Casino Player October 2022

PLAYING THE BOOKS

BETTING THE FAVORITE

Changes Coming in the Television Sports Landscape? ➤ by Sean Chaffin T he sports betting landscape continues to grow with another state getting on board in September. California voters

the networks from 21st Century Fox in 2019 for $10.6 billion.The deal included television deals with 14 MLB, 16 NBA and 12 NHL teams, but came at a time when cable companies and streamers began cutting the prices they were willing to pay for sports networks as more viewers began cutting the cord. The lack of TV coverage has not only frustrated fans, but also leagues and teams themselves.The entire ordeal now looks to have turned sour and Sinclair needs a buyer soon, according to the report. “A prospective deal is looming as Diamond—

will also have the opportunity soon to open the betting windows in the state. This edition of “Betting The Favorite” brings readers some information on those markets as well as a look at sports media headlines, some news on Gronk, crazy bets and more. As NBA and NHL seasons approach, the fall brings a sports bettor’s paradise with all major leagues underway.However,many fans across the country have struggled at times following their favorite teams on television.

owned by Baltimore-based Sinclair Broadcast Group—has been hemorrhaging cash and could be headed for a possible bankruptcy filing if it doesn’t find a white knight in the coming months,”the Post noted. Now the leagues are considering purchasing the networks from the company’s creditors for about $3 billion, including debt—quite a loss for Sinclair. Leagues would hope a deal would help the company avoid bankruptcy,which could affect those leagues’ rights payments. A takeover by the leagues could ensure the television revenue continues—and possibly allow bettors to see more games.

According to the New York Post , MLB, NBA and NHL are believed to be in talks to purchase Diamond Sports,owned by Sinclair Broadcasting, which operates 21 regional Bally Sports networks. These networks account for more than half of American local broadcast markets and in many locations the company doesn’t have deals in place with local cable operators or satellite and streaming services. This meant many fans and bettors couldn’t check out their favorite teams. However, that may be changing. Sinclair purchased FORECASTING THE FUTURES T he football season is underway with hockey and basketball also getting

NHL Stanley Cup champions ColoradoAvalanche +450 Carolina Hurricanes +1000 Toronto Maple Leafs +1000 Florida Panthers +1100 Tampa Bay Lightning +1200

started this fall.The NHL season officially drops the puck on Oct.7 with the Nashville Predators battling the San Jose Sharks in Prague, Czech Republic.The first stateside game comes Oct. 11 with the New York Rangers hosting theTampa Bay Lightning. In the NBA, look for the league to tip off on Oct.18 with the Philadelphia 76ers at the Boston Celtics and the champion Golden State Warriors hosting the Los

NBA champions Celtics +550 Bucks +650 Nets +700

Angeles Lakers.With the leagues offering even more wagering options for bettors, here’s a look at the betting favorites in futures markets, according to FanDuel:

Clippers +700 Warriors +700

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