Winners will earn points and compete in community leaderboards, while FuboTV has pledged to expand the types of contests and overall gaming experience before introducing prizes in the future.
Players in select markets will also see the games integrated on Fubo Sportsbook, where a QR code alongside their free predictions will direct users to place real-money wagers aligned with their picks.
“With this weekend’s launch, FuboTV will become the first live TV streaming platform to offer pick’em games integrated into the video experience with a direct gateway to an owned-and-operated sportsbook,” said Mike Berkley, CPO at FuboTV.
“We believe interactivity is a key product differentiator for Fubo and, with these immersive experiences built into our live streaming product, we can offer the most personalised – and customisable – sports and entertainment television experience.”
Scott Butera, president of Fubo Gaming, added: “While other media companies are entering into external partnerships with betting companies, FuboTV and Fubo Sportsbook have combined both into one ecosystem.
“The launch of pick’ems will further demonstrate FuboTV’s unique product integration and commitment to offering fans real-time immersive experiences across multiple touchpoints.”
Fubo Gaming president Scott Butera: “While other media companies are entering into external partnerships with betting companies, FuboTV and Fubo Sportsbook have combined both into one ecosystem.”
This is the latest development from FuboTV as it aims to combine streaming and gaming into a single entertainment interface.
“Fubo Sportsbook is purpose-built to meet US sports fans’ growing demand for interactivity by delivering personalised omniscreen experiences that turn passive viewers into active participants,” the firm said.
According to FuboTV, this integrated approach has led to stronger engagement, with crossover users on average placing a greater number of bets and having higher retention rates on the sportsbook than with sportsbook-only players.
The company intends to further integrate FuboTV and Fubo Sportsbook with additional product features this year, including live odds, subject to regulatory approvals.
Streaming giant DAZN recently teamed up with Pragmatic Group to launch a DAZN BET-branded sportsbook, while also bolstering the sports betting expertise of its management team with a series of high-profile hires.
Alun Bowden, senior consultant at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, has written about interactive TV betting on his blog, The State of Online Gambling. The first line reads: “Few things have been as consistently dreadful as interactive TV betting over the years.”
You can click here to read the rest of his blog.