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, June 19
LSU-Wake at the College World Series
Top seed Wake Forest rallied with two runs in the eighth inning Saturday to defeat Stanford 3-2. With the win, the Demon Deacons remained in the winners’ bracket, earning a spot against LSU on Monday night in Omaha. LSU topped Tennessee in its College World Series opener to set up the matchup.
The matchup on Monday features two of the top three teams on the futures market at Barstool Sportsbook. Wake remains the favorite at +160, with LSU the third choice at +240. Three of the six teams left in the field are from the SEC. Florida, a 5-4 winner over Oral Roberts Sunday night, is the second choice at +175.
Not 100% sure on this — trying to confirm — but I think this might be the first time all season LSU is an underdog.https://t.co/GudGp268Mp
— Zach Ewing (@zewing) June 18, 2023
Tuesday, June 20
Orioles open series against MLB leader Rays
At 44-27, the Baltimore Orioles would lead most of the divisions in Major League Baseball except their own, the AL East. The O’s are five games behind division leader Tampa Bay before the teams open a quick two-game series Tuesday in Florida, with Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish taking on the Rays’ Tyler Glasnow. The Rays enter the series at 51-24, posting one of the best MLB records though 75 games since 2000.
As of Monday, the Rays are the +475 second choice at DraftKings to win the World Series, behind the Atlanta Braves (+400). The books have less faith in Baltimore, which is near the middle of the pack at +3500. The Rays also have odds of -425 to win the AL East, with the Orioles the third choice at +1000. There is some juice on Baltimore to make the postseason, with odds of -160 at DraftKings.
NFL conference call on league’s sports betting policy
In the wake of allegations against a Colts player for betting on his team to win, the NFL has stepped up efforts to educate players on the pitfalls of violating the league’s policy on sports betting. During offseason team activities this month, a video featuring Tom Brady was shown at NFL facilities in which he spoke on the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game. The NFL will conduct a video conference on Tuesday with reporters to discuss league policy in further detail.
BREAKING: Sports Handle has learned that a player for the Indianapolis Colts is under investigation for what a source called “pervasive” sports wagering activities.
Scoop from @MattRybaltowski https://t.co/dHhEIpehXO
— Sports Handle (@sports_handle) June 5, 2023
MGC hearing on Raynham Park
Raynham Park officials told the Massachusetts Gaming Commission last week that the facility is pointing to the start of football season for the launch of a brick-and-mortar sportsbook at the racetrack. The Caesars sportsbook is set to become the fourth retail sportsbook in the Bay State. If approved, the 30,000-square-foot sportsbook will join those of Barstool Sportsbook (Plainridge Park), BetMGM (MGM Springfield), and WynnBET (Encore Boston Harbor) as the state’s retail sportsbook properties. A hearing on the Raynham Park/Caesars proposal will continue on Tuesday.
Kentucky sports betting hearing
Also on Tuesday, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will conduct its first meeting since the Kentucky General Assembly passed a bill legalizing sports wagering throughout the state. Under the bill, the KHRC will create a sports wagering regulatory framework in Kentucky, one of the nation’s top hotbeds for horse racing. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is optimistic that the state will go live with sports betting by the opening week of the NFL season.
Wednesday, June 21
Sports betting panel at iGaming Next Valletta
A host of gaming industry executives will travel to Malta this week for iGaming Next Valletta, a popular gaming conference in the Mediterranean island’s capital. A panel on Wednesday will tackle the current state of investments in the iGaming industry, with a particular focus on companies that are undervalued. It comes after DraftKings made a $195 million proposal last week to acquire PointsBet’s U.S. assets. The non-binding proposal tops a legally binding proposal from Fanatics last month to purchase the assets for $150 million. PointsBet shareholders are set to vote on the Fanatics proposal June 30.
Two weeks before PointsBet's shareholders vote on #Fanatics proposed acquisition of the company's U.S. assets, #DraftKings made a $195M proposal on Fri. Two yrs ago DK made a $22B proposal to acquire Entain only to withdraw the proposal about a month later https://t.co/8VYbnJrURk
— Matt Rybaltowski (@MattRybaltowski) June 16, 2023
Thursday, June 22
Wembanyama near lock to go first in the NBA Draft
There is little drama at the top of the NBA Draft, with the Spurs a virtual lock to select French forward Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick. In the leadup to the draft, LeBron James described the 7-foot-5 forward as a “generational talent.” If you want to bet on Wembanyama to be taken with the top pick, you need to wager $100 at FanDuel just to make a dollar.
Mojo Markets, a New Jersey sports betting platform that allows users to trade athletes like stocks, priced Wembanyama’s IPO last week at $299.35 per share. The price ranked Wembanyama 10th among NBA players, in between Devin Booker and Chris Paul. By comparison, Cam Whitmore, another expected lottery pick, is priced at $100.83 per share.
Mojo is the only place on the planet to bet on Victor Wembanyama’s career
Get in on the action today! 🇫🇷 🏀🦄 pic.twitter.com/kDF564RR8o
— Mojo Markets (@mojo) June 14, 2023
Two other prospects, Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller, are also viewed by scouts as potential franchise players. But FanDuel lists Henderson at 2000/1 to be selected with the top pick, with Miller next at 10000/1. Miller (-200) is the slight favorite to be taken at the No. 2 spot ahead of Henderson, who has odds of -160. Amen Thompson is the third choice at +4000, followed by his twin brother Ausar at +10000. The Charlotte Hornets, who finished 14th in the East last season, hold the No. 2 pick.
Also, keep an eye on the trade market accompanying Thursday’s draft. ESPN reported Sunday that Phoenix had neared completion of a blockbuster trade to acquire All-Star guard Bradley Beal from the Wizards. The Suns’ odds to win the 2023-2024 Western Conference dropped to +350 at Caesars Sportsbook, just behind defending NBA champion Denver (+230).
