MLB’s main aim is to increase fan engagement, but the development of its own predictive gaming could further illustrate the potential around in-game betting opportunities within baseball. The games will not directly connect to a sportsbook, but there will be cash prizes for winners.
Sports betting is widely expected to attract a younger, more affluent fanbase, according to the American Gaming Association. With betting expanding across the U.S., the AGA expects MLB will see a 55% increase in baseball bettors.
MLB’s Games:
— Rally: Users can make predictions for every at-bat in a game.
— Quick Picks: Fans answer seven questions about each day’s slate of games.
— Opening Day Pick ‘Em: Users pick the winner of each Opening Day game for a chance at $100,000.
Other New MLB Product Initiatives:
— Augmented reality partnership with Snap.
— Video that’s “easier to search, watch and create” with a shareable playlist creation ability.
— Virtual cheering that allows fans to choose a team in a given team to cheer, boo, or clap, which then can be used to help determine stadium noise levels.
