WNBA Viewership Plummets Amid Innovations in Betting Landscape
INDIANAPOLIS – Recent developments in the U.S. sports betting industry reveal stark contrasts, as the WNBA faces a significant decline in viewership, while niche sports like sailing gain traction. The absence of star player Caitlin Clark due to injury has resulted in a nearly 50% drop in bets on the Indiana Fever, highlighting the league’s dependence on marquee players to drive fan engagement and revenue.
In a bid to tap into new audiences, the sailing circuit SailGP has formed partnerships with major sportsbooks, including DraftKings and bet365, to introduce live betting on high-speed catamaran races. This innovative approach is expected to attract a younger, diverse demographic, challenging the traditional image of sailing as an elite pastime.
On the regulatory front, Ohio’s sports betting landscape is shifting. The state’s Type-C kiosks, introduced just two years ago, are set to be scaled back dramatically. The largest vendor, Intralot’s Sports Bet Ohio, plans to close down 93% of its kiosk locations by mid-June, following a lackluster performance that saw kiosks account for less than 0.2% of the state’s total betting market. Industry experts are advocating for a pivot towards legalized Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) as a more viable revenue source for local businesses and state tax revenues.
Meanwhile, Rhode Island is preparing to expand its sports betting options with plans to end its monopoly with International Game Technology (IGT) in 2026. Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone is spearheading initiatives to introduce competition in the market by allowing multiple vendors, including well-known online sportsbooks. This move aims to enhance the state’s lottery revenues while incorporating measures to safeguard against underage gambling in the expanding iGaming sector.
As the betting industry evolves, the outcomes in Ohio and Rhode Island, along with the rise of SailGP, show a dynamic shift striving for growth amidst varied challenges.
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