, a No. 3 seed.

But good luck finding a consensus.

Jay Rood, vice president of race and sports for MGM Resorts International, said Louisville would also be the top favorite at its 10 casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, but that opinions will vary widely among bookmakers.

Indiana, whom Kornegay set as his casino’s second-highest favorite, will open behind Duke, Kansas and Georgetown at MGM Resorts, Rood said.