Raising interest in statistics through sporting predictions on the Internet

Researchers and teachers should consider using the web to publicize the results of their statistical projects to a wide audience. Such sites can create interest in statistics, and be used by teachers as a source of motivation, data or practical problems. For several years, Swinburne Sports Statistics has published on our web site www.swin.edu.au/sport, predictions of sporting events based on statistical modelling and simulations. The growth of sports betting has seen commercial application for the predictions and methods, and has led to the development of a subject 'Chance and Gaming', where probability is taught through applications in the gaming industry. The site received over 4,000 visits per week in 2002 and has raised interest in statistical methods in the general public and students. Some of the projects highlighted on our site, and the resultant publicity, will be discussed.