Cricket, Fandom, and the Unspoken Price of Fantasy Gaming
13 days ago
- #Sports Sponsorship
- #Cricket Economics
- #Fantasy Gaming
- Fantasy gaming originated from the Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators League (GOPPPL) in 1962.
- The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (2006) exempted fantasy sports as 'games of skill,' a classification widely debated today.
- Modern fantasy gaming involves complex algorithms and models, making it difficult for casual players to compete against professionals.
- The term 'bumhunting' describes experienced players exploiting novices in fantasy gaming, a practice rampant due to open leagues.
- Fantasy gaming companies like Dream11 and My11Circle have significantly impacted cricket sponsorship and broadcasting revenues in India.
- The IPL faces challenges with high sponsor churn rates and overpriced media rights deals, potentially affecting future revenue.
- Fantasy gaming's role in sustaining cricket in associate nations is questioned, with calls for equitable revenue sharing instead.
- Fantasy gaming dehumanizes athletes, reducing them to mere statistics and fantasy points, altering fan-player relationships.
- The addictive nature of fantasy gaming raises concerns about its impact on fandom and the quality of sports viewership.