GOODMAN BELIEVES GAMBLE WILL PAY OFF WITH NBA FRANCHISE

          A study committee said yesterday that a "proposal to
     build" a sports arena and performing arts center in downtown
     Las Vegas "remains alive," according to Mike Zapler of the
     LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, who reports that the committee
     "postponed further work" on an arena project until after NBA
     owners meet on October 28.  Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman,
     who "placed 8-to-5 odds on a positive announcement" after
     the owners meeting: "On (Oct. 29) we're going to find out
     we're very much alive to have a basketball team" (LAS VEGAS
     REVIEW-JOURNAL, 10/15).  In Las Vegas, Jeff Haney reported
     that in the "wake of his recent meeting" with NBA
     Commissioner David Stern, Goodman "conducted an informal
     survey of nine local casinos regarding" wagering on NBA
     games.  Seven of the nine casinos surveyed said that they
     would support the "UNLV" rule if the city gets an NBA team,
     meaning "no wagers would be accepted on a local team's
     games" (LAS VEGAS SUN, 10/13).