Each Monday, our “What’s on Tap” series previews the week ahead in the world of sports betting. Come here for a summary of upcoming financial happenings, legislative and regulatory meetings, industry conferences, top games scheduled for the week, and much more. Also, check out our weekly review Get a Grip for a look back at last week’s notable news.
Tuesday, November 2
Braves near first World Series in 26 years
Down 4-0 in Game 5 of the World Series, the Houston Astros clawed back on Sunday night with a 9-5 win over the Atlanta Braves to stave off elimination. The Braves entered Game 5 as -500 favorites to win the World Series at DraftKings, a number that shrunk to -220 after the comeback from Houston. Astros pitcher Luis Garcia is scheduled to take the mound on Tuesday night against Braves counterpart Max Fried. After taking a 3-1 series lead, the Braves are looking to avoid a collapse against the Astros, which would be a repeat of what happened to the club after leading the Dodgers 3-1 in the 2020 National League Championship Series. If the Astros win on Tuesday night, a decisive Game 7 is scheduled for Wednesday.
World Series exact result at DraftKings:
- Braves in 6: +105
- Astros in 7: +190
- Braves in 7: +340
Wednesday, November 3
AGA Fall Public Policy Committee meeting
Weeks after the American Gaming Association (AGA) hosted the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, the organization will hold its 2021 Fall Public Policy Committee meeting in Washington, D.C. The committee is composed of executives with expertise in gaming policy, law, and regulation. Following Wednesday’s meeting, the AGA will host a reception with Capitol Hill and administration leaders at the Caesars Sportsbook inside Capital One Arena. Separately, the AGA’s board of directors will hold its annual fall meeting on Thursday in the nation’s capital. Last month, the NFL announced that it is spending $6.2 million to support outreach programs aimed at helping or preventing problem gaming. It comes amid projections from the AGA that about 45 million Americans will place a bet on the NFL during the 2020-21 season, an increase of 36% from the previous season.
Friday, November 5
DraftKings releases Q3 earnings
DraftKings will release 2021 third-quarter earnings on Friday, less than 10 days after declaring that it will not make a formal offer to acquire UK-based Entain. The $22 billion proposal by DraftKings for the UK gaming conglomerate represented the largest acquisition attempt in the global sports betting space since the Supreme Court’s historic PASPA decision in 2018. In a statement released by DraftKings, CEO Jason Robins noted that the company is highly confident that it can achieve long-term growth in North America based on its vertically integrated tech stack and “best-in-class” products.
DraftKings is projected to have total revenue of $224.8 million, according to Zack’s Consensus Estimate, up 69.3% from the third quarter of 2020. The company is also expected to report a loss of $1.10 per share, a decline of 12.2% from the same period last year. BetMGM, a 50-50 joint venture between Entain and MGM Resorts, is one of the nation’s top sportsbook operators by market share. MGM Resorts, meanwhile, will release third-quarter earnings on Wednesday after market close. MGM is expected to report a loss of $0.04 per share, according to Zack’s, a year-over-year increase of 96.3%. From a revenue standpoint, MGM is expected to post $2.41 billion, up 114% from the same quarter a year ago. Another top company in the space, Penn National Gaming, will hold a quarterly earnings call on Thursday.
JUST IN: $WBX Why DKNG Stock Investors Are Betting On the Dropped DraftKings-Entain Deal
https://t.co/ePKlEH8wNO
#MWN #Stocks @Banner97179164 @highstakes100 $CADE $AABB $EQOS $GHRS via @MarketWN— Decentral Lab (@Decentral_Lab) October 30, 2021
Oral arguments in Seminole online sports betting case
Florida gaming stakeholders will be closely monitoring a hearing in federal court where two plaintiffs seek to block the implementation of online sports betting in the Sunshine State. The plaintiffs, Magic City Casino and Bonita Springs Poker Room, have asked the court to enjoin the online sports betting portion of a compact between the state and the Seminole Tribal Nation, approved by lawmakers in May. The parimutuels contend that any compact that results in the expansion of online gaming statewide must go before voters based on Amendment 3, a referendum that was overwhelmingly passed in 2018. If the Seminoles prevail in court, the tribe could implement online sports betting in Florida as early as Nov. 15.
