The NFL season has officially started and with it comes the major Las Vegas football handicapping contests. Contestants are expected to arrive in Las Vegas on August 21 and 22, 2020, for the competitions hosted by both Circa Sports and the Westgate.
Circa Sports is set to host a seminar on sports betting, along with a meet and greet with the hosts from Vegas Stats and Information Network (VSiN). Similarly, the Westgate is planning to welcome both new and existing contestants to Sin City with a golf outing and dinner.
Westgate SuperContest golf outing
In 2012, the Westgate initiated the SuperContest Weekend to enhance interest in the renowned professional football handicapping contest. Over time, the weekend has transformed and is now primarily recognized for its golf event at the Las Vegas Country Club.
The SuperContest golf event is a relatively relaxed affair, welcoming golfers of all ages and abilities. It might be somewhat reduced in size this year, given the need to incorporate social distancing. To book a spot in this event, please contact the Westgate SuperBook directly.
A socially distanced dinner will be held in the Westgate ballroom following the golf outing. Raffles and SuperContest entry giveaways will also be featured.
Circa Sports seminar
Circa Sports, a sportsbook operator with several locations in Las Vegas, is taking over a portion of the welcome weekend. They will be holding a sports betting seminar that will also serve as a social event for Circa Sports Million contestants and sports enthusiasts. Additionally, there will be a meet and greet with the seminar participants on the next day for guests spending multiple nights in Las Vegas.
The VSiN seminar featuring Mitch Moss, Gill Alexander, Matt Youmans, and Michael Lombardi is scheduled for Aug. 21 in the Grand Ballroom at The D Las Vegas. A meet and greet with fans will follow on Aug. 22 at BarCanada at The D where the seminar guests will be present.
If successful, it wouldn’t be unexpected to see Circa Sports’ welcome weekend relocated to the Circa Resort & Casino next year. The casino is set to open its doors on October 28, while the hotel is on track to be operational before the year concludes.
Tales of different football contests
Westgate SuperContest(s)
The SuperContest, the most prestigious of all football handicapping contests, had 3,328 participants in the previous year with a buy-in of $1,500. The champion walked away with nearly $1.5 million. For the first time, the SuperContest will provide quarterly rewards this year, with the top spot each quarter earning $100,000.
This year, the main handicapping contest will include SuperContest Gold and the SuperContest Mid-season Reboot. SuperContest Gold requires a $5,000 entry fee and operates under a winner-take-all format, following the same rules as the traditional contest. The SuperContest Mid-season Reboot, which runs from weeks nine through 17, is a smaller contest that requires a $500 entry fee.
Here, you can see the rules for all three SuperContests.
Circa Sports Millions
The Circa Sports Millions is back for its second year, featuring an increased prize fund and a fresh contest. The initial Circa Sports Million football handicapping contest now boasts even more impressive prizes. The champion will walk away with a cool $1 million.
The contestant with the poorest performance throughout the 17-week season will be awarded a consolation prize of $100,000. Furthermore, prizes will be distributed quarterly throughout the season, with four in total. The highest quarterly prize amounts to $150,000, followed by $75,000 for the second place each quarter, and $25,000 for the third place each quarter.
Circa is also introducing a survivor contest this year aimed at sports bettors seeking a different kind of competition. The Circa Survivor is a winner-takes-all contest, with a grand prize of $1 million.
Neither of the Circa Sports contests come with an administration fee. If entry fees surpass the advertised prizes, the sportsbook operator will enhance the rewards. Larger prizes will be awarded to the quarterly winners in Circa Sports Millions. The grand prize will increase if the Survivor surpasses the breakeven point.
