VSiN Premiers its First "In-Game Sports Betting" Show Exclusively on MSG Networks

• VSiN first to broadcast the rising popularity of in-game wagering with “Prime Time Action”
• DraftKings Sportsbook  signs on to be exclusive sponsor and data provider
• ESPN among other networks expected to join media demand for sports wagering

Firsts of its kind seem to be happening weekly if not daily in the sports wagering world lately.  Another one took ahold last week when Las Vegas-based VSiN (the Vegas Stats & Information Network) rolled out “Prime Time Action powered by DraftKings Sportsbook”.

The new show is a groundbreaking sports betting program aiming to capitalize on the catapulting growth of in-game wagering during a live sporting event. Prime Time Action Powered by DraftKings Sportsbook will appear exclusively on MSG+ on weeknights from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET.

Over the past year, in-game wagering has taken a giant leap in popularity due to the access and growth of legalized sports wagering throughout the US. The continuing path of the Coronavirus domestically has increased online wagering numbers to record numbers. Beginning now with NFL football season and NCAA college football along with Major League Baseball plus both the NHL and NBA playoffs will only accelerate its new opportunity.

For those just getting started, here is a basic explanation of how it works:

In-game wagering is simply wagering on any game or sports contest while it is happening. Sportsbook odds for the in-game will usually only change during a timeout or commercial break. The subtle difference between the two betting options is that in-play wagering takes place throughout the game. New digital technology has allowed light speed odds change and financial changes taking effect. The probability of the in-play event occurring comes from a proprietary algorithm from the sports wagering app software developer.

DraftKings on Board

DraftKings will be the exclusive sponsor and official data provider for Prime Time Action. The giant sports wagering and daily fantasy leader in the US will provide the live odds feed for use during the broadcast, delivering up-to-the-minute betting lines directly to the at-home audience and for use to live VSiN experts including Gill Alexander and veteran commentators.

VSiN’s CEO and founder Brian Musberger commented, “we’re thrilled to partner with industry innovators like MSG Networks and DraftKings to deliver one of a kind betting programming to the largest media market in the country. The fact that the dedicated television home of sports in New York is dedicating programming to sports betting is a testament to the momentum this industry, and specifically, in-game betting is experiencing across the country as well as MSG Networks’ position at the forefront of a media revolution”.

The show will also be available for viewers each night on MSG GO, the network’s live streaming and video-on-demand platform for smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Growth of Sports Wagering Programs

Prime Time Action joins many sports wagering shows that have been popping up on various networks, aiming to ride the current wave of popularity and opportunity.

In August ESPN and Caesars Entertainment, Inc. opened their new 6,000-square-foot studio in Las Vegas at the LINQ. ESPN’s sports betting news and information program “Daily Wager” will also be broadcast out of the new studio.  Its long-standing sports program SportsCenter has ramped up its integration of wagering features and has begun featuring betting lines as well.  Look for the studio to be in the spotlight big-time when the Las Vegas Raiders make their home stadium debut on Monday Night Football on September 21st.

And speaking of VSiN, they also recently announced they are teaming up with BetMGM to produce a new show, “Betting Across America”. They are promising to use the latest sports betting data and analytics to provide wagering commentary, expertise, and unmatched insight from BetMGM oddsmakers and award-winning VSiN hosts. BetMGM is the growing wagering brand combining international gaming powers GVC Holdings and MGM Resorts.

With 18 US states now in legal operation and as many as 12 potentially to come sometime in 2021 they continue to put pressure on other state legislation to establish a national presence network like ESPN and VSiiN strive to cover. More programming satisfying the demand is likely to come.