Online betting became legal in the USA a few months ago, thanks to a decision that has changed the landscape of basketball and online betting.
In May, the Supreme Court struck down a federal law that effectively banned sports betting in most states. Thanks to this decision, each state was free to choose whether they would allow online sports betting or not.
New Jersey has been one of the four states that have already made online sports betting legal. Delaware, Mississippi and Nevada are the other three.
This development has helped many gambling companies receive the sports license to operate in New Jersey. Such a case is 888 Sport, as more and more basketball fans prefer to involve in NBA betting at 888 Sport NJ.
At the same time, one can see that the NBA does it best to help online sports betting become part of the US sports culture. The league’s Commissioner, Adam Silver, was one of the first sports personalities that called for the legalization and regulation of online sports betting.
This happened in 2014. Four years later, the league and its Commissioner announced their partnership with MGM Resorts International, one of the biggest gambling companies. MGM became the official gambling partner of the NBA.
Under this collaboration, which is the first of its kind, MGM will use official N.B.A. data on its betting platform and will work with the league to prevent fraud and game-fixing. At the same time, the league seems inclined to partner with more sports betting operators.
This situation has enabled sports bettors to invest more in basketball. With the new NBA season starting next week, many betting companies have already offered early betting odds and predictions for the title contenders and MVP candidates.
The defending champions, Golden State Warriors, once again start from the pole position to win the title. The acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins made GSW look unstoppable. However, the Houston Rockets want to dethrone the champions eventually.
Chris Paul and James Harden are the undisputed leaders. Clint Capela is a dominant force inside the paint. Carmelo Anthony can be a game changer, though. His performance will help the Rockets take it to the next level.
At the same time, the LA Lakers brought LeBron James to the squad and want to go all the way for the first time since the Kobe Bryant era. Yet, the “King” will need plenty of help and support from his team-mates to dethrone Houston and Golden State.
In the East, the Boston Celtics seem the number one favorite to reach the Finals. Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward have fully recovered from their injuries and are ready to take over.
The Toronto Raptors and the Philadelphia 76ers can be considered title contenders, too. They will both need to step up, though. They have the talent and depth to do so. Otherwise, it will be one of the same again.
Harden, James, Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans and Giannis Antteokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks will fight for the MVP award, with the “King” as the favorite to claim it, per the early odds.
Overall, the legalization of online sports betting in the US will have a positive impact on the respective companies and market. With the new NBA season just a few days away, more and more basketball fans will start involving in basketball betting. And this is certainly best for business for the betting companies.
