Twice weekly, we’ll comb through as many articles, tweets and podcasts as we can find related to the world of sports betting and daily fantasy sports, and publish the good stuff here.
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MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the ongoing debate about daily fantasy sports has slowed discussions of the league’s position on sports betting.
While NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has argued for legalizing sports gambling, baseball officials have been more cautious with their words. Baseball hasn’t changed its anti-gambling stance, and Rob Manfred, the MLB commissioner, said this week the ongoing debate over daily fantasy sports has “slowed those discussions.”
“There’s not a lot of buzz among the group internally,” he said. “I think we’re waiting to see how the daily fantasy issue works out from a regulatory perspective before we make any move.”
Infamous sports bettor Billy Walters pleaded not guilty to the insider trading charges put against him earlier this month. His bail was set at $25 million.
Over government objections, the Manhattan magistrate judge also ruled Wednesday that 69-year-old William “Billy” Walters can keep riding in his personal jet. Walters pleaded not guilty to charges he made tens of millions of dollars in illicit stock trades.
Magistrate Judge Andrew Peck rejected arguments by a prosecutor who claimed Walters could easily fly to Mexico if not restricted to commercial travel.
Defense attorney Barry Berke said Walters flies frequently between businesses in six states.
Golfer Phil Mickelson, who was also involved, expressed relief as the investigation concluded.
“I’d like to say that I’m disappointed to have been a part of that whole thing, but after a thorough investigation, I’m pleased that it’s behind me, that it’s over,” Mickelson said at Muirfield Village Golf Club, where the Memorial Tournament begins Thursday.
“I’m appreciative of my family and friends and my companies for their support of me.”
New York’s bill to legalize and regulate daily fantasy sports cleared its first hurdle, but could still face opposition.
On Wednesday, Sen. John Bonacic called his DFS bill that he introduced in February — S6793A — during a meeting of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee that he chairs.
The committee voted the bill onto its next stop — the Senate Finance Committee. That body met on Thursday, but DFS was not heard alongside a bill to legalize and regulate online poker in the state. An industry source says it is scheduled to be heard in committee next week.
The Golden State Warriors entered the NBA Finals as a clear favorite over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors won Game 1 104-89.
By early Tuesday morning, money had come in on Golden State, pushing it to -210 and Cleveland to +180.
At William Hill US, Golden State opened as a -250 favorite with Cleveland at +210; the series price remained the same on Tuesday morning.
Virtual sports betting is continuing to expand after new deals will bring a simulated soccer experience to gamblers in New Jersey as well as Italy.
Phil Katsaros, Inspired’s Head of Business Development, North America, said:
“Virtual Sports is a game-changer and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with Resorts. Not only will Resorts be among the first to offer Virtual Sports in N. America, it will be the first to offer a truly convergent gaming product, where players located at Resorts will be able to wager on the same virtual events occurring online (and vice-versa). We look forward to contributing to Resorts’ rapid growth and continued success.”