SportsHandle and friends deliver another round-up of the week’s big developments in US sports betting.
The Vast U.S. Sports Betting Ramifications Of The Stars Group-FanDuel Owner Blockbuster Deal
Wednesday’s announcement of Flutter Entertainment’s acquisition of The Stars Group in a roughly $6 billion purchase, creating a company worth over $11 billion — pending regulatory and shareholder approvals — will ripple throughout the gambling industry worldwide. Like other blockbuster deals that came before it, the main factor driving the acquisition is the rapidly expanding sports betting opportunity in the United States, the carrot on a stick.
Full story here.
New Michigan Draft Bill Lets Sports Betting Stand On Its Own
In mid-September, Michigan lawmakers decided to put sports betting on hold until the state legislature got its budget squared away. That happened late on Sept. 30, and while lead sports betting champion Brandt Iden hasn’t had a hearing since early in the month, he’s still been negotiating and dealing on sports betting.
Full story here.
Judge Extends Injunction Against D.C. In Sports Betting Case
Tuesday morning, Dylan Carragher, a Washington, D.C. sports betting app developer got a small legal victory — about a week after a D.C. Superior Court judge issued a temporary restraining order against the Office of the Chief Financial Officer to keep it from making the first installment of a payment to vendor Intralot. Judge John Campbell extended that order by seven days, set a hearing date and promised a decision in the case by Oct. 18.
Full story here.
Meadows Ready For Retail, But DraftKings’ Pennsylvania Launch On Hold
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino is preparing to open its retail sportsbook Tuesday, but bettors awaiting DraftKings’ Pennsylvania launch as its online partner will have a longer wait.
Instead, DraftKings will likely seek approval of its interactive sports wagering license at a Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board meeting on Oct. 30, officials from the Meadows said at the PGCB’s meeting Wednesday morning in Harrisburg.
Full story here.
Brennan: My Tour Of Eight Atlantic City Sportsbooks In One Afternoon
Challenge accepted: I’ll visit all eight Atlantic City casino sportsbooks during Saturday afternoon’s early-game three-hour window to compare and contrast.
I made it — with two minutes to spare. (It’s tougher than it sounds, as I’ll explain.)
Overall conclusion: If you only recall some of those temporary sportsbooks from last fall and earlier this year, take another look. Most of the books now are spacious and comfy — and at least on this early college football Saturday afternoon, mostly no trouble getting a table or waiting for a bet.
Full story here.
NHL Season Preview: St. Louis Blues Face Steep Odds To Repeat As Stanley Cup Champs
Dynasties are uncommon in today’s modern-day NHL as cutting-edge analytics, advanced scouting and a hard salary cap have leveled the playing surface.
Since the NHL lockout in 2004-05 resulted in the cancellation of the season, nine different teams have hoisted the Stanley Cup. Only one, the 2016-17 Pittsburgh Penguins, have won consecutive championships. If history is any indicator, a return trip to the Stanley Cup Finals by the St. Louis Blues is highly unlikely.
Full story here.
