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 happenings.
Top stories around our network this week
The conversation of the summer (and fall) in the sports betting world will be the dueling ballot initiatives in California. A number of civic groups and organizations have already come out to oppose (or support) one of the two measures, and there are also rifts between tribal groups.
Expect more in the months to come, as the mobile sportsbook operators and the California tribes attempt to gain public support in the Golden State.
Another $10M in support of the tribes' Prop 26 legalized sports betting initiative. To date, committees supporting and opposing the two gaming props on California's 2022 ballot have raised $265 million.
Prop 26 Y – $83M
Prop 26 N – $41M
Prop 27 Y – $100M
Prop 27 N – $41M https://t.co/Sqt7v8m108— Rob Pyers (@rpyers) July 7, 2022
What’s next?
Here’s what operators may question in first draft of Kansas regulations
So, now what?
Ruling on mobile sports wagering in Florida wrongly decided, attorney says
Welcome to the party
Bally Bet becomes last of nine online sportsbooks to go live in New York
Bally Bet faces uphill battle for New York market share
We’ll miss The Hammer
Hank Goldberg leaves lasting legacy on sports betting industry
Words matter
FanDuel makes promotional pivot from ‘risk-free’ to ‘no sweat’ bets
Revenue reports
Arizona moves past $4 billion in all-time sports wagering handle
PrizePicks leaps past FanDuel in Michigan daily fantasy revenue
Horse racing news never stops
BetMakers’ claims of exclusivity over fixed-odds thoroughbred wagering in NJ questioned
New Jersey budget makes horse racing purses whole again
Baffert horses headline Haskell nominations
First sportsbook at MLS stadium opens
FanDuel on Friday opened the first sportsbook in an MLS stadium at Audi Field, home of D.C. United. FanDuel now has two in-stadium sportsbooks, with a third expected to be open by the end of the year. The company opened its Phoenix Footprint Center location in September 2021 and is currently building out its space at Chicago’s United Center.
Actor Carl Anthony Payne II wagered $20 on D.C. United (+380) to win Friday night against the Philadelphia Union as the ceremonial first bet. The new book offers an unobstructed view of the field and features 47 HD TVs, two big video boards, three teller stations, and 18 kiosks.
Here’s a look:
– Jill R. Dorson
Rush Street launches digital platform in Mexico
On Thursday, Rush Street Interactive announced that it launched its RushBet sportsbook and online casino apps in Mexico, where the legal gambling age is 18. The company operates digital wagering in the U.S. under the BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse brands.
According to a press release, Rush Street — with a Latin American footprint that previously included only Colombia — is “exclusively partnered” with the media conglomerate Grupo Multimedios, which has ownership stakes in several Mexican broadcast properties and pro sports franchises.
“Grupo Multimedios is one of the most respected media enterprises in Mexico, making them a great partner for us to launch and accelerate our online gaming operations in the country,” said Rush Street CEO Richard Schwartz. “Mexico represents an attractive market opportunity, with a population of more than 130 million. When combined with Colombia’s population of 50 million, this new market greatly expands RSI’s offering in Latin America.”
– Mike Seely
Maine might miss out
Maine regulators have started down the road to live sports betting and may have already hit their first pothole.
Two months after Gov. Janet Mills signed a controversial retail and statewide mobile bill into law, not a single major operator has showed interest in getting into the state, according to the Bangor News.
The bill was a compromise offered from Mills to the tribes in the state, who were seeking expanded sovereignty, and will allow for only four digital platforms. An earlier bill that had broad support would have allowed for a more open, competitive market. Retail wagering will be legal at casinos owned by Penn National Gaming and Churchill Downs and some off-track betting parlors.
The state’s Gambling Control Unit has heard from the NFL and various suppliers and vendors, but so far, companies like MGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel haven’t reached out, likely in part because operators will only be entitled to keep up to 40% of revenue after paying taxes and fees to the state and tribes.
Milt Champion, executive director of the Gambling Control Unit, previously told Sports Handle it could take more than a year before wagering is live. The law becomes effective Aug. 2.
– Jill R. Dorson
Hometown bias on the Avs
A resounding performance by the Colorado Avalanche during the Stanley Cup Finals led to a boon in wagering activity on hockey across the Centennial State. The state did not eclipse $100 million in hockey handle over the course of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but came close.
Throughout the playoffs, Coloradans placed $96.8 million in wagers on the NHL, a Colorado Division of Gaming spokesperson told Sports Handle on Friday. Colorado sports bettors wagered $30.4 million on the finals alone, won by the Avalanche in six games.
By comparison, Colorado bettors wagered about $26 million on hockey last year in May and June combined. The Avalanche ended a 21-year drought in capturing the Stanley Cup for the third time in franchise history. The Avalanche are currently 5/1 favorites at FanDuel to win the 2023 Cup.
– Matt Rybaltowski
More of the most important, interesting stories
CASH MONEY: MLS signs $270 million betting data deal with IMG Arena [Sportico]
ON ONE HAND … : Las Vegas Strip will show increased gaming revenue as local casinos decline [CDC]
THEY DID WHAT?: Bally’s bringing all-ages arcade to former sportsbook space [Review-Journal]
YIKES: Police say cash from illegal grow-ops laundered at Niagara casinos [Niagara Falls Review]
HOLDING OUT HOPE: Massachusetts House negotiator “hopeful” bill will pass this month [Mass Live]
PARTNERS: Sacramento Kings reach partnership deal with Red Hawk Casino [CDC]
Are things looking up for Carolina with Mayfield? https://t.co/Qlr0rmSZD4 #sports #feedly
— K Dubb (@TheReal_KDubb) July 8, 2022
TURRIBLE: Steph Curry says Charles Barkley won’t finish in top 70 at celebrity golf tournament [ESPN]
A-OK: “No hiccups so far” as U.S. racing in HISA era begins [BloodHorse]
NO BUENO: Connecticut doesn’t require betting operators to share PG data [Connecticut Public Radio]
MAZEL TOV: Montana Lottery celebrates 35th anniversary [Lottery Post]
MORE PARTNERS: Betfred and Long Shot’s partner on Maryland sports betting venture [PR Newswire]
THAT WAS DUMB: Intoxicated man accused of pointing gun at casino card dealer [Kitsap Sun]
