VSiN, BetMGM Linkup for Live Sports Betting Show From NFL Stadium

Posted on: September 19, 2020, 03:58h. 

Last updated on: September 20, 2020, 05:33h.

Larry Henry Read More
Expertise: Commercial Gaming, Gaming Business, Legislation, Politics, Regulation.

The first sports betting show broadcast live from a National Football League stadium takes place this weekend in Denver.

VSiN Sports Betting TV Show
Denver’s Mile High Stadium is the site of the first live broadcast of a sports betting show at a National Football League stadium. Two shows are airing from the stadium on Sept. 20. (Image: Denver Post)

Sports handicapper James Salinas is set to broadcast from the BetMGM Lounge at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20. He is scheduled to host two programs, The Pregame Show at noon ET, followed by Betting Across America at 1 p.m. ET.

This is a joint effort by BetMGM and the Vegas Stats and Information Network (VSiN). Broadcasts will occur from the stadium during Denver Broncos’ road games this year, according to a statement from VSiN. The 0-1 Broncos are on the road Sunday, facing the 1-0 Steelers in Pittsburgh.

In addition to being a former sports reporter and editor at the Rocky Mountain News in Denver, Salinas has won more than $1 million in prize money betting on sports, according to VSiN. He won over $900,000 of that total in the 2015 Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest.

Sports Betting Takes Off

The VSiN venture with BetMGM is intended to capitalize on the rising popularity of sports wagering. Sports betting is legal in 18 states, and has been approved, but not yet put in place, in four more.

This year, the increased interest is coming as athletic events are ramping back up. Sports at every level came to a halt in mid-March when coronavirus infection rates began to spike. Since then, three of the major sports leagues — baseball, basketball, and ice hockey — began playing again in venues without fans.

Some college football conferences have chosen to shorten the season, postpone it, or sit it out. Fans have been allowed at some college games, but only in smaller numbers than in past years.

The National Football League began playing this month, with some teams allowing a limited number of spectators at games. For instance, the Kansas Chiefs have restricted fan seating to 22 percent of Arrowhead Stadium’s normal capacity.

Other NFL teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, are taking a no-fans approach. After moving from Oakland at the end of last season, the 1-0 Raiders are playing their first Southern Nevada home game on Monday at Allegiant Stadium. Because of COVID-19 concerns, no spectators will be in attendance at any NFL games in the $1.9-billion stadium this year.

With major sports leagues back in action and more online betting options available, sports waging is expected to continue in popularity. Citing the research firm Global Market Insights, CNBC recently reported that the online gambling market could reach $160 billion by 2026.

Las Vegas Expansion

As sports betting activity picks up now that big games are on the board again, Las Vegas is experiencing an expansion in sports wagering broadcast programs.

VSiN has hired additional staff members, and for the first time is broadcasting from casinos outside Nevada. The new Circa Resort, expected to open its gaming areas next month in downtown Las Vegas, will include a VSiN studio. The network will maintain its current studio adjacent to the sportsbook at the South Point Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

Disney-owned ESPN has opened a 6,000-square-foot studio inside the LINQ Hotel on the Strip. The Daily Wager sports betting show originates from the Las Vegas studio.