Caesars First Sportsbook To Release 2019 MLB Season Win Totals
The college football season just ended, and it’s time to move on. While multiple sportsbook operators just posted futures for the 2019 college football season, Caesars Entertainment has already moved on to baseball.
Caesars is the first sportsbook operator in the US to open betting on 2019 Major League Baseball (MLB) season win totals. This is the first time that Caesars is the first to market with MLB season win totals.
The Houston Astros have the highest posted win total in MLB with 97.5. Their win total is followed closely by two other American League teams New York Yankees (96.5) and Boston Red Sox (95.5).
The Los Angeles Dodgers lead the way in the National League with 95 wins. The Baltimore Orioles have the lowest win total posted at Caesars Entertainment sportsbooks with just 59 wins.
MLB season win totals
Betting on season win totals is similar to wagering on point totals for games. Bettors choose whether the total number of games a team wins during the season will be over or under the posted total. All MLB win totals are starting at -110 but could change as wagers are placed.
| Team | 2019 Caesars Total | 2018 Record |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Astros | 97.5 | 103-59 |
| Boston Red Sox | 95.5 | 108-54 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 95 | 92-71 |
| New York Yankees | 94.5 | 100-62 |
| Cleveland Indians | 91.5 | 91-71 |
| Chicago Cubs | 89 | 95-68 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 88.5 | 88-74 |
| Washington Nationals | 88.5 | 82-80 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | 85.5 | 90-72 |
| Atlanta Braves | 84 | 90-72 |
| Minnesota Twins | 84 | 78-84 |
| Los Angeles Angels | 83.5 | 80-82 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 83.5 | 96-67 |
| New York Mets | 83.5 | 77-85 |
| Oakland A's | 83 | 97-65 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 83 | 80-82 |
| Colorado Rockies | 82 | 91-72 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 78.5 | 82-79 |
| San Diego Padres | 77.5 | 66-96 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | 77 | 82-80 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 77 | 67-95 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 76.5 | 73-89 |
| Seattle Mariners | 74.5 | 89-73 |
| Chicago White Sox | 74.5 | 62-100 |
| San Francisco Giants | 73 | 73-89 |
| Texas Rangers | 70.5 | 67-95 |
| Kansas City Royals | 69 | 58-104 |
| Detroit Tigers | 67 | 64-98 |
| Miami Marlins | 65.5 | 63-98 |
| Baltimore Orioles | 59 | 47-115 |
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Where to wager on win totals
The totals were first launched in Caesars Entertainment sportsbooks in Nevada:
Las Vegas: Bally’s, Caesars Palace, The Cromwell, Flamingo, The Linq, Harrah’s, Paris, Planet Hollywood and Rio
Laughlin: Harrah’s Laughlin
Reno: Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Harrah’s Reno, Harvey’s Lake Tahoe
About an hour later the MLB win totals were made available at Caesars Entertainment casinos in New Jersey and Mississippi:
New Jersey: Bally’s/Caesars and Harrah’s
Mississippi: Harrah’s Gulf Coast, Horseshoe Tunica, Tunica Roadhouse
Caesars is first to post
MLB futures have been posted since the end of the season. However, Jan. 8 is a bit early to launch MLB win totals. Big name free agents like Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are still available for teams to offer contracts. There are also trade rumors and many more players available via free agency. The hot stove for MLB isn’t quite turned all the way up.
Since Caesars Entertainment is posting the win totals so early the maximum wager is $1,000. However, if a bettor has been limited by Caesars Entertainment, they will only be able to wager their limit.
As you’d expect the MLB win totals are also available for mobile betting in New Jersey and Nevada. Mississippi doesn’t offer mobile sports wagering yet.
MGM Swings For The Fences Again With Latest Pro League Partnership
There’s more than one way to skin a cat, the old saying goes. And applying that principle to ensure a cut of exponentially increasing sports betting revenue likely has the leagues purring with satisfaction right about now.
Rebuffed repeatedly by state governments in their quest for integrity and data usage fees, the leagues seemingly have pivoted to two tried-and-true cornerstones of business — ingenuity and deal-making — to accomplish their goals.
MLB the latest to join forces with MGM
The latest example of such became official Tuesday. Major League Baseball (MLB) announced an official “all-inclusive partnership agreement” with MGM Resorts International. If that sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve been here before, and recently at that.
The NBA, arguably the most “progressive” of the pro leagues on sports betting prior to the Supreme Court decision that eradicated PASPA, fittingly got the ball rolling. They inked a deal with MGM in late July that made the latter their “official gaming partner”. The NHL mirrored their basketball counterparts just three months later. They too put pen to paper with MGM for an agreement that included remuneration for the leagues for their official game data.
As customary, both parties were effusive in their praise for the newly minted deal and each other in the press release announcing the move.
“We are pleased to partner with MGM Resorts International, a clear industry leader in the sports gaming area, to work together on bringing innovative experiences to baseball fans and MGM customers,” said Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. “Our partnership with MGM will help us navigate this evolving space responsibly, and we look forward to the fan engagement opportunities ahead.”
“We are excited to enter into this historic partnership with MLB. We are thrilled to create a new one-of-a-kind fan experience for baseball fans,” said MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren. “Combining MGM Resorts’ world class entertainment and technology with MLB data will continue to transform a rapidly changing industry. This partnership further amplifies the significance of our GVC JV, firmly establishing MGM Resorts and playMGM as the market leader in partnerships with major professional sports leagues.”
Plenty of benefits for both parties
The MLB-MGM marriage has a similar structure to those past deals. However, it also includes an international component. As per the terms of the partnership, MGM will also be an official partner for MLB grassroots events in Japan. Those functions include the MLB Road Show, described in the official press release as an “interactive fan experience” where opportunities exist for direct participation in baseball-related activities akin to those offered in similar events stateside.
As with the other leagues-MGM partnerships — and any other marketing/sponsorship agreements for that matter — this latest initiative is built on a foundation of mutual benefits. MGM gets expansive exposure for its brand and various offerings across MLB’s digital and broadcast platforms, both domestically and internationally. The gaming giant will also enjoy a similar presence at signature events such as the All-Star Game and World Series.
MLB will have similar visibility in MGM advertising and promotional campaigns. And, the league also has a commitment from MGM to use its official statistics feed on a non-exclusive basis. That essentially mirrors related wording in the NBA and NHL pacts. However, the agreement also includes a provision for MGM’s use of “enhanced statistics” in its betting offerings.
