Technology is really at the forefront of everything we do nowadays in society. The tasks we carry out and the ones we plan for almost always revolve around tech in some way, shape, or form. But even when it comes down to the hobbies we enjoy—like being a sports fan—technology shows up yet again. In the sports world, professional athletes also benefit from growing technologies in huge ways. So, if you have ever wondered how the two industries overlap, this article is for you. Here we dive into two big ways that tech and sports are interwoven and what that means for fans and players alike. What does this mean for online casinos, iGaming startups, and other companies that work in the betting industry?
The fan experience is elevated
The experience of sports fandom before the Internet and mobile phones were clearly much different from today’s current climate. There is no question that technology has changed the way in which people are able to interact and engage with their favorite players and teams.
The first example of this that comes to mind is live streaming. In the past, fans would have to wait until the exact hour of kickoff, making sure to set reminders and alarms not to miss any important play or score. Fast forward to 2022, and there are dozens of different sports streaming platforms to choose from, many of which are free to access. This has opened many doors for fans as they seek to follow the teams they love most, around-the-clock and on their watch.
Another way the fan experience is elevated thanks to technology is the expansion of online sports betting opportunities. Sports betting also used to be an activity that required planning and preparation, as aficionados would need to travel sometimes long distances to place wagers. This is no longer the only option around, as sports betting providers have been given the space to move online, growing their presence in the digital ecosystem and even on mobile apps. When taking betting or casino apps into account, it’s also important to check how they actually pay out the wins of the players and how the payment system works. Make sure this is viable for you in the region where you reside, before you invest time and money into the platform.
In the U.S. market specifically, online betting has grown exponentially as states continue to approve legislation that makes the activity legal in their region. For example, New York just became the most recent state to legalize betting. This is big news for residents of the Empire State and really the entire country, as it means that more and more fans are going to leverage the technology to support their fandom. Nowadays, nearly half the nation has legal betting opportunities, with more on the way.
Players are given access to useful tools
It isn’t just the fan experience that is improved with technology, but also the player experience. After all, what would sports be without the talented athletes that make them come alive? Over the years, tech innovations have given these elite stars the tools they need to succeed on and off the court. For example, nowadays, the NBA is utilizing wearable technology all across the league to help players track everything from their heartbeat to how many shots they make in a practice or game.
Technology also plays a role in helping refs and coaches do their job better, which in turn benefits athletes as well. In fact, one Israeli sports tech startup entitled Track160 is developing technology that would allow cameras to be strategically placed across a field or court to collect data from different perspectives that staff could make use of.
Additionally, there’s no doubt that injuries are a big part of sports, regardless of whether players engage in football, baseball, hockey, or another sport entirely—even the most talented of athletes can’t avoid the unexpected circumstances that lead to getting hurt.
Technology assists teams with injury prevention, as computer-based programs use data analytics and biometrics to capture players’ movements and analyze certain plays that could potentially cause negative harm to the body. Therefore, there are ways to help prevent an injury before it occurs, and then if and when it happens, a greater level of care can be provided.
Photo credit: The feature image has been done by Daniel Josef. The picture in the body of the article was taken by Braden Collum.
