There are many reasons why spectators have a deep-rooted love of sport. From its aesthetically-pleasing nature to its passion-fueled enjoyment, numerous professional games owe their longevity and popularity to supporters. While nothing can quite match the thrill of attending live sporting events, various technological developments have significantly altered how sports fans can engage with game-specific online content. So, let’s take a look at some of the advancements that have sought to bring fans closer to the action than ever before.
Fantasy Game Modes
Regardless of the sport, spectators that watch team-based games will likely hold the belief that they could do better than their side’s current manager or coach. Well, following the rise of digitalization, fans are now able to showcase their knowledge across various fantasy platforms. Discussing sports is a popular pastime among passionate spectators, and, although most opinions are subjective, fantasy games ensure that viewers can now immerse themselves in their favorite games in more detail than ever before.
Crucially, this aspect of contemporary sports isn’t limited to just a few practices. For example, as well as fantasy basketball, cricket, football, and soccer, prospective participants can also explore baseball, MMA, and racing alternatives, as well as many more. Interestingly according to a report by Fool, there is an illusion of control regarding fantasy sports, which is one of the reasons why they’re so popular. There’s a belief that the more authority a player has over their gaming experiences, the more likely they are to remain engaged.
Aside from this, the competitive side of fantasy sports cannot be overlooked. For example, at Fantasy Premier League, users are able to compete in both public and private lobbies. After putting a team together upon browsing all of the necessary data and insights, players can create their own leagues, allowing them to compete against their colleagues, family, and friends.
Sports Betting
Much like fantasy games, sports betting opportunities combine digital markets with real-world sporting events. As per a report by MarketWatch, it’s a testament to the industry’s popularity that the market is forecast to grow into an $8 billion sector in the United States over the next five years. To showcase how significant of an increase this could be, the same article states that sports betting was generating revenues of $833 million in 2019.
In many ways, there are numerous similarities between fantasy developments and sports betting. In each market, prospective users are encouraged to research beforehand in order to maximize their chances of success. Moreover, real-world performances have a direct influence on whether players triumph or not from one matchday to another. Furthermore, betting has also become far more of a social activity in the last few years. This approach entails bringing the community together, allowing bettors to play alongside each other, much like fantasy platforms.
However, perhaps the most integral reason behind the industry’s contemporary popularity concerns its in-depth offerings across various sports. At Royal Panda, where you can place bets online, prospective bettors can explore a wide array of different sporting markets. From soccer to table tennis, the operator covers extensive variables, including in-game odds on corners or yellow cards, for example, as well as outrights on tournament winners, such as the 2020-21 Premier League champions where Manchester City are the current favorites.
Stats-Oriented Platforms
From an immersion standpoint, data-driven sites may not seem like the most exciting approach to digitally enjoying various sports. However, contrary to common belief, many sporting outfits heavily rely on statistics within the 21st century. Because of that, a numbers-based approach can be more immersive than first thought.
Interestingly, platforms like Understat, Squawka, and Transfermarkt can be useful tools for those who enjoy fantasy soccer or sports betting. In their own right, the available platforms provide different insights into the statistical side of soccer. Understat, for example, is a revolutionary soccer metric that offers evaluation across both individuals and teams. This provides soccer fans with a data-focused analysis of performance across numerous datasets, including xG90 (expected goals per 90) and xA90 (expected assists per 90).
Sports Immersion Doesn’t Stop at the Off-Season
For sports fans, the end-of-season break is a period that often requires patience. However, with the above advancements, the off-season provides an opportunity to prepare for next season’s fantasy games and sports betting markets. Although it can’t replicate real-world action, digital developments help to retain year-long immersion.
