November Betting Recap And December Sports Preview
Thanksgiving and Black Friday are officially over, and with that, November is on its way to a comfortable close. As major sports leagues ramp up for early 2024 championships, the month has proved busy in the world of sports betting.
Author:Gordon DickersonReviewer:Paolo ReynaDec 02, 202314.4K Shares361.5K Views
The United States has had a tumultuous few years as far as legal sports betting is concerned. Turbulent, but headed in an optimistic direction. As 2023 concludes, the official count of states with legal betting framework settles at 37, plus the District of Columbia.
States that legalized the activity this year include Kentucky and Maine. Vermont, while not yet operational, also passed legislation. Not all states with legal sports betting allow wagering through online operators, but a majority do. North Carolina is set to join the list shortly. Among the states to attempt, and fail, to pass any sort of legal sports betting legislation this year are Texas, California, Oklahoma and Georgia.
Regardless, it's safe to say that legalizing sports betting has been a successful endeavor in a majority of the U.S. Earlier this month, the American Gaming Associationreported, "Through September, commercial sports betting remains on a track for another record-setting year. Revenue reached $7.20 billion through the first nine months, 52.9 percent higher than the same period last year and nearly matching the full-year 2022 revenue of $7.18 billion. Year-to-date handle stands at $79.76 billion, a 24.5 percent annual increase."
Bookmakers are not shy to capitalize on this emerging market. And now, as football, basketball, golf and MMA fans (among others) immerse themselves in the latest games, sports betting operators and apps are vying for the number one spot.
For example, mid-November saw the launch of ESPN Bet, a collaboration between ESPN and PENN Entertainment—and with that, new betting promotions and bonus codes. ESPN Bet launched in 17 states so far.
December 2023 Previews
ESPN Bet was eager to launch in time for the major Thanksgiving sporting events, including the NFL's infamous tripleheader. December will also see a huge opportunity for the new sportsbook, as well as established platforms.
In the realm of college ball, December is set to see a total of 36 bowl games, including the immensely popular Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl and Orange Bowl. Bowl games will run from December 16th to 30th.
When it comes to the NFL, weeks 13-17 are scheduled throughout December. Plus, Christmas Day will see three significant matchups: Raiders at Chiefs, Giants at Eagles and Ravens at 49ers—operators are sure to see major betting action with holiday cheer to boot.
College basketball will see various championship conference games in December including the Pac-12, Big 12, SEC, ACC, Big Ten, MAC and Mountain West. According to an ESPN post-Thanksgiving analysis, "The Arizona matchup on Dec. 16 might be the game of the year: The No. 1 vs. No. 2 teams In Indianapolis."
Over in NCAA Women’s Basketball, December 3rd will see its own tripleheader in the first-ever 'Jimmy V Women’s Classic,' featuring some of this year's most widely discussed teams, including UConn, Ohio State and South Carolina.
Early December brings the NBA's East and West quarterfinals on December 4th & 5th, semifinals on December 7th and final on December 9th—all in Las Vegas. Additionally, Christmas Day includes 5 major faceoffs: Bucks vs. Knicks, Warriors vs. Nuggets, Celtics vs. Lakers, 76ers vs. Heat and Mavericks vs. Suns.
Golf enthusiasts have two major events to look forward to in December: the PGA Grant Thornton Invitational from December 8-10 and the PGA Tour Q-School presented by Korn Ferry from December 14-17.
Finally, the first weeks of December will feature UFC Fight Night on December 9th, as well as additional bowl games throughout the month. There are many flavors of sports to bet on as fans ramp up to close the year and usher in what's slated to be an exciting 2024.
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Gordon Dickerson
Author
Gordon Dickerson, a visionary in Crypto, NFT, and Web3, brings over 10 years of expertise in blockchain technology.
With a Bachelor's in Computer Science from MIT and a Master's from Stanford, Gordon's strategic leadership has been instrumental in shaping global blockchain adoption. His commitment to inclusivity fosters a diverse ecosystem.
In his spare time, Gordon enjoys gourmet cooking, cycling, stargazing as an amateur astronomer, and exploring non-fiction literature.
His blend of expertise, credibility, and genuine passion for innovation makes him a trusted authority in decentralized technologies, driving impactful change with a personal touch.
Paolo Reyna
Reviewer
Paolo Reyna is a writer and storyteller with a wide range of interests. He graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies.
Paolo enjoys writing about celebrity culture, gaming, visual arts, and events. He has a keen eye for trends in popular culture and an enthusiasm for exploring new ideas. Paolo's writing aims to inform and entertain while providing fresh perspectives on the topics that interest him most.
In his free time, he loves to travel, watch films, read books, and socialize with friends.
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