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.
Tuesday, August 15
Deadline for Arizona sports wagering license applications
The Arizona Department of Gaming has set a Tuesday deadline for the submission of applications regarding a series of new sports betting event wagering licenses.
The ADG will accept applications for two skins tied to Arizona pro sports teams, as well as an additional tribal gaming skin for sports betting market access. Ahead of the deadline, Wynn Resorts disclosed plans last week to close WynnBET in eight states, including Arizona. The closure opens up another potential license for operators such as Fanatics Sportsbook, bet365, Betr, and Tipico, among others.
Saratoga Racing & Gaming Conference begins
The Saratoga Racing and Gaming Conference, one of the nation’s largest conferences on legal issues in horse racing and gaming, will be held during the heart of the Saratoga racing meet for the third straight year. On Tuesday, New York state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. will appear on a panel on new technology challenges in the online gaming industry.
Another panel Tuesday will tackle lingering questions surrounding the New York City casino expansion plan. In addition, U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko of New York will appear Tuesday evening to discuss his legislation proposing a national ban on predatory sports betting advertising.
Finally, a litany of horse racing experts will address the implementation of the Horse Racing Integrity And Safety Act, the first uniform federal standards on integrity and safety in thoroughbred racing.
Wednesday, August 16
Aussie women face England in World Cup semis
Australia qualified for its first-ever semifinal at the Women’s World Cup with a thrilling 7-6 penalty kicks victory over France. Now, the tournament co-host will face England on Wednesday with a finals spot on the line. Australia, which entered the World Cup with odds of 12/1, will advance to the finals with a victory. It can become the first team since the U.S. in 1999 to win the Women’s World Cup on home soil.
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The Aussies will take on “the Lionesses,” who emerged as one of the tournament favorites after Sweden defeated the U.S. in the Round of 16. England has odds of +180 to win the Cup at PointsBet, just behind Spain. On Tuesday, Spain will face Sweden in the other semi. The Women’s World Cup will be decided on Sunday in Sydney.
Friday, August 18
Rookie QBs face heightened challenge in NFL preseason
Traditionally, starters receive their most NFL preseason playing time during the second week, before coaches rest their top players for the final week. A number of high-level rookie quarterbacks could see their most action of the preseason this week leading to next month’s start of the regular season.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young went 4-of-6 for 21 yards Saturday against the Jets in his rookie debut. Young, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, will make his second start on Friday versus the Giants. Young has already been installed as the starter for Week 1 of the regular season by coach Frank Reich. Young is the second choice at Caesars to win 2023 Rookie of the Year, at +400.
"At the end of the day you can just tell that Bryce Young loves the game of football..
Two other rookie quarterbacks, Anthony Richardson of the Colts and the Texans’ C.J. Stroud, are expected to start this week. The Texans face the Dolphins on Saturday afternoon, three hours before the Colts kick off against the Bears. Stroud is the third choice for Rookie of the Year at +650, with Richardson further back at +900.
Saturday, August 19
One week countdown to start of college football
Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams of USC opens the season on Aug. 26 against San Jose State, looking to achieve a feat that has not occurred in nearly 50 years. In 1975, Ohio State running back Archie Griffin became the first and only player to receive college football’s top honor in consecutive seasons.
Williams, the definitive +400 favorite at FanDuel, is the only player on the market with odds below +1000. He will have to fend off a host of talented signal callers in North Carolina’s Drake Maye, who has odds of +1000, and a group at +1200 that includes Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Oregon’s Bo Nix, and Florida State’s Jordan Travis. Keep an eye on two sleepers in Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. and South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler, who have odds of +5000 and +8000, respectively.
Sunday, August 20
Glover seeks third straight PGA Tour win
Lucas Glover put on a putting clinic Sunday, sinking several putts beyond 15 feet on the back nine at the FedEx Championship in Memphis. Glover then defeated Patrick Cantlay on the first playoff hole to capture his second straight win on the Tour.
While Dustin Johnson won three straight events he entered during the 2017 season, Vijay Singh (2004) is the last golfer to win three straight tournaments on the tour schedule. With the win, Glover jumped to No. 4 in the FedEx Cup standings. It’s a remarkable stretch for a golfer who ranked around 100th two weeks ago before winning the Wyndham Championship, when he needed a victory just to qualify for the PGA Tour playoffs.
Glover has odds of 35/1 at BetRivers to win the BMW Championship, the second of three events in the postseason. Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory McIlroy are the tri-favorites at +750. Cantlay, the defending champion, is the fourth choice at +900.
Matt is a veteran writer with a specific focus on the emerging sports gambling market. During Matt's two decade career in journalism, he has written for the New York Times, Forbes, The Guardian, Reuters and CBSSports.com among others. In his spare time, Matt is an avid reader, a weekend tennis player and a frequent embarrassment to the sport of running. Contact Matt at [email protected].
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