Another week in theworld of sportsand plenty to cover for the gambler's around the world. The NHL and NBA have concluded seasons and crowned a champion. The French Open has wrapped up with a couple of familiar faces taking home championships. PGA tour is putting out one of its majors this week as the US Open tees off from Shinnecock Hills Golf Course. And for those interested, the US now has a second state to begin offering sports wagering since the Supreme Court decision as New Jersey has begun accepting wagers. With plenty to cover, let us dive right in as we take a quick look around the industry in the week's report.
Somebody Remembers 2nd Place
Two $20 bets from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy officially kicked off legalized sports wagering in the state of New Jersey. Murphy spoke to a rambunctious crowd highlighting what a huge step this was for gaming and for the state economy. Murphy placed the wager at the counter at Monmouth Park Racetrack. New Jersey has fought a long hard road to legalize sports betting but it is likely they paved the way for other states to regulate and tax betting.
No surprises in the NBA as the Golden State Warriors were easily able to dismiss the Cleveland Cavaliers to win their 3rd title in the past 4 seasons. Lebron and the Cavs were swept 4-0 in the finals with the series being a blowout as projected. Kevin Durant took down his 2nd straight finals MVP. The Warriors open the 2019 NBA Championship odds as the favorite at +125. The Houston Rockets are the 2nd listed at +500. Lebron James will have his opportunity to put his mark on the odds as wherever he signs this offseason will surely see a boost.
For The 13th Time
For just the 13th time in horse racing history, the sport crowned a Triple Crown Winner. Justify was able to take down the Belmont last weekend to earn horseracing's most prestigious honor. The win was not without some controversy as many have spoken of trainer Bob Baffert's other horse, Restoring Hope, acting as a blocker of sorts to soften up the field for Justify. Nonetheless, this is a rare event and a horse that should be celebrated. And that is just what is happening as Justify was being honored with a special ceremony at Churchill Downs.
NHL First: Just Not the One Many Were Expecting
The NHL Finals was able to deliver the sports world a first. That was a first ever Stanley Cup for the Washington Capitals. The Capitals were able to defeat the league's feel-good story in Vegas in 5 games at 4-1. The win validates the career of one of this generations greatest talents in Alex Ovechkin after so many years of playoff heartbreak. Ovechkin was announced as the Conn Smythe trophy as the playoffs best player. The Golden Knights fell just short of being the first ever expansion franchise in any major sport to win the title in their inaugural season. Tampa Bay is currently listed as the favorite to hoist next years trophy at +1000 with the Nashville Predators following at +1100.
