Kambi’s Senior Director of Sales, David Bretnitz, discusses the state of tribal sports betting, the importance of creating a strategy that works for each individual operator, and how Kambi can help every step of the way.
How far have tribal operators come in the sports betting landscape, and how much more opportunity ahead do you see for them?
When the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 was first repealed and sports betting became legal in the United States, tribes saw it as an opportunity to
expand their entertainment offerings on their lands. They have since come a long way from that, realizing that with their expertise in entertainment and gaming, they can compete in a more meaningful way with larger operators.
The most recent DC Circuit court ruling in Florida backs that up even further. While it doesn’t give tribes ultimate leverage, it allows them to have a well-deserved seat at the table from a forward-thinking perspective. While tribal operators have been an afterthought to big commercial brands, and while there is still plenty of work ahead for them, they now have more leverage when it comes to having a say in the process and allows them to participate in as well as benefit from the full sports betting ecosystem.
How will Kambi continue to support tribal operators in their efforts when it comes to expanding into sports betting?
Kambi has always been here to support tribal operators in any way they choose to be supported. Ultimately, it’s their decision what approach they want to take when launching a sportsbook, and not every tribe’s strategy will be the same. Much of the time, their strategy is not as much about handle and turnover, but about adding to the experiences that are specifically curated for their customers who have patronized them from the beginning.
Kambi will always provide a sports betting offering that is competitive and compelling, but more important are the resources we can provide. Whether it be leveraging relationships with regulators, managing their risks, or just simply offering consultation, when you partner with Kambi it alleviates some of those stressors so that the operator can solely focus on their strategy and customer engagement.
What makes Kambi the right choice for tribes who are considering starting their own sportsbook?
Kambi has the tools and resources in place that tribes need when considering entering the sports betting space, just as we have demonstrated with the likes of our partners including Desert Diamond Casinos, Potawatomi Casinos, and ilani, among others. As mentioned before, each tribe’s strategy is different and Kambi can provide a bespoke offering that is localized for each market. Being able to localize the offering based on their requirements is a catalyst for success.
Furthermore, our consultative approach provides tribal operators with the know-how to effectively navigate the complexities of offering sports betting, including market analysis, operational guidance, and hands-on legal and regulatory support. Kambi’s experience has provided us with valuable opportunities to learn from Indian country, the pain points they’ve experienced, and we’re able to assist in effectively guiding them through those situations all to the benefit of their communities.
On-Demand: Kambi’s Festival of Sportsbook
Last month, Kambi completed its third annual Festival of Sportsbook, which included a series of virtual events with experts from within Kambi and across the sports betting industry. Topics ranged from discussions about an evolving market, how AI is enhancing sports betting experiences, and other trends impacting sports betting.
This year’s Festival also included a special tribal session titled “The Path to On-Property Sportsbook Success for Tribal Gaming Operators.” Kambi’s Senior Director of Sales, David Bretnitz, was joined on a panel by CEO of Potawatomi Casinos & Hotels, Dominic Ortiz, Chief Gaming Officer of Vetnos, Valerie Spicer, and Sports Betting Director of Desert Diamond Casinos, Laurel Pittman, to discuss how leading tribal gaming operators are building retail sportsbooks for long-term success.
