The National Lacrosse League (NLL), has confirmed the formation of a multi-year partnership with sports data and technology specialist Genius Sports to ensure the integrity of the league’s games.
Under the auspices of the deal, Genius Sports will conduct a global assessment of current betting activity on NLL games and project the likely growth given the emergence of a legal sports betting market in the US.
Drawing on its experience of advising governing bodies on how to manage betting-related issues, the firm will also draw up a recommended operational and internal communications framework for the NLL, drawing on best practices around the world.
Both parties said they will work together to establish an educational program for players, officials and other stakeholders to understand the betting environment and be alert to potential integrity problems, and Genius Sports will monitor the lacrosse betting markets and provide the league with alerts regarding any suspicious activity.
“As the sports gambling market in the United States continues to take shape, we as a league have a responsibility to make sure all aspects of our product is beyond reproach, and there is no one better to ensure we maintain the integrity of our game than Genius Sports,” Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz said.
He added: “The growth of our league, especially amongst digital natives, along with the expansion of the sport of lacrosse in general, makes the area of data analytics, sports betting and fan engagement one of our key focuses going forward.”
“We welcome the National Lacrosse League to our growing list of global league partners,” said Steven Burton, Managing Director Genius Sports. “There is no doubt that lacrosse is growing very quickly and we think the future for the game, especially tied to the product that Nick and his team have built, is very bright, and we are looking forward to helping them in this next expansive phase of business growth.”
