SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The countdown to the summer Olympics is just days away and there is a new twist this year thanks to legalized sports betting.
Can U.S. women’s basketball clinch 8th Olympic gold? More than 30 states now allow sports betting, including Massachusetts, and with the NFL, NHL and NBA in off season, gamblers are looking for a place to put their money. Athletes won’t be the only one’s going for the gold at this summer. Sports betters are expected to be in the lineup more than ever this year.
At MGM Springfield, people will bet on the Olympics games for the very first time, making it the first opportunity since sports betting was legalized in the state.
“Never betted the Olympics. I’m petty sure this year I will. Getting more into like betting soccer, hockey, baseball… a little bit of everything,” said Semy Randon of Springfield.
Stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Breanna Stewart leading not only their teams, but drawing in their fans to take a chance.
A recent rise in watching women’s sports could carry over to the Olympics and those betting on women’s basketball, thanks to stars like Caitlin Clark, though she will not bet making her Olympic appearance just yet.
The most anticipated wagers aside from basketball taking the lead… baseball, soccer and swimming. And the GOAT Simone Biles is off the table for a bet because not all sports are available to wager.
“But if it’s a straight competition… track and field, swimming, where there’s a clear cut winner. You get their first, you win. It’s going to be fine but a lot of the events where there’s judging, gymnastics, where there’s an opinion, they probably won’t be available,” said Robert Westerfield, Vice President of Casino Operations at MGM Springfield.
Rookie betters are welcome at MGM, the tellers on site let you know what events are going on and guide you on what wagers to make.
With Wimbledon and Copa América taking over in the sportsbook at the moment, the Olympics are set to take the lead for not only customers but also this local casino.
With Paris only six hours ahead of us, MGM says their anticipating a crowd and if you’re not sure if you want a wager, take a seat in front of the big screen and just enjoy your favorite event.
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