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Following the introduction of Michigan online sports betting in early 2021, sports gambling operators were hustling to capture the attention of Michigan sports enthusiasts.
Included in the list of companies is Bally’s, the brand behind a prominent cable channel in Michigan that serves as the broadcasting hub for Detroit Pistons, Red Wings, and Tigers games.
On March 31, 2021, Fox Sports Detroit was rebranded as Bally Sports Detroit, positioning itself as a valuable player in the thriving sports betting industry. Unfortunately, Bally’s lacks market access in the Great Lakes State at present.
In late April 2021, the transition from the Fox Sports GO app to the Bally Sports app occurred, bringing along new graphics and music while keeping most other aspects unchanged.
Bally Sports Review
CONCERNS ADDRESSED: We carefully evaluate the pros and cons of the rebranded station after its rebranding.
Bally Sports+ streaming service launching June 23, 2022
Most streaming customers in Michigan do not have access to Bally Sports Detroit.
Sinclair has not reached a deal with YouTubeTV, Hulu, fuboTV, and SlingTV, thereby preventing their subscribers from accessing the channel.
However, cord cutters now have the option to subscribe to Bally Sports+, an independent streaming service. Scheduled for release on June 23, this service will be available for $19.99 monthly or $189.95 annually. By subscribing, customers gain access to a wide range of content, including games featuring the Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings, and all other programming aired by Bally Sports Detroit throughout the year.
AT&T TV, DIRECTV, and Xfinity are cable carriers that offer access to the channel, although certain access tiers may be more expensive.
Sinclair purchased channels, repackaged naming rights
It is crucial to understand that Fox Sports Detroit has not been under the ownership of FOX for over a year.
In 2019, Sinclair Broadcast Group acquired Fox Sports Detroit and 20 other regional sports networks from Disney.
As a result of Disney’s acquisition of the 21st Century Fox entertainment division, the decision was made to sell off the RSNs due to monopoly restrictions imposed by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Bally’s making many moves in sports betting game
Bally’s, a renowned Las Vegas Strip betting brand, made a series of strategic moves to transition into the realm of online sports wagering, including the acquisition of branding rights.
Previously known as Twin River Worldwide Holdings, the present-day Bally’s company obtained its brand name following the aftermath of the merger between Caesars and Eldorado Resorts last year. As part of the deal, the Bally’s property in Atlantic City was also acquired, while interestingly, the Bally’s Las Vegas property was not included.
Gamesys Group, a United Kingdom online gaming company, was acquired by Bally’s in 2021.
Last year, the company purchased Bet.Works, a supplier of sports betting platforms, and intended to introduce the Bally Bets platform. Additionally, Bally’s acquired Monkey Knife Fight, a daily fantasy sports company.
However, the company still lacks market access, which has become extremely difficult to obtain in Michigan.
Will I be able to bet on games while watching Bally Sports Detroit?
Due to the absence of market access in Michigan, Bally’s sports betting product will not be available in this location in the near future.
Nevertheless, there may be potential prospects in the future.
As contracts between sports betting companies and casino operators expire, opportunities to enter the market in the future may arise.
However, if you don’t have market access, it implies that you won’t be able to place bets on games using your TV. Nevertheless, you do have the option to bet on games televised on Bally Sports Detroit through any of the 15 existing live sports betting operators.
Online sports betting presence all over Michigan TVs
The Bally’s branding serves as an additional channel to connect with sports viewers in Michigan.
Since the introduction of online sports betting on January 22, 2021, the competition for TV ad space during sporting events has escalated to an intense level.
While the Detroit Pistons shoot free throws, Jamie Foxx experiences a sense of belonging as he gets exposed to sports betting ads.
Now, the marketing for sports betting will be predominantly done by a brand that does not have a physical presence in the state.
This is simply the most recent evidence of how far these companies are willing to go in order to connect with sports enthusiasts.
