It’s information overload everywhere, and there’s not time enough to sleep and eat and stay fully apprised of what’s happening on this crazy blue dot of ours (two out of three ain’t bad). Here’s the weekend Sports Handle item, “Get a Grip,” recapping the week’s top U.S. sports betting stories, highlighting some fresh news, and rounding up key stories. Also check out this week’s Wild World of Gambling at US Bets.
Top stories this week
.@SuperBookSports spreads its signature contest's wealth by doubling down on in-season offerings.
A look at the restructured contest, with thoughts from @JayKornegay and @Vegas_Matty.
(by @mdseely) #NFLhttps://t.co/L5WMf8CXvS
— Sports Handle (@sports_handle) July 1, 2021
The 2021 Sports Betting Biz Half-Year Awards
DraftKings And FanDuel Get Go-Ahead To Continue With DFS In Connecticut
Virginia Becomes 11th State To Clear $1 Billion In Sports Betting Handle
Ohio Lawmakers Now Say They’ll Legalize Sports Betting In September
Maryland closer to opening application process
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Wednesday named the final two members to the state’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission. The group will be charged with assessing Maryland sports betting applications and issuing licenses for sports betting operators. The SWARC will also be responsible for creating the application process, which has the most comprehensive minority and female-owned business component in the country.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission is tasked with developing rules, and is expected to have a draft version ready for its July 15 board meeting. With the commission complete and draft rules coming, it’s possible that Marylanders could place wagers before the end of 2021. The state could have up to 60 licensed sportsbooks (theoretically), and the new law allows for retail locations and statewide digital platforms.
Hogan appointed former TeleCommunication Systems CEO Thomas M. Brandt, Jr., who will be the commission chair, and ex-financial services executive Bert Hash, Jr., who was the president and CEO of the Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore (MECU), Inc.
The commission is comprised of seven members, including the governor’s two appointees and E. Randolph Merrimer, chair of the Lottery and Gaming Commission, or his designee. The other four members were appointed by Speaker of the House Adrienne Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson. The appointed:
- Rosie Allen-Herring (National Capital Area United Way)
- Laura Gamble (regional president, PNC Bank)
- Cassandra Stevenson, (corporate tax chief at Raymond James Financial)
- Frank Turner (former Maryland delegate)
Wisconsin tribes joining party
Wisconsin’s Oneida Nation became the latest tribe to add Class III gaming to its pact and is poised to become the first group in Wisconsin to offer legal sports betting. According to a Thursday press release from Gov. Tony Evers’ office, the tribe and state have negotiated a new compact that will allow in-person and on-site mobile wagering on Oneida land. The new compact now must be sent to the U.S. Department of the Interior for review, which can take up to 45 days. Following approval, the pact must then be published in the Federal Register, which can take up to 90 days.
Betting on college sports and events with participants under the age of 19 will be prohibited.
The Oneidas own five gaming facilities Wisconsin, and according to the release from Evers’ office, the pact will allow for wagering at “Oneida casinos and affiliate locations.”
A day after the announcement, the Potawatomi Tribe, which has a casino in Milwaukee, expressed its interest in following suit, according to Fox11 News.
“(Thursday’s) announcement of a sports betting compact agreement between the Governor and Oneida is welcomed news. The Potawatomi look forward to bringing sports betting to Milwaukee in the future,” tribal leaders said in a statement.
There are 11 tribes operating 26 gaming venues in Wisconsin, including the Ho-Chunk Tribe, which has seven gaming locations, and the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, which has four locations. According to Madison.com, the state is already engaged in negotiations with at least one other tribe to amend its compact to include sports betting, and others are invited to do the same.
More of the most important, interesting stories
This year’s Hard Knocks, featuring the Dallas Cowboys, will debut Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 10 pm.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 2, 2021
NEW ERA: NCAA athletes cash in on first day of NIL freedoms: ‘It’s like the Super Bowl.’ [FOS]
BUMP IN ROAD: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board needs a new boss to finish rules. [Advertiser]
DATA DEAL: NHL and Sportradar finalize 10-year worldwide deal. [Sportico]
PINNACLE: Obit for legendary gambler Stan Tomchin. [Independent]
Eat some hot dogs. Make picks on hot dogs. Because it's America's Block Party, and we're celebrating with a free Nathan's Famous Hotdog Eating Contest pool. Join now and play free for your share of $25,000: https://t.co/HgFjzZzHFS @originalnathans | @eatingcontest pic.twitter.com/CQKI2L8UjR
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) June 29, 2021
LONGSHOT: U.K. bettor hits $1.36M parlay on English putt. [ESPN]
BIG CHANGE: Sci Games will divest itself of sports betting and lottery. [CDC Gaming]
BILLIONS: NFL owners say gambling could make teams worth up to $10B. [B/R]
BIG BUCKS? Could sports betting be a boon for women’s sports? [Cronkite News]
THEY’VE GOT NEXT: Bally’s and WNBA’s Mercury Phoenix strike groundbreaking deal [AZ Sports]
Checking in on the Brooks and Bryson feud 😅 pic.twitter.com/u2k2VC1uk1
— GolfBet (@GolfBet) July 1, 2021
Here's a look at Purdum discussing the plight of sharp bettors, business decisions, European tentacles and what the future may hold.
Bonus green screen and hat. Hit it below for full podcast episode. https://t.co/MhvhOprxAr pic.twitter.com/GzGlybxTMQ
— Sports Handle (@sports_handle) July 1, 2021