Corniche, Jack Christopher face off in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships open in San Diego with five races on “Future Stars Friday.” The afternoon slate is highlighted by the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, an early preview of next year’s Kentucky Derby. The race features an east-coast-west-coast showdown between unbeaten 2-year-olds Corniche and Jack Christopher. Corniche, the son of Quality Road, broke his maiden in September with a four-length win on the same track at Del Mar. He will be challenged by Jack Christopher, who is coming off an impressive victory in the Grade I Champagne on Oct. 20. Unbeaten Echo Zulu is expected to be the heavy favorite in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
Saturday, November 6
Spartans look to avoid letdown against Boilermakers
Michigan State notched its 10th victory in 14 games against archrival Michigan with a come from behind 37-33 victory in Lansing. Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III entered the Heisman Trophy conversation with a 197-yard, five-touchdown performance in the victory. Walker III is the first running back to rush for at least five touchdowns against an AP Top 10 opponent since former Colorado back Chris Brown recorded six rushing touchdowns versus second-ranked Nebraska in 2001. Fifth-ranked Michigan State returns to action against unranked Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. The Spartans opened as a 3-point favorite at Circa Sports, and the total is 57.
In other action, top-ranked Georgia (-39) will host Missouri in Athens. The Bulldogs are coming off a dominating 34-7 win over Florida in Week 9. Also on Saturday, 16th-ranked UTSA looks to extend its school-record winning streak to nine when the Roadrunners face UTEP in El Paso. UTSA opened as 9-point favorites, with a total of 54.5. UTSA is averaging 39.4 points per game, good for 12th in the nation.
19 players were listed in the preseason Heisman odds with the last four at 50-1. Kenneth Walker was not on the list. Does anybody have that ticket? pic.twitter.com/lnqpprStA8
— Tom Mendoza (@TomMendozaTalks) October 31, 2021
Cox seeks first Breeders’ Cup Classic
A deep field is expected in Saturday’s $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, one of the richest races in the world. Trainer Brad Cox will saddle the two favorites, Whitney Stakes winner Knicks Go and Belmont Stakes winner Essential Quality. Knicks Go, a frontrunner, is expected to bolt to the lead from the gate, while Essential Quality is more of a stalker with a tendency to rally late. The duo will be challenged by Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, Pennsylvania Derby winner Hot Rod Charlie, and Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Max Player. Other favorites on the undercard at Day 2 of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships include Gamine (Filly and Mare Sprint), Jackie’s Warrior (Sprint), Letruska (Distaff), and Tarnawa (Turf).
“It was a great morning and all three horses put in great works." – Brad Cox on his @BreedersCup trio of Essential Quality (pictured), Knicks Go & Shedaresthedevil, who breezed Sunday @ChurchillDowns in advance of Saturday's championship event.
Story: https://t.co/DKM72VzccV pic.twitter.com/hAYkOy3bMP
— Churchill Downs PR (@DerbyMedia) October 31, 2021
Sunday, November 7
Henry injury cools talk of possible Super Bowl preview in Inglewood
In 2000, the Tennessee Titans fell about a yard short of forcing Super Bowl overtime when Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled Kevin Dyson inches from the goal line with no time left in regulation. Now, the teams will square off in prime time at SoFi Stadium, the site of Super Bowl LVI. The Titans enter the matchup on a four-game winning streak, including victories over AFC powers Kansas City and Buffalo. The Rams are also hot, with wins in seven of their first eight games. Titans running back Derrick Henry suffered a potentially season-ending foot injury in Sunday’s win over the Colts, ESPN reported. Henry, the NFL’s leading rusher, is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday. The Titans-Rams game is off the board pending word on Henry’s status.
Derrick Henry has made up for 79.3% of the teams rushing yards so far this season (937 rush yds). https://t.co/dmJ2NCNegZ pic.twitter.com/x4Pox14cBM
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 1, 2021
