Sagamore Farm and WinStar Farm’s Global Campaign returned April 25 from a nine-month layoff to capture a seven-furlong allowance optional claiming event at Gulfstream Park.
Monthly Archives: April 2020
Kambi leans on ping-pong betting to ride out pandemic void
Sports betting technology supplier Kambi Group more than doubled its profits in the first quarter of 2020 but the profit party could be brought to an early end by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Figures released Friday show Kambi generated revenue of €27.9m in the three months ending March 31, a nearly one-third rise over the same period last year. Operating profit shot up 162.2% to €6.8m as margins doubled to 24.5% and after-tax profits more than doubled to €4.8m.
Kambi credited the gains to its sportsbook clients enjoying a 27% rise in betting turnover and enjoying high margins on football, particularly in England and Spain, as well as client launches in three additional US states – Illinois, Michigan and Mississippi – giving Kambi a presence in 10 US states.
Obviously, things have gone to hell since mid-March, when the pandemic effectively halted all mainstream sports events, and while operators’ Q1 turnover may have jumped year-on-year, turnover was down nearly 10% from Q4 2019. The final 19 days of Q1 showed operator turnover falling by as much as 75% from previous weeks.
Monomoy Girl Fires Third Straight Bullet at Keeneland
While racing fans will spend next week lamenting a first Saturday in May without the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), the lack of racing dates is also keeping a bevy of older equine stars in a holding pattern.
King Guillermo Stretches Legs at Oaklawn Park
Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G2) winner King Guillermo took to the Oaklawn Park track for the first time April 25 since arriving Thursday afternoon in advance of the May 2 Arkansas Derby (G1).
Beshear 'Going Back and Forth' With Churchill on Racing
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear remains in talks with Churchill Downs officials over when they will be permitted to begin their spring meet but offered no timeline during his April 25 daily briefing for a resumption of racing in the state.
Dr Post Successful in First Route in Unbridled
Despite a trip in which he was shuffled back and jostled, Dr Post managed to prevail in the $75,000 Unbridled Stakes, securing room leaving the second turn and outfinishing runner-up Attachment Rate by 1 1/2 lengths.
Monomoy Girl Fires Second Straight Bullet at Keeneland
While racing fans will spend next week lamenting a first Saturday in May without the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), the lack of racing dates is also keeping a bevy of older equine stars in a holding pattern.
BHA Medical Chief Set for Talks on Resuming Racing
The British Horseracing Authority’s chief medical adviser, Dr. Jerry Hill, is expected to take part in a series of government meetings alongside representatives from other sports as they bid to return to action as soon as possible.
Brant Homebred Basquiat Scores on Debut at Gulfstream
Peter Brant’s Basquiat made his debut a winning one April 25 at Gulfstream Park, pouncing from off the pace to score a clear victory in a seven-furlong maiden special weight for 3-year-olds on the main track.
First Foal Out of Alpha Centauri is a Galileo Colt
Alpha Centauri, the four-time group 1 winner and European champion 3-year-old filly of 2018, has delivered her first foal—a colt by Coolmore phenomenon Galileo.
Return to Racing in Britain: What We Know So Far
There has been no racing in Britain since the behind-closed-doors meetings at Taunton and Wetherby March 17, as the British Horseracing Authority called a halt to protect essential emergency services and the staff working in the industry.
I'll Have Another Surpassed Expectations for O'Neill
Dennis O’Neill recalls the 2012 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum Brands (G1) victory of I’ll Have Another, the first of two winners of the classic that he bought at auction.
Maxfield Breezes at Keeneland in Preparation for Return
Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) hopeful Maxfield breezed five furlongs at Keeneland April 25 in 1:00 2/5 toward a planned comeback race in the middle or late part of May.
Inspired to provide “the most exciting two minutes in virtual sports”
“The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown” to be Televised as Part of Churchill Downs’ Nationwide Virtual ‘Kentucky Derby at Home’ Party Featured on NBC
NEW YORK, April 24, 2020 –Inspired Entertainment, Inc. (“Inspired”) (NASDAQ: INSE) announced today that it has created ‘The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown’ for Churchill Downs Racetrack’s nationwide virtual ‘Kentucky Derby at Home’ party to be televised on NBC on May 2 from 3:00 -6:00 p.m. EDT. During the broadcast, Derby fans will witness Inspired’s ultrarealistic 3D CGI representation of the Kentucky Derby featuring the 13 Triple Crown winners from the past century in an ultimate face-off. Viewers will get to experience the magic of the Derby with a stunning, fully accurate re-creation of the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs and the atmosphere of Derby Day on the first Saturday in May.
