March Madness bracket devotees take note.
Just because sports betting is currently legal in only one New England state — Rhode Island — that has not stopped NESN from broadcasting a three-hour show five days a week devoted completely to the practice.
“Follow the Money” began airing this morning on NESNplus from 7 until 10, and beginning next month it will air on NESN from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The show comes out of Las Vegas and is produced by VSiN (Vegas Sports Information Network), the start-up network co-founded by broadcasting legend Brent Musburger. The “Follow the Money” show, with two co-hosts, bills itself as “an informative and entertaining sports talk show that blends actionable betting information with irreverent commentary, humor and legendary stories.”
Sports betting legislation is under consideration in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and New York, with Rhode Island expected to expand into mobile betting in the not too distant future.
NESN does not currently have plans to introduce dedicated sports betting information to its Red Sox and Bruins broadcasts, but if more and more states allow sports betting, it’s just a matter of time before the practice becomes widespread.
“Sports-wagering regulations are changing quickly and with these changes we anticipate an increased interest in obtaining relevant and reliable sports information,” Rick Jaffe, NESN’s Vice President of Programming and Production, said in a press release. “VSiN has both the experience and expertise to deliver the most up-to-date gaming data and analytics to New England’s sports fans.”
Brian Musburger, the founder and CEO of VSiN, said in the same release: “NESN has long been a leader in regional sports television, and there is no better partner to reach sports fans throughout New England. As regulated sports betting expands across the country, VSiN will continue to partner with innovators like NESN to help inform the rapidly growing number of Americans wagering on sports.”
NESN is owned by the Fenway Sports Group, owner of the Red Sox as well as Delaware North, which not only owns the Bruins but also 11 casino-gaming venues in seven states, including West Virginia, where sports betting is currently allowed.
VSIN bills itself as the first media company devoted to news, analysis and data revolving around sports betting. Former Phillies star Ryan Howard is one of its investors.