There’s even a nod to the now infamous integrity fees that have come to symbolize the pro leagues’ quest to establish a recurring financial stream with respect to legalized sports betting. The agreement pledges that both parties will “work together on comprehensive responsible gaming measures and work to protect the integrity of the game both on and off the field.”
Leagues showing they can play nice with sportsbooks … if the price is right
This latest league-level partnership is just another example of the settling of the dust in a post-PASPA reality. There was plenty of uncertainty — not to mention a fair amount of acrimony — in both the months prior and the months following the May 14 SCOTUS decision. As states have passed legislation and successfully initiated betting within their jurisdictions, clarity has been gained on a couple of fronts.
- One is certainly what was suspected all along — that there’s plenty of interest in legalized sports betting across the country, and money to be made.
- Another is that something has finally given in the ongoing dispute over integrity and data fees between the leagues and the states.
For the moment, at least, the alternate route of forging partnerships with individual sportsbooks — ones that often still afford the leagues a chance to come to similar terms with other gaming entities — seems to serve as a viable truce.
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What Are The Gambling Rules Governing Pro Athletes In The Major U.S. Sports?
In something you don’t see at the top levels of European soccer anymore, Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has been charged with allegedly breaching the Football Association’s betting rules.
Specifically, Sturridge is accused of breaking Rule E8(1)(a)(ii) and Rule E8(1)(b) during January 2018.
He has until Tuesday, Nov. 20 to respond. Sturridge has stated “categorically that he has never gambled on football,” said a Liverpool spokesperson.
Soooo … what does that mean?
Just follow this and then I’ll speculate. Here are the FA betting rules Sturridge is accused of violating:
- Rule E8(1)(a) – a participant shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on – (i) the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in or in connection with, a football match or competition; or (ii) any other matter concerning or related to football anywhere in the world, including, for example and without limitation, the transfer of players, employment of managers, team selection or disciplinary matters.
- Rule E8(1)(b) – where a participant provides to any other person any information relating to football which the participant has obtained by virtue of his or her position within the game and which is not publicly available at that time, the participant shall be in breach of this Rule where any of that information is used by that other person for, or in relation to, betting.
Sturridge was accused of this violation in January 2018.
In January 2018, Sturridge completed a loan to West Brom Albion. Rule E8(1)(a) states that, “a participant shall not bet, either directly or indirectly…or enable any person to bet on…the transfer of players…” Rule E8(1)(b) states that, “where a participant provides to any other person any information relating to football which the participant has obtained by virtue of his or her position within the game…”
It’s reasonable given the timeframe to assume that Sturridge either intentionally or carelessly provided information of his transfer to someone who placed and won a large wager. We here at TheLines are not the betting type of people, but it’s like -350 that’s what happened.
Governing athletes in the U.S.
Europe has a significantly more mature sports betting market than the U.S. Players at the top levels know the rules.
So what exactly are sports betting rules for U.S. pro athletes?
Major League Baseball
We all know that Pete Rose earned himself a lifetime ban. In general, this is pretty straightforward. Section D of Major League Baseball Rule 21 states:
- Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform, shall be declared ineligible for one year.
- Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible.
National Football League
The NFL has an interesting and somewhat confusing view of gambling in general. They’ve opposed gambling and were behind lobbying efforts around the UIGEA. Yet they provide injury reports with a wink-wink-nod-nod to how that impacts gamblers, and their owners had no issue investing in daily fantasy sports sites. As far as “NFL personnel” go, however, this is more clearly defined:
League policy strictly prohibits NFL Personnel from participating in or facilitating any form of illegal gambling. In addition, NFL Personnel are prohibited from engaging in any of the following gambling-related activities, regardless of whether such activities are legal:
- Accepting a bribe or agreeing to throw or fix a game or illegally influence its outcome, statistics or score;
- Failing promptly to report any bribe offer or any attempt to throw or fix a game or to illegally influence its outcome, statistics or score;
- Betting on any NFL game or practice, or any other professional (e.g., NBA, MLB, NHL,PGA, USTA), college (e.g., NCAA basketball), or Olympic sport. including but not limited to wagers related to game outcome, statistics, score, or performance of any individual participant
- Sharing confidential information regarding any game or any participating individual’s Status for or performance in any game without authorization or for the purpose of enabling or facilitating gambling;
- Participating in or condoning any form of gambling while in any Club or League setting including, without limitation, locker rooms, practice or office facilities, or while traveling on Club or League business; or
- Entering into, utilizing or otherwise visiting a “sports book ” at any time during the NFL playing season.
National Basketball Association
Rumors have swirled for years regarding why Michael Jordan really left the NBA the first time. And we all know about Tim Donaghy. The NBA Constitution states:
Any person who, directly or indirectly, wagers money or anything of value on the outcome of any game played by a Team in the league operated by the Association shall, on being charged with such wagering, be given an opportunity to answer such charges after due notice, and the decision of the Commissioner shall be final, binding, conclusive, and unappealable. The penalty for such offense shall be within the absolute and sole discretion of the Commissioner and may include a fine, suspension, expulsion and/or perpetual disqualification from further association with the Association or any of its Members.
Additionally, per the league’s collective bargaining agreement, players have to take a mandatory gambling awareness program.
Expect very public player and personnel policy
As sports betting continues to roll out to more states, with so much at stake, expect stricter, clearly defined, and more public player policy from all professional leagues. It’s in the best interest of the leagues, players, and bettors.
World Series Betting: Game 5 Odds And Props At NJ Sportsbooks
Chavez Ravine takes on a desperate, perhaps even somber, environment for Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday night.
With its Los Angeles Dodgers fighting for their lives against the Boston Red Sox, trailing 3-1 in the series, the Blue Crew fanbase holds onto slim hope for the Dodgers’ first world championship in 30 years. Heck, even the dang Angels have won a title in that time. Ouch.
Once again, a Boston pinch-hitter entered the nightmares of LA fans, like Freddy Krueger in a Sox hat. Mitch Moreland inconceivably connected for a three-run homer in the top of the seventh inning, his first dinger since Aug. 22, to cut a four-run Dodgers lead to one. Steve Pearce added his own name to LA’s Mount Hauntmore by blasting a game-tying homer in the eighth inning, then smacked a two-out, three-run double that capped a five-run ninth inning for Boston to build a 9-4 advantage.
