SharpWagering

NBA 2019 Playoffs: You Need to Shop Around the NJ Sportsbooks Apps

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The 2019 NBA Playoffs tip off today as the Brooklyn Nets take on the Philadelphia 76ers at 2:30 pm. The round one series odds vary on the NJ sportsbook apps, especially with the big favorites Golden State and Milwaukee. You need to shop around. It’s worth the effort.

Western Conference

It’s business as usual in the West as once again the Golden State Warriors are the #1 seed. The Warriors finished the regular season with a ho-hum 57-25 record and once again are the overwhelming favorite to take home the title. If you do like the Clippers to pull off the major upset, head over to FanDuel with the best odds 55-1 (by far).

The Thunder are the only lower seed (6) to be favored over the higher seed, Portland (3). The Thunder went 4-0 against the Blazers this season who will be without big man Jusuf Nurkic. Nurki suffered a gruesome leg injury late in the season.

Round 1 2019 NBA Series WestFanDuelDraftKingsMGM
LA Clippers (8)+5500+2000+2500
Golden State (1)-20000N/A-25000
San Antonio (7)+190+190+190
Denver (2)-240-245-245
Oklahoma City (6)-172-143-135
Portland (3)+140+115+115
Utah (5)+230+275+310
Houston (4)-300-375-400

Eastern Conference

The Milwaukee Bucks enter as the #1 seed in the East after their 60 win season. If you look at the table below you’ll see quite a variance from the best and worst odds.

On DraftKings you’ll have to risk $100 to win $1 if you like the Bucks. The same bet on FanDuel will only cost you $40 to win $1. That’s a huge difference. This is another example of why shopping around is so important to your bankroll.

The Orlando Magic come in as the hottest team, having won 4 in a row and 11 of their last 13.

The Brooklyn Nets have some solid wins this year and should be competitive against the inconsistent 76ers. The big question mark is the status of Joel Embiid and his sore knee. Embiid missed 5 of the last 7 games and is listed as doubtful as of Saturday morning. The Nets have a puncher’s chance.

Round 1 2019 NBA Series EastFanDuelDraftKingsMGM
Detroit (8)+1650+1700+1700
Milwaukee (1)-4000-10000-7500
Orlando (7)+700+725+800
Toronto (2)-1200-1250-1400
Brooklyn (6)+410+550+550
Philadelphia (3)-650-835-800
Indiana (5)+330+400+400
Boston (4)-460-560-550

It’s to your benefit to shop around. Sports betting is hard, and you want to best numbers you can find. Go shopping. Expect some surprises in this years NBA 2019 playoffs.

Worth a serious look:

Brooklyn +550 on DraftKings
OKC -135 on MGM

March Madness in New Jersey

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The conference tourneys have concluded, and now it’s time for the big dance.

The Duke Blue Devils (29-5) enter the tournament as the overall #1 seed. Zion Williamson returned to action and led the Blue Devils to victory over the Florida State Seminoles in the ACC tournament final 73-63.

The number #1 seeds are Duke (East), Gonzaga Bulldogs (West), Virginia (South) and North Carolina (Midwest).

This also marks the first time New Jersey will legally take bets on the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament and Garden State is filled with excitement.

The New Jersey sportsbooks are offering several promotions centered around the tournament that you should look to use to your advantage.

DraftKings

DraftKings has a slew of generous promotions to celebrate March Madness. They’ve been listed below and include a free $64K Tourney bracket that you’ll want to fill in before tournament begins Thursday afternoon.

Join DraftKings Today

Free $64 Tourney Bracket
Free $64K Tourney Bracket on DraftKings

DraftKings is also offering a couple of single game promotions including the “All Net Spread Bonus” where you a match up to $50 on first point spread bet on any NCAA tournament contest.

DraftKings March Madness Promotions

FanDuel

FanDuel is also at center court with several March Madness promotions and offers.

FanDuel has been the leader of the New Jersey sportsbook scene thus far and is continuously providing great deals for new and existing players.

Here are some the March Madness promotions on FanDuel.

Free FanDuel Bracket

Take your shot at $$$ for free by playing Bracket Madness on FanDuel. The first place winner takes a smooth $100K in this $250K prize pool. The top 1000 finishers are paid.

