• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 24, 2025

Professional Bowlers Association Brings Sports Betting To Events

  • Celebrating its return to action this weekend, the PBA has announced that it will include online gambling into its events operations.
  • The partnership between the PBA and FOX Bet Sportsbook will be highlighted in the former’s Strike Derby event on FOX from 7 to 9 p.m. ET on June 6.
pba-fox-bet-sportsbook
Photo Credit: PBA

When the Professional Bowling Association returns to the lanes on June 6 for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to live events, it will come with a new twist – sports betting.

The PBA has signed a new deal with FOX Bet Sportsbook ahead of its PBA Strike Derby tournament at Bowlero Jupiter in Jupiter, Fl., which will be its first since March 15. 

Subsequent events – the PBA Summer Clash on June 13 and a four-day “PBA King of the Lanes” series in July – will all take place at Bowlero Jupiter without fans in attendance and no more than 50 people on site. But the new addition of online betting will make those at home feel involved with the events.

“That is a new, dynamic form of deep engagement for audiences,” PBA CEO Colie Edison said. 

It will occur where FOX Bet is operating legally, which includes Colorado, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The sportsbook launched in New Jersey last August and marked the first time that an American sports media company has extended its brand into gambling. 

With a lack of other live sports for sports bettors, Edison said the PBA saw this as an opportune time for it to step into the space. The format of the Strike Derby, a new event that will see eight bowlers competing against one another, also lends itself well to betting.

“This has been a goal for us since our acquisition of the PBA,” Edison said. “The sport is well-positioned for wagering, and there is an appetite from our fan base and the wider sports betting community to feature bowling in online gaming.” Bowlero Corp, which is the world’s largest owner and operator of bowling centers, acquired the PBA in September 2019. Edison, who is Bowlero’s chief customer officer, was also appointed CEO during the acquisition.

Knowing that bowling fans needed excitement in the sport during this time, Edison viewed the FOX Bet partnership as a great chance to bring out PBA events.

READ MORE: Professional Bowlers Association & Bowlero Hope New Deal Is A Strike

During the Strike Derby, the PBA and FOX Bet will have three markets for actual bets: the Strike Derby winner, to reach the final, and total strikes. The league will also be offering markets for entertainment purposes only throughout its broadcast, such as “to get to number-one seed,” “total strikes in qualifying rounds,” and “total strikes during bracket stage.” On-air talent will be discussing these results live with in-game graphics displaying those odds.

FOX Bet has already posted initial odds on its Pennsylvania app that set the over/under for the number of strikes thrown during the first-ever tournament at 196.5.

Following the Strike Derby, Edison and the PBA plan to increase its gambling investments. While she does acknowledge the limitations around the Strike Derby’s odds, she views it as a game-changing initiative for bowling and can provide a proof of concept as the PBA continues to enhance its in-game offerings.

“We will be utilizing online gaming as a way to draw audiences into our linear broadcast and provide deep engagement with a wide consumer base,” she said.

Although Edison could not have predicted how the PBA season would turn out, she is optimistic about the league’s content offerings during this challenging period.

“It’s about being creative and flexible,” she said. “The format that we’re bringing on air in June I did not have planned in January, but we saw the opportunity, and we were able to act quickly and creatively to get this content out there.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots the ball over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) during the third quarter of game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.

Kalshi’s Offensive Blitz Continues With Suit Against Maryland

Kalshi previously sued regulators in Nevada and New Jersey.
exclusive

Fox, Julie Stewart-Binks Discussing Settlement Over Sexual Assault Suit

A court extended a deadline for Fox’s answer to May 9.
The sun rises behind the New York skyline seen from the Jersey City waterfront on Thursday morning Dec. 10, 2020.

N.Y. Sports Betting Faces Major Limits Under New Proposal

Newly proposed legislation would impose daily betting caps and limit advertising.

Logan Ryan on Tom Brady Broadcast Pivot: ‘Never Been Done’

Brady drew mixed reviews in his first season on Fox.

Featured Today

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Mar 13, 2020; Augusta, GA, USA; The front entrance at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday morning. The Masters Tournament has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
opinion
April 20, 2025

What’s It Like to Play Augusta? A Day on the World’s Most..

Inside a round at the most exclusive club in the world.

UFC’s Vegas Sphere Fight Should Set Records

The MMA fight has big aspirations and a budget to match.
August 13, 2024

Duael’s One-On-One Racing Brackets Are Yet Another Stab at Saving Track

Duael will debut in March 2025 with the inaugural Duael 100.
September 8, 2024

Guardian Caps Make NFL Debut

Multiple NFL players wore Guardian Caps over their helmets Sunday.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
August 11, 2024

Guardian Caps Have Arrived in the NFL—Ahead of Schedule

Colts star Jonathan Taylor strapped one on for Sunday’s preseason game.
August 5, 2024

How Omega Timing Determined Noah Lyles Won Olympic Gold

Omega touches every corner of the Olympics.
The Adidas ball has changed over the years.
July 25, 2023

The Most Advanced Tech at the Women’s World Cup Might Surprise You

This year’s OCEAUNZ introduces connected ball technology to the women’s game.
Sponsored

Rewriting the Sports Media Playbook

WSC’s highlight automation improved Clemson’s content strategy and overall growth.