The Coronavirus pandemic is swiftly spreading across the nation, resulting in all major professional sports leagues in the US suspending their operations last week. These pro leagues have put their seasons on hold, with the expectation to resume at a later date. In contrast, the NCAA has outrightly cancelled all men’s and women’s championships for both the winter and spring seasons.
The NCAA’s cancellation encompasses March Madness, a peak period for Nevada sportsbooks. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that in March 2019, the sportsbooks in Nevada made a profit of $36.5 million on basketball from a total of $498.7 million in bets. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NVGCB) approximates that $349 million of the total basketball betting was on the NCAA Tournament.
Sports bettors in Nevada usually have a fantastic time during this period. Much attention is given to March Madness, but there are numerous other sports to bet on. The NBA and NHL seasons are typically nearing playoffs, while the MLB is wrapping up spring training and commencing the regular season.
The NFL Hot Stove season is also commencing. The NFL Draft was originally planned for this April in Las Vegas, but all in-person activities have been called off. However, the draft will still happen in April, just not in Las Vegas. Significant trades are already happening as the league prepares for the upcoming year.
Some Nevada casinos closing
MGM Resorts and Wynn have chosen to shut down their casinos. However, the Nevada Gaming Control Board is currently permitting other casinos in the state to continue operations. It is essential to practice social distancing at table games and slot machines.
Horse racing and a few other games that are happening worldwide are still being displayed by Nevada sportsbooks. State bettors are not obliged to visit the casino to gamble, due to the availability of mobile betting.
Mobile sports betting in Nevada
The majority of sports in the US have been called off, however, games are still taking place globally. Whenever there’s any sporting action, it’s guaranteed that sportsbooks will be accepting bets. In January, Legal Sports Report stated that 56% of sports bets placed in Nevada were done through mobile betting. It is also noted that certain sportsbooks have received more mobile sports bets compared to others.
Many tourists on the Vegas Strip may not fund mobile wagering accounts, but a significant number of locals do. With over 100 sportsbooks across Nevada, William Hill is a popular choice. As per William Hill’s 2019 summary, in Nevada, 69% of wagers were placed through their mobile app (refer to page 12).
Betting sports today in Nevada
A bettor at William Hill won nearly $10,000 over the weekend for a $100 parlay on soccer in Russia and Turkey.
Kudos to the mobile bettor from @WilliamHillNJ who successfully won their 4-leg Russian and Turkish ⚽ parlay, transforming a $100 bet into $9,226.25! #WHWinners pic.twitter.com/cEuch6kgb9
From William Hill US (@WilliamHillUS) – March 16, 2020
William Hill continues to provide live betting for specific events. Every morning, they will distribute updates about opportunities for live betting.
William Hill is not the sole sportsbook operator currently operational. Other operators, such as the Westgate, are providing a selection of betting options for sports enthusiasts. This week, the Westgate will be accepting bets on the following sports:
- Aussie Rules Football
- Semifinal playoffs of the Russian KHL hockey conference
- Turkish Super Ligi (basketball)
- Primera B Nacional Argentina (Soccer)
- Brazil Campeonato Paulista (soccer)
- Chile Primera Division (soccer)
- Russia Premier League (soccer)
- Turkey Super Lig (soccer)
- Australia A League (soccer)
- Serbia Super Liga (soccer)
The sports listed in the daily menu above might not appeal to the majority of US sports bettors. Over the weekend, Nevada’s latest sportsbook operator, Circa Sports, made history by becoming the first in the state to offer win totals for the NFL season.
Dana White has confirmed that the UFC will continue despite recent events. The latest UFC card was held last weekend in Brazil and White is currently in search of a venue for the next one. However, the Center for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) has since recommended against gatherings of more than 50 people. (Update: Three UFC events have been cancelled)
Many residents of Nevada are currently working remotely or self-isolating from the public. This could provide them with additional time to investigate new sports leagues or prepare for the comeback of US professional sports leagues.
Many residents in Nevada (and globally) are finding this to be a peculiar time. Although sports betting will not return to normal soon, there are still some live events and future bets available to provide a small break from the continuous news about the Coronavirus.