Pearce’s timely hitting proved game-winning, as the Dodgers’ Kike Hernandez belted a two-run homer in the home half of the ninth, finalizing LA’s 9-6 loss.
Only six teams in Fall Classic history have rallied from a 3-1 series deficit. Fortunately, recent history leaves some optimism for the Dodgers, as the Chicago Cubs stormed back to beat the Cleveland Indians in 2016.
That said, of the 35 teams to lead 3-1 in the World Series, 18 clinched the title in Game 5. There’s the oil to hope’s water.
Onward to glory
While LA manager Dave Roberts has attempted to use the same analytical approach that helped the Dodgers reach the World Series for the second straight year, Boston has relied on its clutch hitting, its young talent, the gut-feeling decision-making of manager Alex Cora.
As a result, the Red Sox, despite a heart-wrenching 18-inning loss in Game 3, have positioned themselves for a fourth league championship since 2004. Rightly so, Boston, in the New Jersey sports betting market, has become a bigger favorite than Kirk Gibson at Dodger Stadium.
And with its core of talent, this could only be just the beginning of a Boston dynasty (again).
| Sportsbook | Boston | LA Dodgers |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | -1430 | +800 |
| BetStars | 1/12 | 15/2 |
| FanDuel | -900 | +800 |
| SugarHouse | -1430 | +800 |
| 888sport | -1430 | +800 |
| Caesars | -1200 | +750 |
| William Hill | -1100 | +700 |
| MGM | -1200 | +700 |
Looking ahead, here’s the schedule:
- Game 5 at Los Angeles: Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Game 6 at Boston: Tuesday, 8:09 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- Game 7 at Boston: Wednesday, 8:09 p.m. ET (if necessary)
Game 5 lines
While the Dodgers hoped for anniversary magic to lead to a long-starved-for World Series title, it’s another landmark year that comes to the forefront.
The last time Los Angeles lost back-to-back Series, Tommy John was dealing for the Dodgers, and Steve Garvey and Davey Lopes anchored the right side of the infield. One loss to Boston, in any of the remaining three games, would deal LA its first back-to-back Series losses since 1977 and 1978. On top of that, the Dodgers would become the first team to lose consecutive World Series at home since the New York Giants in 1936 and 1937.
| Sportsbook | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Multiple lines offered | |||
| DraftKings | BOS +123/LA -139 | BOS +1.5 (-190)/LA -1.5 (+155) | 7.5 (-103/-118) |
| BetStars | BOS +130/LA -150 | BOS +1.5 (-182)/LA -1.5 (+150) | 7.5 (-110/-110) |
| FanDuel | BOS +134/LA -150 | BOS +1.5 (-170)/LA -1.5 (+150) | 7.5 (-104/-112) |
| SugarHouse | BOS +123/LA -139 | BOS +1.5 (-190)/LA -1.5 (+155)* | 7.5 (-103/-118)* |
| 888sport | BOS +120/LA -143 | BOS +1 (-129)/LA -1 (+106)* | 7.5 (-104/-118)* |
| Caesars | BOS +132/LA -142 | BOS +1.5 (-170)/LA -1.5 (+150) | 7.5 (-105/-115) |
| William Hill | BOS +132/LA -142 | BOS +1.5 (-170)/LA -1.5 (+150) | 7.5 (-110/-110) |
| MGM | BOS +131/LA -141 | BOS +1.5 (-170)/LA -1.5 (+150) | 7.5 (-110/-110) |
MVP props, props, propspropsprops
Rather than examining the most intriguing wagers at various NJ sportsbooks, it’s most likely time to begin assessing proper Series MVP candidates.
Fortunately, there are lines for that.
Start with Boston’s latest in a long line of postseason heroes.
Pearce, one of just six players in MLB history to play for every team in the same division, joined Carl Yastrzemski (1967) and David Ortiz (2004) as the only Sox players to homer and drive in four runs in a World Series game.
Those kinds of heroics hold a lot of weight, especially considering he has batted a decent .250 with no strikeouts and four walks. That, and his five RBIs lead all players this series. BetStars lists Pearce’s MVP odds at 14/1, while FanDuel Sportsbook pays +1300. Pretty good for a guy who’s changed teams nine times since 2007.
Yet Pearce sits behind four teammates in the odds column:
- JD Martinez, batting .214 with four RBIs: 5/2 by BetStars, +240 by FanDuel
- Mookie Betts, batting .211: 3/1 by BetStars, +340 by FanDuel
- Andrew Benintendi, batting .357: 7/2 by BetStars, +375 by FanDuel
- Xander Bogaerts, batting .105: 9/1 by BetStars, +1000 by FanDuel
For those still holding out hope for the Dodgers, keep holding on. The odds of completing a comeback rise dramatically with each win. Of the 17 teams winning Game 5, eight forced a Game 7. And in that deciding game, six teams clinched the title.
So, for those holding out hope, consider LA’s top three MVP candidates. Yasiel Puig, batting .235 with four RBIs and a home run, is listed at 18/1 at BetStars and +2000 at FanDuel. Teammates Justin Turner (a Series-best .381 average) and Manny Machado (.222 with three RBIS) both feature +2500 payouts at FanDuel.
World Series Betting: Game 4 Odds And Props At NJ Sportsbooks
Guess there will indeed be a World Series Game 5. Sorry, bettors who took the Sox in a sweep. Blame Ian Kinsler. Everyone else is.
Good morning to everyone again except Ian Kinsler.
— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) October 27, 2018
Although some are a little more sympathetic.
Can anyone get this to Ian Kinsler? Thinking he might need their services. pic.twitter.com/4TWECZKNPS
— ToeKneeArmAss (@ToeKneeArmAss) October 27, 2018
Regardless, Game 3 ended after 18 innings, courtesy of a Max Muncy walk-off home run. The game featured the most inning in Series history, first set 102 years ago — between the Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers (then the Brooklyn Robins), during which a fella named Babe Ruth recorded 13 shutout innings. (Oh, and Game 3 went an absurd SEVEN HOURS AND TWENTY MINUTES!)
Aside from Kinsler (even the top four spots of the Boston lineup, which went 0-for-28), nothing disappointed in the third game. Pitching in his third game of relief this Series, Boston’s Nathan Eovaldi went the final six innings, throwing 97 pitches that matches the postseason high for a Sox pitcher (which Eovaldi set in the ALDS). Suffice to say, Eovaldi won’t be starting Saturday’s Game 4 as originally scheduled.
