Casino Player September 2022

PLAYING THE BOOKS

LEGALIZATION WATCH

Massachusetts Joins Sports Betting Club Y et another state joined the sports betting fold inAugust when the Massachusetts house and senate passed legislation opening the betting windows.Gov. Charlie Baker (R) then signed the bill into law.Under the legislation, casinos, slot parlors and race tracks could apply for a license to host live sportsbooks. Seven mobile betting platforms would also be allowed. Some media in the Bay State speculated that betting could be up and running in time for football season.No doubt many players were hoping to get those bets in by the time the Patriots kicked off the season on Sept. 11. As seen in Maryland, that is not always the case and the licensing and regulation process can be cumbersome.No doubt many Massachusetts bettors are hoping for a quick turnaround in opening the betting windows. Supporters were pleased to see the legislation approved and the industry take root in the state. “The final product is a good deal for Massachusetts because it corrals the illicit market and welcomes an industry that is accountable and raises new revenues for the Bay State,”said Jeff Ifrah, founder and general counsel with iGaming and Economic Development.“It’s an even better deal for residents who no longer must travel to a neighboring state or log into an offshore, illegal website to place a bet.Massachusetts has been at the forefront of promoting responsible gaming and providing services to protect problem gamblers.This new law will enable the state to focus attention and new resources on individuals who need support or suffer from addiction.” The addition of Massachusetts brings the total number of legalized U.S. jurisdictions to 36 (including states,Washington,D.C, and the territory of Puerto Rico).

Futures Betting as NFL, NBA, NHL Seasons Return

T he Fall brings a smorgasbord of sports betting opportunities with the NFL and college football season in full force and the NHL and NBA also getting underway.Whether your own preferences are making a few wagers on those on the field, ice or court—or all three—here’s a look at futures wagering leaders as the seasons approach.*

USC +2000 Oklahoma +3300 Notre Dame +4500 Michigan,Oregon,Texas +5000

NBA champions Celtics +450 Bucks +600

Warriors +650 Clippers +650 Suns +700 Heat +1000

NFL Super Bowl champions Bills +600 Buccaneers +750 Chiefs +1000 Packers +1100 Rams +1100 Chargers +1500 49ers +1600

Lakers +1200 76ers +1400 Nets +1600 Mavericks,Nuggets,Grizzlies +2000

NHL Stanley Cup champions Avalanche +450 Maple Leafs +900 Lightning +1000 Hurricanes +1100 Panthers +1200 Oilers +1600 Golden Knights +1700 Flames +1800 Wild, Rangers +2000

Ravens +1800 Broncos +1800 Bengals, Cowboys +2000

NCAA Football national champions Alabama +150 Ohio State +250 Georgia +400 Clemson +1000 Texas A&M +2000

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.

* Odds via BetRivers.

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