Casino Player December 2022

LEGALIZATION WATCH

OHIO BETTING GOES LIVE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY T he wait for legal sports betting will soon come to an end for bettors in Ohio. Sports betting in Ohio launches on Jan. 1 and experts are predicting big numbers. PlayOhio.com estimates Buckeye State residents will wager $8 billion on sports in 2023 and that the state could become the fifth-largest sports betting market in the U.S. behind only NewYork, Illinois,New Jersey and Nevada.The state is launching retail sportsbooks, dozens of sports betting apps, and hundreds of betting kiosks throughout the state. “As we’ve known, the amount of money that Ohio sports fans will bet on sports is massive,” PlayOhio analyst Danny Cross said.“Ohio has been waiting for years for regulated betting, boosted by more than a year of lead time since the law was passed.Although $8 billion is a staggering number, it’s in line with figures we’ve talked about for years.” The site projects Ohio sportsbooks taking in around $777 million in bets in January, followed by $707 million in February, and $778 million in March. The launch will bring the number of legalized American states and territories (includingWashington, D.C. and Puerto Rico) to begin the new year. Arizona,Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut,Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,Kansas,Maryland,Michigan, Mississippi,Montana, Louisiana,New Hampshire, New Jersey,New Mexico,NewYork,Nevada,North Carolina,Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota,Tennessee,Virginia,Washington, Washington D.C.,West Virginia,Wisconsin,Wyoming. States with live, legal betting (32 with D.C. and Puerto Rico): States that have legalized, but have yet to launch (4): Maine,Massachusetts,Nebraska and Ohio (launching Jan. 1). States awaiting legal resolution (1): Florida (Seminole lawsuit has put a stop to sports betting as of Nov. 22, 2021).

PHOTO BY SANJAY JS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

WORLD CUP TAKES THE PITCH FROM QATAR

T he NFL and college seasons are now past the season’s midway point, but sports bettors now have another option when it comes to betting on football.TheWorld Cup kicked off from Qatar and promised some major sports betting action from fans around the world.That includes another wagering option for American bettors. WhileTeam USA missed out on a Cup appearance in 2018,theAmericans are now among those looking for a deep run in the tournament. It won’t be easy. Team USA faced a tough draw in group play,squaring off againstWales,the United Kingdom and Iran.But the U.S.has a talented young team, so don’t rule out a trip to the knockout stage. When it comes to the favorites,France looks to repeat from 2018 and is one of the betting favorites. Many give the edge to Brazil as well. Considering the Brazilians have won five Cups, a bet on the team from the land of samba and sun is always a nice selection. Many handicappers may also be looking to Argentina, where international superstar Lionel Messi is still looking to win aWorld Cup. Those looking to place a bet on theAmericans to win it all will find odds of +13000,meaning a Cup would profit a bettor $13,000 if they can raise the trophy. Here’s a look at futures wagering for some of the favorites before the Cup got underway (odds via DraftKings).

WORLD CUP 2022 Brazil +350 Argentina +500 France +700 Spain +850 England +900 Germany +1000 Netherlands +1100 Portugal +1600

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and senior writer for Casino Player and Strictly Slots magazines. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions or email him at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net for story assignments.

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