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 (or fashionably late) Sports Handle item, “Get a Grip,” recapping the week’s top US 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
Tennessee’s debut revenue report
Tennessee sportsbooks held just about the state-mandated 10% for November, the first month of live mobile/online sports betting, the Tennessee Education Lottery announced last week. BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Tennessee Action 24/7 won a combined $13.2 million on $131.4 million in handle from Nov. 1-30. Handle was the biggest for any state debut, according to various reports.
The four operators all went live on Nov. 1.
The Tennessee Education Lottery took in about $2.4 million in revenue on a 20% tax rate. According to TNBets, Indiana sportsbooks took about $100 million in wagers in their first full month in 2019, and both states have a population of 6.8 million. Indiana does have retail sportsbooks in addition to digital platforms, and three operators were live in Indiana for November 2019 as compared to four in Tennessee in November 2020.
The TEL did not break down November wagering figures either by operator or by sport, and made the announcement via press release. Unlike other states which provide revenue reports, Tennessee regulators made the announcement via press release only.
Tennessee just set the record for the biggest 1st month of betting on sports for any state, with $131M wagered in November pic.twitter.com/z5sNcAaJWM
— Sara Slane (@Sara_Slane) December 23, 2020
Colorado also released its latest numbers last week, and sportsbooks there saw continued growth, taking in $231.2 million in wagers for November. At 5.8 million, Colorado has a smaller population than either Indiana or Tennessee, but also has about 20 online operators live. Retail sportsbooks in Colorado have been open, but under heavy restrictions, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bud Light-Fan Duel-Broncos redux
In December, FanDuel announced a unique single-game sportsbook partnership with Bud Light and Broncos for the Dec. 19 game in which bettors wagering at least $25 on the moneyline would also get paid for every field goal and extra point kicker Brandon McManus hit. But the event didn’t play out when McManus was put on the NFL’s Reserve/COVID-19 list. The trio are trying again this Sunday, when the Broncos play the AFC West rival Chargers. For the promotion, patrons must bet at least $25 on the moneyline — for either team to win — and will be paid $3 for every field goal and extra point McManus hits. Though the first attempt was stymied, according to FanDuel, the “Bud Light Pick & Kick Bonus” garnered the “most-ever bets placed on the Broncos in the Colorado market” for the company.
More important, interesting stories this week
The Celtics family mourns the loss of twelve-time NBA champion, two-time NCAA champion, Gold medal-winning Olympian and Hall of Famer, K.C. Jones, as we celebrate his remarkable career and life.
Full statement: https://t.co/rPoO80yZFd pic.twitter.com/QxwcpjI0rj
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 25, 2020
BIG BUCKS: Bengals upset of Steelers huge payday for books. [JournalReview]
KING CHARLES: Barkley makes a deal with FanDuel [SH]
HEY, STOOLIES: Barstool opens retail books in Detroit, Indiana. [MiBets]
ROADBLOCK?: Poarch Creek Indians may stymie AL legalization effort. [ALPoliticalReporter]
FANDUEL IN AC: Operator opens temporary book at Bally’s. [PressofAtlanticCity]
NEXT UP: Sports betting should be live in Michigan, Virginia in January. [SH]
NUMBERS GAME: New York’s gaming revenue still tepid, at best. [NJOG]
GAMBLING IN PARADISE? Hawaii casino project gains traction. [HawaiiNewsNow]
BANNED: Atletico Madrid player is suspended for breaking betting rules. [AP]
TAX TROUBLES: Ex-Indians outfielder gets probation in gambling-tax case. [Cleveland.com]
INDIANA NO GO?: iGaming up next in Indiana, but could meet resistance. [WIBC]
DRONES: TN regulators first to approve wagering on drone races. [TNBets]
