FuboTV is "buying an online sportsbook," Vigtory, in a deal that makes the streaming provider the "latest sports-rich media company to invest in sports gambling in an effort to attract and retain viewers," according to Lillian Rizzo of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. After acquiring Vigtory, FuboTV "eventually plans to integrate" it into its TV platform. Vigtory also will be available to those "outside of the FuboTV subscriber base." FuboTV launched about six years ago as a way for Americans to stream foreign soccer games, only to become a "fully fledged alternative to the traditional cable-TV package." Vigtory, which was founded by entrepreneur Sam Rattner in '19 and has "yet to launch," is "licensed only in Iowa so far, but is in discussions with other states." It counts MGM Resorts Int'l President of Interactive Gaming Scott Butera as its co-CEO. Both execs "will continue to run Vigtory after the acquisition closes." FuboTV co-Founder & CEO David Gandler said that he "expects sports wagering to not only generate more revenue for FuboTV but also make it more likely that customers will pay closer attention to sports and tune in more often" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 1/13).
