Fanatics Inks Deal with Justin Thomas before PGA Tournament; Scheffler Favored to Win
Fanatics Sportsbook is swiftly becoming the fastest-growing sportsbook brand in the United States. The company, which entered the igaming and sports betting industries recently, has just bagged a major golf star as its latest partner.
Justin Thomas, the 31st-ranked golfer in the world according to the controversial OWGR, was announced as an "Official Sports Betting Partner" of Fanatics Sportsbook on Tuesday. In this new role, Thomas - known as JT to his fans - will promote the book's enhancements, create social media content, and engage with the Fanatics community.
The announcement coincided with the countdown to this year's second major golf tournament, the PGA Championship, which begins tomorrow at Valhalla Golf Club in his hometown of Louisville. Thomas won two of his major championships at this tournament (2017, 2022).
Thomas is one of the favorites for this week's event. With odds of +4000, only ten players have shorter odds.
If he wins the Wanamaker Trophy for a third time on Sunday night, he'll join an exclusive club of three-time or more PGA champions that includes Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen (five PGA titles each), Tiger Woods (four titles), Gene Sarazen, and Sam Snead (three titles).
Is Anyone a Match for Scottie?
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has been the hottest golfer this year, with victories in four of the ten events he played. He also placed top 10 in nine of those tournaments. However, he took a break after winning the RBC Heritage at Harbor Town on April 22 to enjoy the joys of fatherhood.
Betters aren't worried about his absence affecting his performance this week. Despite his break, Scheffler remains a dominant force in PGA betting. BetMGM reported that he's on around 20% of the book's tickets and accounts for over a quarter of the overall money wagered on the tournament.
Scheffler's odds stand at +450 to win his first PGA Championship, implying a winning chance of over 18%. This is a surprisingly high percentage in a major event with 156 players.
Rory McIlroy is next on the list at +750, just weeks after winning the Wells Fargo Championship.
Brooks Koepka (whose game excels in majors) and Xander Schauffele follow at +1400. Jon Rahm and Ludvig Aberg close out the top five at +1800.
PGA and LIV Unity at Risk
Meanwhile, negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have reportedly reached a standstill or even deteriorated. This came to light when Jimmy Dunne, who orchestrated the tentative deal between the two last summer, resigned. In his statement, Dunne explained that there's been "no meaningful progress" in reaching a financial agreement with Saudi Arabia's Private Investment Fund, which funds LIV.
Unifying professional golf is crucial for revitalizing fan enthusiasm and healing divisions from a fractured game. Dunne had worked hard to guide everyone towards finding a common ground.
In his departure note, Dunne said, "I have tried my hardest to coordinate all minds in that direction."
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Source: www.casino.org
