Opinion: Decision On Data Could Be Lesson For Sports Betting World

Data is what makes the sports betting world spin.

The fastest, most accurate data is the most desirable. But the data market is far from a highly competitive marketplace, thanks in large part to states that have mandated that companies use official league data, something available from only a handful of companies.

By creating barriers to entry, lawmakers in places like Illinois, Virginia, and Tennessee are almost certainly stifling innovation. But the data market’s consolidation around a handful of companies is not that much different than what is happening in the sports betting market at-large, as a small handful of well-resourced companies outspend and outlobby little companies.

Sports betting data companies not alone

Of course, state lawmakers play a role too, with high licensing fees that small companies cannot pay.

  
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