Get a Grip: The Lowdown on Mobile Sports Betting in the US
Weekly Sports Betting Overview: MS Mobile Progress, Washington Obstacles, Further Developments
Get your weekend dose of news, updates, and insights from the dynamic world of sports betting, gaming, and the U.S. legal landscape! Here's the latest edition of Sports Handle's "Get a Grip," rounding up key stories in the sports betting universe.
Mississippi's Mobile Moves
In the summer of 2018, Mississippi welcomed legal sports betting. However, it's only recently that the concept of on-site mobile betting might become a reality this summer. Mississippi Gaming Commission Executive Director Allen Godfrey has hinted that one or two sportsbooks might experiment with this option before the football season. It's worth noting that on-site mobile betting would be accessible anywhere on a property equipped with a sportsbook, from hotel rooms to pool areas or restaurants [1][2].
To facilitate on-site mobile betting, operators will need to deploy geofencing technology, most likely Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Nevertheless, lawmakers appear poised to take up state-wide mobile betting more seriously, especially after a few bills died in committee during the 2019 session [2].
DC's Mobile Betting Challenges
Washington D.C.'s upcoming mobile sports betting is set to test the waters with hyper-specific geolocation. As the city gears up for mobile sports betting, exclusion zones within the city pose a challenge, along with the decision to offer a city-wide app that may face blackouts in stadiums or bars. Consumers won't be able to bet on federal property or use the city-wide app in certain locations, like Nationals Park. Geolocation provider GeoComply will employ a combination of Bluetooth hardware in small spaces and GPS technology to fence the city [3].
Enrichment Data Integration
Incorporating geolocation technology is crucial for both Mississippi and Washington D.C.'s mobile betting plans. However, ensuring accurate geofencing can be challenging, especially in densely populated areas or large sports venues, where signals might interfere. Additionally, both locations must address competition among operators to maintain a thriving and satisfying user experience.
[1] Mississippi Today: Mississippi Gaming Commission: On-site mobile sports betting could be a reality this summerhttps://mississippitoday.org/2021/05/mississippi-gaming-commission-onsite-mobile-sports-betting-could-be-a-reality-this-summer/
[2] Sports Illustrated: Mississippi Could Expand Mobile Sports Betting Ahead of Football Seasonhttps://www.si.com/betting/2021/05/18/mississippi-mobile-sports-betting-football-season
[3] NBC4 Washington: Sports Betting In D.C. Sets Up Challenges For Geolocation, Usershttps://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/sports-betting-in-washington-dc-sets-up-challenges-for-geolocation-users/2804594/
- The Mississippi Gaming Commission has hinted that some sportsbooks may start offering on-site mobile betting before the football season, making it accessible across the property equipped with a sportsbook.
- To enable on-site mobile betting, operators will likely deploy geofencing technology, combining Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for precise location tracking.
- Lawmakers in Mississippi are considering broader mobile betting, especially after several bills failed in committee during the 2019 session.
- Washington D.C.'s upcoming mobile sports betting will involve hyper-specific geolocation, with exclusion zones and potential blackouts in certain locations like stadiums or bars.
- Geolocation provider GeoComply will use a mix of Bluetooth hardware in small spaces and GPS technology to fence the city for mobile betting.
- Both Mississippi and Washington D.C. face challenges in ensuring accurate geofencing, especially in densely populated areas or large sports venues, and in maintaining a competitive and satisfactory user experience.
