🗞️ Bandit Betting Newsletter: $1.1M Rookie Card

Welcome back to the Bandit Betting Newsletter, where we deliver the top stories in sports and gambling directly to your inbox, every Sunday.

In today's email:

• Best Gambling Stocks: NCAA Big Dance is underway, so what better time to weigh some wagers on sports betting stocks?

• Final Four: national champion predictions for the men's NCAA tournament.

• Sports Collectors: why sports cards aren’t just what they’re seeking.

• Expert Sports Picks: get today’s expert sports picks.

Let's gamble...

GAMBLING STOCKS 📈 

With March Madness underway, here are the top performing gambling stocks to monitor.

March Madness is in full swing, as a result sportsbooks will see a flood of bets before and during the tournament.

The U.S. regulated online sports betting market has exploded, handling an estimated $150 billion in 2024 across 32 legal states, according to various reports.

FanDuel and DraftKings dominate the space, accounting for roughly 75% of all dollars wagered and revenue generated.

However, industry experts believe there's still room for growth, with potential legalization in Texas, California, Florida, and other states providing a major boost in the coming years.

While digital-first operators like FanDuel and DraftKings currently lead the market, casino-backed sportsbooks such as BetMGM, Caesars, and WynnBet could have a long-term advantage.

These casinos offer tangible rewards—luxury stays, dining experiences, and event tickets—that build lasting customer loyalty beyond just free bets and promos.

The biggest challenge for sportsbooks remains profitability. Many operators are burning cash on customer acquisition, while those with diversified revenue streams (casinos, resorts, hotels) have a better shot at long-term success.

For investors looking at the sports betting sector, several stocks have started the year slow but could bounce back as the market stabilizes:

FINAL FOUR PREDICTIONS 🏀 

March Madness Final Four predictions from top experts and contributors.

As the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament progresses, betting odds and expert analyses provide valuable insights for both enthusiasts and bettors.

Championship odds as 12:00PM of March 23, 2025:

Duke Blue Devils at +250
Florida Gators at +325
Houston Cougars at +500,
Auburn Tigers at +550.

These odds reflect both performance and betting market expectations as the tournament advances.

For the second-round matchups, several key games stand out with notable betting lines.

Florida enters its matchup against Connecticut as a 9.5-point favorite, with a moneyline of -600, while UConn sits at +400.

Duke, one of the tournament favorites, is heavily favored over Baylor with a 12.5-point spread and a dominant -1200 moneyline.

Meanwhile, Illinois is a slight 2.5-point favorite over Kentucky in what is projected to be a close game, with Kentucky holding a 52.6% win probability according to ESPN's Basketball Power Index (BPI).

In another marquee matchup, Alabama is favored by 5.5 points against Saint Mary's, with the Crimson Tide holding a 69.7% chance of advancing.

SPORTS COLLECTORS MARKET ⚾️ 

Paul Skenes rookie card sells for record $1.1 million dollars - opening up a wider discussion of the sports collector market.

The sports card market surged during the pandemic, with collectors flooding stores and grading companies overwhelmed by demand.

eBay saw over $2 billion in transactions in early 2021, and the industry’s momentum has continued, driven by nostalgia and rising sports stars like Caitlin Clark and Shohei Ohtani.

While baseball cards remain dominant, markets for WNBA, F1, and young superstars like Victor Wembanyama and Paul Skenes are rapidly growing.

Skenes' debut rookie card sold for $1.11 million—more than his MLB salary—highlighting the high-stakes nature of modern collecting.

The rise of new markets mirrors trends in sports betting, where bettors seek undervalued teams and players with breakout potential.

Despite the volatility in modern cards, legends like Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, and Tom Brady remain safe investments.

Ohtani is joining that elite group, with a record-breaking $4.4 million ball sale proving his lasting value. Like betting on proven teams in March Madness, collecting icons offers stability compared to speculative plays.

Beyond cards, game-worn memorabilia is gaining traction, with historic items like Ruth’s jersey selling for $24 million. This reflects trends in betting, where alternative markets like player props and live bets are rising in popularity.

Both collectors and bettors are seeking unique angles to maximize value.

The sports card and betting markets follow cyclical patterns.

Modern cards are declining, but premium collectibles hold long-term value—just as disciplined betting strategies outperform short-term gambles.

Whether wagering on a game or investing in a rare card, the key remains the same: research, patience, and a sharp eye for value.

MEME

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