Sports Handicapping Articles

Nebraska is the Third State to Launch Legal Sports Betting in 2023
by Dave Schwab - 6/27/2023

Ohio was first on the list in 2023, launching legal sportsbooks on Jan. 1. Massachusetts came next by authorizing retail sportsbook on Jan. 31 and online sportsbooks on March 10. Nebraska went live on Thursday, June 22 for sports betting when WarHorse Casino Lincoln opened the first retail sportsbook in the state.

The Surprising Hobbies of Professional Athletes and How They Relate to Their Performance
by Joey House - 6/26/2023

Professional sports stars evoke a spectrum of emotions, from admiration to disdain, owing to their exceptional athletic attributes and accomplishments. The rigorous mental preparation and physical demands they endure on the field can be so all-consuming that, at times, athletes develop unconventional or even extreme hobbies off the playing field. Fueled by their financial stability, many athletes channel significant resources and unwavering dedication into these extraneous pursuits, attaining exceptional levels of commitment and dedication.

The Top Five US Sportsbooks Promotional Bonuses in 2023
by Dave Schwab - 6/19/2023

US sportsbooks have created some of the best promotional bonuses that are geared for the avid sports betting fan. Whether you are a high roller with daily bets on all sports, or a weekend warrior with wagers on the big NFL game on Sunday, these US online sports betting sites have unique promotions, bonuses and incentives that can fill your needs.

North Carolina is Next In Line to Legalize Online Sports Betting
by Dave Schwab - 6/12/2023

Retail sports betting was legal in North Carolina, but sportsbooks were only at three tribal casinos in the state. HB 347 expanded legal sports betting to commercial sportsbooks both in online betting sites and in retail sportsbook establishments, including Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte and PNC Arena in Raleigh. HB 347 also includes retail and online horse race betting throughout the state.

Colorado, Ohio and Virginia Highlight Legal Sports Betting in the US Market
by Dave Schwab - 6/6/2023

Colorado, Ohio and Virginia are three states that have made a huge impact on legal sports betting in the country. The Colorado Division of Gaming recently reported that more than $12.1 billion in total volume has been tallied in the state’s third full year of legal betting on sports. April of this year pushed the sport betting handle past $3 billion in Ohio’s sportsbooks in their fourth month of being in business.

30-Plus Current Sports Betting Statistics for 2023
by Joey House - 6/6/2023

On May 14, 2018, the Supreme Court made a literal game-changing judgment when it repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which had long prohibited most states from legalizing sports wagering. Since that ruling was passed, betting on your local college or pro team was moved from a dark, smoky bar or some less-than-reputable offshore online casino to the legalized, and, more importantly, regulated, sportsbook.

The Pros and Cons of Betting on Favorites vs. Underdogs
by Joey House - 6/5/2023

Favorites or underdogs? Many bettors have a preference. In the past, before the Internet, public, or “square,” bettors typically bet the favorite with reckless abandon in a sports matchup. It makes sense. A bettor wants some action on the game, and they normally want go with the stronger team in a matchup. So, sharp bettors usually targeted underdogs as a result, because the sportsbooks would shade the lines or move the lines based on heavy public action on favorites.

The Legality of Sports Betting in the US: A Comprehensive Guide to State-by-State Regulations
by Dave Schwab - 6/1/2023

In May of 2018, the US Supreme Court rendered a decision that favored state rights for legalizing sports betting within its border. New Jersey led the battle against the federal government and joined Nevada as one of the states that allowed legal sportsbooks to accept wagers. Right now, in 2023, there are over 35 states in the US that operate legal sports betting.

Caesars Sportsbook Expands into Kansas and Kentucky
by Dave Schwab - 5/22/2023

As one of the major players in the legal US sports betting market, Caesars Entertainment is moving ahead in Kansas and Kentucky. Caesars Sportsbook was chosen as its official sports betting partner by Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel. Also, Caesars Sportsbook is now a sports betting partner with Keeneland Race Course and Red Miles Gaming & Racing in Kentucky.

Fanatics Buys PointsBet’s US Business for $150 Million
by Dave Schwab - 5/16/2023

Fanatics is a privately held corporation that wants to get in the legal US sportsbook industry in a meaningful way. The sports apparel company formed the sports gaming division a few years ago and it was looking for a sportsbook operator right here in the US market. Australian-based PointBet was shopping its US sportsbook business and the two companies made a deal for $150 million in cash.

