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, June 7
Suns host Nuggets in Western Conference Semis
The opening round in the NBA Playoffs ended Sunday when the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Dallas Mavericks to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. The other semis out West begin Monday night when the Phoenix Suns host the Denver Nuggets. The 2-seed Suns opened as 4-point favorites at BetMGM. Suns guard Devin Booker is coming off a 47-point effort last Thursday in a series-clinching win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Booker has odds of +450 at BetMGM to score at least 40. Phoenix is a -190 favorite to win the series over 3-seed Denver (+155).
Devin Booker had Kobe Bryant in mind during his 47-point Game 6 performance. 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/C7VYPqIRCf
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2021
Tuesday, June 8
Wyoming regulators scheduled to discuss mobile sports betting rules
Stakeholders could learn more on the timing for rollout of mobile sports betting in Wyoming at Tuesday’s special meeting of the Wyoming Gaming Commission in Casper. Regulators will consider rules on exchange wagering, a unique type of sports betting that allows two bettors to face off in a head-to-head format. As with several states that have legalized mobile sports betting in recent months, Wyoming is targeting the start of the NFL season for rollout. Wyoming law mandates the completion of sports betting regulations by Sept. 1, but the application process has yet to begin.
Wednesday, June 9
More than 2,000 delegates scheduled to appear at SBC Digital North America
With in-person events still on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SBC has been forced to hold this week’s conference on a virtual platform for the second consecutive year. SBC Digital North America will feature panels from top sports betting industry executives, starting Wednesday when representatives from FanDuel, Penn National Gaming, NASCAR, the NBA, Sportradar, and MGM Resorts will make panel appearances. On Thursday, Entain Senior Vice President Martin Lycka will deliver a keynote address on responsible gaming. As top states such as New York and Florida have passed legislation this year on mobile sports betting, concerns related to problem gaming have intensified.
Thursday, June 10
Raucous environment expected for Game 6 in Vegas
The Vegas Golden Knights evened the NHL’s West Division Finals on Sunday night with a 5-1 thrashing of the Colorado Avalanche. Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome in Denver, one team can clinch the series on Thursday Night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. After falling behind 2-0 in the series, the Golden Knights clawed back with two wins on home ice. Following a 7-1 victory in Game 1, the Avs’ odds for capturing the series improved to -500, versus -215 before the start of the round. The Avs are now slight favorites to win the series at DraftKings, with odds of -139. In many respects, the series between Colorado and Vegas (+114) is viewed as the Stanley Cup Finals, two rounds early. The teams tied for the league’s best mark in the regular season with a league-high 82 points.
Current Stanley Cup futures odds at DraftKings:
- Colorado Avalanche — +250
- Tampa Bay Lightning — +260
- Vegas Golden Knights — +375
- Boston Bruins — +525
- Montreal Canadiens — +850
- New York Islanders — +1600
- Carolina Hurricanes — +3200
- Winnipeg Jets — 150/1
Friday, June 11
France, England open as top choices at Euro 2020
Delayed one year by the COVID-19 pandemic, Euro 2020 (yes, it retained the same name) will kick off on Friday. France, the 2018 FIFA World Cup champion, opens as tournament favorites (+450) at PointsBet, followed by England (+500), Belgium (+600), and Spain (+750). France striker Kylian Mbappe has odds of +175 to finish as the nation’s top goal scorer during the monthlong tournament. For the first time in the event’s 60-year history, the tournament is being held across the entire continent, with venues in 11 nations serving as host cities. In Friday’s opener in Rome, Italy is a heavy favorite over Turkey, with odds of -182 to pull off the win. There are also matches in Denmark, Russia, the Netherlands, and the U.K. on the tournament’s opening weekend.
Which national teams' Euro 2020 odds possess value at their current prices? ⚽
Featured futures: https://t.co/tqFprHXIQe pic.twitter.com/HXngkYjNXF
— NBC Sports EDGE Betting (@NBCSportsBet) June 3, 2021
Sunday, June 13
Nadal eyes record 21st Grand Slam win
Last fall, Rafael Nadal made history by becoming the first men’s singles players to win the French Open without dropping a set. Nadal, a 13-time French Open champion, defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals, while surrendering only seven games in the straight set victory. On Sunday, Nadal can surpass Roger Federer for Grand Slam victories with a win at Roland Garros. But first, Nadal may need to outlast Djokovic again in Friday’s semifinals. Nadal is the overwhelming favorite at FanDuel to win the French with odds of -165. Djokovic is next at +440, followed by Stefanos Tsitsipas (+480) and Alexander Zverev (+950). On Monday, Djokovic trailed Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti two sets to none before winning 16 of the next 17 games in a 6-7, 6-7, 6-1, 6-0, 4-0 (retired) victory. With 18 career slams, Djokovic is only two behind his two arch rivals.
Djokovic comes back to win. He was as high as +120 live https://t.co/Znnj1CpNsx
— David Bearman ESPN (@DBearmanESPN) June 7, 2021
