NBC Sports Philly to host alternative Sixers coverage that is “Betting-Focused”

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy a little sports wagering every now and again. Not too long ago, this meant finding the shadiest guy in the room at your local dive bar and trusting that he’d actually pay you out when you won. With recent legislation however, engaging in sports gambling is becoming much, much easier (and so is losing money). And tagging along with the trend is significant changes to the sports media industry: more and more gambling podcasts, television shows and websites are popping up. According to a press release from NBC Sports Philadelphia, they’re joining the trend:

PHILADELPHIA – APRIL 2, 2019 – NBC Sports Philadelphia will present alternate, betting-focused live coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers-Atlanta Hawks game this Wednesday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia+. 76ers vs. Hawks Presented by NBC Sports Bet will feature betting-related commentary and analysis in real time, along with up-to-date betting data and information.

The special program will be led by NBC Sports Philadelphia and 97.5 The Fanatic host Marc Farzetta alongside sports betting expert Brad Feinberg, an analyst on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s The Daily Line, and Anthony Gargano from 97.5 the Fanatic. The hosts will discuss a variety of betting lines and how gameplay impacts certain bets throughout the game.

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“We are thrilled to be the first to provide this betting-focused programming and analysis, with a format that is relevant to everyone, from those just learning to advanced bettors,” said NBC Sports Philadelphia President Brian Monihan. “This live coverage continues our commitment to engage our fans in new and exciting ways.”

The alternate telecast is NBC Sports Philadelphia’s latest venture in providing relevant and timely sports betting content for Philly sports fans. The Daily Line aired during the NFL season, and betting odds are included on NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com and within podcasts.

This is an interesting movement, and I’m sure I’ll tune in for a bit to check it out just out of curiosity. I’d like to see some fresh faces, but NBC Sports Philly all too often dips into the already-established-radio-host-so-we-don’t-need-to-worry-about-developing-an-audience well.

I love the idea of alternative programming by the way — I wish there was a way you could sync up alternate presentations with Sixers games. I got nothin’ but love for Zu and Alaa, but it would be interesting to be able to switch over to non-affiliated commentary to get an outside perspective in real-time... that isn’t Mark Jackson.