The SCALER Weekly 1/31/24

Barstool Sports and DraftKings: A Risky Bet for Compliance?

Barstool Sports, under the ownership of Dave Portnoy, is reportedly in advanced talks with DraftKings for a partnership. The deal would involve Barstool promoting DraftKings odds to their audience and making money from it. This would mark a return to the betting business for Barstool after being bought back from Penn Entertainment. Compliance concerns may arise in ensuring that the partnership adheres to regulations governing promotions and advertising in the gambling industry. It’s important to note how Barstool employees’ income connects to the success of the book and the potential influence on consumers’ betting choices.

The Full Story Here.

FanDuel’s Success Leads to a U.S. Listing for Flutter Entertainment

In a significant move, FanDuel’s parent company, Flutter Entertainment, is now listed on a U.S. stock exchange. Flutter, which sees the U.S. as a key growth market, estimates the total addressable market to exceed $40 billion by 2030. FanDuel, the nation’s sports betting market leader, is expected to achieve full-year profitability in 2023, contributing $3 billion in annual revenue, the largest segment of Flutter’s overall business. A U.S. listing would not only expose Flutter to new American investors but also elevate its brand, aid in talent acquisition and retention, and provide access to deeper capital markets.

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The Opportunities and Challenges of X and MGM’s Collaboration for Sports Betting

The recent collaboration between Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, and MGM for sports betting signifies a noteworthy transformation in the industry. Musk envisions reshaping X into a comprehensive application, not just for content sharing but also for financial management. This move has the potential to broaden the overall market for sports betting. However, this partnership introduces potential compliance challenges. It is imperative to ensure that the collaboration aligns with regulations governing promotions and advertising in the gambling sector. This development underscores the industry’s need for transparency and compliance. IT could be a major step toward uniform standards as X is not bound by state regulations, in the same fragmented way MGM and other operators are. As the narrative unfolds, observing the evolution of this partnership and its implications for the future of the gambling industry will be intriguing. Clearly, in the dynamic landscape of sports betting, maintaining transparency and safeguarding bettors becomes increasingly crucial. SharpRank remains dedicated to its mission: elevating industry transparency and shielding bettors from market manipulation. By overseeing the relationship between sportsbooks, sports betting content, and influencers, SharpRank aims to eliminate unchecked gray areas and blurred lines that give rise to conflicts of interest.

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Georgia’s Sports Betting Bill Passes out of Senate Committee

In Georgia, a significant step towards the legalization of sports betting has been taken with the introduction of a bill, known as SB 386. This bill has successfully passed through the Economic Development and Tourism Committee and is now on its way to the Senate Rules Committee for further review. If it gains approval there, it could be presented on the Senate floor for discussion as early as this week. The bill proposes the legalization of online sports betting, which would be regulated by the Georgia Lottery Corporation. The revenue generated from this would be directed towards funding pre-kindergarten programs and HOPE scholarships, providing a significant boost to the state’s educational initiatives. One of the key features of the bill is the proposed tax rate for sports betting, which is set at 20%. This rate represents an increase from the initial proposal of 15%, reflecting an amendment introduced during the committee meeting. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, indicating a shared understanding of the potential benefits of legalized sports betting. However, it’s worth noting that the bill has also faced opposition, with critics questioning the morality and legality of sports betting. Despite these challenges, the bill’s progress suggests a positive outlook for the legalization of sports betting in Georgia. However, it is important to remember that while the bill’s passage in the Senate seems likely, it may encounter more obstacles in the House, as has been the case in previous years. This ongoing process highlights the complexities involved in legalizing sports betting and serves as a reminder of the careful consideration required when introducing such legislation.

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The Look Ahead….

ESPN Outside the Lines 4 Part Series: ALL IN – Sports Betting in the U.S.

Thursday 2/1: 7am, 2pm SportsCenter
Friday 2/2: 7am, 2pm SportsCenter
Saturday 2/3: 9am SportsCenter
Sunday 2/4: 9am Sports Center

More Information Here.

60 Minutes: Sports Betting Concerns

Sunday 2/4: 7pm CBS

More Information Here.