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.
Monday, November 29
Arizona releases September revenue figures
Since Arizona launched online sports betting in September, top companies have been bullish on customer engagement metrics in the Grand Canyon State. At DraftKings, for instance, it took the company just 17 days to acquire 100,000 first-time paid customers during the ramp up statewide. By comparison, it took DraftKings 170 days to reach that benchmark in New Jersey, 312 days in Pennsylvania, and 344 days in Indiana. On Monday, the Arizona Division of Gaming will release September revenue figures for sports wagering. The division has approved event wagering licenses for nine operators, including industry heavyweights DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook. Other sportsbook operators such as WynnBET, Rush Street Interactive, Barstool Sportsbook, and TwinSpires have also gained entry into the Arizona market.
Washington hosts Seattle in possible NFC elimination game
Since Russell Wilson suffered an injured finger against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5, the Seattle Seahawks have been in a tailspin. The Seahawks entered that Rams game at .500 with a 2-2 record, but have won just one of their last six in falling to last place in the NFC West. Seattle is averaging only 6.5 points per game since Wilson returned in Week 10. Seattle’s Monday Night Football opponent Washington, meanwhile, entered this week one game behind San Francisco for the NFC’s final wild card spot. The loser of Monday’s contest will face a steep uphill climb to reach the playoffs. Washington is a 1-point favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook.
“I think what our offense needs to do is forget about the past. Stay focused on the present. Stay focused on what we’re doing right now."
Russell Wilson on Seahawks' struggles.https://t.co/6djyy2VLIT
— Seahawks Nation (@12sNationCP) November 27, 2021
Wednesday, December 1
Kim, Miller keynotes highlight Day 1 at SBC North America summit
Forced online last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBC Summit North America returns this week with a two-day conference at New Jersey’s Meadowlands. The summit, one of the world’s largest gaming conferences, features about 2,500 delegates, 200 speakers, and 50 exhibitors. The opening day of the conference is highlighted with a keynote fireside chat with Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim. Bally Bet, a sports betting newcomer, received a conditional mobile license earlier this month to operate in New York. Another keynote at Wednesday’s conference will feature a discussion with Bill Miller, president and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association.
Other sports betting panels at the conference on Wednesday:
- SBC Leaders Panel: The panel will address the latest trends, obstacles, and developments in the industry. (Speakers: DraftKings CBO Ezra Kucharz, BetMGM CRO Matt Prevost, and Penn Interactive Head Jon Kaplowitz).
- Innovating the In-Play Experience: A look at how technology partners can work with sportsbook operators to bolster the in-game wagering experience for customers.
- Life after SPACs: The panel will examine the investment landscape for the U.S. sports betting market over the next five years. Panelists will consider other alternatives for investment vehicles if opportunities through special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) dry up.
Saturday, December 4
Dawgs and Crimson Tide face off for SEC title
Top-ranked Georgia completed an undefeated regular season Saturday with a 45-0 thrashing of rival Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs are on pace to allow 105 points (6.9 points per game) for the season as a whole, a historic defensive performance in college football. In Saturday’s SEC Championship, Georgia opened as 4.5-point favorites at Caesars Sportsbook. At several books, the figure rose to 6.5 on Saturday night after Alabama survived a 22-20 scare against archrival Auburn in four overtimes.
In the AAC Championship, third-ranked Cincinnati will host Houston on Saturday afternoon. The Bearcats, one of two remaining undefeated teams in FBS, are seeking their first College Football Playoff (CFP) bid in school history. Cincinnati opened at Circa Sports as 12-point favorites. The total is 54.5.
Michigan, meanwhile, earned a spot in the Big Ten championship with a 42-27 victory over then-second-ranked Ohio State. The Wolverines barreled over the Buckeyes on Saturday in snowy Ann Arbor, as Hassan Haskins rushed for 169 yards and five touchdowns in the win. Michigan is an 11-point favorite over Iowa in Indianapolis. Losses by Michigan, Cincinnati, or Alabama could open the door for Notre Dame or Oklahoma State to receive a bid to the four-team CFP, which will be announced on Dec. 5.
On Sunday, the odds on undefeated Georgia to win the national championship at BetMGM moved to -225, far ahead of Alabama (+600) and Michigan (+900). Both Cincinnati and Oklahoma State remained at +1400, while Notre Dame stood at +2500. Anyone facing the Wolverines will have to find a way to neutralize defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who entered the Heisman Trophy conversation with three sacks against Ohio State.
Aidan Hutchinson had 15 QB pressures vs Ohio State
Most in a game since we started tracking college in 2014 pic.twitter.com/Psmn0Fp6xh
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) November 28, 2021
Sunday, December 5
Cardinals attempt to hold onto NFC lead
Despite the absence of NFL MVP candidate Kyler Murray (ankle) for the last month, the Arizona Cardinals won two of three during the stretch, had a bye in Week 12, and enter Week 13 as the only team in the NFL with fewer than three losses. Murray is expected to return on Sunday when Arizona takes on the Bears in Chicago. Arizona also owns a 6-0 record on the road.
In other action, the Bengals will take on the Chargers in an AFC matchup with wild card implications. Cincinnati crushed Pittsburgh 41-10 in Week 12, while the Chargers were upset by the Broncos. The Bengals opened as 2.5-point favorites at Caesars Sportsbook. Also on Sunday, AFC North rivals the Steelers and Ravens will square off in Pittsburgh. The Ravens held onto first place in the division on Sunday night with a 16-10 win over the Browns. Baltimore is a 3-point favorite over Pittsburgh; the total is 44.
