For the first time in 15 years, Nevada sports books will set odds on some Summer Olympics contests.
The Summer Games are scheduled in Rio de Janeiro from August 5-21, and the Nevada Gaming Control Board recently granted requests by sports book operators to let them set odds on some Olympics contests.
Sports books only will take action on contests that are timed and have established scoring methods. That means basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, and similar sports likely will have odds posted.
The only judged contest for which odds will be set is boxing, because scoring by judges always has been the established way to determine boxing outcomes that don’t end in knockouts.
Industry analysts anticipate Olympics wagering could generate $20 million in betting action at Nevada sports books.
While odds will be set on Olympics events, one oddsmaker already has laid odds on the new Las Vegas NHL team pulling off the unlikely feat of winning Lord Stanley’s Cup during its first season.
UK-based William Hill set a +7500 money line wager on whether or not the Las Vegas franchise will win the NHL title during its inaugural 2017-18 season. Those willing to risk $100 could net a $7,500 profit.
Those looking for more sure money, though, will have to dig deep. It will cost $15,000 to win $100 at -15000 for the franchise to not win Lord Stanley’s Cup.
