SportsHandle and friends deliver another round-up of the week’s big developments in US sports betting.

7 Questions About The Inaugural DraftKings Sports Betting National Championship

The inaugural DraftKings Sports Betting National Championship begins on Friday in New Jersey with a $1 million top prize and $2.5 million guaranteed, with perhaps as few as 175 or 200 sports bettors vying for the crown and the jewels.

If you haven’t heard much about the event yet, that’s understandable, because DraftKings hasn’t promoted it that much as they continue to finalize details for what’s shaping up to be a very exciting contest, with a diversity of contestants, strategies, and myriad of outcomes.

Full story here.

D.C. Emergency Sports Betting Legislation Withdrawn

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson on Tuesday withdrew emergency legislation that would have allowed the D.C. Lottery to contract directly with Intralot as its sports betting operator and avoid a bidding process. The legislation was initially on the agenda at the request of D.C. Lottery CFO Jeff DeWitt, whose office sent a memo to the Council late last week explaining that the District would give up its position as a “first mover” on sports betting by having to go through a lengthy bidding process for an operator.

Full story here.

Eagles Fever Propels Opening of Parx Sportsbook

When Cody Parkey’s 43-yard field goal attempt clanked off the left post, then struck the crossbar, and ultimately landed on the turf inside the field of play, it guaranteed several things: The Chicago Bears’ season was over; the Philadelphia Eagles’ season continued; and Parx Casino would be able to take bets on an Eagles game this season.

Full story here.

Virginia Governor On The Fence About Sports Betting, Eyes $175K Gambling Study

There are three separate sports betting proposals in the state of Virginia, and now the governor also wants to take a hard look at new forms of gambling. All three were filed by Democrats.

Gov. Ralph Northam, also a Democrat, is eyeing a $175,000 independent study of the potential for casino-style gambling, including sports betting, within the state, according to his budget proposal. The study could slow the progress of legislation on the table, but it’s a good sign that the top official in a casino-less state is willing to spend a six-figure sum for a deeper look.

Full story here.