Upcoming Events: FedEx Cup Playoffs, NFL Preseason Kicks Off, and Flutter's Q2 Financial Report Released
New and Improved "What's on Tap"
Welcome to our weekly sports betting update! This edition offers a lineup of financial happenings, legislative and regulatory meetings, industry conferences, top games scheduled for the week, and much more. Stay tuned for our weekly review "Get a Grip" for a look back at last week's notable news.
Monday, August 8
Medvedev Emerges as Heavy Favorite at Canadian Open
Each summer, the Canadian Open (also known as the National Bank Open) holds a top position among the largest tune-up events for the U.S. Open. However, the absence of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal from this week's tournament slightly dims the tournament's luster. Due to the Russian military's invasion of Ukraine, Daniil Medvedev has been installed as the heavy +275 favorite at BetMGM to capture the title.
Medvedev, the world's top-ranked player, recently won his first title of the season on Sunday at the Abierto de Tenis Mifel in Los Cabos, Mexico. He swept through the tournament without dropping a set. Later this month, Medvedev will attempt to defend his title at the U.S. Open, the year's final Grand Slam event.
Carlos Alcaraz is the second choice at +450, followed by Nick Kyrgios and Jannik Sinner at +900 and +1000, respectively. Sports bettors in Ontario now have the opportunity to wager on the Canadian Open, as single-event sports betting has been legal since April.
Wednesday, August 10
Maryland Lottery Reviews Commanders' Sports Betting Application
On Wednesday, state regulators will consider a retail sportsbook license application from the NFL's Washington Commanders. If successful, the Commanders must publicly disclose their sports betting partner at their current home, FedEx Field. Currently under contract to play at FedEx Field until 2027, the team has explored stadium locations in Northern Virginia. Maryland has pitched the Commanders an ambitious new facility in Prince George's County. For ongoing updates and insights on MD sports betting, visit our dedicated page.
Wednesday, August 10, MLS All-Star Game
For the second year in a row, MLS's elite players will square off against Mexico's Liga MX league in the MLS All-Star Game. Keep an eye on the total in Wednesday night's exhibition. In each of the last seven MLS All-Star Games, the total has fallen under 3.5 goals. Astute bettors should note that influential players — such as Austin FC midfield Sebastian Driussi, Inter Miami CF defender DeAndre Yedlin, Seattle Sounders FC forward Jordan Morris, and Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez — are expected to participate. Driussi, leading the league with 16 goals, will likely play a crucial role in the game's outcome.
The MLS team is backed by three members of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), a Western Conference team that leads the league with 51 points through 23 games. LAFC has only four defeats. At Caesars Sportsbook, LAFC is slightly favored to win the MLS Cup, with odds of +225 relatively close to Eastern Conference powers New York City FC and Philadelphia Union, which have odds of +400 and +600, respectively.
Thursday, August 11, Memphis
FedEx Cup Playoffs Kick Off in Memphis
This year marks the inaugural FedEx Cup playoff event in Memphis, as golfers tee off at TPC Southwind. Formerly the Northern Trust Open, the tournament was rebranded as the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The controversy surrounding the LIV Golf series continues as three LIV golfers — Talor Gooch, Matt Jones, and Hudson Swafford — have filed a temporary restraining order, hoping to compete in the tournament. Pending a hearing in San Jose, California, the three golfers may or may not be allowed on site.
Friday, August 12
Flutter to Release Interim Financial Report
Following various sports betting-related companies reporting their second-quarter earnings last week, Flutter will release an update on the company's 2022 first-half performance on Friday. Flutter, the parent company of FanDuel Sportsbook, is projected to report earnings per share of £116.8 pence, up from £66.4 pence in the second quarter last year. While many companies have been able to somewhat control their marketing spending, acquiring customers at an affordable rate remains a top concern for leading sportsbook operators. Three sportsbooks — FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM — generate about 80% of gross gaming revenue in the U.S. online market.
Saturday, August 13
Super Bowl Champ Rams Open Preseason vs. Chargers
Before delving into NFL preseason betting, consider this: due to the uncertainty regarding the number of snaps first-team regulars will receive, it may be time to explore new hobbies. On Saturday, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is likely to miss the defending Super Bowl champion's preseason opener against the L.A. Chargers due to elbow tendinitis, creating a challenging betting landscape for bettors. Other stars, such as Cooper Kupp and Jalen Ramsey, could see some action. The Rams open as 3-point underdogs against the Chargers at FanDuel. For a six-leg parlay on all six preseason underdogs, odds of over 130/1 await. Besides the Rams, the Chiefs, Cowboys, Panthers, Seahawks, and Bucs are also underdogs in their preseason openers.
Have a good week, everyone!
- In the Canadian Open, also known as the National Bank Open, Daniil Medvedev has been installed as the heavy favorite at BetMGM to capture the title, with odds of +275.
- The absence of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal from this week's Canadian Open has slightly dimmed the tournament's luster.
- Sports bettors in Ontario now have the opportunity to wager on the Canadian Open, as single-event sports betting has been legal since April.
- On Wednesday, state regulators in Maryland will consider a retail sportsbook license application from the NFL's Washington Commanders.
- If successful, the Commanders must publicly disclose their sports betting partner at their current home, FedEx Field.
- In the MLS All-Star Game, scheduled for Wednesday night, the total has fallen under 3.5 goals in each of the last seven games.
- This year, the FedEx Cup playoff event will take place in Memphis, with a controversy surrounding the LIV Golf series, as three LIV golfers may or may not be allowed to compete in the tournament, pending a hearing in San Jose, California.
