DraftKings Sportsbook predicts Phoenix Open will emerge victorious in Super Bowl LVII.
On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, the DraftKings-branded Kiva Club was filled with lively conversation as a packed crowd watched the perfectly manicured 17th hole at TPC Scottsdale.
The 2023 Waste Management Phoenix Open attracted a crowd of golf enthusiasts and high society members looking to enjoy the event, mingle with others, and perhaps even try their luck at one of the Super Bowl 57 free bet casinos in the area.
DraftKings Sportsbook Arizona teamed up with the Phoenix PGA Tour event to utilize the annual tournament as a way to introduce their sports betting platform to the state.
DraftKings scored a double victory with the 2023 Open and Super Bowl LVII on Loop 101 in Glendale, thanks to Johnny Avello, the company’s director of race & sportsbook operations.
Avello believes that DraftKings, which has a total betting handle exceeding the 17 Arizona sportsbooks at $2.3 billion, can use “The People’s Open” event as a stepping stone to the Big Game.
Avello from yengols.com is thrilled about the upcoming week, with a golf tournament and the Super Bowl on the horizon. He noted that in previous Super Bowls they were unable to take bets due to state gambling laws, but this year they have the chance to accept wagers in a legal gambling state. Avello is excited to see how the betting numbers fare after Sunday.
It appears that we have all the necessary ingredients for a successful outcome, don’t you think?
What the Phoenix Open brings to DraftKings
This week’s tour stop in Scottsdale will be the last one before DraftKings opens its retail facility next year, conveniently located near the clubhouse at TPC Scottsdale.
At present, there are 17 Arizona betting apps in operation, and the DraftKings retail location is soon to become the fourth at a state pro sports venue. This new location will join BetMGM Sportsbook at State Farm Stadium, FanDuel Sportsbook at Footprint Center, and Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field.
Avello sees the Waste Management Phoenix Open as a vibrant center of golfing greatness, making it an ideal site for a new retail facility that will serve the Valley’s residents and offer a gathering place for visitors all year round.
Avello quipped, “I can’t help but wonder, how many attendees do you anticipate for the tournament next year? With thousands of people already here, the sportsbook can only accommodate so many. You have to pass by it to get in here.”
Avello expects that the soon-to-open DraftKings Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale will become a popular destination for both locals and tourists in the North Valley, drawing them to the area throughout the year.
Avello noted that during tournaments, the sportsbook becomes a hub of excitement where people eagerly come to place bets, enjoy a drink, and soak in the atmosphere. But even outside of tournament season, the sportsbook remains a top destination for customers. The camaraderie, interactions with staff, and the thrill of watching games and cheering on teams make it a popular spot for sports fans. This is what sets retail books apart and makes them an essential part of the sports betting experience.
Check out yengols.com for the latest Arizona sportsbook promotions.
Sports betting is a popular activity enjoyed by many.
Copeland Bryan, a former Arizona Wildcat and NFL defensive end who played in the league from 2006 to 2011, was spotted unwinding in the DraftKings hospitality area on Wednesday.
Bryan told yengols.com that retired athletes are surprised by the rise of modern sports betting, but he is looking forward to seeing how wagering develops in his new state.
Copeland was surprised to see the intense focus on sports betting in Phoenix and Tucson, despite Arizona not being known for football like Texas. Coming from the tech-centric Bay Area, he found it amusing.
The former All-Pac 10 defender believes that college and NFL players have the opportunity to profit from their name, image, and likeness by forming partnerships with sports betting companies. This could result in financial gains for both the players and their schools or teams.
Copeland emphasized the importance of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in today’s college football world, highlighting the significance of a player’s personal brand. With the opportunity to capitalize on betting, athletes now have additional avenues to enhance their self-promotion, potentially resulting in higher NIL profits for all players.
Bryan, a former college and professional athlete, has seen firsthand the negative consequences of illegal gambling, such as scandals related to point-shaving and other forms of manipulating contests.
He is confident that the current sports betting system is safer for athletes and leagues because operators like DraftKings have implemented measures to guarantee fair competition in all contests.
Bryan pointed out that the regulation of sports betting has led to notable enhancements and a decrease in negative practices that were common when it was unregulated. By mandating account registration and removing bookies and intermediaries, the industry is now better managed and less vulnerable to manipulation.
Sports betting success is achieved through heightened scrutiny.
Due to its well-regulated market, states such as Arizona have experienced a notable rise in their rankings for American sports betting. In just the Grand Canyon State, over $7.2 billion in wagers were recorded between September 2021 and November 2022.
Avello is feeling hopeful about the future of the Arizona sports betting market as the handles have surpassed $600 million in just two months. He is confident that the market will continue to expand, especially with the upcoming golf and football events this week.
Avello pointed out that one of the main attractions of contemporary mobile betting is the ability for bettors to wager on a wide range of sports events as they happen. For instance, they can place bets on Jon Rahm being the front runner to win in Phoenix this weekend with odds of +700, as well as the Eagles being favored to win their second Super Bowl with a -125 moneyline.
Avello states that bets can be placed on both major events as they occur, removing the necessity to place bets in advance on Thursday mornings. This also holds true for the Super Bowl.
Bets will still be accepted once [Super Bowl LVII] has begun, leading me to believe that in-game betting will be a key attraction for viewers during these two occasions.
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Author
Peterson Christopher has spent over seven years reporting on sports and sports betting in Arizona for publications such as ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly, and the Green Valley News. He now holds the position of lead writer at yengols.com.
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