Weekly Newsletter 9/13
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INNOVATION IN ACTION
FOOTBALL SEASON FUELING MORE BETTING GROWTH
Football is back. Like most leagues, the NFL continues to look for new ways to acquire and engage fans. The in-venue-sportsbook may be one such avenue, and the Arizona Cardinals became a focal point with the unveiling of their new BetMGM Sportsbook at State Farm Stadium. Our data shows that Cross-Channel Bettors, or those who bet in-person at casinos and online, are the most valuable, so the Cardinal’s new sportsbook will be a testing ground for whether or not NFL fans follow this trend.
Sports betting and fantasy have become synonymous with the NFL season, with the biggest spikes in online transactions happening at the beginning of the season (September) and the end, during the Super Bowl (February). The Super Bowl draws so much attention that it seemingly sets new gambling records every year.
*Our data comes from a random panel of 10 million credit & debit card holders in the United States. Transactions portrayed here are from 1/1/2020 through 9/9/2022.
Betting has become accessible and widely accepted in society, especially with offerings like daily fantasy that are more skill-based. Zooming in on only September of the past few years, this year is showing promising numbers already. More states than ever have some form of legal online or in-person sports betting, and consumers are clearly bought in. On the first day of both the NFL and NCAAF regular seasons, bettors showed up and shattered previous September numbers in total transactions.
*Our data comes from a random panel of 10 million credit & debit card holders in the United States. Transactions portrayed here are from 1/1/2020 through 9/9/2022.
The real question now is whether these online bettors can be converted into Cross-Channel Bettors with the increased opportunity to bet in person at in-venue-sportsbooks like in Arizona. We’ve seen a number of NBA/NHL shared arenas test this model, but it is still too early to know whether this strategy will ultimately be successful. This is the right time to be testing this type of fan acquisition strategy, as there are only so many promotions that will draw in new fans, and the industry needs to prepare for what’s next.
To learn more about betting data or other fan intelligence insights reach out to our team at info@sportsilab.com
Sports Innovation Lab Events
WELCOMING A NEW FACE TO OUR TEAM!
We are thrilled to welcome Angela Merchan to our team as an Executive Engagement and Women's Initiative Intern. Angela is a senior marketing major and a part of the Marketing Society and the Marriott Inclusion Business Student Society at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Angela comes to SIL after recently completing an internship as an Exhibition Marketing Intern for Warner Bros. Discovery. She will be an amazing asset to the executive experience and women's initiative team this fall. Welcome Angela, we're so excited to have you!
The Fan Project Spotlight
UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF A BRAND AND INFLUENCE
Many know the historic prowess of the University of Connecticut's Women's Basketball program. It is one of the most storied and dominant athletic programs in all of sports, and the program has no signs of slowing down as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) takes over collegiate athletics. Our own Angela Ruggiero spoke with Bloomberg's Quicktake on the influence a brand like UCONN Women's Basketball can add for a player like sophomore Azzi Fudd. Now more than ever, athletes have the ability to market themselves and create growth opportunities in the sports industry.
If you're ready to create breakthrough fan experiences and connect with the Fluid Fan through technology, visit our website sportsilab.com or email info@sportsilab.com!