New Apple Sports App Integrates Live Betting Odds from DraftKings
Apple Sports Integration with DraftKings: Betting Reach Expands
As sports betting becomes more prevalent, there has been a growing convergence between the gambling industry and mainstream culture.
More than ever before, betting information is easily accessible. This content is found not just on television, but through various apps. Take, for example, Apple.
Its newly launched iPhone app, Apple Sports, gives users access to real-time scores and betting odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. The app, released Wednesday, is available in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Should they choose, users will have the ability to turn off live betting odds at any time.
Here’s what else we know about Apple Sports’ integration with DraftKings.
‘What they Want’
Why create Apple Sports? That answer, according to Eddy Cue, is relatively straightforward.
“We created Apple Sports to give sports fans what they want — an app that delivers high-speed access to scores and stats,” Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, said in a statement. “Apple Sports is available for free in the App Store, and makes it easy for users to stay up to date with their favorite teams and leagues.”
Earlier this month, BetMGM and X, formerly known as Twitter, announced a partnership to integrate sports betting odds into the social media platform. Although plans are still being finalized, the goal is to provide users with a direct link to BetMGM, allowing them to place bets in real-time.
The partnership should give both parties access to significantly more users than they already reach. The same applies to Apple.
“You can obviously get scores in many places today, but I don’t think anybody is focused and dedicated on the concept of live and making it simple, clean, fast like we’ve done,” Cue told Sportico. “We’ve spent an incredible amount of engineering on this.”
According to Sportico, Cue suggested Apple may add additional features, including enhanced brackets for March Madness. The app already supports the NBA, NHL, NCAA, Premier League and MLS, with Apple owning exclusive streaming rights. Other leagues such as MLB, the NFL and WNBA will be available “for their upcoming seasons,” according to Apple. Users will be able to personalize their app by selecting their favorite teams and leagues.
Apple Sports’ integration with DraftKings represents a significant expansion for the tech company. Apple already has a section dedicated to sports within its Apple News app. In addition to its partnership with MLS, Apple also has a streaming deal with MLB for Friday night games.
DraftKings’ Enormous Reach Grows
The deal should also be a boon for DraftKings, which already has separated itself as one of the leaders in the online sports betting industry. DraftKings was the first online sportsbook to launch a mobile app outside of Nevada, when it debuted in New Jersey in August 2018. Since then, it has expanded its reach throughout the U.S. as more users continue to bet online.
Twenty-nine U.S. states plus Washington, D.C. now offer legalized online sports betting. That total is expected to grow in the coming weeks, with North Carolina set to launch on March 11. Other states, such as Alabama, have contemplated dipping their toes in the water as well.
Stay tuned for more news on Apple Sports’ integration with DraftKings.
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