Wings and Wagers: Hooters in on the sports gambling scene

It’s almost finally here – Super Bowl LIV is just two days away, and this NFL Championship game is already breaking the bank with the number of bets it is attracting.  Around the world, more than $7 billion is expected to be wagered on the game, and restaurant chain Hooters wants to make sure it doesn’t miss out on the fun.  It announced yesterday that it has teamed up with a sports gambling company, as well as an advertising firm, to give diners in some states the ability to place wagers with their wings.

According to the company, known for its scantily-clad food servers and Buffalo wings, it will be offering gamblers in Indiana, New Jersey and Pennsylvania the opportunity to enjoy some betting action during their visits to the restaurants.  KonekTV televisions, specializing in sports information, are being used to display key stats, analytics and odds provided by BetRivers, and patrons will be able to place their bets directly with the online app, or by phone or web browser, offered by the sportsbook.

Hooters of America CEO Terry Marks asserts, “We love enhancing the guest experience in any way we can from best-in-class food and service to top-notch entertainment. Partnering with KonekTV allows us to bring a whole new world of opportunities to our guests and creates another reason as to why Hooters is the ultimate hangout spot.”

While Hooters would definitely like to be able to offer its new service in more of its venues, it will have to wait.  Hooters of America, which franchises the Hooters name, has 410 restaurants in 38 states and 24 countries; however, only the three aforementioned states have given BetRivers approval for its online sports gambling solution.  Perhaps next year there will be many more opportunities.