By BRANDON HURLEY

Sports Editor

sports@beeherald.com

@BrandonJHurley

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The exhilarating rush hasn’t yet worn off, and boy, do we have a beautiful, brand-spanking-new sportsbook to gamble at. And right in our backyard at that. 

The Draftkings sportsbook at Wild Rose Casino in Jefferson opened up Thursday, Oct. 3 and I couldn’t be more excited. 

It’s an elegant little facility tucked inside the Coaches Corner restaurant, complete with state-of-the-art video boards, modern counter tops and a basketball floor adding an extra appeal. 

Sadly, we cannot bet on mobile at this moment, that’s coming in November. Fellow gamblers must place their bets in the Wild Rose Casino. 

That’s where things get fun. There’s a cash only counter in the restaurant but there are also six digital kiosks spread throughout the casino - four on the casino floor and two in the sporksbook. 

And for those wondering, yes, the Wild Rose sportsbook does have access to NFL Sunday Ticket, so we can watch any game we want. 

The book will open at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and usually stay open until at least 11 p.m. on the weekends. 

I made my first Wild Rose sports bet last Thursday, and it sadly was not a winner. I took Iowa (+3.5) in the Big House against Michigan, and they definitely didn’t cover. So I’m 0-1 within in the casino, not the best start. 

But hey, that’s what makes sports betting fun, right? We can get back at it the next day, or hell, the very next minute, if we so desire. 

Time for round two.

If you haven’t noticed, I am a big believer in staying away from the blockbuster, high-action contests. The oddsmakers want money, and they go where the action is. While LSU takes on Florida in a gigantic showdown and Texas and Oklahoma square off in the Red River Rivalry, I’m staying far from those. I’ll keep my money. 

Additionally, the NFL board is much more appetizing this week. I absolutely despised the week five lines, and rightfully so. I was 1-1 and my terrible Giants pick was not even close, though the Raiders came up big for me, winning out-right in London. 

I like the underdogs this week, and it’s setting up fairly nice. Hold strong and ride those dogs, I promise you won’t regret it. 

Overall, in my first edition of the Home Dawgs betting column, I was an even 3-3. I started off hot, beginning my Saturday at 2-1 thanks to the LSU under hitting and ISU’s big-time home win, but then things fizzled from there. I limped through the weekend with a 1-2 record. Eh. We neither lost nor made money. 

Let’s give it another try. Stick with me and I promise I’ll get you in the positive. 

SEASON RECORD: 7-3

Last week: 3-3 

     - Lines as determined by Draftkings Sportsbook

     - Winners are in bold

1. Penn State (-3.5) at Iowa 

I took the Hawks to cover a week ago and they let me down. Even though this is a night game at Kinnick Stadium and Iowa is only 3.5 dogs, I’m going to take Penn State. I don’t think the Hawks have the offense to keep up. 

2.Iowa State at West Virginia (+10.5)

It’s always a tricky road trip to Morgantown. Let’s be honest, burning couches is a good intimidation tactic. This is a huge spread for a hometown dog, and a two score line at that. I think ISU wins, but the Mountaineers sneak under that 10.5 mark. They haven’t really beat anybody (their best win is over NC State), but this is too good to pass up. 

3. B-Hurl’s Spicy Mustard Hot Dog Lock of the Week: Saints (+1.5) at Jaguars

I may have failed you a week ago, but I’m even more confident with this lock.

Hammer it hard. The Saints seemingly are still the same Sean Payton homeboys even without Drew Brees, and backup Teddy Bridgewater has completed 70 percent of his passes so far. Jacksonville rookie Gardner Minshew’s magic runs out this week. His mustache is awesome, but the Saints offense is a little too potent and the Jaguars (2-3 overall) have played a cupcake schedule. Also, enjoy this tidbit: According to Covers, the Jags are 0-5 ATS in their last five October games. Yep, I’ll take it. 

4. Redskins at Dolphins (+3.5)

Take this home dog while you still can. The Redskins just fired their coach, they don’t know who their quarterback is and they are an overall dumpster fire. I know the Dolphins aren’t any good either, but they will probably view this as one of their few chances to actually get a win. Plus, they are a home dog, and you know how much I like those. 

OVER, OVER, OVER OF THE WEEK

Michigan State at Wisconsin: Over 39.5 total points 

Here’s a nice little, absolutely enticing over/under: Wisconsin and Michigan State are pegged at 39.5. Take the freaking over. This is an incredibly low number, and I think some of it may have to do with anti-Big Ten bias. 

The MSU Spartans may not have the offense to keep up with the Badgers, but they can put up some points. And Wisconsin has been scoring at a ridiculous pace. Though, I don’t think their defense is as good as we think. Michigan’s offense is trash, and so is Northwestern. Those are Bucky’s best wins of the year. This game may not go over by a lot, but it certainly hits. 

NBA: Toronto Raptors over 46.5 wins

Here’s an extra nugget I’ll throw your way as the 2019 NBA season nears (Holy crap, it starts Oct. 22). I like this futures bet and not only because it has a local connection. 

The defending NBA champions, the Canadian light, the Toronto Raptors aren’t getting much love. I like the over of 46.5 wins a lot. I know the Raptors lost Kawhi Leonard in the offseason, but head coach and Carroll native Nick Nurse has proven he can get results. He still has Kyle Lowry at his disposal, Most Improved Player of the Year Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet. 

I easily see the Raptors reaching 47 wins, but don’t be surprised if they crack 50. Outside of Philly, Boston and Brooklyn as East contenders, can you really see Toronto not going at least 47-35? Come on, easy money. Bet it and book it.