The Denver Broncos became the first NFL team to partner with a sportsbook when it signed a deal last week with FanDuel. In order to welcome bettors in Colorado, FanDuel is offering new users an array of betting promotions involving the Broncos.
Teams can only do deals if sports gambling is legal in their state so other NFL teams expected to sign deals with sportsbooks include the Raiders, Jets, Giants and Eagles, all in close proximity to sportsbooks, according to the Action Network.
If all goes according to plans, August and September will flood bettors with opportunities closed off since mid-March by the coronavirus pandemic. That’s when the NFL, NBA, NHL and college football all start or resume play—and if they get their act together, MLB too.
“I can see this August being one of the biggest Augusts we’ve ever seen,” said Jay Kornegay, the executive vice president of SuperBook USA, which has partnered with the Lodge Casino in Black Hawk.
Colorado launched sports betting in May and drew $25.5 million in handle, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue. That figure came from seven online operators, a fraction of what could be licensed. And with few sports to bet on.
“With FanDuel’s successful launch into Colorado earlier in May, we believe Broncos fans will enjoy FanDuel’s trusted mobile sports betting and daily fantasy platforms,” Broncos COO Mac Freeman said in a press release.
The resumption of play comes with a number of unknowns. How will empty arenas influence officiating? Will the extended layoff finally come to an end with some superstars out of shape?
“I personally believe different teams are going to take on different personalities,” Kornegay says. “Some teams will be all in and ready to go. And there will be some that might not be into it.”
