The NBA Kings "want fans to come as close as they can" to sports betting with the forthcoming Skyloft Predictive Gaming Lounge at Golden 1 Center, according to Hilary Russ of REUTERS. During Bulls-Kings on March 17, some fans will be "able to place free 'predictions' on game outcomes" in the lounge. Ticketholders in certain sections will get "free credits with which to make 'predictions' on the game, including margin of victory, total team points, player blocks, turnovers, steals, triple-doubles and more." Winning "guesses" will "earn more credits, and the five fans with the highest totals then earn raffle tickets for autographed Kings gear and game tickets." No other NBA team has a "similar lounge for predictive gaming or actual betting." While sports betting is not yet legal in California, this may be the "next closest thing." However, the Kings' "optimism may face long odds," as California is "not among the states with legislation introduced this year to legalize sports wagers." The state's "complicated regulatory approval process and concern by powerful tribal casinos about retaining control of gaming" is "potentially slowing the roll-out" (REUTERS, 2/15).
