For the first time in history, sports gamblers in Nevada can place bets on the forthcoming NFL draft at sports betting outlets throughout the state. [toc]
Earlier this month, a request from an anonymous Nevada sports book to accept bets on the draft was approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). Consequently, all sports books in the state, as well as Nevada sports betting apps, were allowed to offer prop bets on the NFL draft.
Nevada sports books offering variety of prop bets
No, it’s not possible to place a bet on who the Cleveland Browns will select as their number one overall pick this year. However, you can wager on various propositions, such as:
- The total count of quarterbacks, wide receivers, or running backs drafted in the first round, or an over/under estimate of the same.
- If the first round will select more offensive or defensive players.
- When the first kicker will be chosen
- The overall or first-round selection of players from a specific college or conference.
- The projected number of players from a specific college or conference to be selected in the first round.
- Which college or conference will see more of its players chosen in the first round or overall?
- Will more players be drafted from a specific college or conference than another, either in the first round or throughout the entire draft?
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) aims to prevent betting from affecting the results of the draft. As such, sports bookies will not be accepting wagers for the NFL Draft after their business hours on April 26, 2017. This date falls on the eve of the Draft’s commencement.
The NFL draft is slated to start on April 27 and continue until April 29, taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
NFL draft: Gonna Fly Now
For the first time ever, the draft will be held outdoors this year. The event is set to occur in an outdoor theater constructed on the infamous Rocky Steps. These iconic stone steps, which lead to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art at Eakins Oval, earned their name after appearing in the Oscar-winning film Rocky and its subsequent sequels.
Annually, hundreds of thousands of tourists replicate the iconic scene of Rocky ascending the steps to the tune of Gonna Fly Now. This act has become a symbol representing the struggles of underdogs across various life contexts.
The 82nd NFL draft will take place this year, featuring 253 selections spread over seven rounds.
The NFL draft was hosted at the Auditorium Theater at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois last April.
Out of the 253 selected players, only a single one was a placekicker. The chosen players included 33 wide receivers, 20 running backs, and 15 quarterbacks. The first overall pick was used by the Los Angeles Rams to secure quarterback Jared Goff from California.
Off-the-field wagers increasing
Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of off-the-field bets placed at Nevada sports books.
The NGCB has authorized sports books to accept bets on the winner of the Heisman Trophy, as well as Major League Baseball’s MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year awards. They have also granted approval for betting on the NFL’s Super Bowl MVP and the NHL’s Conn Smythe Trophy, which recognizes the league’s most valuable player.
Image provided by Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com
