Connect with us

Canada

TheLines.com: Travon Walker the favorite to go No. 1 in NFL Draft

Published

on

 

Georgia standout Travon Walker has claimed favorite status ahead of Thursday’s first round, passing Michigan star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson as oddsmakers’ consensus favorite to be the first overall pick in this week’s NFL Draft, according to TheLines, which tracks odds in the U.S. regulated sports betting market.

Walker’s stock has risen dramatically in the three months since he and the Georgia Bulldogs won the National Championship. The edge rusher moved to minus money over the weekend and is now listed at -175 to be the first overall pick on Thursday, according to a consensus of the nation’s largest legal online sportsbooks — including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, and PointsBet. That means a bettor will win $75 for every $100 wagered if Walker is selected with the first overall pick, which is held by the Jacksonville Jaguars. To further illustrate his rise, BetMGM originally opened Walker at +3500 to be the first pick.

Hutchinson has slipped to plus money at a consensus +140 to be the top pick. He’s followed by North Carolina State offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu (+850), Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (+1600) and Oregon edge rusher Keyvon Thibodeaux (+2300).

While NFL Draft bettors have plenty of information at their hands in terms of college performance, NFL Combine results, Pro Day performances and more, selections are still largely based on educated speculation. Adding to the process is discerning which information to trust as NFL teams are known to hold picks close to the vest and generate smokescreens.

There’s no shortage of mock drafts and other tools of analysis available for bettors. And those with bona fide NFL insider credentials can have an influence. It’s not a complete coincidence that Walker rose to favorite status over the weekend after Sports Illustrated’s Peter King released his mock draft on Sunday. Walker was plus money at the time.

“While the media and other public information can influence line movement, bettors can also use that information to identify good values,” said Brett Collison, lead analyst for TheLines. “For example, the value on Hutchinson and Walker has fluctuated but there’s nothing to suggest the Jaguars won’t pick a top offensive lineman to help protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence, last year’s No. 1 pick. Action on Ekwonu or Neal provides great value at that point. Of course, the unknown of the draft is teams trading to change their draft position.”

Bettors don’t have to focus solely on draft position. Sportsbooks offer a number of other odds related to the draft. Liberty quarterback Malik Willis is a consensus +5000 to be the first overall selection. But he’s -150 when it comes to being the first quarterback selected.

Another line available is the number of quarterbacks drafted in the first round. DraftKings has set the number at 2.5 with the over at -250 and under at +190.

A quarterback has been selected first overall in the last four drafts, but that seems unlikely this year as long as Jacksonville holds the first pick.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Canada

Thunderkick’s portfolio makes Ontario debut through SkillOnNet brands

Published

on

thunderkick’s-portfolio-makes-ontario-debut-through-skillonnet-brands

Global entertainment brand SkillOnNet is deepening its existing partnership with Stockholm-based game studio Thunderkick to launch the developer’s unique, engaging slot titles in Ontario.

The Canadian province is one of the most exciting regulated markets in North America, and the Ontario players will now gain access to Thunderkick’s full portfolio of highly acclaimed games via SkillOnNet-powered online casino brands such as PlayOJO, SlotsMagic, and SpinGenie.

Thunderkick is known for its independent, boundary-pushing slot games like Pink Elephants, Esqueleto Explosivo, and Beat the Beast and has established a strong reputation for creativity and originality in the iGaming space. The deal allows the studio to further expand its global footprint while giving Ontario players the chance to enjoy a fresh wave of premium content.

Ontario’s regulated online gaming market, which officially opened in 2022, has quickly become a key market for the iGaming industry, and SkillOnNet was among the first brands to secure licensing in the province. The expansion reinforces SkillOnNet’s commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment in regulated markets globally.

Jani Kontturi at SkillOnNet said: “Thunderkick has been a key partner of ours in other markets, and we’re delighted to bring their outstanding content to Ontario. This region is fast becoming a vital part of our operations, and we’re confident players here will respond just as positively to Thunderkick’s games as they have elsewhere.”

Mariam Dodosh, Account Manager at Thunderkick said: “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with SkillOnNet and enter the Ontario market together. Our games have a track record of strong performance, and we’re excited to see them go live in one of the most dynamic new regions in iGaming.”

The post Thunderkick’s portfolio makes Ontario debut through SkillOnNet brands appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Canada

Maverick Games Launches Sports Betting Operations in Ontario

Published

on

maverick-games-launches-sports-betting-operations-in-ontario

 

Maverick Games has launched sports betting operations in Ontario, through a partnership with Delasport.

Maverick Games will offer Ontarian players a premium sports betting experience, built on Delasport’s superior technology and known for its unique innovative features that players love including personalization, recommendations, gamification, quick bets, player engagement features, and more.

Maverick Games is the second brand to launch on Delasport’s technology in Ontario, with another full turnkey brand set to go live soon. Delasport also recently unveiled its innovative sports betting jackpot network game, SuperPot. The company will showcase this unique product at the Canadian Gaming Summit next month and begin rolling it out to Ontarian operators shortly thereafter.

“We are proud to see Maverick Games live and thriving with our one of a kind sportsbook solution at its core. They have been a fantastic partner from the start, and this launch further demonstrates how fast and efficient our technology is when paired with a clear vision and strong collaboration,” said Rosaire Galea Cavallaro, VP of Business Development at Delasport.

“Maverick Games’s sports vertical is a major step forward for us and launching it with Delasport has been the right move from day one. The platform’s performance and flexibility allow us to deliver the kind of user experience we believe Ontario players deserve. We’re excited to now bring that vision to life,” CEO Matt Rathbun said.

The post Maverick Games Launches Sports Betting Operations in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Canada

Tsleil-Waututh Nation Signs MoU to Acquire Casino Business at Hastings Racecourse & Casino

Published

on

tsleil-waututh-nation-signs-mou-to-acquire-casino-business-at-hastings-racecourse-&-casino

 

Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to acquire the casino business and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino (Hastings) in the City of Vancouver from Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (Great Canadian Entertainment).

“We are thrilled to take another important step towards economic self-determination for our Nation in our traditional territory, and we are eager to work with the senior management team at Great Canadian Entertainment to finalize due diligence and execute a definitive agreement, as well as working with the City of Vancouver to ensure the best long-term use of this important asset within the City. We believe that this opportunity is historic for us in many ways, and we look forward to entering the gaming industry in due course,” said Jen Thomas, Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

“We are excited about working with TWN on their potential acquisition of the casino operations and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino. Recognizing that Hastings is part of the TWN’s traditional territory, we can think of no better entity to inherit this asset, and we look forward to supporting them in the transition after the anticipated close of the sale,” Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian Entertainment.

The agreement is subject to further due diligence, finalization of financial terms and the execution of a definitive purchase and sale agreement. Once a definitive agreement has been executed by the parties, it is anticipated that the transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions as well as customary approvals by gaming regulatory and other authorities, including certain approvals by the City of Vancouver given its ownership of the real property. It is expected that Great Canadian Entertainment will provide transition services to TWN for a period of time following the anticipated closing.

The post Tsleil-Waututh Nation Signs MoU to Acquire Casino Business at Hastings Racecourse & Casino appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Trending