NBC Sports to air in-play betting-themed NBA broadcasts in DC

The nascent US sports betting market will head into uncharted territory this week when NBC Sports includes in-play betting coverage during Washington Wizards games.

On Monday, Sports Business Journal reported that NBC Sports will air “an interactive, alternate telecast” of Thursday’s NBA matchup pitting the Washington Wizards against the Milwaukee Bucks that will focus on the game’s in-play betting opportunities.

This alternate broadcast, which will air on the NBC Sports Washington Plus overflow channel, will feature the same announcers and advertising breaks as the regular feed. But the broadcast will include onscreen graphics detailing statistics, odds and point spreads that will update along with the action on the court. NBC plans to air eight such games over the rest of this season.

District of Columbia legislators approved a sports betting bill shortly before Christmas, so it will still be a while before DC actually launches legal wagering. But NBC’s website will offer a ‘free-to-play predictive contest’ that will involve viewers answering 30 in-play style questions regarding individual player performance and the like for a chance to win a $500 prize.