The Oakland Raiders have now moved to Las Vegas, and the team will play their entire first season without any fans in the stands. The Las Vegas Raiders sent a letter to season ticket holders on Monday, informing them of this decision.
The Las Vegas Raiders will play in the brand new Allegiant Stadium in 2020, and there was a major celebration planned for the home opener. That ceremony will now be pushed back until 2021 as the team waits to celebrate with their new fan base.
Owner Mark Davis had hinted at this being a possibility a few weeks ago, but was still hopeful that fans would be able to attend home games. Davis has also announced that he will not be attending any Raiders games if fans are not welcome.
This news came just a week after the Raiders announced a new partnership deal with MGM Resorts International. Through this deal, MGM was set to open up a sportsbook inside of Allegiant Stadium.
First-Ever In-Stadium Sportsbook
MGM Resorts International was set to open their BetMGM Sportsbook later this year, and it would have been the first-ever sportsbook inside of an NFL stadium. Fans in Las Vegas will be missing out on a unique betting experience by not being allowed to attend Raiders games.
The National Football League has changed their stance on sports betting over the last 12 months, and they are now letting teams form partnerships with sports betting companies. This can only be done in states where sports betting is legal, and Nevada fits that criteria.
The MGM Club at Allegiant Stadium will feature a full-service premium bar as well as a luxury lounge. Guests can also watch the action on the football field by taking a seat outside the Club or watch the game on the numerous television screens inside.
Raiders a Factor in AFC West?
The Las Vegas Raiders will stay in the AFC West despite the move, and FanDuel Sportsbook is not giving them much of a chance to be competitive. Defending Super Bowl champion, Kansas City is the clear favorite to win the AFC West at -390.
The Los Angeles Chargers (+700) and the Denver Broncos (+1100) are next on the list and are seen as the biggest threats to the Chiefs. FanDuel has the Las Vegas Raiders listed at +1200 to win the division this season.
The win total for the Las Vegas Raiders this season is set at just 7.5 games.
Favored at on the Road, Underdog at Home
The Las Vegas Raiders open up on the road in 2020, before taking on the New Orleans Saints in their week two home opener. The week two matchup will be featured on ESPN’s Monday Night Football and is a highly anticipated matchup.
FanDuel Sportsbook has the Las Vegas Raiders as 1-point road favorites over the Carolina Panthers in week 1. FanDuel has the Raiders as 4.5-point home underdogs when they take on the Saints in week two.
