Legalized sports betting not only changes the way the public consumes the action. Now, it will also change the way in which the public watches sports.
That is no different in Pennsylvania.
On Wednesday, as the Philadelphia 76ers work to solidify the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, NBC Sports Philadelphia will offer an “alternate, betting-focused” feed of the 76ers-Atlanta Hawks matchup.
Presented by NBC Sports Bet, the conglomerate’s recently launched network-focused on wagering, the 7:30 p.m. ET game will have a second feed aired on NBC Sports Philadelphia+ and will feature commentary and analysis alongside up-to-date betting data and information.
“We are thrilled to be the first to provide this betting-focused programming and analysis, with a format that is relevant to everyone, from those just learning to advanced bettors,” NBC Sports Philadelphia President Brian Monihan said in a release. “This live coverage continues our commitment to engage our fans in new and exciting ways.”
How will sports betting-infused telecast look?
The alternate feed’s “special program” will be anchored by Marc Farzetta, host at 97.5 The Fanatic. Joining him will be Brad Feinberg, an analyst on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s sports betting show The Daily Line, and Anthony Gargano, also of The Fanatic.
The panelists expect to discuss not necessarily just play-by-play of the 76ers-Hawks game but also the variety of betting lines and how gameplay influences those lines and bets throughout the night.
Additionally, on-screen graphics will display current betting data and information as well as a glossary of gambling terminology. Other than that, the presentation of this alternate feed will resemble the traditional telecast on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
PA sports betting creates ‘material difference’ for network
While NBC Sports has committed only to this one game with a secondary sports betting feed, the industry certainly offers an opportunity for networks to capitalize.
Especially the PA sports betting world in Philadelphia.
Consider, after all, that six of eight sportsbooks in Pennsylvania reside in the Philadelphia area.
Earlier this year, David Preschlack, president of NBC Sports Regional Networks, said in an interview that sports betting had already made a “material difference” in the company’s advertising revenue. The Philly network, he noted, led the market.
That network already jumped on the sports betting bandwagon during the football season, when NBC Sports Philadelphia introduced The Daily Line.
Interestingly, Philly’s sister station, NBC Sports Washington, already gave the public a peek into how this alternate feed will look. The network aired a sports betting-based feed for selects Wizards games this season. There, though, the Wizards created contests for viewers and used the same broadcast team as the standard feed.