Sports fans in Australia will be thrilled by the latest development surrounding X, with the social media platform gearing up to introduce a new sports betting feature.
The company recently sealed a deal with a leading digital gambling platform, signalling an exciting venture into the world of interactive and engaging sports betting.
While the financial specifics of the partnership remain undisclosed, a key highlight of the collaboration is the integration of sports betting statistics directly onto the X platform.
This latest development promises to significantly improve the user experience, providing punters with real-time data to make informed betting decisions.
Read on as we take a closer look at how X could impact sports betting, before assessing some of the other innovations influencing sport in Australia at the moment.
X Could Revolutionise Sports Betting in Australia
In Australia, where sports gambling holds a significant place in the cultural fabric, the introduction of this feature aligns with the nation’s enthusiasm for both sports and betting.
The best sports betting sites in Australia could have a new route to the gambling market available to them following the news that social media platform X is planning to be a hub for sports betting.
The timing of this announcement couldn’t be more perfect, arriving just two weeks before the highly anticipated Super Bowl LVIII.
The event is expected to be a record-breaker, with a projected 50.4 million adults in the United States placing bets on the eagerly awaited showpiece event.
This surge in participation is largely attributed to proposition wagers, also known as ‘prop bets’, which focus on in-game occurrences rather than the game’s final outcome.
Australians are famous for their love of sports betting and are likely to find these prop bets an exciting addition to their Super Bowl experience.
For X, the Super Bowl represents not only a thrilling sporting event but also an avenue to attract significant traffic to the social media platform.
X experienced a momentary crash during Rihanna’s half-time show last year, highlighting the enormous popularity of the event, which is one of the biggest in the realm of global sports.
Anticipation for the Super Bowl LVIII is palpable, and the spotlight is on the teams vying for the championship title. The Kansas City Chiefs are bidding to defend the title, but face a stiff task against the San Francisco 49ers.
American singer Usher has been slated to headline the half-time show, promising a spectacular performance to complement the intensity of the game.
Australian Open’s AI Revolution in Tennis Marketing
The Australian Open is set to tap into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise its marketing strategy.
The tournament plans to use AI to generate simulated lip movements of top tennis professionals, including the likes of Novak Djokovic, syncing them with computer-generated voices that replicate the players’ audio tone and pitch.
This approach was unveiled during the 2024 tournament’s official ‘demo day’, sparking a mix of curiosity and discomfort among tennis commentators.
Tennis Australia (TA) sees this as a strategic move to build audiences and increase revenue through technological innovation and start-up investment.
Although the players are not completely sold on the idea of using their voices, TA’s head of innovation, Machar Reid, says they will be consulted as the technology refines their image.
Adopting this method helps ensure coherence but will also be pivotal in maintaining a resemblance to the player’s voice while synchronising lip movements.
An exhibition displaying Djokovic speaking in Spanish has been presented, demonstrating the potential of AI in adapting to different languages.
TA has implemented English subtitles displaying the exact words of the players from transcripts in a bid to address any potential controversies.
The initiative has drawn mixed reactions from commentators, but TA plans to continue consulting with players, emphasising ongoing collaboration and responsiveness to their concerns.
MyVenue’s Meteoric Rise from South Australia to International POS Success
South Australian company MyVenue is making waves on the global stage, expanding its footprint in the United States and achieving an impressive $7.3 million in exports in the US market.
MyVenue was established in 2020 and has quickly become a key player, with its point-of-sale (POS) software being utilised in major sporting events across 78 recognised venues in the US, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia.
The MyVenue software is now a crucial component in renowned venues such as Hard Rock Stadium and AT&T Stadium, home to National Football League (NFL) giants Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys, respectively.
MyVenue’s comprehensive POS solution includes features like a mobile ordering app, an online portal, self-service kiosks, real-time dashboards and full inventory control.
This multifaceted approach has streamlined operations not only in major sporting venues but also in hotels, cafes and community sports clubs in Australia.
MyVenue is recognised at the highest level and has won the National Small Business category at the Australian Export Awards in November 2023.
Looking ahead, the company plans to continue its expansion throughout the US, Canada and the UK in 2024, showcasing Australia’s growing influence in the global market.