Recapping Game 3 betting action
Wagers poured in at FanDuel Sportsbook until just before 3:30 AM ET, when the game mercifully ended. For the New Jersey sportsbook, Game 3 featured the highest volume of NJ sports betting action of the MLB season.
Some 5,600 bets came down on the moneyline alone, part of a day of wagers that was 25 percent more than the previous high, the final game between the Red Sox and the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Those moneyline bets were up 40 percent from that Sox-Yankees game nearly three weeks ago.
While the majority of the handle went toward the Dodgers (52 percent), the bulk of overall wagers went with the Red Sox (63 percent). Of note, one bettor, at 1:50 AM ET, laid down $5,000 on the Dodgers to win. With a -125 line, that bet paid off $9,000.
Onward to glory
A day after it appeared Los Angeles was already set to break out its offseason fishing gear, the Dodgers are back in contention.
A Game 3 loss would have slid the nails into LA’s coffin. Instead, history has shifted to the Dodgers’ favor. Per Elias Sports Bureau, Los Angeles has won three best-of-seven series in which they trailed two games to none. In all three (the 1955, 1965 and 1981 World Series), the Dodgers, as they did this year, dropped the opening two games on the road.
As a result, the Red Sox, listed by FanDuel as -650 favorites to win the Series heading into Game 3, now see their odds drop to -280.
| Sportsbook | Boston | LA Dodgers |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | -295 | +235 |
| BetStars | 1/3 | 49/20 |
| FanDuel | -280 | +240 |
| SugarHouse | -295 | +235 |
| 888sport | -295 | +235 |
| Caesars | -240 | +210 |
| William Hill | -260 | +220 |
| MGM | -300 | +240 |
Looking ahead, here’s the schedule:
- Game 4 at Los Angeles: Saturday, 8:09 p.m. ET
- Game 5 at Los Angeles: Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Game 6 at Boston: Tuesday, 8:09 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- Game 7 at Boston: Wednesday, 8:09 p.m. ET (if necessary)
Game 4 lines
Thanks to Muncy, the Dodgers have turned the tables on Boston. Home teams have won each of the first three games, a trend that bodes well for LA as it hosts Games 4 and 5.
| Sportsbook | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Multiple lines offered | |||
| DraftKings | BOS +143/LA -165 | BOS +1.5 (-162)/LA -1.5 (+133) | 8.5 (-104/-118) |
| BetStars | BOS +140/LA -167 | BOS +1.5 (-150)/LA -1.5 (+130) | 8.5 (-110/-110) |
| FanDuel | BOS +146/LA -164 | BOS +1.5 (-154)/LA -1.5 (+136) | 8.5 (-104/-112) |
| SugarHouse | BOS +143/LA -165 | BOS +1.5 (-162)/LA -1.5 (+133)* | 8.5 (-104/-118)* |
| 888sport | BOS +140/LA -167 | BOS +1.5 (-162)/LA -1.5 (+132)* | 8.5 (-104/-118)* |
| Caesars | BOS +152/LA -164 | BOS +1.5 (-150)/LA -1.5 (+130) | 8 (-120/+100) |
| William Hill | BOS +148/LA -158 | BOS +1.5 (-150)/LA -1.5 (+130) | 8.5 (+100/-120) |
| MGM | BOS +145/LA -160 | BOS +1.5 (-150)/LA -1.5 (+130) | 8.5 (-105/-115) |
Props, props, propspropsprops
DraftKings Sportsbook
If only there was a prop for whether Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw would pinch-hit in Game 3. What a payoff that would have seen.
Maybe an in-game wager will surface if Game 4 also goes into the wee hours. For those hoping for it, DraftKings has the line:
- Will the game go to extra innings? Yes (+800) or no (-1667).
Go start-to-finish with the wager, even.
- Which team leads after the first inning? Red Sox (+310), Dodgers (+240) or tie (-125).
FanDuel Sportsbook
Through three games at FanDuel, the Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger and Manny Machado have represented the most wagers on players to hit a home run, the two combining for 30 percent of bets.
Additionally, Muncy has vaulted from a +3500 MVP candidate to +1300 after his walk-off heroics, while Eovaldi, despite eating the loss, has climbed from +3500 to +1700. (On the flip side, Kinsler dropped from +5000 to +7500.)
In what has become the more popular market at FanDuel, moneyline/total runs are set for Game 4:
- Boston win, over 8.5 runs: +360
- Boston win, under 8.5 runs: +360
- LA Dodgers win, over 8.5 runs: +210
- LA Dodgers win, under 8.5 runs: +195
SugarHouse Sportsbook
Time to analyze trends. Through three games, only once has the home team exceeded four runs (Boston, Game 1). Only once as the visitor reached at least four runs (LA, Game 1). In two of three games, the total score amounted to an even number (Game 1: 12; Game 2: 6).
Consider that pattern when poring through this prop from SugarHouse:
- Total runs by home team: O/U 4.5 runs (-103/-127)
- Total runs by away team: O/U 3.5 runs (-120/-109)
- Total runs odd/even: -167/+130
888 Sportsbook
See above, re: trends. The home team in each of the first three games scored first en route to victories.
- First team to score: Boston (-132), Los Angeles (+106)
- Home team score first and win: Yes (+165) or no (-220)
- Away team score first and win: Yes (+210) or no (-286)
William Hill
Piggy-backing off the first team to score and win. William Hill throws out the home and away factors. Instead, the bookmaker poses if the first team to score overall will win: -230 for yes, +195 for no.
William Hill also features a trio of Boston vs. LA head-to-head props regarding total bases:
- Boston’s Andrew Benintendi (-110) vs. LA’s Clay Bellinger (-110)
- Boston’s Mookie Betts (-130) vs. LA’s Manny Machado (+110)
- Boston’s Xander Bogaerts (+105) vs. LA’s Justin Turner (-125)
World Series Betting: Game 3 Odds And Props At NJ Sportsbooks
The Los Angeles Dodgers return home for Games 3 and 4 of the World Series. Maybe the National League champions can go ahead and unpack. Get out the golf clubs. And get to the golf course earlier than they anticipated.
With four runs coming with two outs in Game 2, the Boston Red Sox put away the Dodgers to grab a 2-0 Series lead. Of teams that win the first two games in a best-of-seven series, 84 percent have gone on to win, including each of the last the last 10 such instances in the Fall Classic.
