@nascarcasm Power Rankings: Gambling metaphors used on TV

By @nascarcasm | Wednesday, September 22, 2021

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One of the many hallmarks of a great broadcaster – of which we’re blessed with many – is the ability to weave bits of regional nomenclature into the broadcast. You know – playing to the hometown. Las Vegas Motor Speedway is the premiere location for this practice. Gambling terminology abounds. So much, that we’re power ranking our favorites.

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This one is perfect to keep in the quiver for when a rookie driver encounters some good fortune. It just works really well for that.

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Are you referencing a multi-time winner at Las Vegas Motor Speedway? Then look no further – behold, the perfect metaphor, my friend.

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This is a longer one, suitable for moments when a driver is taking a risk. It’s basically the same as saying “All in” but the producer is in your ear saying “FILL MORE AIRTIME.”

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This is a great one to have in your holster during pre-race. It tells the viewers “I Googled ‘Gambling Terms’ and by golly I’m gonna use every one of these in the next three and a half hours, so help me Lord.”

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This is the 24-karat gold metaphor that you wait to use when a driver wrecks or suffers a DNF for a mechanical issue. In fact, you might want to add a pause between ‘win’ and ‘wasn’t’ just to give it more gravitas. You know, sort of like David Caruso would before delivering a real zinger.

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Another one to which you can add a pause. “But now ... all bets are off.” Save this one for a moment when a caution flag changes the entire complexion of the race.

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If you want a grade-A scene setter, start off the broadcast with this here witticism. You see, we raced here in the spring, but this weekend, it’s a playoff race. Not only that, but a win here means you don’t have to stress at Talladega Superspeedway and the Roval. I have now lost track of the many levels upon which this metaphor works.

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Perfect for the cool-down lap, once the race-winner is decided. But you can only use it once, so make sure the timing is right.

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We’re getting down to the wire. Only a handful of laps left. One team employs an opposite strategy, hoping to steal a win. That’s when this utterance flies out of your mouth. It’s perfect. Follow it up with something like “But will their gamble pay off?” Next thing you know, Sports Emmy.

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Ever since the popularity of Texas Hold ‘Em skyrocketed years ago, this has been the best go-to metaphor. It’s versatile, and can be used for many different on-track situations. Did a team take no tires? Only two tires? Did they stay out while everyone else pitted? Everyone knows what this means. That’s why when it comes to race-broadcast gambling metaphors, this one hits the jackpot (See two slides ago).

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