Tourney Play-In Game Bonus

Tourney Play-In Game Bonus of $20 when you wager $20+ pre-game on the games to get into the field of 64 (Temple-Belmont, Arizona State-St. John’s and NC Central-ND State)

Get on the Bandwagon

Get on the the bandwagon by placing a CBB future and get $5 every time your teams wins. It’s $25 minimum to bet with a $30 maximum bonus. This will limit your risk on the higher seeds.

BetStars

BetStars is an app/site that flies under the radar, but NJ players should definitely add it to there betting platform arsenal as the promotions are frequent and appealing.

March Madness Futures

As you can see below I went with the Michigan State Spartans to win it all. So for each win they achieve in the tournament, I’ll get a $10 free bet. Just keep in mind you can’t bet the #1 seeds with this promotion.

That’s all for now. I’ll likely have a few more worthy promotions to share with you tomorrow. Remember, bet with your head, not over it.

New Jersey Sports Betting Figures for February 2019

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The New Jersey Sports Betting Figures were released today for February 2019.

Sports wagering gross revenue for the month was $12.7 million for the month. That’s down from $18.8 million in January.

The total gaming revenue for February 2019 was $241. 1 million. A favorable increase from $192 million same time last year.

The sports wagering revenue accounted for only 5.2% of the overall pie.

February included the Super Bowl and Oscars. Despite these high volume betting events New Jersey sports betting produced only $320 million for the month, down from an impressive $385 million January.

FanDuel Dominates February

FanDuel was the big winner in February. All told FanDuel eclipsed the $8 million mark and continued its dominance in the industry. DraftKings finished a distant second at $3.8 million.

Last month all properties were in the black with at least minimal revenue. The wasn’t the case in February. The Borgata (play MGM), Golden Nugget (GN, BetAmerica), Harrah’s and the Tropicana were all in the red for February. The Borgata was down $755K.

In January everyone profited, so something to keep on an eye on the industry continues to grow.

Full report from the Division of Gaming Enforcement

FanDuel: College Basketball Halftime Insurance Promo

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A big part of this site will be keeping you abreast of promos offered by the New Jersey sportsbooks. There were a ton for the Super Bowl and I expect more as March Madness approaches.

This is a new and competitive market. The sportsbooks want market share, they want your business. One way to bring players in is with the use of promos. While all promotions are not alike, most of them offered by the books thus far have been favorable to the player.

I suspect it won’t be like this forever. While there is no free money, most of the promotions put you a big advantage.

FanDuel has been generous with the promotions since they went live in New Jersey last summer.

Here’s a college basketball promotion they’re running through March 10, 2019.

FanDuel College Basketball Halftime Insurance Promo
FanDuel College Basketball Halftime Insurance Promoh

The Promotion will run on the weekends only until March 10, 2019.

So you receive up to $25 back on your bet in site credit if your ML (money line = no spread) selection is up at the half, but loses the game.

Washington State at Arizona

Let’s see this in action. Arizona has been playing poorly of late and had lost four in a row. Washington State was off a huge upset win Thursday night over Arizona State 91-70 as a 15 point underdog.

Arizona was set as a 11. 5 favored this morning over Washington State. That was way too many points and though WSU could hang and hopefully be up at halftime.

Washington got out in front early and coasted to a 33-21 halftime lead. Good news. Worst case I was getting my $25 credit if the Cougars went onto lose.

So, how to play this now. Washington State was -2.5 in-game at halftime. A relatively short line with a 12 point lead. I could hedge, say $33, to guarantee profit along with the credit. I could let it ride and do nothing. FanDuel offered a cash out. You won’t go broke taking profits. I took the cash out.

FanDuel Cashout
Halftime Cashout

Was it the best decision? Well, WSU did go on to win the game. Had I done nothing my payout would have been $157 ($132 + 25), but hindsight is very much 20/20. I’m happy with my $106.71 on a fairly big underdog.

Washington State defeats Arizona
WSU defeats Arizona

I’d look to play a small favorite or dog. On paper, WSU was too big of a dog to play for this promotion. It just jumped out at me and I thought there was value. It worked out favorably.

Super Bowl 53: New Jersey Sportsbooks Promotions

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Super Bowl Sunday has finally arrived. The culmination of a hard fought journey and questionable officiating has brought the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams to the center stage.

