This might sound like an article from The Onion, but it’s real.
DraftKings Sportsbook announced on March 25 that it has developed a new product, launched so far only in Oregon, that allows users to gamble on whether single MLB pitches from prior seasons will be a ball, a strike, or a hit.
In industry terms, this is called “historical” betting, and it has existed for years in some states with horse racing.
DraftKings, like other sportsbooks, already allows microbetting on single MLB pitches and plate appearances in live games. The new product is the first to allow this kind of gambling on past MLB plate appearances.
The product launch is arguably crazy considering the timing.
It comes despite several states, including DraftKings’ home state of Massachusetts, considering new laws to prohibit microbets due, in part, to their potential for dramatically raising gambling addiction risks. The company was also sued this week in Pennsylvania for alleged addiction harm related to NFL microbets.
Some people can use microbetting products in moderation.
‘Analyze the Matchup’?!
DraftKings calls the new product “DK Replay.” You might be wondering: How is it possible to bet on plate appearances that have already happened?
DraftKings makes the past MLB plate appearances “anonymized.” Users don’t know who the batter or pitcher was, so they can’t simply pull up the result from an old box score.
DraftKings provides some information, giving users a sense (arguably a false sense) that there is an element of skill involved. In reality, the product appears akin to a slot machine.
MLB players “will be rated either bronze, silver, or gold based on key stats from the original game, such as batting average, slugging percentage, ERA, and strikeouts per nine innings, so that customers can analyze the matchup,” a company press release said.
Customers must place bets within the pitch clock, creating urgency and requiring quick decisions.
More from the press release:
“Once the bet is placed, the actual outcome of the pitch will be revealed, and the bet will be graded. Following the conclusion of the full plate appearance, or if the customer doesn’t bet on subsequent pitches due to the pitch clock getting to zero, the full original details of the matchup will be revealed, including the pitcher, batter and original game information. Customers will then have the option to bet on a new matchup.”
Is DK Replay Coming to Your State?
It’s unclear whether DraftKings will launch this product in other markets besides Oregon.
The Oregon Lottery approved the product, the company said. As of writing, no other state had done so. DraftKings said it is exploring additional state rollouts of DK Replay.
Some states may balk at microbetting on past MLB games, given the growing scrutiny of microbets on the live version. The product is arguably like a slot machine, which most states do not allow online.
If you live in a DraftKings state, contact your local representative or state regulatory commission if you have concerns about the DK Replay product potentially coming to your state. You can get ahead of this by contacting the people who represent you or regulate gambling.
Analysis
It is notable that historical microbetting comes at a time when the Bay State (as mentioned), along with New Jersey and Louisiana, considers legislation to rein in this form of prop bets. The federal SAFE Bet Act also seeks a ban.
Alongside addiction risks are threats to game integrity. Last year, a pair of players from the Cleveland Guardians were accused of illegal conduct involving microbets.
One could imagine that DraftKings may be interested in offering DK Replay as a substitute in states that prohibit live-game microbets. Unless you have a time machine, there can’t be corruption of plate appearances from the past.
Image by 용한 배 from Pixabay
