Pilot to reach 25% of US
The pilot episode of new syndicated sports betting series “Beat the Odds” is coming soon to approximately 25% of US television households.
“Beat the Odds” debuts February 11, announced producers Tupelo Honey and Las Vegas TV channel KVUU Fox5 on Tuesday.
Emmy-winning director at FOX5Vegas, Ryan Dunn, took to Twitter express his excitement at getting to direct the pilot episode:
Tupelo Honey CEO Cary Glotzer said the programming represents “a different type of sports betting show.” Glotzer said his firm developed the show to engage both bettors and sports fans.
“It will give sports bettors top-notch analysis and information, but it’ll also be very entertaining, with features on sports history and how sports influence culture.”
Atlanta-based Gray Television owns both Tupelo Honey and KVUU Fox5. The pilot episode will be available on select US television channels. In the fall, Tupelo Honey plans to start production of the 30-minute weekly series, which will be available for nationwide syndication.
High-energy, feature packed show
“Beat the Odds” will be a mix of news, data, and analysis, and will include sports history designed to educate and entertain sports bettors and sports fans. Household-name analysts famed for beating the odds will deliver expert insights. Sports history features and information, meanwhile, will center on headline-making wins and significant upsets, with stories of risk takers and odds makers adding to the show’s potential appeal.
In a news release from their Las Vegas base, the series originators said the programming would feature current and former athletes, media celebrities, and historians. KVVU news anchor Dave Hall will host the pilot. Seasoned handicappers Jack Ross and Ted Sevransky join Hall in the studio, along with television personality and Super Bowl-winning wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
KVUU’s vice president and GM Michael Korr expressed his excitement that the show was getting produced in Vegas and filmed on a new set at the TV station.
betting analysis and compelling storytelling”
Korr said the show “combines and showcases two of the most popular aspects of sports for the public, betting analysis and compelling storytelling.”
Perfect time to launch
“Beat the Odds” debuts at an opportune time, with Super Bowl LVI kicking off on Sunday between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals. This has been a remarkable NFL season in many ways, from thrilling football and several underdog upsets, to sports betting thriving across the US with record handles and taxes flooding into states’ coffers.
Friday’s new show already potentially has a couple of major topical talking points that fit its look. One is the American Gaming Association’s estimate that a record 31.4 million Americans will wager on Super Bowl LVI, a staggering 35% year-on-year rise. And you can always rely on Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale for a juicy soundbite. On February 2, Mack placed a $4.5m bet for the Bengals to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy on Sunday, breaking the record for the highest single mobile wager of all time. While Mack’s track record might tempt many to fade his action, if his hunch is right, he’ll pocket $7,707,800.
Full Court Press host Greta Van Susteren will also interview former Green Bay Packers quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre during Friday’s pilot episode.