It’s information overload everywhere, and there’s not time enough to sleep and eat and stay fully apprised of what’s happening on this crazy blue dot of ours (two out of three ain’t bad). Here’s the weekend Sports Handle item, “Get a Grip,” recapping the week’s top stories, highlighting some fresh news and rounding up key stories in the world (and industry) of legal U.S. sports betting.
A focus on coronavirus impact:
MARCH SADNESS: In Atlantic City, a walk on the boardwalk after casinos close [NJOG]
FIRST-PERSON: The day March Madness died: what’s a sportsbook to do without sports? [SH]
NEVADA: Gaming recovery from pandemic will take more than a year, costing $39 billion [CDC Gaming]
NEW JERSEY: Atlantic City casinos offering temporary paid leave, extending benefits during shutdown [Press of AC]
NATIONWIDE: NIGA Chairman Stevens releases statement amid ‘unprecedented times’ [Native Biz]
HOLDING PATTERN: Casinos and forthcoming Colorado sportsbooks have to adapt to interruptions [Denver Post]
MOUNTING: Betting firms begin to tally up their coronavirus losses [Fortune]
DOWNTURN: Nearly $74 billion in annual wages at risk by casino closures, AGA says [US Bets]
Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission forging ahead with sportsbook licensure
DC Lottery close to launching sports betting app and website
The “wait” may be nearly over for Washington, D.C. sports bettors. Unfortunately, if the DC Lottery’s sports betting app and website do go live later this month, there won’t be much of anything to wager on. As the coronavirus crisis continues to shut down activities around the world, the DC Lottery and its controversial partner Intralot are still planning to go live with their offerings later this month, according to the DC Lottery Board.
“Our goal for that is the end of this month; however, it is important to note that almost all professional sports leagues globally have indefinitely suspended play amidst the growing concerns around COVID-19, so there will likely be little-to-no games or bets to offer in the coming weeks,” Office of Lottery and Gaming spokesperson Nicole Jordan wrote in an e-mail earlier this week.
Once again states with lottery sports book solutions have embarrassed themselves. The lottery has absolutely no business here. Just so you know the lines on the games are
approximately a 12.5% hold. The norm is -110 on both sides or 4.5%. Don't be suckered in Montana pic.twitter.com/UNRCaWgjFY— Robert Walker (@robertusfsports) March 12, 2020
Other important, interesting stories of the week
NEW RECORD COMING: PA sportsbooks saw drop in betting action in February for first time since May ’19 [PennBets]
PLAYBOOK: Self-isolated NFL players engage in group chats, workouts [AP NFL]
SEAT AVAILABLE: Online gambling stands ready as casinos close [WSJ]
.@NASCAR tonight is announcing a new @iRacing invitational series with star drivers, an idea born from coronavirus situation.
➖ @FoxSports in talks to air first race Sunday but no confirmation yet.
➖ Participants include @KyleBusch, @DaleJr., @DennyHamlin, @KyleLarsonRacin. pic.twitter.com/EHEzjbTQPm
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) March 18, 2020
SUITS: DraftKings boosts DC lobbying efforts with new hire [EGR]
BALLOT BOX: Will Maryland sports betting referendum gain public support? [SH]
A LOOK BACK: Lawyers, props and money: Oral history of the first DK sports betting Nat’l Championship [NJOG]
CHURCHILL: Kentucky Commission votes to move Derby to September [Hoosier State]
Here is the latest episode of @GTCashConsider podcast
It’s raw, it’s real and it’s available.
We talk about the Coronavirus how it’s impacted sports books along with everybody’s life
We even got to some NFL stuff
At home or on a walk, take a listen…https://t.co/6B8aly2zOF
— Sportsbook Consigliere (@SportsbkConsig) March 17, 2020
