NBC Sports to integrate predictions game in NBA broadcast

NBC Sports will debut a predictions game incorporating features more commonly found in in-play wagering during its live broadcast of the NBA basketball game between the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks this week.

NBC Sports Washington, a regional affiliate of US sports broadcaster NBC Sports available in Washington D.C., will run a free-to-play predictive gaming contest during the January 11 clash.

Elements of the Predict the Game contest and real-time data will be displayed on a graphic overlay surrounding the regular live-game presentation. These stats will be similar to those displayed in a sports betting environment, such as win-probability data, moving money line and spread.

Fans taking part will have to answer a series of approximately 30 questions that appear on screen during the telecast, earning points for each correct response. The top eligible scorer at the end of the game will earn or split a prize of $500 (£391/€436).

To enter, viewers can register on the NBC Sports Washington site and submit their predictions. Leaderboards will be displayed at set times during the game and the winner revealed during the post-game coverage on NBC Sports Washington.

“Combining the excitement of live Wizards games with engaging predictive gaming and data feeds will deliver a very entertaining experience for viewers, from first-time gaming players to savvy sports bettors,” NBC Sports Washington senior vice president and general manager Damon Phillips said.

“The level of interest from fans, partners and sponsors in this area continues to increase, so we are pleased to offer this compelling product this season.”

NBC Sports Washington will follow Predict the Game's debut with seven more broadcasts offering the contest during the 2018-19 NBA season. These will include the Wizards’ regular-season games against the San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs.

Last month, Washington D.C. became the seventh jursidiction to legalise sports betting after the D.C. City Council approved the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act. The Act permits retail and digital sports betting in the US capital.