‘The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown’ is a computer-simulated version of a race at Churchill Downs Racetrack. Historical information about these horses and their racing records has been utilized in the software, which helps to determine the probability of their potential finishing positions. This probability is based on their past form and performance in other races.
“We are very excited about this opportunity to showcase our Virtual Sports on a much larger scale in the U.S.,” said Brooks Pierce, President and Chief Operating Officer of Inspired. “Churchill Downs is the world’s most legendary racetrack and the Kentucky Derby is the premier event in horse racing. We are honored to be a part of this special tradition and support Churchill Downs in this endeavor, as we work together to help fill the gap of live sports and bring people together for some relief during these difficult times.”
UltraPlay reports a record-breaking increase in eSports betting
Advanced betting solutions provider UltraPlay has reported a record-breaking increase in the eSports betting volume and turnover after COVID-19 hit the sports sector.
The company has reported a 500% turnover growth since mid-March 2020 compared to an average yearly increase of 30% by the end of 2019. Bets’ growth, including the number of bets, reached 450% growth for the same period. There is a 22% increase in the number of bets per player daily, according to UltraPlay. The reported data is accumulated by the coverage of 34 eSports, 16 of them offered with live odds on the leading eSportsbooks powered by UltraPlay.
With traditional sports events canceled or postponed, eSports stepped up and offered many new opportunities for its fans and bettors. UltraPlay increased its CS:GO events by 15%, all offered with pre-match and live odds, while Dota 2 events’ coverage was increased by 20%. League of Legends continues to be offered with its previous number of events. By the end of 2019, LoL recorded a turnover increase of over 65%. The three main eSports titles continue to be responsible for 60% of the betting volume, but this percentage is gradually going down due to a recent spike in interest in sports simulators.
UltraPlay also reports another promising trend related to the games that simulate sports such as football, basketball, and hockey – FIFA, NBA2K, and NHL. Due to the gap in the sports bettors’ previous choices, there is an increase in FIFA’s and NBA2K’s percentage in the overall eSports betting turnover.
Play A Darts Pro” Live on Youtube!
This weekend sees one betting platform supplier bring punters and professional players closer together than ever before. The Remote Darts League (RDL), a new events arm set up by FSB, is offering darts fans a unique chance to play against an RDL professional of their choice. They’re also streaming it live on youtube.
“We all need to adapt during these difficult times and providing new live and remote content for sports fans works”, says Dave McDowell, CEO of FSB. “In two short weeks, we’ve been able to produce a professional event, live streaming plus data and odds feeds for bookmakers end to end.”
We’re now on day 7 of the first 10-day league, which includes some top professional players such as Jim Williams. After deciding the final four this weekend, they will run two semis and a final match on Monday 27th. Live action will be streamed from professional players’ homes to the homes of their fans. But just beforehand, one lucky promotion winner will be playing their very own pro-am match.
“Remote sports allows us to bring fans closer to players”, notes Kevin Dale, Producer and CEO of Farawaysports, the host organisation set up by FSB for the event.
All Together Now
With the coronavirus, the times have clearly changed, and will never go back to “normal.” The companies and individuals who thrive and prosper going forward are those who adjust more quickly and innovate to serve a new audience.
The post All Together Now appeared first on GGB Magazine.
All Together Now
With the coronavirus, the times have clearly changed, and will never go back to “normal.” The companies and individuals who thrive and prosper going forward are those who adjust more quickly and innovate to serve a new audience.
The post All Together Now appeared first on GGB Magazine.
The Fair Share
The “Fair Share” measurement in the Eilers-Fantini Central Game Performance Report is an important matrix for the slot machine industry. The metric compares the number of slot machines or EGMs and the total theoretical win percentage. The higher the net theo versus the number of games indicates higher performance of the company’s games. Individual suppliers… Read more »
The post The Fair Share appeared first on GGB Magazine.
Taking the Hit
Of all the industries in the U.S., one of the most susceptible to the economic impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus is gaming. With a full dependence upon gambling, tourism and hospitality, any crisis that disrupts those industries causes pain for gaming operations. Only the airlines are more dependent upon these segments than gaming, but it’s… Read more »
The post Taking the Hit appeared first on GGB Magazine.