On paper, it appears, the Red Sox, on the doorstep of dynasty status 100 years after kicking off an eight-decade-long championship-less drought, are in line to win the franchise’s fourth Commissioner’s Trophy in 14 years.
Yet while the Series is all but decided (don’t at me, Dodgers “fans”), and unlike Los Angeles, there’s still something for bettors to play for as at least two games remain to enjoy Series NJ sports betting.
Recapping Game 2 betting action
Throughout the regular season, even into the postseason, the Red Sox and Dodgers took on their respective identities: Boston relying on clutch hitting, LA on the long ball.
During the playoffs, the Dodgers have racked up 14 home runs, but only one in the Series. In banking on the big bopper, Los Angeles has struck out 187 times this postseason — 50 more than Boston.
In the World Series, the Red Sox, as shown in Game 2, have scored nine of their 12 runs with two outs. More than half of Boston’s runs in the playoffs have occurred with one out remaining. The Sox head into Game 3 batting .425 with two outs and runners in scoring position, which would be tops in World Series history. By contrast, the dinger-reliant Dodgers are hitting just .234.
At FanDuel Sportsbook, the betting disparity between Boston and Los Angeles was narrowed. According to the book, 52 percent of the total handle came down on the Red Sox, creating a four percent gap between them and the Dodgers after Game 1 featured 68 percent of the handle on Boston.
The winning ticket for moneyline/total parlay betting was wagering on a Boston win and the under of 8.5 total runs. Like in Game 1, this prop proved most popular, as 40 percent of the wagers occurred here. That said, per FanDuel, just 16 percent of the betting slips cashed out.
At DraftKings Sportsbook, with Boston trailing 2-1, a bettor wagered $50 on the Red Sox to be leading after five innings. Boston grabbed the lead in the home half of the fifth, paying out $400.
Onward to glory
As noted, teams that go up 2-0 in the Series become heavily favored to claim the world championship. As well as Boston’s clutch hitting, Los Angeles playing the matchups has stolen headlines.
After all, the Dodgers became the first team in World Series history to utilize an all-right-handed-hitting lineup. And they did it in each of the first two games, sitting their four top home run hitters in the process. Fortunately, with Boston’s Rick Porcello lined up to start Game 3, Los Angeles will likely send out its top lineup.
Regardless, the Red Sox become heavily favored to win the Series. And if they win Game 3… Well… Thanks for playing, Los Angeles. No team in the World Series has come back from 3-0. Only one in the postseason has done so: the 2004 Red Sox. If there is silver lining, at least the Dodgers have some karma on their side: manager Dave Roberts sparked that Boston comeback 14 years ago.
| Sportsbook | Boston | LA Dodgers |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | -625 | +450 |
| BetStars | 2/13 | 5/1 |
| FanDuel | -650 | +475 |
| SugarHouse | -625 | +450 |
| 888sport | -625 | +450 |
| Caesars | -600 | +450 |
| William Hill | -600 | +450 |
| MGM | -650 | +475 |
Looking ahead, here’s the schedule:
- Game 3 at Los Angeles: Friday, 8:09 p.m. ET
- Game 4 at Los Angeles: Saturday, 8:09 p.m. ET
- Game 5 at Los Angeles: Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- Game 6 at Boston: Tuesday, 8:09 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- Game 7 at Boston: Wednesday, 8:09 p.m. ET (if necessary)
Game 3 lines
The Red Sox have won 14 of their last 16 games in the World Series. In Game 3, however, sportsbooks favor the Dodgers to pick up their first win of the Fall Classic.
| Sportsbook | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Multiple lines offered | |||
| DraftKings | BOS +140/LA -159 | BOS +1.5 (-165)/LA -1.5 (+135) | 7.5 (-106/-115) |
| BetStars | BOS +140/LA -167 | BOS +1.5 (-162)/LA -1.5 (+140) | 7.5 (-110/-110) |
| FanDuel | BOS +132/LA -152 | BOS +1.5 (-154)/LA -1.5 (+138) | 7.5 (+104/-122) |
| SugarHouse | BOS +140/LA -159 | BOS +1.5 (-165)/LA -1.5 (+135)* | 7.5 (-106/-115)* |
| 888sport | BOS +135/LA -167 | BOS +1 (-110)/LA -1 (-110)* | 7.5 (-106/-115)* |
| Caesars | BOS +145/LA -155 | BOS +1.5 (-165)/LA -1.5 (+145) | 7.5 (-105/-115) |
| William Hill | BOS +142/LA-152 | BOS +1.5 (-155)/LA -1.5 (+135) | 7.5 (-105/-115 |
| MGM | BOS +140/LA-155 | BOS +1.5 (-160)/LA -1.5 (+140) | 7.5 (EV/-120) |
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Props, props, propspropsprops
DraftKings Sportsbook
Boston has won the first two games, both at home. In the 2017 Series, also featuring the Dodgers, home teams went 4-3. The year before, in seven games, the hosts won just twice.
So in Game 3, do you take the Dodgers at home or Boston to continue rolling? Go ahead and parlay that with the run total, which itself has been inconsistent. Each of the first two games at DraftKings featured an over/under of 7.5 (as it sits for Game 3). The opener went for 12 runs, and the next game went for six. Toss-up again with Porcello going up against the Dodgers’ best lineup, and rookie Walker Buehler facing a clutch Boston offense.
Taking the Dodgers to win as well as the under pays +200, but banking on LA to come through offensively with Buehler’s victory pays +210. (Alternatively, a Porcello win and the run total finishing over and under pays +360 and +340, respectively.)
Sticking with pitching, DraftKings features lines on more strikeouts between the two starters (Porcello +275, Buehler -265, equal total +650) as well as a prop on if LA’s Kenley Jansen (+220) or Boston’s Craig Kimbrel (+275) earns the save.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Before the Series started, FanDuel pitted the odds of Boston’s JD Martinez winning the MVP at +550. After batting .429 with four RBIs through two games, Martinez is now the front-runner at +220.
Other MVP candidates on whom to wager include Boston’s Mookie Betts (+260) and Andrew Benintendi (+400). Certainly, Los Angeles has not lost all hope just yet. Should the Dodgers rally and claim the title, currently Manny Machado (+2000), and Cody Bellinger, Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp (all at +3000) lead the way.
