Each week, 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, August 8
Medvedev installed as heavy favorite at Canadian Open
Each summer, the Canadian Open (also known as the National Bank Open) ranks among the top tune-up events for the U.S. Open. The absence of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal from this week’s tournament places somewhat of a damper on the prominent event. With the Big Three out of the Montreal tournament, Daniil Medvedev has been installed as the heavy +275 favorite at BetMGM to capture the title, presented by Rogers.
Barred from Wimbledon due to the Russian military’s invasion of Ukraine, Medvedev won his first title of the season on Sunday at the Abierto de Tenis Mifel in Los Cabos, Mexico. Medvedev, the world’s top-ranked player, cruised through the tournament without dropping a set. Later this month, Medvedev will attempt to defend his title at the U.S. Open, the year’s final Grand Slam event.
Carlos Alcaraz is the second choice at +450, followed by Nick Kyrgios and Jannik Sinner at +900 and +1000, respectively. Tennis bettors in Ontario can wager on the Canadian Open for the first time since the province went live with single-event sports betting in April.
Wednesday, August 10
Maryland Lottery reviews Commanders’ sports betting application
When the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency meets on Wednesday, state regulators will consider a retail sportsbook license application from the NFL’s Washington Commanders. The Commanders, formerly the Washington Redskins, have to publicly disclose a sports betting partner at their current home, FedEx Field.
While the franchise has considered a new stadium location in Northern Virginia, Maryland has pitched the Commanders on a sprawling new facility in Prince George’s County. The Commanders are under contract to play at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, until 2027. The application of Maryland Stadium Sub LLC covers the site at 1600 FedEx Way, the location of FedEx Field.
Maryland waiting on “public declaration” from Commanders before stadium progress, lawmaker says https://t.co/WlqaKqoaYN
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) June 16, 2022
MLS All-Star Game in Minnesota
For the second straight year, a contingent of Major League Soccer’s elite players will take on the top stars from Mexico’s Liga MX league in the MLS All-Star Game. Keep an eye on the total in Wednesday night’s exhibition. In each of the last seven MLS All-Star Games, the total has fallen under 3.5 goals.
Top MLS stars in Wednesday’s matchup include Austin FC midfield Sebastian Driussi, Inter Miami CF defender DeAndre Yedlin, Seattle Sounders FC forward Jordan Morris, and Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. Driussi leads the league with 16 goals.
From concerts to skill challenges, there's plenty of events in the Twin Cities as they play host to the MLS All-Star Game this week. https://t.co/N5NLQGnOkS
— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) August 7, 2022
The MLS team is led by three members of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), a Western Conference team that heads into the break with a league-high 51 points. Through 23 games, LAFC has only four defeats. At Caesars Sportsbook, LAFC has odds of +225 to win the MLS Cup, just ahead of Eastern Conference powers New York City FC and Philadelphia Union, which have odds of +400 and +600.
Those three are the only teams at Caesars with single-digit odds. Austin FC and the New York Red Bulls have odds of +1000 and +1600, ahead of CF Montreal (+1800) and Nashville SC (+2200). The LA Galaxy and Minnesota United, the All-Star hosts, are next at +2800. Now in its fifth MLS season, LAFC is still seeking its first MLS Cup title.
Thursday, August 11
FedEx Cup Playoffs begin in Memphis
For the first time, Memphis will host a FedEx Cup playoff event when golfers tee off at TPC Southwind on Thursday. Formerly the Northern Trust Open, the PGA Tour moved the tournament to Memphis and renamed it the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The tournament will begin with ongoing controversy surrounding the LIV Golf series.
Three LIV golfers — Talor Gooch, Matt Jones, and Hudson Swafford — have filed a temporary restraining order against the PGA Tour in an attempt to play in the tournament. According to SI.com, the PGA Tour will not allow the three golfers on the grounds of the event. The matter could be resolved on Tuesday, however, at a hearing in San Jose, California.
According to reports, LIV Golf players Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford and Matt Jones are not allowed on site at TPC Southwind ahead of the FedEx St. Jude Championship until their legal position is sorted out… ❌👀
More: 📲➡️ https://t.co/C3fLaCVW1x pic.twitter.com/oE1UoPoIfP
— GolfMagic.com (@GolfMagic) August 7, 2022
The three LIV golfers are not listed at DraftKings to win the tournament outright. Rory McIlroy is the favorite at +900, followed by Patrick Cantlay, Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Matthew Fitzpatrick, and Xander Schauffele at +1400. There are three events in this year’s FedEx Cup playoffs.
Friday, August 12
Flutter set to release 2022 interim financial report
After a bevy of sports betting-related companies reported second-quarter earnings last week, Flutter will issue an update on the company’s 2022 first-half performance on Friday. Flutter, the parent company of FanDuel Sportsbook, is expected to report earnings per share of £116.8 pence, up from £66.4 pence in the second quarter last year.
While a number of companies have been able to rein in marketing spending in recent months, the ability to acquire customers at a relatively affordable rate still remains a top concern for top sportsbook operators. Three sportsbooks — FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM — generate roughly 80% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) across the U.S. online market, according to Eilers & Krejcik Gaming. FanDuel still holds a commanding lead, with approximately half of the nation’s GGR in online sports betting.
Saturday, August 13
Super Bowl champ Rams open preseason vs. Chargers
If you are betting the NFL preseason, it might be time for a new hobby. The uncertainty on the number of snaps that first-team regulars will receive in the preseason makes for a challenging proposition.
On Saturday, for instance, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will likely miss the defending Super Bowl champion’s preseason opener against the L.A. Chargers with elbow tendinitis. But other stars, such as Cooper Kupp and Jalen Ramsey, could receive some action, placing bettors in a difficult spot.
The Rams open as 3-point underdogs against the Chargers at FanDuel. In total, there are six games on Saturday’s preseason slate. A six-leg parlay on all six underdogs will pay odds of more than 130/1. Besides the Rams, the Chiefs, Cowboys, Panthers, Seahawks, and Bucs all open Week 1 of the preseason as underdogs.
