jjnova wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2020 7:59 pm
MikeMitchell wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2020 12:32 pm
I am not a gambler myself but I like the approach of putting the point spreads and over/unders into the actual broadcast on screen. The announcers will probably talk about it too during games.
I can just picture people frantically adjusting their bets while watching the broadcast, laptop at their side. I don't gamble, so I don't mind it, but people who do might find it a bit distracting. I shared this with a friend of mine (who does bet on sports) and his response was, "Ugh. I don't want to watch a game while staring at changing odds and spreads every second."
That's not the point. There is no changing odds or spreads during the game. If Tampa is favored by 4 at kickoff and the over/under is 41. That's the spread that will be mentioned during the game. ABC will be using whatever lines Ceasars has.
Part of the storylines with some games is how much a team is favored by or how much a team is favored against.
NFL broadcasts or college never discuss the spread during the game. Al Michaels will joke about it from time to time when a late score happens.
It's not so much about the graphics on the screen. It's the broadcasters actually focusing in on what team is covering and what team isn't. The point spread itself is always a part of the game and part of the reason millions of people watch the games, sometimes to the very bitter end. I have a lot of family and friends that gamble on football. Many people within the communities that I have lived in.
If your friend has Tampa minus 4 and they are only up three. He will be hoping that Tampa scores again to cover. The announcers will be talking about the spread itself. It's going to be a part of the storyline.
Gambling is the ultimate elephant in the room. ABC/ESPN doesn't want to ignore it. As evidenced by the words in this very article.