The sports betting industry has been growing by leaps and bounds. Sports leagues, platform providers and betting operators have all welcomed the trend with open arms. For example, the NFL has signed three official betting partners. This includes DraftKings, which is a major player in the MLB and NFL markets. Meanwhile, the NASCAR has created a data-powered solution that gives fans across regulated states a compelling live experience.
The NFL also has an exclusive partnership with Caesars Entertainment. Caesars has agreed to rebrand its sportsbooks to Caesars Sports. It has the right to use the NBA logo on its oddsboards. In addition, MGM Resorts has the right to market itself as an official NBA gaming partner.
As with any new initiative, the leagues and betting operators have to be careful to not alienate those not interested in betting. There are a number of strategies that can be used to get the best possible results. For instance, sportsbooks may want to offer an official league feed to improve reliability. If the leagues are not willing to negotiate a deal, they can try to scrounge data from alternative sources.
While the MLB has not yet signed a data deal, the league has made a lot of moves to get in on the action. The MLB has also made a push to have its players wear jerseys. Additionally, MLB has announced plans to offer official betting data for the AGO.
The PGA Tour is another major league looking to improve its fan experience. As a platinum member of the National Council on Problem Gambling, the tour has taken a pro-active approach to the golf betting market. Along with a sweeping integrity program and the first official sportsbook product, the PGA has also partnered with IMG ARENA to license its live scoring data.
Unlike the PGA Tour, the NFL and MLB are not as proactive when it comes to the sports betting content. For instance, the MLB has yet to unveil its Authorized Gaming Operator program. However, it has held a number of meetings with potential partners. Although, the NFL is the last American sport to sign an official betting deal.
While it is still too early to determine the success of the MLB’s Authorized Gaming Operator program, it is clear that the industry is ready for change. In fact, the PGA has already seen a significant uptick in wagering on golf. During the past three years, the sport has grown to account for a small percentage of the states’ betting handle, but it is expected to grow by more than 40 percent by 2020.
Although not the official name for it, the NFL’s aforementioned betting mascot has become one of the most popular ways for fans to place wagers. This is because the NFL’s marketing campaigns tie brands to on-air statistics, which are then used for online odds.
Using an ‘official’ sports betting solution will also benefit both the league and the sportsbook. Not only will the MLB and the NFL have an improved product, but sportsbooks will be able to make better bets.