The Wednesday Line: So Long, SI Sportsbook

Here’s today’s quick rundown in the world of US gambling.

Don’t legalize sports betting if you are banning in-game wagers

Minnesota’s efforts to legalize sports betting are progressing. However, some legislators want to ban in-game wagers if the state allows online sports betting. I am sure most of you know this is a terrible idea since lots of sports betting takes place during the events and not just beforehand. There is no similar ban of all live betting that has been instituted anywhere in the nation. If you’re going to legalize online sports betting, don’t legalize a half-assed version of it.

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Farewell, SI Sportsbook

888 is giving up on SI Sportsbook, in a move that will shock no one. The sportsbook was only live in three states, and the problems around Sports Illustrated are well-known. Deploying the SI brand for sports betting was never a good idea (even without the benefit of hindsight). It never had the brand loyalty/juice to make the endeavor work (better than the shuttered MaximBet, worse than the shuttered Barstool Sportsbook). That problem has only grown with the mishandling of SI’s website and content. The craziest bit of the 888 exit is it has to pay $50 million to get out of the deal. 888 also appears to be the latest European operator that’s giving up on the US market. Of all the ill-fated attempts to launch a sportsbook in the US, this one was perhaps the one most destined to fail.

Quick hitters

• DraftKings CEO Jason Robins talks Jackpocket upside.

• It looks like sports betting is dead in Alabama.

• The Washington Post ran an editorial about sports betting.

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