Rising, who suffered a dislocated finger and deep laceration on his throwing hand in a Week 2 victory over Baylor, hasn’t seen the field since. Despite head coach Kyle Whittingham‘s ongoing optimism, sports bettors and analysts have been anxiously awaiting concrete news, knowing that Rising’s return could dramatically alter the game’s outcome — and the betting lines.
Cam Rising’s Return Fuels Betting Line Fluctuations
With Cam Rising now confirmed to start, the Arizona betting landscape shifted once again. Utah initially opened as a 3.5-point favorite, but after Whittingham’s optimistic comments earlier in the week, the line surged to 6.5 points. Once Rising’s return was confirmed, the spread stabilized at Utah -5.5, reflecting the increased confidence in the Utes’ offensive potential with their veteran quarterback back in action.
Rising’s presence under center immediately boosts Utah’s chances. The seventh-year senior, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2022, led the Utes to a Pac-12 championship and brings invaluable experience to the field. His dual-threat ability, combined with his leadership and proven success, positions Utah as a more formidable favorite.
Though Rising has battled multiple injuries — including a knee injury suffered in the 2023 Rose Bowl — his return signals a significant upgrade from freshman Isaac Wilson, who struggled in his absence.
Wilson, the younger brother of NFL quarterback Zach Wilson, has been inconsistent in relief. With 7 interceptions and just 6 touchdowns, the freshman has shown potential but has yet to find stability in his play. Sportsbooks had been cautious with betting lines when Wilson was expected to start, offering -122 odds for him to surpass 1.5 passing touchdowns. With Rising confirmed, the lines now more confidently reflect Utah’s enhanced prospects for victory.
The Boom of NFL Betting in Arizona
Beyond college football, the NFL betting market in Arizona is surging. Fueled by the return of football season, the state has seen a rise in legal wagers as sportsbooks continue to attract more attention from both casual and serious bettors. Arizona sports fans have fully embraced both online and in-person betting, contributing to what the American Gaming Association projects will be a record-setting $35 billion in wagers nationally for the 2024 NFL season.
Arizona has emerged as a significant player in the sports betting scene, with over $18.14 billion wagered since legalization. FanDuel and DraftKings AZ dominate the market, combining for roughly 60% of the state’s total handle.
This online-driven market thrives, with 99% of bets being placed online. Local bettors have easy access to platforms on their mobile devices, making it effortless to wager on NFL games from the comfort of their homes.
As accessibility increases, Arizona’s sports betting market continues to mature, though analysts predict more modest growth moving forward. The betting handle during last year’s NFL season reached $2.7 billion, and with projections for an 8-10% growth this year, the state could see between $2.8 billion and $3.1 billion in wagers from September to December alone.
