Comcast Adds Odds From FanDuel to Xfinity X1 Streaming Platform

Comast is furthering its foray into the sports betting industry.

The media company has announced it will now offer odds from FanDuel on its Xfinity X1 streaming platform. They will be featured in the “Odds Zone,” which they can access while watching sporting events. The move comes after Comcast made a similar deal with DraftKings in March 2024.

FanDuel odds will be available for the NCAA (basketball and football), MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, PGA, and WNBA.

Comcast Using Industry to Grow Platform

Like the sports betting industry, competition between streaming platforms is fierce in the US. With so many Americans ditching cable, traditional media giants like Comcast must find ways to compete against new rivals. The company hopes that they can use sports betting to do so.

Many channels and platforms use live odds, but few streaming services do. DraftKings's deal was a strong start, and its success led to its addition of FanDuel, which offers odds from the two top sportsbooks in the US.

Live Sports Remain Key Market

With major networks using their own streaming platforms to access shows on demand, live sports have become incredibly valuable. Companies like Comcast are battling over rights for leagues, but sports betting represents a new market for rivals to compete. 

Comcast hopes their Odds Zone will help lure sports bettors to switch. While platforms like YouTubeTV and Fubu have better sports, the ability to access live odds sets Xfinity X1 apart. Time will tell if the move pays off and if other rivals follow suit. 

Will Odds Draw Attention from Lawmakers?

Since launching DraftKings odds last year, Comcast has avoided scrutiny from lawmakers. However, calls for increased regulations on sports betting have grown since then, thanks to an uncontrolled spike in problem and underage gambling.

The biggest issue could be the availability of the Odds Zone. The threat to those struggling with gambling addiction is clear, but the more significant threat is to underage residents. The country has seen many young people begin to find ways to place bets. While regulated Sportsbooks have tools to prevent underage gambling, it's not always enough. There are also offshore sportsbooks, which care little about the age of its customers.

While the Odds Zone isn’t technically advertising, new federal legislation could soon change that. If it does, it will spell the end of the offering.