FanDuel also features inning-by-inning prop bets: total runs in the first inning, which team leads, total runs odd or even.
For those bettors focused more on the back end of the game, consider two props.
- Will the Dodgers bat in the bottom of the ninth inning? Yes (-112) or no (-108).
- Which team ends up with more hits? Boston (+128), Los Angeles (-106) or tie (+830).
SugarHouse Sportsbook
Three props stand out at SugarHouse.
First: How many earned runs (line set at 2.5 for each) will starting pitchers allow? The over/under for Buehler (+115/-155) and Porcello (-143/+108) suggests a standout performance for the LA hurler.
Will Boston (+175) or Los Angeles (+100) post the highest-scoring inning in Game 3? Or will they match each other (+325)?
Will Game 3 become the first of this Series to reach extra innings? Yes (+750) or no (-1430).
Caesars Sportsbook
Few props exist at Caesars, but they still appear intriguing.
For example, take the Red Sox to be ahead after five innings (+145), or bank on the Dodgers (-165) to lead for just the second time this Series.
Through those first five innings, Caesars sets the line of total runs at four. The over pays +100, while the under sits at -120.
William Hill
Begin with Game 3 props. Wager on the first pitch of the game: ball (+135) or strike (-155). Decide between Benintendi (-105) and LA’s Justin Turner (-115) for more total bases, or Boston’s Mookie Betts (-125) and the Dodgers’ Manny Machado (+105).
How many players, total, will be stranded on the base paths: 15 or more (+100), 14 or less (-120).
Game 3 will allow for a clearer prediction of how many games this Series will go, but why wait? At William Hill, bettors can wager on the exact number of games the Fall Classic will last:
- Boston in four (+300)
- Boston in five (+280)
- Boston in six (+240)
- Boston in seven (+500)
- Los Angeles in six (+1500)
- Los Angeles in seven (+500)
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World Series Betting: Game 2 Odds And Props At NJ Sportsbooks
The World Series has begun. Finally.
Since as early as the conclusion of the 2017 Series, pundits have made projections about who would play for and ultimately win the Fall Classic.
Yet as the great Yogi Berra has said: “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.”
The same holds true in sports betting. But by no means does that stop bettors from patronizing sportsbooks. Especially in the ever-expanding NJ sports betting industry.
With that, let’s take a look at some Game 1 highlights and look ahead to tonight’s Game 2.
Recapping Game 1 betting action
Back and forth the Series opener went. The Boston Red Sox took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. The visiting Los Angeles Dodgers evened it up two innings later. Boston regains a 3-2 advantage in the home half of the third, only for the Dodgers to answer in the fifth.
The Sox, though, pulled away. And a three-run home run by pinch-hitter Eduardo Nunez put the game away, earning Boston an 8-4 victory.
That Nunez homer, via DraftKings Sportsbook, earned one bettor a $684.60 payday after wagering $335.59 on Boston to be the first team to reach five runs. (In an at-bat that played no role for the Dogers, a simple in-play wager on LA’s Joc Pederson to put the ball in play on the second pitch of his ninth-inning at-bat paid out $520 on a $40 bet; Pederson grounded out to second base.)
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, 68 percent of its World Series sports betting handle came down on the Red Sox. Boston winning with total runs reaching the over accounted for 41 percent of the action.
Onward to glory
One game down. Hopefully (well, depending on your betting slip) six more to go. Obviously with a series-opening win, the odds have shifted in Boston’s favor. That said, though this goes without saying (which is a weird saying since everyone who says it ends up saying what they were going to go without saying)… Anyway. Hope still remains for the Dodgers to win the series.
| Sportsbook | Boston | LA Dodgers |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | -278 | +225 |
| BetStars | 4/11 | 21/10 |
| FanDuel | -260 | +230 |
| SugarHouse | -278 | +225 |
| 888sport | -278 | +225 |
| Caesars | -280 | +240 |
| William Hill | -265 | +225 |
| MGM | -275 | +225 |
Looking ahead, here’s the schedule:
- Game 2 at Boston Wednesday, 8:09 p.m. ET
- Game 3 at Los Angeles Friday, 8:09 p.m. ET
- Game 4 at Los Angeles Saturday, 8:09 p.m. ET
- Game 5 at Los Angeles Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- Game 6 at Boston Oct. 30, 8:09 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- Game 7 at Boston Oct. 31, 8:09 p.m. ET (if necessary)
Game 2 lines
The Red Sox already took a strong first step. With a Game 1 win, Boston inched closer to not only securing its fourth World Series title since 2004 but also snap quite a streak.
After all, Boston clinched its spot in the Series three days ahead of the Dodgers. And according to the Elias Sports Bureau, each of the last nine Series champs entered the Fall Classic with fewer days rest than their opponents.
| Sportsbook | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Multiple lines offered | |||
| DraftKings | BOS -143/LA +125 | BOS -1.5 (+138)/LA +1.5 (-167) | 8.5 (-118/-104) |
| BetStars | BOS -143/LA +125 | BOS -1.5 (+140)/LA +1.5 (-167 | 8.5 (-110/-110) |
| FanDuel | BOS -146/LA +130 | BOS -1.5 (+142)/LA +1.5 (-162) | 8.5 (-108/-108) |
| SugarHouse | BOS -143/LA +128 | BOS -1 (-105)/LA +1 (-117)* | 8.5 (-113/-108)* |
| 888sport | BOS -150/LA +123 | BOS -1 (-105)/LA +1 (-117)* | 8.5 (-113/-108)* |
| Caesars | BOS -140/LA +130 | BOS -1.5 (+135)/LA +1.5 (-155) | 8.5 (-115/-105) |
| William Hill | BOS -140/LA +130 | BOS -1.5 (+135)/LA +1.5 (-155) | 8.5 (-120/+100) |
| MGM | BOS -143/LA +133 | BOS -1.5 (+135)/LA +1.5 (-155) | 8.5 (-115/+105) |
Props, props, propspropsprops
Need more than the traditional moneyline? Consider this prop bets.
BetStars
The Sox obviously have pole position to the championship. BetStars lists a Boston sweep at 10/1 odds, compared with 5/1 for Boston to win in five games, 15/4 to win in six, and 10/3 to go the distance.
Again to quote Berra: “It ain’t over till it’s over.” The Dodgers feature 5/1 odds to come back and win in six games, while a Los Angeles four-game winning streak from here on out sits at 13/2.
