Matthew Waters and the team at Legal Sports Report highlight some of the key US sports betting issues to look out for in the week ahead.
Nevada sports betting results: We’ll soon learn whether Nevada is keeping up in sports betting handle with New Jersey in 2020. In order to do that, though, Nevada’s sports betting operators would have to set a new record for January. The state has never surpassed $500 million in handle in January but New Jersey passed that mark last month with $540 million in bets, up 40% over last year. The report will also give the industry the first official breakdown of mobile sports betting handle in Nevada. Officials believe last year’s total grew from the estimated 48% mobile share for 2018.
Washington tribal sports betting bill gets hearing: HB 2638, which recently passed the House, will be heard by the Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce Monday morning. Although it’s the last chance for sports betting in the state this year, there’s no guarantee the state would get legalized sports betting anytime soon. An emergency amendment that would eliminate the need for a referendum would likely put the legislation in court, according to Maverick Gaming CEO Eric Persson.
Lots of sports betting companies will report earnings: At least four sports betting operators with US operations will report earnings next week. PointsBet’s fiscal first half earnings will come out Tuesday. William Hill will report 2019’s earnings on Wednesday while FanDuel’s Flutter and FOX Bet’s Stars Group will report on Thursday. Combined, those companies operate in 10 states. Stars Group will not have a call based on its pending $6 billion acquisition by Flutter, though Flutter’s call could include an update on the acquisition and the recently announced competition inquiry in the UK. Also reporting next week is Eldorado Resorts, which could update the market on its sports betting plans following its pending acquisition of Caesars.