- ‘DK Network’ will offer video podcast content
- Other betting firms have also launched video services
US gambling giant DraftKings plans to launch its own streaming video service, according to Bloomberg, hoping the offer of free content will bring more sports fans into its ecosystem and encourage them to become paying customers.
The ad-supported service will reportedly be called the ‘DK Network’ and is expected to launch in the next few weeks.
DK Network won’t offer live content, at least not initially, with programming mostly comprising video-based podcasts that DraftKings either sponsors or has some involvement with.
The company acquired sports betting programme specialist Vegas Sports Information Network (VSiN) in 2021 and also has partnerships with John Skipper’s Meadowlark Media and digital radio and podcast firm iHeart Radio.
Earlier this year, DraftKings cut 140 jobs as it continues to chase sustained profitability.
SportsPro says…
Betting firms using video content to attract punters is nothing new. Major international bookmakers have offered live sports streams to encourage users to make in-play bets, with tennis, horse racing and international soccer leagues among those to have struck deals.
Now, US operators are doing the same – feeding growing demand for sports betting and free streaming services.
DraftKings’ great rival FanDuel has launched its own over-the-top (OTT) video platform, serving up a mixture of studio programming and podcasts from the likes of Pat McAfee and Bill Simmons and live sport provided by Sportradar.
This trend works both ways, with direct to consumer (DTC) sports broadcasting services integrating betting features into their platforms, hoping to drive engagement and boost revenue.
