Bookies report triple-figure upsurge in NFL Draft turnover
First-ever virtual Draft experienced exponential betting volumes and interest as knock-on effect of Covid-19 lockdown
The 2020 NFL Draft recorded historic viewing and wagering figures as sports-starved bettors flocked to the three-day event.
The first-ever entirely virtual Draft drew in 55 million viewers across the three days, with an average audience of 8.4 million representing a 35% increase on 2019 figures.
Having been forced to go virtual due the coronavirus pandemic, the NFL also launched an online fundraising campaign which saw more than $100m raised for Covid-19 relief causes in the US.
POST-2020 @NFLDraft POWER RANKINGS:
1. @chiefs
2. @49ers
3. @ravens
4-32. https://t.co/BzYdlih9GO (via @DanHanzus) pic.twitter.com/e12edNE4rC— NFL (@NFL) April 27, 2020
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement: “I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts and collaboration of our clubs, league personnel, and our partners to conduct an efficient Draft and share an unforgettable experience with millions of fans during these uncertain times.”
In terms of betting volume, some operators recorded a staggering level of increased activity from sports-starved punters.
Argyll Entertainment’s Redzone brand saw NFL Draft bets up 420% from last year and turnover up 280%.
These increases were facilitated by Redzone, increasing the number of markets from 40 to 200, as well as offering in-play betting during the Draft process.
Steve Baumohl, co-founder of RedZone.bet, told EGR: “The NFL Draft was our biggest single sports betting event since the UK entered the lockdown.
“Since 23 March, only in football, racing and table tennis have there been more bets placed than there was on the Draft, putting NFL on the betting map,” he added.
Betway’s Chad Yeomans told EGR that the event proved popular with punters looking for viable markets during the sports shutdown.
Yeomans said: “Turnover was much higher for us this year compared to last, with our extensive markets proving popular with good outcomes for us.”
Enough with racing marbles, Belarusian hockey and Taiwanese baseball, we FINALLY have a meaningful betting event.
It's #NFLDraft Day.
Time to blow those stimulus checks on a few props. Prepare your livers, #TeamHuevos.
— Brad Evans (@NoisyHuevos) April 23, 2020
Kindred Group’s Ali Gill noted that while the event didn’t match the betting volumes of the Virtual Grand National, the interest from punters was significant.
Gill said: “The NFL Draft last week was the latest high-profile event impacted by coronavirus, but punters were certainly happy it went ahead in its innovative new format.
“Turnover was up a three-figure percentage versus the 2019 Draft as players continue to seek out high-profile events while mainly limited to Belarusian football and table tennis.
“While it didn’t quite reach the heights of the Virtual Grand National, the desire for recognisable events to return for punters is clear,” he added.