This Fall, the Masters kicks off as golf betting gains steam with sportsbooks throughout New Jersey and the nation. Golf bettors in New Jersey will be excited to see U.S. Open champ Bryson DeChambeau wearing swag from his new sponsor, DraftKings.
“When the PGA Tour played the spring, it positively was a huge boost for sportsbooks like the Borgata Sportsbook. It gave us a sport that most of the public is familiar with, but may not have bet on regularly,” said Tom Gable, director of the sportsbook at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City. “I believe the pandemic definitely increased the interest in golf betting, and now bettors are starting to pay more attention to the golfers and more familiar with handicapping the sport. This interest in golf betting has carried over even as other major league sports returned.
”Personally, I’m excited that golf is getting more attention in the sports betting world. There are so many ways to bet on golf and sportsbooks can be creative with prop bets for PGA tournaments.”
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Newcomer Tipico Sees Interest in Golf Surge
German sportsbook Tipico, a newcomer to the US online sports betting market, has also has seen an increasing interest in golf betting.
“Golf really did save sportsbooks in New Jersey during the pandemic shutdowns. Bettors in the state adapted to the circumstances, and bet on foreign table tennis or soccer games, but golf marked a return to normal sports for Americans,” observed Brandon Friedman, regional sportsbook manager for Tipico U.S. “The excitement was especially strong in May with Tiger vs Phil II. That was just the beginning for betting on conventional golf events, and the four major U.S. sports when they eventually resumed.”
Golf Betting Going Strong
Tom Gable of the Borgata says that betting on the Masters has picked up the last few weeks, in fact, it’s always the most-bet on golf tournament all year.
”The players with the most tickets written at Borgata were Xander Schauffele, followed by Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Justin Thomas,” said Gable. “That said, Borgata’s biggest liability has been on Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. We’re looking forward to a great tournament and I’m curious to see how the course plays for the first time in November. It will also be interesting for the final round of the Masters to play at the same time as the NFL in the sportsbooks.”
Brandon Friedman at Tipico said that his sportsbook would look for the longshots that become popular as the week progresses.
“Tipico is seeing early bets for the Masters on Tiger and Bryson,” Friedman said. “It’ll be very interesting to see how the golf betting trends are different from previous years, since this is an end of year tournament rather than the first of the golf season. Now, there is much more data available on the field of players.”
Gable had some advice for golf bettors that made a wager before the COVID-19 shutdowns.
“If you bet the Masters pre-COVID shutdown, check with your sportsbook to ensure your ticket is still good. In the spring, Borgata refunded our original Masters pool when the tournament was postponed; that’s in accordance with our house rules, stipulating the tournament must be played on the original dates. Once the new dates were announced, we reopened a new Master’s pool for golf betting. But be sure to check with your sportsbook to make sure you’re still in the action.”
DeChambeau is a Golf Betting Favorite
At BetRivers and SugarHouse, DeChambeau is the golf betting favorite to lead after the first round.
Group A on PlaySugarHouse and BetRivers include DeChambeau, Mcllroy, Johnson, Rahm, and Thomas. Those are five of the top six golfers in the world rankings.
During the Masters’ press conference, DeChambeau, wearing a DraftKings hat, discussed his thoughts on how sports gambling has evolved over the years.
“There are a lot more people enjoying sports betting, but also fantasy sports, where the fans can engage and feel like a part of the player’s lives by putting them on their fantasy team,” said DeChambeau. “I think it’s a really cool way to engage fans in a new sport, such as golf. Golf is becoming a part of the fantasy sports scene.
“Personally, I think for me that’s a no-brainer to engage in. I’m all about growing golf. As it’s developed and grown, I think taking time off during the pandemic, and golf being the first sport back has really enhanced the popularity of golf, as well as fantasy golf and golf betting. I think it’s a positive thing. Fantasy sports gets fans involved and personally, for me, I think it’s a win-win for everyone.”
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