New In-Play NBA Betting Deal Translates to NBC Offering Wagers During Broadcasts

In a further integration of legalized sports betting, a deal has been inked to feature in-play betting within NBA broadcasts on NBC.

The Game Within the Game

The prediction game will consist of NBC Sports featuring a special prediction game for its National Basketball Association (NBA) broadcast updating viewers of live betting options available at bookmakers. The first live in-play feature will be tested Friday, January 11th on the Washington Wizards-Milwaukee Bucks broadcast.

How it Works

The free-to-play option will be run by NBC Sports Washington under the NBC Sport brand called “Predict the Game,” consisting of a two-fold betting process offering watchers gamers real-time data to inform their wagers.

Big Data for Punters

These new key metrics displayed during the broadcast will initiate with win chances, moving money line and spread. It will be accompanied by a questionnaire of 30-odd questions designed to engage fans further, with each question earning a certain amount of points culminating in a $500 award for the highest-scoring viewer at the questionnaire's conclusion.

NBC will also be observing the impact on ratings of the various in-play game offerings and variations.

Register to Play

To participate, viewers must register at their local affiliate which in the test case example will be NBC Sports Washington’s website for raffles and sports bet placement and predictions.

At a series of set times, leaderboards will be displayed at which time registered viewers will be able to look up their current standing.

Expansion Plan

After the first in-play match, NBC Sport Washington intends to introduce more games across subsequent Wizards contests versus the San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs.

NBC Gaming Domains

Though not a part of the deal, it has been learned that further accompanied by NBC of a series of domain names for sports betting includes NBCSportbook, NBCSportsSportsbook, NBCSportsBet, NBCSportsBets, NBCSportsbook, and NBC SportsBetting. This certainly at the very least hints towards potential widescale sports betting or aggregation by NBC.

Overview

While sports fans are set to be increasingly engaged, the impact on broadcast revenues, addiction rates, and team success will be the key outcomes to be monitored.