ESPN launches daily sports betting show

US sports television network ESPN has announced plans for a new daily sports betting show, Daily Wager. 

Daily Wager, a one-hour programme, will be broadcast on weekdays from 6PM Eastern Time on ESPNEWS and will also stream live on the ESPN app.

The show, which launches next week, will be anchored by ESPN's in-house sports betting analyst Doug Kezirian (pictured), and will feature guests, interviews and reports with discussion centred on betting options ahead of major sports events.

ESPN said the introduction of the show reflects the increasingly significant presence of legal betting within the US sports sector.

“ESPN’s mission is to serve sports fans,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president. “The sports betting environment has changed and interest is increasing at unprecedented levels.

“ESPN is going to have a strong and vibrant presence across our platforms, and the launch of Daily Wager is the next step in what has already been underway for some time.”

The programme's launch follows the introduction of a series of betting-focused podcasts and increased coverage of betting markets within ESPN's scheduled programmes and website content.

ESPN said discussion and expert analysis will be combined with ESPN’s stats and information resources. The screen will be modified to include graphics related to sports betting news, lines and information.

ESPN added: “Sports wagering experts will be making picks on the program while ESPN reporters and analysts will provide information and insight but will not be making picks.”

Betting has become a central part of the US sports scene since the repeal of PASPA almost a year ago. This has led to sports betting being legalised in a number of states, with legislative efforts underway in others. Meanwhile major US sports leagues and teams have established partnerships with gambling operators as they look to take a piece of the action.