How FanDuel Can Leverage Bill Simmons’ Popularity In Massachusetts

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Written By David Fletcher on March 2, 2023
Bill Simmons can help FanDuel in Massachusetts, from play-ma.com

Bill Simmons is practically synonymous with Massachusetts sports, being just as highly regarded as numerous athletes in the state.

Simmons’ popularity among sports enthusiasts in the state has garnered him a devoted following. Whether it’s the Celtics, Patriots, or Bruins, he passionately supports them all and is unafraid to express it. Given his appeal to Massachusetts residents and his vast platforms, he becomes an intriguing choice for sports betting advertisements.

FanDuel recognized the potential and seized the opportunity, which could greatly influence the sportsbook’s performance in the new market. While FanDuel is highly regarded by fans in the industry, competition from market leaders like DraftKings and BetMGM necessitates a constant drive for advancement.

Simmons’ involvement with The Ringer, his brainchild created post-departure from ESPN, has led to a partnership with FanDuel. As a result, Simmons has essentially become a representative for FanDuel, making appearances on FanDuel TV and endorsing FanDuel bets through his podcasts.

Having one of Massachusetts’ most popular public figures on its promotional roster, FanDuel may have a favorable advantage over DraftKings in the race for sports betting dominance in the state.

Simmons’ reach and background

Simmons’ resume stands out as one of the most remarkable in the field of sports commentary. He spent almost 15 years at ESPN, serving as a prominent columnist and commentator. Following his tenure there, he launched his own successful website and podcast network, The Ringer, which was recently acquired by Spotify for a staggering sum of nearly $200 million.

The Ringer podcast network is expected to surpass 100 million monthly downloads. Within this network, there is a podcast called The Rewatchables, which delves into the analysis of highly rewatched films. This podcast attracts over 200,000 monthly listeners. Although it is not sports-focused, being part of the Ringer network provides potential opportunities for advertising.

Lastly, Simmons boasts a substantial following of 5.6 million on Twitter.

There are abundant levers at the disposal of the Massachusetts native to effectively promote FanDuel.

Check out the top promotions for sports betting in Massachusetts.

Current activity and future FanDuel Massachusetts possibilities

Simmons’ current focus doesn’t seem to be on Massachusetts, but he is actively involved in promoting the sportsbook for FanDuel.

He established a segment called “Million Dollar Picks” that he now shares on his Twitter account and Ringer podcast. This segment focuses on his top picks for significant and prime sporting events on the sportsbook. While he used to be more engaged during the Super Bowl, his level of activity could soon see a change.

Yes, we are also curious about how Simmons, living in California, goes about placing his bets. Some of the potentially illegal options would include using a bookie, an offshore sportsbook, or a proxy in a state where it is legal. Regardless, it is not a favorable situation.

As March Madness draws near, FanDuel may consider increasing their investment in Simmons’ advertising services, just as they did during the Super Bowl. With a total of nearly 70 games played over multiple weeks, March Madness presents numerous opportunities for Simmons and FanDuel Sportsbook MA to reach out to sports bettors in the state right from the start.

Simmons’ collaboration provides FanDuel with a considerable advantage over its rivals in advertising. While most competitors enlist popular celebrities, very few possess the Massachusetts sports appeal that Simmons brings. In contrast to conventional advertising partners, Simmons’ platforms are exclusively focused on sports and have a wide-reaching impact, including a significant presence among Massachusetts residents.

What it all means

The gaming industry greatly values each investment, as it helps distinguish oneself. Simmons’ reputation and influence among sports fans in Massachusetts and its vicinity will undoubtedly play a significant role in the success of the sportsbook in the state.

Simmons offers a consistent connection to sports fans beyond the scope of traditional television or social media ads, reaching millions of listeners through his podcast and millions of followers on Twitter. Moreover, a significant portion of FanDuel’s achievements can be attributed to its popularity in the Northeastern United States.

Combining their current success in the region with the strong brand of Simmons, DraftKings Sportsbook MA has a significant advantage in the market. With these factors combined, they are likely to maintain their second-place position in Massachusetts.