The Washington Redskins will be the first team in the NFL to have gambling-focused telecast of their games. In fact, the team will start offering cash prizes to viewers who can predict in-game results. NBC Sports Washington will follow the formula used in the telecasts of Washington Wizards games during the last NBA season.
However, the Wizards ran the free-to-play contests during the regular season. On the other hand, the Redskins will only have them during the team’s four preseason games. NBC Sports Washington owns the TV rights to the games.
The network air traditional telecasts on its main channel. In addition, viewers can watch the gambling-focused telecast on NBC Sports Washington Plus. The network told sports wagering sites that gambling-focused broadcasts of eight Wizards games got better fan engagement and ratings.
Gambling-Focused Telecast of Redskin Preseason Games
The interactive telecasts prepare the network for the possibility of legal online sports betting is available in their viewing area. In theory, the network can offer real-time basketball betting and prop bets during the telecast. It just needs a sportsbook as a partner to provide sports betting odds.
Although there are no regulations on sports betting through TV broadcasts, the network wants to make sure they are ready for any opportunities to open in the future. For now, the interactive games are free and all viewers s can join. The network is giving out $1,000 for one winner every quarter.
Gambling reviews sites are expecting the gamification of telecasts in the future. The gambling-focused telecast is an example of how to implement it. DC made sports betting legal but there are no sportsbooks yet in the area.
In the meantime, lawmakers in Maryland and Virginia filed sports betting bills. West Virginia and Delaware are two viewing areas of NBC Sports Washington with legal sports betting. However, both states don’t have mobile or online sports wagering, yet.