Are Legal Online Sports Betting Sites Coming to North Carolina?
by Dave Schwab - 5/1/2023

Earlier in March of this year, the state House in North Carolina approved HB 347 that legalized online sportsbooks across 10 to 12 operators. This latest bill is on its way to the state Senate for approval. HB 347 passed its first reading in the Senate, which is a more favorable circumstance in 2022. The proposed bill at that time failed to reach the state House floor.

DraftKings Online Sportsbook Has Home Field Advantage in Massachusetts
by Dave Schwab - 4/17/2023

DraftKings employs over 2,000 workers in Boston as the main center of its operation. Founded 11 years ago in this city, DraftKings is the largest public traded gaming company that is situated in the New England states. It is aiming to be a top market share sportsbook in its home state of Massachusetts.

NFL Owners Voted to Allow Sports Betting at Stadiums on Game Days
by Dave Schwab - 4/11/2023

As one the changes for stadiums with legal sportsbooks, the NFL owners decided to allow betting on game days. This decision takes effect once the new season begins this year. The new rule has an immediate effect on the Washington Commanders, who have a retail sportsbook at FedEx Field. Fanatics Sportsbook operated the betting facility since January 2023.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Signs Legal Sportsbooks into Law
by Dave Schwab - 4/5/2023

The state Senate passed HB 551 into law last Thursday night. The House bill authorizes legal sports betting, and Governor Andy Beshear signed it the following morning on March 31. Legal Kentucky sportsbooks in nine retail accounts and up to 27 online accounts will probably launch in the third or fourth quarter of 2023.

The Rules for College Sports Betting State-by-State in the US
by Dave Schwab - 3/21/2023

Of 35 states that do have legal wagers, 16 of those states can wager on college sports, whether it is game or prop bets. In seven states, you could bet on a game in college sports, but you cannot bet on college sports props. In 11 states and DC, you can bet on out-of-state college sports games, but it is illegal to wager on in-state teams whether it is a game or a prop bet. It is illegal to wager on any college sports in Oregon, whether it is a game or a prop bet.

Massachusetts’ Six Online Sportsbooks Launch Legal Sports Betting
by Dave Schwab - 3/13/2023

As of Friday, March 10, six online sportsbooks opened the doors to legal betting on sports in Massachusetts. Since Aug. 22, 2022, when Governor Charlie Barker signed the Massachusetts Sport Wagering Act and more than 80 public hearings took place on this issue, and the state gaming commission okayed legal online sports betting throughout the Bay State border.

Penn Entertainment Buys the Remaining Share of Barstool Sportsbook
by Dave Schwab - 2/20/2023

Penn Entertainment originally owned 36% of Barstool Sportsbook with its partner David Portnoy and Barstool Sports. The Pennsylvania-based gaming company recently purchased the last 64% of Barstool Sportsbook for $388 million.

FanDuel Sportsbook Predicts 2023 Profitability
by Dave Schwab - 2/14/2023

The No.1 US-based sportsbook could have profitability for all four quarters in 2023. FanDuel is owned by Flutter Entertainment, with Boyd Gaming controlling another 5%. Amy Howe is FanDuel’s Chief Executive Officer. She recently released comments with Bloomberg Television and she said:

Fanatics Retail Sportsbook Fits Well Into FedEx Field
by Dave Schwab - 2/6/2023

Washington, DC has an assortment of retail sportsbooks in the area, including BetMGM at Nationals Park, Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena, and FanDuel at Audi Field. The Fanatics Sportsbook at FedEx Field in nearby Summerfield, Maryland, is the latest retail sports betting location in the whole DC area.

Rivers Portsmouth Casino Opens in Virginia Featuring BetRivers Sportsbook
by Dave Schwab - 1/23/2023

Rivers Portsmouth will offer casino gambling and sports betting as the first permanent venue in Virginia. The BetRivers Sportsbook is part of the casino at has 1,448 slot machines, 57 table games and a poker room with 24 tables. The venue is just south of I-264 between Missy Elliott and Victory Boulevard.