Is this a look into the future?
YES Network and Simplebet have partnered on a free pick-and-play prediction game that will be available during live broadcasts of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Yankees live broadcasts via the YES app.
According to a press release, this represents “the first-ever, real-time, in-game, single-screen watch and play experience” offered. And, down the line, it could conceivably provide a roadmap to a real-money betting version.
YES Network to launch Pick-N-Play Live
Per the press release from YES Network, authenticated viewers can access the free-to-play prediction game via the YES app on iOS and Android.
Users can start their Pick-N-Play Live experience tonight as the Brooklyn Nets host the Detroit Pistons at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will also be available during New York Yankees games this MLB season.
Users can win prizes based on making predictions around a variety of in-game occurrences. Fans can play against friends and strangers for those prizes, which includes gift cards, team merchandise and even in-person experiences. The game, according to the release, aims to “encourage longer watch times and deeper fan engagement.”
“This is the first inning of a convergence between media and gaming, and we’re thrilled to be at the bleeding-edge with a partner like the YES Network,” Chris Bevilacqua, Co-Founder and CEO of Simplebet, said in release. “Micro-market technology is reimagining the fan experience and drives longer watch times, which in turn is beneficial for operators and media partners alike.”
Read More: YES Network’s Duarte Lands ‘Holy Grail’ With Single-Screen, Prediction Game
What Pick-N-Play Live will looks like
Some of the Nets/Yankees predictions offered include:
- How many points will a player score this quarter?
- Which team will score next?
- What will the result of this possession be?
- What will be the specific result of an at-bat?
- Will the next batter get on-base?
- Will the next pitch be a ball, strike or in-play?
Certainly, you could see many of these ideas translating from free-to-play to pay-to-play. There have been latency issues with second-screen live betting. And media rights fees would presumably have to be worked out. But this experience seems like something that bettors find themselves using down the line once stakeholders iron out the logistics.
Inevitable for NY sports betting to combine with live broadcasts
The Yankees, under the direction of president Randy Levine, plan to be all-in on sports betting as it continues to evolve in New York. They would like to put a retail sportsbook in Yankee Stadium if and when state regulations allow it.
The Yankees have also had talks with multiple sportsbooks about partnerships. They have had a partnership in the past with FanDuel, so that’s certainly one possibility.
Through SNY’s partnership with PointsBet, viewers should start to see odds integration tied with live NY sports betting while watching the New York Mets’ game broadcast.
MSG+ has also had “Betcast” alternate broadcasts during New York Knicks’ games.
“‘Pick-N-Play Live’ is just the latest YES App enhancement designed to fuel engagement as we continue to introduce immersive and innovative products and experiences to our audiences,” Jon Litner, CEO of the YES Network, said in the release.
“Through our new partnership with Simplebet, our viewers will now have the opportunity to play along in real time with the exciting action on the screen through a free, state-of-the-art predictor game powered by industry-leading technology.”
