Official betting isn’t exactly a new phenomenon, but the emergence of the industry has gotten the attention of the press and consumers alike. In fact, last year saw more than $58 billion in legal bets made across the country. As more states pass laws allowing sports betting, the industry is set to expand, and it looks like a major player in the space will be DraftKings. Aside from the obvious bets like the NCAA and NHL, there are a number of smaller leagues and teams making moves in the bettor’s world.
The first and most obvious announcement came in July when DraftKings was awarded the prestigious title of “Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR.” As part of the deal, DraftKings has agreed to become the first ever “Official Daily Fantasy Game of the PGA TOUR.” Additionally, the company has expanded its presence in multiple states, including Washington, D.C. and New York. One of the major reasons for this is the growing popularity of fantasy sports.
Other notable official betting initiatives include the Cincinnati Reds, the New York Jets, and the Cleveland Browns. While each team is in their own way unique, they have all made their mark on the sporting landscape. Similarly, the Nationals have enjoyed some success over the past few years, most notably a Stanley Cup in 2017. However, their history isn’t quite as impressive, and the franchise hasn’t been able to crack the top tier of the sport’s playoffs. That said, the Nationals have a few promising young players in their ranks, and will be looking to improve on their lone World Series victory of 2018.
The PGA TOUR recently announced a new marketing and media strategy designed to drive ticket sales. This includes a data powered solution to deliver a highly interactive live experience. It also comes with an accompanying marketing campaign to promote the product.
The PGA TOUR also has a hefty budget to spend, so it’s no surprise that it’s making the most of its resources. Despite the fact that the PGA is not a large league, it has an enviable roster of talented professionals, which makes its betting markets an ideal target for the savvy sportsbook. Of course, the fact that it has a dedicated sportsbook at its Great American Ballpark, will also help drive interest in the product.
The official betting oma has been the subject of many a debate, and it remains to be seen if a number of the burgeoning companies will be able to keep up. But the growth of the industry has been welcome by both sports leagues and platform providers.