Official betting is a way for sportsbooks to offer wagers on events. These sportsbooks receive the official league data to allow fans to place bets. It also gives the sportsbooks a chance to create bespoke head-to-head betting markets. The PGA Tour, for example, has partnered with IMG Arena to provide the league’s live scoring data.
The NFL is the last American sports league to sign an official betting deal. However, the market for NFL betting is booming, and the league hopes to strike new deals.
Sportsbooks have had success in a number of states where sports betting was legalized. In Kansas, for example, sportsbooks are already online. Among the best-known is DraftKings. But more sportsbooks are expected to launch in the future.
In New York, for example, WynnBET has a partnership with the New York Jets. This will give the casino the chance to take a foothold in the New York sports betting market.
MLB is also scouting for an official betting partner. The league has just signed a deal with Sportradar. Previously, only MGM Resorts had an official relationship with the league.
Meanwhile, the PGA Tour recently launched a robust integrity program. It is also a platinum member of the National Council on Problem Gambling. As a result, the Tour is very bullish on in-play betting.
For the PGA, the growth is expected to be significant in the next five to ten years. According to Scott Warfield, vice president of gaming for the tour, the amount wagered with official betting operators is set to increase by nearly 50 percent in the next two years.