The relationship between sports betting and the sports industry as a whole is very strong at the moment. Both sides are benefiting, the bookmakers have something they can accept bets on while many sports teams and leagues receive income through sponsorship for some of the big names.
When it comes to the women’s league and events taking place, this is currently on a much smaller scale. However, there is every hope that bookmakers can aid the growth of women’s sport in a few different ways.
Some people enjoy a wager, while others don’t but the fact is that sports betting is a great tool for sports to use to gain exposure. Could we see events featuring women be the next in line to receive some attention?
How Can Bookmakers Increase Exposure?
The key to much of this lies with one important aspect of betting, which is in play betting. The top bookmakers such as those listed at freebets.co.uk all offer in play betting. This is when you place a wager on a game that is taking place.
Many punters will log on and go straight to the in play section to see what is taking place, and bet on anything they can.
A key part of this service is streaming, and if an event is streamed, it is more likely that punters will bet on it, as they can then watch the action unfold.
Should sports offer a live stream, bookmakers can use it and therefore it is highly likely that more people are going to bet on that event because of the stream, with many watching along to cheer their selection on.
Can Women’s Leagues and Competitions do Anything to Help?
With this in mind, it is clear what women's sports need to do, allow bookmakers access to a live stream of the games.
While big leagues such as the FA Women’s National League have a TV deal, many others don’t. This access to a live stream would cause no issues with TV deals, but would be a way of getting the games out to a wider audience.
Many people who place a bet will do so for betting purposes only, but there is a chance that some will enjoy what they see and either look to bet on the sport again, or look out for it on social media.
Even if just one or two people in every 100 does something about what they see, it is potential new fans that are coming into sports and in particular the women’s game.
What Does the Future Hold?
The hope is that any women’s league or competition that uses betting to enhance the profile sees a benefit from it.
We could see situations where big netball games such as those down under are being shown live via bookmaker websites and that increases the viewers around the world.
When smaller teams and competitions are looking for sponsors, one of the things they can point to is their social media presence, and how they can market things to their followers.
If some of those watching via betting websites then go to follow the teams on social media, this can add weight when they are speaking to sponsors who they are trying to get on board.
It may not be the most conventional route, but the betting industry has a lot of benefits for sports who are looking for ways to get noticed and find some more viewers and followers.
There are many women’s leagues and competitions that could do with that, hopefully they take the chance while it’s there.
