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 and rounding up key stories in sports betting, gaming, and the world of sports at large. You may have missed them, and they are worth reading.
NC sends tribal sports betting bill to House floor
A North Carolina tribe is on the cusp of being able to offer legal sports betting at two sites, according to the News & Observer. SB 154 passed through two House committees earlier this week, and will likely get heard on the full House floor. The bill would make it legal for the Eastern Band of Cherokee to launch a sportsbook at its casinos in Cherokee and Murphy. The bill passed the Senate, 43-7, in April. Should it pass the House, it will go to Governor Roy Cooper, who can either sign it, veto it or let it become law without his signature.
“The Eastern Band have been extremely good stewards of the revenue generated from their gaming operations,” Senator Jim Davis (R-District 50) told the N&O. It is estimated that revenue from adding sports and horse betting could generate between $1 million and $1.5 million annually for the state.
In addition to the movement on SB 154, the House on Thursday approved a sports betting study bill that would have a newly created North Carolina Gaming Commission explore the pros and cons of sports betting throughout the state, according to US Bets. The study committee would be required to report findings by Feb. 15, 2020.
More of the most important, interesting stories
NUMBERS: We need to talk about data (sorry but we do). [EGR]
3-2-1: Pennsylvania’s first online casinos set for Monday launch. [PennBets]
ENGINES REVVING: In Indiana, Hollywood, Belterra among sports betting applicants [Eagle Country]
RT US_Bets "With Indiana casino revenue trending downwards, is it time for #SportsBetting to save the day?
By brianpempus for HoosierBets https://t.co/bZ1xT7pHM5"
— ExecSummary (@execsummary2018) July 11, 2019
HORIZON: Nearly one-half of all Americans live in states soon to offer legal sports betting. [CNBC]
RIBBON CUTTING: New York’s Rivers Casino eyes Tuesday opening for sports book [Times-Union]
GETTING READY: Mohawks prepping 5,200-square foot sportsbook in Upstate New York. [NYUp]
IN THE RED(S)?: A Pennsylvania bettor could win $462,000 if Cincinnati wins the NL Central. [PhilIyInquirer]
CONGRESS: MA Senator Warren files gambling addiction bill. [MassLive]
BYE, BYE JACK: D.C. Council strips sports betting sponsor Evans of committee chairmanship. [City Paper]
OVER/UNDER: One of sports betting’s most popular bets explained. [USAToday]
Mick The Miller and some of his trophies – where are they now? pic.twitter.com/U1HZTH20P5
— Historical Betting Sports (@SportOnSepia) July 10, 2019
In the wider world of sports
FALL OF A LEGEND: Inside why Penn basketball coach took payout from phony recruit’s dad. [SI]
SECOND CHANCE: Ex-Baylor football coach Art Briles is starting anew at a Texas high school. [ESPN]
Breaking: The Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to trade Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets for Chris Paul, first-round picks in 2024 and 2026, pick swaps in 2021 and 2025, league sources tell @wojespn and @royceyoung. pic.twitter.com/D7EreMdncL
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 12, 2019
WHAT NEXT? The USWNT won a record fourth World Cup. So, now what? [SBNation]
ENOUGH WITH THE DINGERS: Too many home runs are killing baseball. [WSJ]
Former NFL star Albert Haynesworth has received more than 1,000 calls of support since he posted about his need for a kidney transplant, a hospital says. https://t.co/mNnQCeQK30
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) July 12, 2019
ICYMI at Sports Handle and US Bets
Iowa gaming commission gathering feedback on draft sports betting regulations.
Betting on college sports — or not — often a game of political football.
As states consider anti-courtsiding measures, debate on transmission of live data intensifies.
Buyer beware: Sports betting touts in era of widespread legalization.
D.C. Council approves controversial mobile sports betting contract with Intralot.
