It’s information overload everywhere, and there’s not time enough to sleep and eat and stay fully apprised of what’s happening on this crazy blue dot of ours. So here’s the Friday Sports Handle column, “Get a Grip,” highlighting some fresh news and recapping the week’s top U.S. sports betting stories.
Future of wagering a mess in Missouri 42685d
The future of Missouri sports betting remains as clear as mud this week after Rep. Dan Houx held a Tuesday hearing on his latest wagering bill.
Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden is already at odds with Sen. Denny Hoskins, who has filibustered to kill legal wagering in the past. Rowden and Hoskins are both running for Secretary of State, and Rowden this week called the start of the session “an embarrassment.” Hoskins is part of a far-right conservative group that Rowden refers to as the “Chaos Caucus,” and he’s already pulled committee assignments and shifted parking spots for some , including Hoskins.
Houx’s HB 2331 allows for statewide mobile betting, sets a 10% tax rate, names the Missouri Gaming Commission as the regulator, and requires the use of official league data. The digital application fee would be $150,000, with a $325,000 annual renewal. Proceeds from sports betting would be tagged for education.
As Houx tries to move his bill, professional sports teams are moving forward with four initiative proposals that would send the decision to legalize to voters. But Gov. Mike Parson’s office last week suggested that the initiatives were missing a critical piece about how taxes would be collected, according to Point Spreads.
Per the Secretary of State’s office, four wagering petitions have been approved for signature gathering and proponents began collecting earlier this month. They will need 171,592 qualified signatures six months ahead of election day.
– Jill R. Dorson
Beef, Bananas, Beans, Beer, Barbasol, … Bets 505b28
It took awhile, but several Kroger grocery stores in Ohio now have sports betting kiosks.
The kiosks are operational in some 20 stores in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas, the Western Journal reported. Despite being cleared for takeoff well prior to the state’s launch of legal sports betting in 2023, the grocery chain reportedly delayed the kiosks’ installation while “finalizing its sports betting strategy.”
And just what does that strategy entail? Sports Handle can only imagine, and we can’t wait for the coupon book. “Free $5 bonus bet with $20 meat market purchase.” Get the rump roast and bet the Cavs’ moneyline.
– Mike Seely
Betting bound for ‘Bama? 5d5120
Alabama’s legislative session doesn’t open until Feb. 6, but there is already buzz around a sweeping gaming bill that would legalize sports betting, casino gambling, and lottery, as well as creating the Alabama Gaming Commission, according to 1819News.
Per the report, the bill would allow for in-person Class III gaming, which includes sports betting, in seven counties plus lands owned by the Poarch Creek Band of Indians. It would also allow for digital sports betting, with betting apps tethered to in-person gaming locations.
It appears Alabama needs a constitutional amendment to legalize gaming, and the legislation would repeal current constitutional amendments that practice. The bill, according to 1819News, would ultimately send the decision to legalize to voters.
– Jill R. Dorson
DraftKings hires ex-Amazon exec Donoghue 3z1lh
As rumors swirl of a DraftKings and Barstool, the former made a splash this week with the hire of a widely respected former Amazon executive.
DraftKings appointed Marie Donoghue as its new Chief Business & Growth Officer on Thursday, weeks after she left Amazon at the start of the year. At Amazon, Donoghue developed the company’s sports strategy for Prime Video and spearheaded a transformative rights deal for the NFL’s Thursday Night Football package. Previously, she spent 18 years at ESPN, where she led the network’s business affairs team and oversaw ESPN Films, the division responsible for the popular 30 for 30 docies.
FanDuel has had its own broadcast network since September 2022 when it rebranded TVG as FanDuel TV. DraftKings acquired the Vegas Sports Information Network, Inc. (VSiN), a network founded by the Musburger family, in 2021. At DraftKings, Donoghue will work closely with the company’s existing teams to uncover new, sustainable growth opportunities, according to a press release.
“We are delighted to welcome Marie to our executive team and the immense wealth of experience she brings as a highly regarded leader and trailblazer within our industry,” DraftKings CEO Jason Robins said in the release.
– Matt Rybaltowski
Top stories around our network this week 5iaj
ESPN BET Promo Created Massive Arbitrage Opportunity For Ravens-Texans Bettors
North Carolina Online Sports Wagering To Launch On March 11
California Sports Betting Proponent Puts Kibosh On Initiative Effort
True GRIT: Deep Dive Into Rift Created By Federal Gambling Addiction Bill
Former LSU Wide Receiver Boutte Arrested For Underage Gambling
Former MGM Grand Exec Pleads Guilty In Connection With Illegal Sports Betting Ring
New Bill Brings Hope For Georgia Sports Betting Legalization Effort
Sports Wagering Milestones Keep Coming With Final 2023 Numbers
Report: Barstool Sports To Enter Into Marketing Agreement With DraftKings
Attorney Alleges Betting Investigation Of Iowa Athletes Conducted Unlawfully
Underdog Sports Teams Up With McConnell Golf For N.C. Sports Betting License
Small North Carolina Colleges Eager For Betting Tax Windfall
