The NBA Kings are "betting on sports wagering becoming legal in California," as they recently added the "Sacramento Kings Skyloft Predictive Gaming Lounge" at Golden 1 Center, according to Noel Harris of the SACRAMENTO BEE. Run as a "pilot program" during the Kings’ most recent five home contests, the game "allows fans to bet free credits to predict game results and compete to win non-monetary prizes." The Kings "teamed with Swish Analytics, which uses its BetRush software to power the game." The lounge is located on Golden 1 Center’s suite level. For this rollout, access was "limited to suite, loft and balcony box ticket holders as a way to test the technology and fan interest." Kings CTO Ryan Montoya said, “It’s a way of putting training wheels on, both for us and the fans, to see how they interact … so when it is legal, we’re prepared." Harris noted players can "wager credits on categories similar to Super Bowl proposition bets." Prizes included "autographed Kings memorabilia and game tickets, including courtside seats." Kings officials "didn't release exact numbers" but estimated 90% of those who "visited the lounge played the game." Swish Analytics co-Founder Bobby Skoff said that "nearly two-thirds were women." The Kings "plan to expand the game to other levels of the arena" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 4/5).
