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.
Sports betting legislation slowing down
There are few sports to bet on in the new COVID-19 crisis world, and statehouses across the country have closed their doors, meaning sports betting legislation has grinded to a halt. The main bits of news this week came out of Washington, where Governor Jay Inslee on Wednesday law that will permit on-premises sports wagering at tribal locations. And in Vermont, a sports betting study bill moved from one Senate committee to another on Tuesday. Other than that, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has until April 11 to ink a measure that would legalize sports wagering both in person at new casino properties and mobile statewide.
Only a handful of states discussing legal sports betting are still in action, and, for the most part, sports betting bills are in holding patterns, sitting in committee. Legislatures in Kentucky, Massachusetts and Vermont, as well as the Ohio Senate, remain in session, but sports betting doesn’t appear on committee agendas for action in any of those states. Last week, Kentucky’s HB 137,hich had been on the House floor, was sent back to the Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations Committee, but has not been taken up again.
DraftKings: Rally caps for United Way
Daily fantasy sports and sportsbook operator DraftKings is giving back by donating up to $1 million to the United Way to support communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. Via #DKRally, the company is making an initial $500,000 donation, and is asking fans nationwide to share their rally caps, and DraftKings will make a $1 donation per post.
“The rally cap uniquely embodies the American spirit and our hope in the face of adversity, no matter the challenge ahead. It represents the come-back attitude we have at DraftKings as we work with our communities to face down COVID-19,” Matt Kalish, DraftKings President North America, said via press release earlier this week.
Fans can take a photo or video of themselves in their rally caps and post on social media, including Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Posts should be tagged #DKRally and at least three friends should be tagged, as well. Here’s a look at a pair of NFC East greats who have already posted:
It’s time to work together. Share your rally cap and @DraftKings will donate $1 to @UnitedWay — with a goal of donating $1 Million total. @michaelstrahan @TomMendozaTalks @TeamVic let’s see if you can beat my rally hat #DKRally Learn more at https://t.co/b35B107E7k pic.twitter.com/xrN6fuQt5y
— Justin Tuck (@JustinTuck) March 25, 2020
SIT-AND-GO: NJ online poker operators see spike with players homebound [NJOG]
LIKEWISE IN PA: Online poker numbers soaring at PokerStars in PA as players practice social distancing [Penn Bets]
ELSEWHERE: The perilous future of gambling in the time of the coronavirus [Ringer]
LATER, THEY CLOSED: Deadwood casino: ‘[We] don’t plan on closing [casinos] unless something major happens’ [US Bets]
ROAD AHEAD: Any long-term impact on sportsbook operations after pandemic recedes? [Reno Gazette]
E-SPORTS: Nevada Gaming Control Board approves betting on Counter-Strike [SH]
STIMULUS: A comprehensive bailout could ease gaming industry’s cash crunch, but emergency relief is far from certain [SH]
BOARDWALK: Two-month NJ casino shutdown could cause $1.1 billion loss in economic activity [Press of AC]
PARACHUTE: MGM Cut $32 million pay deal with CEO who left to fight pandemic [Bloomberg]
AUDIBLE: NBA considering rebooting season in Las Vegas, if or when possible [CNBC]
Have a good weekend and stay safe, everyone.
