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 8
Astros and Orioles open key three-game series
Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez is scheduled to take the mound Tuesday for the first time since his no-hitter last week against the Guardians. Hours after the Astros reacquired Justin Verlander, Valdez became the first left-hander in franchise history to notch a no-hitter. Valdez will face the streaking Orioles, who have won four straight.
Following the masterful performance, Valdez (+550) moved ahead of Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan to become the favorite for AL Cy Young at FanDuel. Since the 4th of July, Baltimore is a scorching 21-7 (.750). The AL East-leading Orioles are the fourth choice to win the AL pennant, at +500. Houston, the defending World Series champs, are the second choice, behind the Rays (+333). The Rays and ‘Stros both have odds of +700 at BetMGM to win the Fall Classic, behind the Braves and Dodgers.
No pitcher in the 21st century has fired a no-hitter in fewer pitches than Framber Valdez did tonight. 👏
Investors will be closely tuned in to Flutter’s forward guidance from its U.S. operations when the European conglomerate reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday. Flutter has already projected full-year profitability at FanDuel for the entirety of 2023.
Last week, DraftKings reported a U.S. online sports betting market share of 35% in the markets in which it operates. During the first quarter, FanDuel increased its share of the U.S. sports betting market to 50%, up from approximately 42% in the final quarter of 2022.
Investors may also receive an update on the timing of Flutter’s plans for a separate listing in the U.S.
Sign Up For The Sports Handle Newsletter!
Over the quarter, DraftKings acquired new customers at a 39% higher rate than the year-ago quarter and brought in a high rate of new bettors while reducing customer-acquisition costs by 16% from the same period in 2022. (@MattRybaltowski)https://t.co/JwMJH7Yhx4
On a busy day for earnings across the industry, PENN Entertainment is also scheduled to report second-quarter financial results on Wednesday. PENN, the parent company of Barstool Sportsbook, is expected to report earnings per share of $0.39, compared with $0.15 in the year-ago quarter.
In addition, sports betting data provider Sportradar will report earnings in Wednesday’s session. On Monday, Genius Sports, Sportradar’s main rival, reported second-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $15.6 million, an increase of 87% year-over-year.
IGSA tech summit on sports betting
Numerous leading industry experts will appear at the International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) 2023 Technical Summit, held virtually Wednesday, via webinar. The summit will include panels on online innovation and standardization, obstacles to maximizing the value of new technologies, and credit challenges for legal sportsbooks when competing with offshore operators. The IGSA is the largest technical standards and development organization in the global gaming industry.
Thursday, August 10
FedEx Cup begins in Memphis
Justin Thomas failed on Sunday to qualify for the FedEx Cup when his lengthy chip on 18 hit the flagstick and spun out. Needing a birdie to make the PGA Tour playoffs, the former No. 1 golfer in the world saw his season end early.
Without Thomas, the postseason begins in Memphis at the FedEx St. Jude’s Classic. Masters champion Jon Rahm is the favorite at BetRivers with odds of +650, just ahead of Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Those three are the only golfers in the field with odds below +1000.
There are three tournaments in the FedEx Cup playoffs, the final events of the PGA Tour season before the 2023 Ryder Cup. U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, British Open champion Brian Harman, PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, and Scheffler have already earned spots on the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
Bryson DeChambeau fired a scintillating 58 on Sunday to win the 2023 LIV Golf Greenbriar. Those players among the leading Americans on the LIV Tour and the top 30 on the PGA side may be selected for the Ryder Cup team by U.S captain Zach Johnson with a hot finish to the summer.
It’s been a long time coming. This is one of the best rounds of golf I have ever played in my life. I can’t thank my team enough and sticking with me through the process. Today may have been history, but this is just the beginning. Let’s keep it going 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VTNJUf5mJo
Sweden, Spain eye spots in Women’s World Cup semis
Sweden eliminated the U.S at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Sunday with a thrilling 5-4 victory in penalty kicks. The loss ended the Americans’ chances for the first three-peat in Women’s World Cup history. With the pre-tournament favorites headed home, England (+200) became the definitive favorite at FanDuel on the futures market.
86% of the money bet on the odds to win the Women's World Cup at @DKSportsbook was on the the U.S.#USWNT was eliminated by Sweden today in the Round of 16.
Spain, a 5-1 winner over Switzerland in the Round of 16, will take on the Netherlands on Friday in Auckland. Possessing a potent attack, Spain is the second choice behind England at +340. Japan will face Sweden in the other quarters Friday; Japan is a -168 favorite to advance.
Man City opens Premier League title defense
Manchester City captured a rare treble last season with titles in the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and the FA Cup. City now has its sights on the club’s fourth consecutive Premier League crown. Manchester City opens the 2023-2024 season on Friday against Burnley.
Man City (-140) is the overwhelming favorite at PointsBet to win the title, ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool, at +500 and +800, respectively. Manchester United is the fourth choice at +1000. The club last won the Premier League title in 2013.
Saturday, August 12
Colts open preseason with Taylor’s status in flux
The Indianapolis Colts open the NFL preseason on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills, a game in which quarterback Anthony Richardson could make his NFL debut.
But the bigger issue in Indy surrounds the status of Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor, who has been placed on the team’s “active-physically unable to perform” list. Eight days into training camp, Taylor has yet to suit up for practice. Taylor, who led the NFL in rushing two seasons ago, requested a trade last month — one that was denied by Colts owner Jim Irsay.
Richardson is battling Gardner Minshew for the starting quarterback spot. The Colts have odds of -450 at Caesars Sportsbook to miss the playoffs.
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].
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only.
