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 5
A resolution for mobile sports betting in New York?
Budget negotiations resume in New York after a slight delay during the Easter holiday. When the state’s fiscal year budget is likely completed this week, online sports wagering is expected to remain in the budget, according to multiple media reports on Sunday night. Mobile sports betting is projected to bring the state approximately $500 million in annual revenue upon a fully mature market, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s estimates. The projections have been met with skepticism by leading sports betting industry experts. As of Sunday night, it had yet to be determined how many operators will be able to enter the market under a so-called lottery model. The plan, however, appears to exclude the Oneida Indian Nation from offering mobile sports betting, thereby cutting out major parts of Upstate New York, a source familiar with ongoing negotiations, told Sports Handle. Stay tuned.
Oneida Indian source: Senate mobile sports bet plan – says wagers occur where servers located — would put NYS in breach of ’13 pact w/ tribe by denying servers on Oneida land. Fed law violation, source says, & Oneidas would halt $70M in annual slot $ sharing w/ state/localities.
— Tom Precious (@TomPreciousALB) April 5, 2021
Gonzaga approaches finish line in bid for undefeated season
Two nights after an epic overtime win over UCLA, Gonzaga can win its first national title in school history on Monday night when the Bulldogs face Baylor in Indianapolis. Gonzaga defeated UCLA in overtime on Saturday when guard Jalen Suggs banked in a 30-foot shot at the buzzer for a 93-90 win. The top-ranked Bulldogs enter Monday’s game at 31-0. As of 8 p.m. ET on Sunday night, Gonzaga remained a 4.5-point favorite at DraftKings. Gonzaga can become the first undefeated team to win the national championship since Indiana in 1976. Baylor (29-2) could prove to be a worthy adversary. As of Sunday evening, bettors supported the Bears (+165) on moneyline tickets that comprised about 76% of the handle. Baylor tickets also made up about 54% of the spread handle at DraftKings. Ranked No. 2 in the nation for the vast majority of the season, Baylor hammered Houston 78-59 in Saturday’s Final Four. DraftKings also offers a bevy of alternative lines for Monday’s showdown.
- Gonzaga -3.5 (-129)
- Gonzaga -9.5 (+200)
- Gonzaga -12.5 (+320)
- Baylor Pick (+163)
- Baylor -2.5 (+210)
- Baylor -5 (+325)
Wednesday, April 5
Hashtag Sports hosts sports betting monetization webinar
A webinar hosted by the New York-based media company will focus on the impact of key sports betting industry trends on professional sports leagues, teams, and media corporations among others. The seminar will also address the process of entering strategic partnerships in the sports betting space, while breaking down the comparison between the sponsorship and affiliate models. Designed for C-Suite executives in sales, marketing, and revenue positions, the webinar will be moderated by Fifth Generation Sports CEO Chris Russo.
Thursday, April 8
Spieth emerges as a top choice at The Masters
With a victory on Sunday at the Valero Texas Open, Jordan Spieth won his 12th career tournament on the PGA Tour, ending a bewildering four-year drought. Spieth, who fell out of the Top 50 in the official world golf rankings last year, is now the second choice at SuperBook Sports to win The Masters (10/1). On Thursday, Spieth begin his quest to become the 18th golfer to win the prestigious tournament more than once. In 2015, Spieth won The Masters with an 18-under 270, tying Tiger Woods for the lowest 72-hole total in tournament history. Any golfer who wins The Masters multiple times is presented with the same “Green Jacket,” he won for his first title. There are 87 golfers, including three amateurs, in this year’s field. Defending champion Dustin Johnson is the tournament favorite at 8/1.
Jordan made #sportsbettingwife a littttle nervous with that layup on 18
cc @JasonSobelTAN @PaigeSpiranac pic.twitter.com/nR1yArUvy8— Teddy Greenstein (@TeddyGreenstein) April 4, 2021
Saturday, April 10
Lakers and Nets meet in potential NBA Finals preview
When the Brooklyn Nets face the Los Angeles on Saturday night, it will mark the second time the teams will meet since the Nets acquired James Harden in January. Both teams could have compromised lineups in Brooklyn. Nets forward Kevin Durant has been out since Feb. 15 with a hamstring injury. The Lakers, meanwhile, have faded to third in the Pacific Division with Lebron James and Anthony Davis nursing long-term injuries. The Nets are favored to win the NBA Championship at PointsBet, with odds of +225. The defending champion Lakers are the second choice (+350), followed by the Clippers (+500), Bucks (+700), Jazz (+800), and Sixers (+1400).
KD could return Monday against the Knicks
Steve Nash says there's a "high probability" that Durant returns this next week pic.twitter.com/3PG4KehO3a
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 3, 2021
Sunday, April 11
Back nine drama at Augusta National
Besides Danny Willett in 2016, the last 10 champions at The Masters have been fairly chalky, with Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Bubba Watson, Spieth, and Johnson all donning the Green Jacket. Among the top golfers seeking their first Masters’ victory on Sunday, Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas may both have a chance to outclass the field, according to SuperBook golf oddsmaker Jeff Sherman. Rory McIlroy (20/1) will attempt to complete the career grand slam, but hasn’t won a tournament in 18 months. Phil Mickelson, 50, can become the oldest golfer to ever win The Masters. Mickelson has odds of 160/1 at FanDuel.
2021 Masters updated
D Johnson 8/1
J Spieth 10/1
B DeChambeau 12/1
J Thomas 12/1
J Rahm 14/1
R McIlroy 20/1
X Schauffele 20/1
P Cantlay 20/1
C Morikawa 30/1
V Hovland 30/1
T Finau 30/1
P Reed 30/1
B Koepka 40/1
S Im 40/1
D Berger 40/1
C Smith 40/1
L Westwood 50/1— Jeff Sherman (@golfodds) April 4, 2021