In Game 2, the winning margin for the Dodgers ranges from one run (+425) to six or more runs (+4500). Winning margins for Boston, meanwhile, go from one run (+380) to six or more (+2500).
BetStars also feature props for total runs after three, five and seven innings, the run spread for each category, and if the total runs are odd or even.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Think the Dodgers’ Matt Kemp or Boston’s Nunez will go yard for the second straight game? Each player features a +550 line to do so. Boston’s JD Martinez is the favorite at +250, followed by the Red Sox’ Mookie Betts (+340), and Los Angeles’ Max Muncy (+360) and Manny Machado (+380).
Game 1 saw two runs, both by Boston, come across in the first inning. Will the same occur in Game 2? FanDuel lists two or more scores at +230. One run pays +350, while a scoreless inning pays out -115. If déjà vu happens all over again, again to quote Berra, and Boston heads into the second inning up two runs, that will trigger a +610 payout.
How about on the mound? Like the chances of Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu to strike out at least eight and pick up the win? Or maybe you prefer Boston hurler David Price to record a similar outing? FanDuel lists each pitcher at +550 and +400, respectively.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Who wins the first inning? The Dodgers (+310)? The Sox (+250)? Maybe they head into the second all square (-132)?
Crunch the numbers and try to predict which team reaches three runs first. Los Angeles pays out +105, though Boston is favored at -115. Maybe the game features a pitching duel. If so, and neither team gets past two runs, that will pay +1150.
One of the most hated players in the game right now is LA’s Machado. And DraftKings offers an odds boost if “you’re all for rooting for people you don’t like to FAIL and don’t like Manny Machado.” Wagering on Machado was originally listed at -130, but the boost adjusts that number to -106.
Consider wagering on the Series as a whole. DraftKings features a prop for total games played in the Fall Classic: Under 5.5 (+160), over 5.5 (-200).
888sport
In Game 1, Andrew Benintendi became the third-ever Boston player to record four hits in a World Series game. For those assuming a harsh downturn in the outfielder’s performance, 888sport pays +175 if Benintendi goes hitless (-140 for one or more hits).
Which team will post the highest-scoring inning in Game 2? Take the Dodgers at +163, the Sox at +104 or neither at +335. Wagering on if the game goes to extra innings features a +800 line, while lines on more strikeouts by the starting pitchers sees Price at -125, Ryu at +135 and tie at +550.
The book also includes two specialty props:
- Will Price allow more than 3.5 earned runs? Yes: +250.
- Will Machado strike out at least once? Yes: -130.
World Series Betting Preview: It’s Time For The Fall Classic Of NJ Sports Betting
For the first time, legalized sports betting permeates in New Jersey as the World Series takes center stage.
The Commissioner’s Trophy sits within grasp of the American League champion Boston Red Sox and the NL champ Los Angeles Dodgers. For up to seven games, through as late as Halloween night, two of the most storied franchises will battle for the coveted world championship.
The last and only other meeting between these historic teams took place during the heart of World War I. The most impressive pitching display during that series came from the big bopper himself Babe Ruth, who gave up a first-inning run but then held the then-Brooklyn Robins scoreless over the next 13 innings. Del Gainer then provided a walk-off single to win Game 2 in the bottom of the 14th inning for Boston, which went on to take the series in five games.
That game still stands as the longest World Series contest played, though it has twice been matched: Game 3 of the 2005 Series, Game 1 of the 2015 Series.
Los Angeles has gone 30 years without a World Series title, the crack of Kirk Gibson’s pinch-hit home run still echoing, though fading, in Chavez Ravine. Boston, meanwhile, long ago broke its curse. In fact, the Red Sox have won each of their last three appearances in the Fall Classic: 2013, 2007, 2004.
Who ya got?
Boston won a franchise-record 108 games this season, 16 more than the Dodgers, who return to the World Series for the second straight season. The highest-scoring team in the bigs, Boston, squares up against a Dodgers team that allowed the second-fewest runs in the league.
So the question becomes, with New Jersey sports betting lines below: Who ya got in the Series?
| Sportsbook | Boston | LA Dodgers |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | -167 | +130 |
| BetStars | 8/13 | 11/8 |
| FanDuel | -150 | +135 |
| SugarHouse | -155 | +127 |
| 888sport | -167 | +130 |
| Caesars | -155 | +140 |
| William Hill | -155 | +140 |
| MGM | -155 | -135 |
Just so you don’t frantically jump online every day to see if the Series continues any given day, here’s the schedule, with Games 5-7 obviously played only if necessary:
- Game 1 at Boston Tuesday, 8:09 p.m. ET
- Game 2 at Boston Wednesday, 8:09 p.m. ET
- Game 3 at Los Angeles Friday, 8:09 p.m. ET
- Game 4 at Los Angeles Saturday, 8:09 p.m. ET
- Game 5 at Los Angeles Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Game 6 at Boston Oct. 30, 8:09 p.m. ET
- Game 7 at Boston Oct. 31, 8:09 p.m. ET
Game 1 moneylines
Not interested in a drawn-out, waiting-for-the-final-pitch-to-see-if-you-won-your-wager? Below are Game 1 moneylines from NJ sportsbooks:
| Sportsbook | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BOS -150/LA +123 | BOS -1 (-117)/LA +1 (-105) | 7.5 (+104/-125) |
| BetStars | BOS -162/LA +135 | BOS -1.5 (+135)/LA +1.5 (-162) | 7.5 (+105/-125) |
| FanDuel | BOS -148/LA +130 | BOS -1.5 (+148)/LA +1.5 (-166) | 7.5 (-102/-114) |
| SugarHouse | BOS -143/LA +128 | BOS -1.5 (+143)/LA +1.5 (-177)* | 7.5 (+104/-125)^ |
| 888sport | BOS -150/LA +123 | BOS -1 (-117)/LA +1 (-105) | 7.5 (+104/-125) |
| Caesars | BOS -150/LA +135 | BOS -1.5 (+135)/LA +1.5 (-155) | 7.5 (+100/-120) |
| William Hill | BOS -145/LA +135 | BOS -1.5 (+145)/LA +1.5 (-165) | 7.5 (+105/-125) |
| MGM | BOS -155/LA +140 | BOS -1.5 (+135)/LA +1.5 (-155) | 7.5 (+105/-125) |
Props, props, propspropsprops
Forget the traditional run spread, over/under and moneyline. Let’s have some fun with some in-game betting and alternate futures.
