Scientific Games Acquires Real-Time Sports Betting Data Supplier Don Best

Posted on: October 9, 2018, 05:00h. 

Last updated on: October 9, 2018, 01:32h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Scientific Games, the Las Vegas company that manufactures slot machines and table games and develops interactive online gaming and lottery products, is acquiring real-time sports betting data firm Don Best.

Scientific Games Don Best sports betting
Scientific Games is buying the Don Best sports betting analytical room where experts provide information to both sportsbooks and bettors. (Image: Gabriella Benavidez/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Based in Las Vegas, Don Best provides subscribers real-time odds from both US and offshore casinos. The sports wagering information platform allows customers to compare various lines, and utilize the service’s array of stats and news services to make the most informed bet possible.

Scientific Games is of course no stranger to the US gaming industry, but it’s only recently made a serious play into the sports betting space following the Supreme Court’s repeal of the longstanding federal ban that outlawed the activity in all but four states.

In a release, Scientific Games CEO Barry Cottle said the Don Best acquisition will strengthen its turnkey OpenBet sports betting offering. OpenBet became part of the Scientific Games portfolio after the company completed its $632 million acquisition of NYX Gaming Group in the fall of 2017.

Scientific Enters Sports Game

Scientific Games’ OpenBet has focused on legal markets in Europe, but the company is bringing the business-to-business product stateside in the wake of the SCOTUS decision. Don Best and its live trading room where analysts monitor sporting events and issue updated markets will allow OpenBet third-parties to implement in-play betting if desired.

In-play wagering, common overseas, is the fastest growing segment in the US sports betting area according to Sports Handle.

Don Best doesn’t actually take bets itself. Instead, its desktop and mobile clients allow users to view current and historical odds from 50 Las Vegas and offshore sportsbooks. The service additionally provides up-to-the-minute scores, injury news, and weather.

Sports Betting Offensive

Delaware, New Jersey, Mississippi, and West Virginia have joined Nevada in allowing full-fledged sports betting, and New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island are expected to soon follow.

No longer is single-game moneyline, points spread, and over/under wagering confined to Nevada, and that has sports betting and gaming technology companies scrambling to enter the new markets. William Hill has been as aggressive as anyone since the May Supreme Court repeal.

Already the largest bookmaker in the US, William Hill reached a partnership in September with IGT Technologies to target state lotteries considering expanding into sports betting. That same month, the sports gaming operator announced a 25-year deal to facilitate sportsbooks for Eldorado Resorts in states where it’s legal. Eldorado owns 21 casinos in 11 states.

Also earlier this month, William Hill said it was expanding its agreement with Golden Entertainment to take over sports betting duties at additional properties in Nevada, as well as in Maryland and Montana should it become legal in those two states.

Scientific and William Hill aren’t the only ones striking deals. The Westgate announced it would branch out its SuperBook brand into new jurisdictions, and daily fantasy companies DraftKings and FanDuel have also made the transition to traditional sports betting.

Other sports betting companies that have expanded since the SCOTUS decision include GVC, 888, BetStars, SBTech, and Bet365.