In an economy like this, is anyone going to the game?

Yes -- but Pittsburgh people will stay in their cars (hotels are too expensive), and the Arizona people will stay in foreclosed houses (so they should feel right at home).

Speaking of hotels -- short 'em.

I received an e-mail from the Mirage in Las Vegas to come out to watch the Super Bowl for $69 a night.

Last time I was there for the Super Bowl, maybe 15 years ago, it was about $400 a night.

The Mirage is owned by MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM), which is hovering at a technical support price. Once it breaks through, look out.

I'm not traveling to Tampa or Las Vegas -- I'm staying at home for the big game. And I'm shorting MGM.

Michael Shulman is a contributor to OptionsZone.com.

Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) -- volatility elevated. LVS, a leading international developer of multi-use integrated resorts operated by Sheldon Adelson, is recently trading near its all time high. LVS has a market cap of $41.5 billion. Unconfirmed chatter is circulating that LVS could announce a potential secondary stock offering. LVS October option implied volatility of 48 is above its 26-week average of 40 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Build a Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) -- volatility elevated into EPS and Strategic Alternatives. BBW, a company providing make-your-own stuffed animal, interactive retail entertainment experience, is recently up 40 cents to $17.44. BBW is expected to report EPS on 10/18. On 9/11, Buckingham Research reiterated its Accumulate rating on BBW and lowered its price target on BBW to $25 from $29. Buckingham Research says, "the company is addressing weakness in the top-line with more frequent introductions of new product and more targeted marketing." BBW announced on 6/28/07 it retained Lehman Brothers (NYSE: LEH) to assist in potential strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value. BBW September option implied volatility of 54 is above its 26-week average of 40 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price risks.

Daily options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

All hell is breaking loose in Jolly Olde over rights to build England's first Las Vegas-style mega-casino, and now the U.S. company Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) has jumped in the middle of the maelstrom.

Just last week the Casino Advisory Panel advising Britain's Dept. for Culture, Media and Sport released its recommendation that Manchester be chosen to host this casino. This was a bombshell to the press and locals who had touted Blackpool or London as prohibitive favorites.

Once the site was chosen, the game was afoot for potential casino operators. Krezner International seemed to have the inside pole, but now Las Vegas Sands, on a roll from its China successes, has announced they will enter the competition. The Sands has world-class speed and a fat wallet, although they are already committed to another enormous development on Hengqin Island near Macau.

As you can imagine, rumors are flying about other potential bidders for the rights, including Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:HET) and MGM Mirage (NYSE:MGM).

The plot thickens even more, however. Members of Parliament, led by the Blackpool contingent, are demanding reopening of the decision-making process. They seem to be gaining a great deal of support, although it's too early to put odds on their chances.

Watch the news over the next couple of days. Odds are, no contest will be quite as entertaining.