The future of gaming and professional sports – David Meltzer at SiGMA Asia 2024

Shirley Pulis Xerxen June 4, 2024

David Meltzer shared insights on the Future of Gaming and Professional Sports today during his keynote speech, sponsored by Wicked Games, at SiGMA Asia 2024, happening in Manila, the Philippines. Focusing on tech and sports intersections, he uncovered innovative industry possibilities.

The emotional drivers of sports and gaming revenue

“Especially middle-aged people, they buy things on emotion for logical reasons,” Meltzer explained, drawing parallels between the passionate engagement fans have with sports and the burgeoning interest in sports betting and gaming. He emphasised the importance of understanding the emotional connection fans have with sports and how technology can enhance this connection, leading to unprecedented levels of engagement and revenue growth.

Meltzer’s keynote focused on the future of revenue in sports, emphasising the exponential development in fan engagement facilitated by technology. He recounted a conversation with Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, who initially considered banning cell phones from basketball games due to concerns about distraction. However, the opposite has proven true, with handheld devices now integral to enhancing the fan experience.

“Think about all the things we can do to enhance the engagement and the emotional attachment,” Meltzer urged, pointing to the instant information available without latency, which has revolutionised sports betting. He also predicted that the capabilities of the stock market, including the secondary market, hedging, futures, and options, will be mirrored in professional sports, indicating a future where sports betting will offer a similar array of investment options.

Technology’s role in enhancing fan engagement

The impact of AI and technology in removing the emotional aspect of gaming was another key point, with Meltzer noting that analytics can provide a more pragmatic approach to betting, accessible to everyone. He also touched on the regulatory changes that have led to a more secure environment for sports betting, ensuring the integrity of the games and fostering growth in the industry.

Meltzer also explored the potential of bots in sports, suggesting that analytical bots could offer attractive revenue opportunities. For instance, a medical bot could predict the impact of injuries on a player’s performance, providing invaluable insights for bettors.

Looking at investment opportunities in the future of gaming and sports, Meltzer advised considering what is successful and stable today, as well as what is likely to thrive in the future. He also highlighted the sponsorship side of sports, noting that gaming companies have become the biggest sponsors, leveraging technology to amplify their return on investment.

The keynote concluded with a focus on in-person events, which Meltzer believes will remain a cornerstone of the sports and gaming experience, despite the proliferation of virtual access. He emphasized the unique value of live events, which enhance the emotional and experiential aspects of gaming.

Meltzer’s final advice was to study history and human nature to understand the future of gaming and professional sports. He pointed out that the same evolutionary trends seen in the stock market will also be reflected in professional sports, indicating a future of continuous innovation and revenue growth.