When Major League Baseball finally starts its season this week, it will arrive with a suite of predictive games that aim to attract a younger, more engaged fanbase. The three games will be built and owned by MLB and MGM will sponsor them.
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.