Does Boston pick up the first Fall Classic sweep since 2012 (which the Sox did in their last two World Series appearances)? FanDuel Sportsbook gives the No. 1 team in baseball a +1000 payout. Maybe the Dodgers get the upset, in a sweep, for their first title since 1988? That earns a +1600 payout from 888 Sportsbook.
In Game 1, does Boston starter Chris Sale, fresh from a faux injury caused by a belly button ring, strike out 6 or fewer batters after averaging nearly nine per game? That will pay +120 via 888. Does Sale help the Sox post a shutout, which Boston has not done since the 2013 ALCS? BetStars NJ lists that possibility at +500. (On the flip side, a Clayton Kershaw-led Dodgers shutout pays +650 via BetStars.)
Props abound with NJ sportsbooks. Game 1 home run by Boston MVP candidate Mookie Betts: +725 via 888. Total runs in Game 1 as an odd or even number: 888 has -160 for odd, +136 for even. Which team scores first? Dodgers (-124 with FanDuel) or Red Sox (+106 with FanDuel)?
Striking first proves vital. After all, in the MLB, the first team to light up the scoreboard goes on to win roughly 65 percent of the time. That fact holds more than just water: Per the Elias Sports Bureau, the team to win Game 1 goes on to claim the World Series title 63 percent of the time.
MLB Is Apparently Full Of Crap On Its Sports Betting Ad Ban, As DraftKings Still Advertises
You may have heard: DraftKings is in the sports betting business officially now, via its DraftKings Sportsbook in New Jersey.
The last we heard, Major League Baseball said it would not be taking advertising money from sports betting companies.
DraftKings, however, is still advertising via MLB teams. To wit:
👀#TheGameInsideTheGame pic.twitter.com/ltSWfKmD1e
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) August 13, 2018
There seems to be a disconnect somewhere. So what’s going on?
The backstory on MLB and DraftKings
The last we heard from MLB, back in June, there is no sports betting advertising whatsoever allowed:
“We have been informed that club television and radio rights holders are being approached by sports books to place advertising/enhancements. Pursuant to MLB policy, clubs must inform their rights holders that they are presently not permitted to accept such advertising. Clubs may not at this time enter into any relationship with a pure sports book, or with a casino with a sports book to the extent that the arrangement involves sports betting.”
DraftKings is still very much in the daily fantasy sports business. But it also is fully in the sports betting industry after its NJ sports betting launch last week. If MLB has changed its policy, it hasn’t been publicly voiced.
The intersting thing is that the ad above — seen at the Cincinnati Reds’ Great American Ballpark — doesn’t even mention DFS. It’s just promoting DraftKings’ brand, which now, of course, includes sports gambling.
MLB probably doing a lot of parsing right now
While DraftKings is only in one US sports betting market, that’s likely to change soon. Its sportsbook won’t be in Ohio any time in the near future, but it does have a deal to offer New York sports betting. And it likely will attempt to find its way into neighboring Pennsylvania and West Virginia, which both have legalized sports wagering.
That means that MLB is probably going through all sorts of mental gymnastics to justify a continued marketing relationship with DraftKings. From MLB’s June statement, you can argue DraftKings is not a “pure sportsbook” — it offers DFS too — or “a casino with a sports book.”
Still, that line is pretty difficult to parse, espectially when you don’t even put “daily fantasy sports” on an ad.
Anyway, Major League Baseball — the same league that fought to pay minor leaguers less than minimum wage — is still awful on many levels. And its arbitrary line in the sand on what kind of advertising from sports betting companies is OK is just another example.
Derek Jeter’s Petty Gambling: A Playful Stunt Or Reason For MLB Concern?
Public perception was always important to Derek Jeter while he played for the New York Yankees. Jeter’s perception will reach the ultimate height in 2020 when he becomes a first-ballot inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Jeter was a superstar shortstop and an icon beloved in New York, where fans are especially tough on players. Jeter is now the CEO and part owner of the Miami Marlins and has his 12,000-plus square-foot castle-like compound on the market for more than $14 million in Upstate New York.
He’s got money to burn, and apparently he had pennies to provide during his time with the Yanks.
Paying off in pennies
Former Yankees teammate Phil Hughes, who was traded by the Twins to the Padres this season, joined the “Pardon My Take” podcast this week and had a few comments about Jeter and his unusual payment method on paying off sports bets. Hughes won a World Series with the Yankees and Jeter in 2009, and he still has “really good” memories of playing for the Yankees.
Hughes said Jeter and some of his teammates would bet “a few bucks” on various things like football games. When he lost a bet, he would pay off his debt in pennies. And, according to Hughes, bags and bags of pennies up to $100.
“He had this thing. He liked to do small little wagers every now and then. But he was such a competitor that if he lost, he would pay you pennies,” Hughes recalled.
“So it would be like a hundred bucks on something stupid like a college football game that’s going on or something. And if he lost, he would literally have a bag of pennies the next day. And it wasn’t like a dollar. It was a hundred bucks. It’s a lot of pennies.”
It doesn’t appear ‘Jeet’ was a cheat, but paying off bets in pennies is a little petty and peculiar.
Legal betting and acceptance of sports betting
There’s no evidence of foul play here, and it’s widely known that pro athletes like to do some gambling on the side during their down time.
However, what if that “something stupid like a college football game or something” was periodically an MLB game? Would Major League Baseball and the commissioner’s office look at this type of supposed innocent behavior a little differently?
Betting like this leads to other forms of sports betting, doesn’t it? Isn’t that how most bettors start out?
Since Major League Baseball is becoming more accepting of sports betting and trying implement safeguards while also attempting to get in on the action and profits themselves, how should the league react to this type of story? We know how they reacted to Pete Rose’s wagering habits and betting on baseball, and certainly, there are other stories like this that has surrounded baseball clubhouses and players.
Does the perception change knowing that baseball’s golden boy and soon to be Hall of Famer Derek Jeter was betting on games?
Now that sports betting is legal in the U.S. following the Supreme Court decision to strike down the federal ban (PASPA), the perception has certainly changed despite the action having been going on for decades.
If a college coach football can be fired from his position for participating in an NCAA basketball tournament pool like Rick Neuheisel was in 2003 at the University of Washington, should other sports and pro leagues be more concerned as they continue to implement, modify and educate on sports gambling?