Sports betting has been around for decades, but it wasn't until recently that it has seen a major increase in popularity. With the introduction of online betting websites along with the Supreme Court overturning the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, sports betting has become more accessible and convenient. This has led to a significant increase in fan engagement and viewership, as fans are now able to place bets on their favorite teams and players, adding an extra layer of excitement and giving them even more reason to watch.
One of the key ways that sports betting is driving fan engagement is by providing a platform for fans to express their passion and knowledge of sports. Fans can now put their money where their mouth is, showing faith in their favorite teams and players by betting on them to win. This has created a new type of fan culture, where fans are more invested in the outcome of games and are more likely to tune in to watch live broadcasts or follow updates online. Check out the numbers below from CRG Global which show that betting heavily influences interest in the game being watched.
Another factor that is increasing fan engagement and viewership is the creation of new betting markets and products. With sports betting, fans can now place bets on a wide range of outcomes, from the winner of a game to individual player statistics or prop bets. Things like fantasy football and DFS (daily fantasy sports) have given fans options to participate right from their mobile phones with apps like FanDuel and DraftKings. Major sports leagues have created relationships with these DFS platforms to help attract even more fans.
The availability of live betting options has also made sports betting even more exciting, as fans can place bets on the outcome of a game as it is happening, adding another layer of excitement to the viewing experience. Sports betting has also been a major driver of innovation in the sports industry, with many teams, leagues, and broadcasts investing in technology to improve the betting experience for fans. For example, many leagues are now using data analytics to provide fans with real-time information on player and team statistics, which can be used to inform their betting decisions. Teams and leagues are also working with betting platforms to create customized betting products and promotions, making it even easier for fans to get involved in sports betting.
In addition to increasing fan engagement and viewership, sports betting is providing a significant boost to the economy. The sports betting industry is now worth billions of dollars, generating revenue from both operators and governments through taxes and fees. This has created jobs, investment opportunities, and has been a major contributor to the growth of the sports industry as a whole. Across the country’s 33 commercial gaming jurisdictions, 30 reported year-over-year revenue growth in 2022. Sports bettors wagered $83.13 billion from January through the end of November.
Sports betting has also had an influence on social change, breaking down traditional barriers and stigmas associated with gambling. With the growth of online betting, sports betting is now seen as a mainstream activity, enjoyed by millions of fans around the world. Roughly one-in-five U.S. adults (19%) say they have personally bet money on sports in some way in the last 12 months. This has helped to destigmatize sports betting, making it more accessible to a wider audience and helping to create a more inclusive culture around sports.
In conclusion, sports betting continues to have a major impact on the sports industry and has significantly increased fan engagement and viewership overall. With the growth of online betting and the continued expansion of the sports betting industry, there is no doubt that sports betting will continue to play an important role in shaping the future of sports, fan culture, and advertising. With an increased number of viewers comes an increased number of opportunities for advertisers to reach those viewers!