From 1855 when the first ball was invented by Charles Goodyear, or 1896 when the Olympics embraced technology in stopwatches, sports have been better because of the positive impact of technology.
This impact of technology in sports has revolutionized the game. It has increased its effectiveness and reach. It has not come with specific resistance, but over the years, it has become clear that this trend in sports has come to stay.
Technology has also positively impacted the betting network in areas of sports betting, casino slot games, etc., helping sports fans earn big.
Here are some of the impacts:
1. Assistant for decisions
One major factor in sports, especially football, is accuracy and the decisions made by the referee from the available intelligence on the pitch. It has brought hitches and led to criticism on post matches commentary.
Sadly, some match officials have lost their place at big games. With the introduction of technology, inventions like goal-line technology, Video Assistant Referee (VAR), among many others, have brought accuracy to the game.
Technology, which is mainly seen as neutral, has helped decide on many controversial goals, offside or on-side issues, handball, or penalty challenges, among many others. This accuracy in a verdict by these technological devices has helped sports officials make better decisions on the pitch.
In betting, it has helped players make better decisions by providing the best odds.
2. Accurate Statistics
There are specific calculations that the human mind cannot do accurately. The result is based on approximation and, sometimes, assumption. The use of technology has made this data exact and finite.
For example, Hawk-eye is a technological innovation used in cricket to calculate the ball’s movement in the air, giving us further details on its speed and pitch. It’s also used in tennis to ascertain in or out shots. Innovation in sports has brought accuracy to the data.
These statistics have also helped wagerers ascertain their wins after each game, especially for basketball which is a game of runs.
3. Ease
One central area that has experienced a boost for both sports fans and spectators is ticket purchase. In the past, there was so much struggle and hassle that it could be very discouraging for sports fans.
Technology has solved that hitch with online ticketing. Fans can purchase tickets easily before the games with just a few clicks online.
4. Broadcast and media
Before the usage of advanced technology in sports, the broadcast was very low, and missing a game meant it was gone for good. Replays were not available, only commentary and writings in the newspapers.
It, however, has changed with TV broadcasts and social media taking the stage.
Fans worldwide can stream live on their mobile devices or watch a game after it has been concluded.
Technology has brought sports to our comfort. Sports enthusiasts worldwide can also participate in sports betting through various odds available before and during the game.
All this is made possible through tech innovations. Fans can also interact with sports celebrities over social media and follow up on games, times, and venues.
Social media was essential in the pandemic when fans were denied entry into stadiums. Many sports enthusiasts could still follow their favorite games online and participate actively.
5. Protective gadgets and health improvement
For sports like racing, biking, and other physical sports, technological innovations have helped provide protective gears against accidents or injuries.
Since it’s impossible to separate sports from injury or accidents, it becomes imperative that there is a way to handle the unforeseen in sports games. It’s where technology comes in. It has made health tools available for athletes on the pitch or field of play. It has reduced the number of casualties worldwide.
With the progressive movement of science, it’s clear that the next decade will unveil better sports inventions.
6. The creation of varieties
Earlier, we could only watch one sport at a time, and that had to be done physically. Technology has made it possible to broadcast multiple games on different channels on television and also on mobile phones. It’s an advantage for bettors who wish to bet on different games and keep tabs on them.
A sports fan can follow all kinds of sports games like NBA, football, boxing, racing, and tennis, among many others, on popular channels like NFL, Supersport channels, etc.
7. Better stadiums
History can attest to the fact that stadiums were more like fields in the past. There was little or nothing that made the match better for spectators. In recent years, we’ve seen a change in that. Many stadiums are built with high technological devices like a big sound system or a huge screen display for viewers’ convenience, among many others.
The change in design and structure of most sports facilities was largely influenced by the influx of technological innovation in the present age.
8. Video games
Video games are one of the most addictive features of sports globally. Sports fans can now virtually play their favorite teams, leagues, or players on PS 5, laptops, phones, and mobile gaming devices.
This invention has spurred more interest in the game of sports and also increased revenue for clubs and league sponsors.