NBA to launch virtual betting game with Highlight Games
Last 90 will enable players to bet on various outcomes during the last 90 seconds of a simulated match and feature real highlights
The NBA has partnered with casino games developer Highlight Games to produce a virtual betting game featuring real NBA highlights.
Dubbed Last 90, the game will debut in both the US and Europe during the next NBA season.
Players will be able to bet on a number of outcomes during the last 90 seconds of a simulated match, including who will win, and the total number of points scored by each team.
The game will feature real NBA highlights
Operators in both the US and Europe will be able to offer the game to their bettors via their retail, online and mobile offerings.
Head of fantasy and gaming for the NBA, Scott Kaufman-Ross, said the association was looking to give fans another way to engage with the sport.
“Virtual sports betting is incredibly popular in regions around the world and we’re looking forward to giving fans another innovative way to engage with the NBA,” Kaufman-Ross said.
Highlight Games CEO Tim Green said: “Highlight Games has an ambitious strategy to enter the nascent US sports betting and virtual sports market, and this collaboration is the first important step on that journey.
“NBA Last 90 features real NBA stars and real NBA highlights, differentiating it from any other virtual sports product on the market,” he added.
Last 90 will initially be launched in Europe before being rolled-out in the US next year. The partnership also involves the National Basketball Players Association.