In 1949, the state of Nevada made history when it became the only state in the US where Americans could legally bet on sports games. Today, history is back in the making as states around the country legalize sports betting in their territories after a key shift in federal gaming law took place last May.
Public officials across the country have recently announced their intentions to regulate sports betting in their territories so that their communities can reap the tax benefits associated with legalized gaming. But legalized sports betting has helped to do more than just fill state-legal coffers. In many ways, legalized sportsbooks change how fans enjoy watching their favorite athletes crushing them on the pitch.
Technological advances bring sports betting into the 21st century
The professional sports we are seeing today have already been enhanced by advances in data collection, streaming options, and interactive statistics based on real-time player data. And even more technological advances should go our way. This is especially true for sports betting, as sports fans can already play through websites or download apps that allow them to access real-time statistics for ongoing games.
Digital gambling outlets have created a more interactive experience for sports fans and players because they allow bettors to place bets during each part of the game. Why is that important? It means that virtual real-time bets have created gambling opportunities that are not based solely on the outcome of the game. Rather, sports bettors can bet on bits and parts of the action. For example, if your team drops 20 points in the first quarter, you can still bet on how many first or second cancellations your team will receive. The possibilities are endless.
In addition to new opportunities for gambling, legal sports gambling also opens up opportunities for new sponsorship of bookmaking sites that provide a new source of revenue for sports teams and casinos. As sports teams and casinos bring new revenue into their hand-over-fist, we can also expect new facets of sports entertainment to emerge – from sports betting TV shows to subscription podcasts.
Team owners bring new experiences to sports fans
Team owners, many of whom once scared of legalized sports betting, are now promoting recuperation. Creative CEOs are finding new and innovative ways to change the way sports fans watch and bet on professional sports games. An example for this is Ted Leonsis – the most well-known sports team owner in D.C. – Recently announced big plans for the future of sports betting. Leonsis plans to make sportsbooks more convenient for players by developing a sports bar in the city’s Capital One Arena.
This will provide a comfortable space where sports players can socialize, watch the game, drink coffee and place bets on their favorite sports teams. The sports betting bar would allow fans to watch the game and either put money on betting windows or use their online app while enjoying their food and drinks.
A gambling sports bar in conjunction with an online gambling app would give sports fans a whole new – but somewhat familiar – experience. Think of sports bars that exist today, there is much more excitement in watching the outcome of a football game when surrounded by people who are also reinforced for the next game. Legalized sports betting seems to have begun to rejuvenate the passion once associated with watching professional sports, and this upward trend is expected to continue until 2019 and beyond.