This game marks the first time where betting in New Jersey is actually legal. I’ve been told that previously folks in NJ had to wager with their local guy or participate in some box pool at the office. Today, you can make a wager at the Meadowlands, Monmouth Park and Atlantic City. Oh yes, and the bevvy of apps that have blossomed since last Summer.

The Super Bowl betting promotions have been plentiful and overall quite generous. The sports betting market is quite competitive in New Jersey and the sportsbooks are looking to get your business through massive marketing and promotions. Here’s a rundown of the Super Bowl 53 promotions from New Jersey sportsbooks.

BetStars

BetStars is best known for its poker platform, but they’ve also thrown their hat into the sportsbetting mix. This one I’m on just about daily because of their friendly app interface and multiple bonuses.

BetStars Super Bowl Promotions
BetStars ML Super Bowl Promotion

So you make a money line wager (no spread) on the Pats or Rams for $25 or more and each time your team scores a TD you’ll get a free $10 bet. It doesn’t matter if your team wins or loses. The free bets are awarded within 24 hours.

Caesars

Caesars started off slow in the NJ betting market place, but over the last two months have come on strong with some appealing promotions.

You can download the app or go over to Caesars desktop and take advantage of their Super Bowl and first deposit promo.

Caesars Super Bowl Promotion

Use code BIGGAME100 with your next cash sports wager and you will receive an in-play free bet equal to your cash sports wager, up to $100. 

Log in and visit “My Bonuses”

  1. Enter code BIGGAME100 and click Claim
  2. Place a cash wager 
  3. An in-play free bet will then be awarded, equal to the value of your cash sports wager, up to $100!

Caesars also has deal where you can receive up to a $300 free bet on your first deposit. Definitely worth a look.

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings is better known for their Fantasy games, but they are in the forefront with FanDuel and William Hill on NJ sportsbook scene. They have arguably the best deal for new players. It wasn’t this good back in August when I signed up.

DraftKings Super Bowl Promotion
DraftKings SuperBowl Offer for New Players

DraftKings is also offering a free bet on player props. Choose any player prop from the Super Bowl, and if it loses, they’ll credit you back with a free bet – up to $50.

DraftKings has a lot of variety including fantasy, squares, props, boosts and more.

FanDuel

FanDuel, similar to DraftKings, was better known for their fantasy sports. They have become a big player in NJ sports betting as well.

FanDuel Super Bowl Promotion
FanDuel Super Bowl Promo

Another great offer for new users that will cost you $5. Bet the money line on the Rams or Pats and you’ll get a payout in credit within 72 hours. You have to bet that amount once through, then you can withdrawal. This is a really good deal if you want to jump in today.

SugarHouse

SugarHouse is a casino based in Philly that has a partnership with Monmouth Park which allows take action in New Jersey. It’s might favorite app/site at this time as they offer daily promotions and boosts and a wonderful deal for first time users.

SugarHouse Promotions
SugarHouse New Players

Deposit $250 and they’ll match $250. You have only have to bet through 1x. So if you make 25 x $10 bets that $250 match becomes available to withdraw. Check out there Super Bowl boosts once inside.

These are some of the best Super Bowl promotions I’ve seen, but there are more good deals, I just ran out of time.

Look for comprehensive reviews of each sports book in New Jersey along with other valuable content to make your betting experience successful and enjoyable. Good luck today. Go Rams.

PointsBet Refunds New Orleans Saints Wagers

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PointsBet Sportsbook is the latest New Jersey sportsbook (app and site) to go live in the growing market.

Today they announced that all moneyline and spread bets placed on the New Orleans Saints yesterday would be refunded as a bonus. The game was complete with controversy led by a blatant pass interference call that was not called. The no-call led to the Los Angeles Rams stealing one and a Super Bowl birth.

This is a similar move to what Fanduel did when they paid off Alabama futures long before the National Championship game. It’s good marketing. It brings attention to the sports book in competitive vertical vying for new customers.

PointsBet wasn’t finished with the good deals. Also on Monday, they unveiled other offerings for players.

Finally, another offering for NBA games today.

PointsBet launched on January 17, 2019 and the US office is located in Jersey City, NJ. PointsBet has offered PointsBetting in Australia since 2017. Pointsbetting is a high-risk high-reward type of wagering that has an options feel it to where how much your bet covers by (or doesn’t covers by) determines how much you win or lose. Full review coming soon.