🗞️ Bandit Betting Newsletter: Jimmy B Wants Out

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:

• Horse racing: is set for a resurgence, even as America's oldest track closes.

• Jimmy Butler: suspension and possible trade.

• $437k: parlay riding on Ohio State NCAAF Championship.

Let's gamble...

RACING BACK

After decades of declining interest, horse racing could see a resurgence.

The closure of Freehold Raceway, America’s oldest horse racetrack, highlights the challenges facing the horse-racing industry.

After operating for over 170 years, declining attendance, shrinking revenues, and the inability to secure casino operations forced the New Jersey track to shut down.

Despite these struggles, the sport shows signs of resurgence fueled by legalized gambling, investment, and innovation.

In 2023, horse racing contributed $36 billion to the U.S. economy, supporting nearly 500,000 jobs.

Gambling remains the primary driver of growth, with record-setting $12 billion wagered on races in 2022 and partnerships like FanDuel’s Kentucky Derby sponsorship drawing Super Bowl-level betting activity.

Higher purses are attracting elite horses, which increases both the quality of competition and fan interest.

At the same time, the Horse racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has implemented standardized regulations, reducing horse fatalities to 0.9 per 1,000 starts in 2024, the lowest in U.S. history. While some stakeholders resist HISA’s fees, proponents argue that consistent oversight is essential for public trust and investment.

The industry faces hurdles, including waning interest in everyday races, aging infrastructure, and competition for younger audiences.

However, investments in modernization, such as Churchill Downs’ $300 million paddock renovation and Belmont Park’s $500 million overhaul, aim to revitalize the fan experience.

JIMMY WANTS OUT

Experts are far from convinced that a deal is guaranteed to happen.

Jimmy Butler's six-season stint with the Miami Heat may be nearing its end.

Suspended for "conduct detrimental to the team" after requesting a trade, Butler’s frustrations came to a head following a loss to Indiana, where he openly questioned whether he could rediscover his joy in Miami, answering, “probably not.”

His suspension includes seven games, costing him $2.4 million in fines, though he plans to file a grievance through the players' union.

The Heat’s willingness to explore trade options complicates matters due to Butler's $48.8 million salary and the NBA’s new restrictive financial landscape.

This isn't Butler's first contentious exit. Chicago traded him to Minnesota in 2017 when he sought a max contract.

A similar scenario unfolded in Minnesota, leading to his trade to Philadelphia, where the 76ers chose other players over Butler before sending him to Miami in 2019.

At 35, Butler’s age and declining fit with Miami’s long-term plans are factors in the Heat's reluctance to extend his contract.

Potential trade partners include the Mavericks, Warriors, and Suns, but each faces challenges in structuring deals under league rules.

Butler’s playoff pedigree and efficient scoring still make him a valuable asset, but the Heat are wary of taking on long-term salary in any trade.

While Butler could sign a two-year, $112.6 million extension with Miami or $111 million with a new team, Miami might opt to let him walk in free agency rather than force a suboptimal deal.

437K PARLAY

Would you cash out or let it ride?

The age old tale or - “cash out or let it ride?” is haunting this bettor on X this week.

The $14k wager has a current cash out offer of $60,224 which would secure him a $45k profit.

The wager features:

• Scottie Scheffler +160

• Tennessee +118

• Ohio State +420

Reply to us here on e-mail and let us know if you would cash this out?

MEME

TELEGRAM CHANNEL

If you haven’t already, be sure to join our free channel on Telegram. It’s jam packed with casino promos, betting tools and hundreds of others just like you!

TODAY’S PICKS

Subscribe to Bandit Premium to read the rest.