Sports data and content operation Sportradar has expanded its existing alignment with Major League Baseball to create a new virtual baseball in-play game for licensed gaming operators.
The new in-play simulation game, built specifically for betting, will be offered both in the US and internationally, and represents the first virtual gaming solution developed with a major US sports league. The as-yet-unnamed game will feature official MLB intellectual property such as team name and logos, and will incorporate official league data to simulate live game play.
Timing for the rollout in the US is to be determined, and will depend on regulations in various individual states.
“Leveraging MLB’s official content, we are confident that we have an enticing product that consumers will love and bookmakers will benefit from,” said David Lampitt, Sportradar managing director of sports partnerships. “As with all of our virtual sports offerings, our aim was to bring the most realistic look, feel, and betting experience to the market.”
Sportradar has operated its Virtual Gaming Solutions unit internationally for a decade, and works with more than 180 bookmakers worldwide on similar virtual games in sports such as basketball, tennis, soccer, and horse racing. The video game-like feel to the new MLB product was developed using motion-capture technology.
“One of the reasons we partnered with Sportradar was to develop new, engaging products for fans,” said Kenny Gersh, MLB executive vice president of gaming and new business ventures. “This first-of-its-kind virtual offering does just that.”
