Each Monday, our “What’s On Tap,” series will preview 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 and Wide World of Gambling at US Bets for a look back at last week’s relevant news.
Monday, April 12
Maryland nears the finish line
Days after lawmakers reached a deal that will reinstitute a cap on the number of mobile licenses available statewide, the Maryland House and Senate are poised to pass a bill establishing a framework for sports betting on the final day of the 2021 General Assembly session. The bill caps the number of mobile licenses in Maryland at 10, which are tethered to existing gaming facilities, in addition to allowing 30 retail-only facilities for sports betting. The bill must pass both the House and Senate on Monday before being sent to Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk for his signature.
MARYLAND:
Bill allows for 10 'Class A' licenses for retail and mobile wagering tethered to certain facilities (capped), and 30 retail-only permits.
Vote expected to occur today.https://t.co/7Kg0SZb143
— Sports Handle (@sports_handle) April 12, 2021
Trio of gaming bills in Florida
On Monday, a committee in the Florida State Senate is schedule to consider three bills related to modernization of gaming in the Sunshine State. The bills, SB 7076, SB 7078, and SB 7080, seek to create a new gaming commission while decoupling jai-alai and live racing from the majority of the state’s gaming venues. While none of the bills contain language on sports wagering, continued horse trading on the gaming initiatives could provide momentum for a separate bill on mobile and retail sports betting before the legislative session concludes at the end of this month.
Word from key stakeholders is that we may see a sports betting bill emerge in Florida before month’s end.
That’s despite sports betting’s absence from last week’s gambling bills in Florida.
— Chris Grove (@OPReport) April 12, 2021
Tuesday, April 13
Tennessee hearing on payday loan restrictions
A Tennessee subcommittee may consider a bill that prohibits a sportsbook operator from allowing a customer to place a bet at the same location where the person has also entered into a “flex loan plan.” Under the bill, there are similar restrictions in place for customers who enter into a deferred presentment services agreement, a check cashing transaction, or a title pledge agreement. More likely to move is another measure that would transfer regulatory authority from the incumbent, the Tennessee Education Lottery Corp., and transfer it to the nine-member appointed Sports Wagering Advisory Committee.
Wednesday, April 14
Pete Rose scheduled to make “special announcement” on 80th birthday
Rose, the all-time leader in Major League Baseball for hits (4,256), games played (3,562), and singles (3,215), is set to make a special announcement on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate his 80th birthday. Last February, Rose and his attorneys petitioned MLB commissioner Rob Manfred for reinstatement into the league, following MLB’s suspension of several managers and executives associated with the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Rose has been on MLB’s ineligible list for more than 30 years after an investigation showed that he bet on league games while serving as the manager of the Cincinnati Reds.
Creating success is tough. But keeping it is tougher. You have to keep producing, and you can't ever stop working hard. -Pete Rose pic.twitter.com/wsLwq7dNs4
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) April 11, 2021
Texas committee hearing on sports betting
A public hearing in the Texas House State Affairs Committee will focus on a bill that seeks to grant sports betting operator licenses to every pro sports franchise across the state. Over the last several months, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban have been among a group of owners who have advocated for the legalization of sports betting in Texas. If Texas eventually decides to legalize the activity, the Lone Star State will instantly become one of the Top 5 markets for sports betting nationwide.
Golden opportunity for Manchester City in Champions League’ quarters
Fresh off a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the opening leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, Manchester City can advance to the semis following the second leg on Wednesday night in Dortmund, Germany. Man City (-715) is a heavy favorite at DraftKings to advance. On the futures market, Man City is favored to win the 2021 Champions League, with odds of +175.
Other quarterfinals matchups this week in the Champions League (odds to advance).
- Paris Saint Germain (-278) against Bayern Munich (+220)
- Liverpool (+340) against Real Madrid (-455)
- Chelsea (-5000) against FC Porto (+1300)
Musgrove seeks encore after no-hitter
Five days after tossing the first no-hitter in San Diego Padres’ history, Joe Musgrove returns to the hill on Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Through two starts, Musgrove has 18 strikeouts without yielding a single earned run. In the history of Major League Baseball annals, only one pitcher has thrown no-hitters in consecutive regular-season games. In 1938, former Reds pitcher Johnny Vander Meer accomplished the feat against the Brooklyn Dodgers, four days after throwing a no-hitter against the Boston Bees. The under might be the play. Through eight games the Pirates’ inexperienced lineup ranked 11th of 15 National League teams in hitting with a batting average of .212.
I predict that today, April 9, 2021, Joe Musgrove will throw the first no hitter by a San Diego Padres pitcher in franchise history pic.twitter.com/gSuHmpyaPW
— Paul Francis Sullivan (@sullybaseball) April 9, 2021
