Author Archives: Jerry Milani

About Jerry Milani

Jerry Milani is a freelance writer and public relations executive living in Bloomfield, N.J. He has worked in P.R. for more than 30 years in college and conference sports media relations, two agencies and for the International Fight League, a team-based mixed martial arts league, and variouis sports and entertainment properties. Milani is a proud graduate of Fordham University and when not attending a Yankees or Rams game can be reached at Jerry (at) JerryMilani (dot) com.

Millennial Esports expands audience with purchase of leading Motorsport and Gaming YouTube Channel

Millennial Esports will expand its global esports and motorsport content creation and distribution platform by taking a controlling stake in leading automotive YouTube channel, LetsGoRacing.

LetsGoRacing is a YouTube channel that focuses on motorsport and esports racing content, from the creators of The Apprentice. The channel has achieved more than 40 million views from fans across the globe who have watched an incredible 270 million minutes of content since 2013. That equates to 513 years of viewing of Racing, motorsport, gaming, features and esports competitions.

Millennial Esports has entered into a binding letter of intent (“LOI”) to acquire a 51 percent stake in the London-based channel. The purchase is the latest in a number of moves by Millennial Esports to diversify its business and build an audience base for its growing content output.

LetsGoRacing is famous for its live streaming of motorsport events and coverage of the exploding category of esports racing. With industry-leading engagement and fan interaction, LetsGoRacing was an obvious choice for Millennial Esports. The two partners recently attracted more than 1.6 million views for a single highlights film from the World’s Fastest Gamer esports competition.

“Adding LetsGoRacing to our pending purchase of DriverDatabase.com has the same intention – expand an engaged and passionate fan base by providing new products and content that blur the lines between esports and motorsports,” Millennial Esports President and CEO, Darren Cox said.

“The YouTube channel provides brands with a platform to engage with a key demographic. LetsGoRacing already has a passionate and engaged follower base, and we’ll be looking to expand that.

“It also provides us with a great storytelling platform for other exciting programs we have commenced including Worlds’ Fastest Gamer and our recently-announced Miami esports racing arena.”

LetsGoRacing co-founder Andrew Hill is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to work with Millennial Esports on exciting new content opportunities. “We’ve seen a massive amount of interest from our subscriber base in esports content – particularly from the motorsports genre,” Hill said. “By joining forces with Millennial Esports, we’ll be able to take that to a new level with more content, more live streams, and more great storytelling. We’ll continue to show great live motorsport like the Japanese Super Formula championship and the Nurburgring VLN series, but we’re very excited about the opportunities to do the same for esports racing as well.”

LetsGoRacing will be the YouTube home for content from the World’s Fastest Gamer Finals, which commences next week in the USA. Ten racers from different gaming platforms will compete over a 12-day intense #CaliforniaDreamin tour for the chance to earn a real-world race drive valued at more than US$1 million.

GAN Launches Internet Gambling for Parx Casino in New Jersey

GAN plc, an award-winning developer and supplier of enterprise-level B2B Internet gaming software, services and online gaming content in the United States, today announces that GAN and Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. trading as ‘Parx Casino’ (“Parx Casino”) have launched Internet gaming in the State of New Jersey now available online 24/7 since Friday October 4, following a three-day soft launch period.

Parx Casino patrons can also link their Reward Card online to their counterpart Internet gambling account, enabled by GAN’s U.S. patented integration framework. This represents the second U.S. State that GAN has launched Parx Casino in, following the launch of Internet sports betting and Internet casino gaming in Pennsylvania on June 24 and July 15, respectively.

Highlights

Parx owns and operates the #1 land-based casino property in Pennsylvania located a short distance from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest City. In the most recent fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 Parx Casino generated $570m from slot machines and table games on-property representing a 18% share of the Pennsylvania’s $3.2bn gaming market.
GAN’s US-patented technology enables Parx Casino patrons enrolled in the on-property loyalty program, to sign up online and instantly link their reward cards to their online account permitting those guests to trade in their reward points earned from on-property gaming for cash online and/or to earn rewards points from Internet gaming and/or sports betting, to be subsequently redeemed on-property.

Management Commentary

Dermot Smurfit, Chief Executive Officer of GAN commented:

“Launching the largest casino in Pennsylvania online has now logically extended across the border into New Jersey, extending their reach into New Jersey’s fast-growing and established Internet gambling market. This represents an incremental revenue opportunity for GAN and is a logical extension of our technology infrastructure to serve Parx Casino patrons who routinely cross the invisible border between these two populous States.”

John Dixon, Chief Operating Officer of Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment, Inc commented:

“GAN has now ably demonstrated it abilities to serve our business needs in multiple States which aligns with the cross-border nature of our existing retail gaming customer base. GAN’s launch in New Jersey was a case study in on-time delivery and professional excellence and will enable our patrons to gamble online in either Pennsylvania or New Jersey, as they wish.”

Packers Fans Can Win Family Turkey Bowl Game At Lambeau

This Thanksgiving, the NFL is giving one lucky fan and eleven of their family members and friends the opportunity to play the Turkey Bowl game of their dreams in one of the most iconic stadiums – Lambeau Field.

The venue was home to some of the NFL’s greatest moments of the last 100 seasons, from the Ice Bowl to the 1996 NFC Championship game. On November 26, one lucky winner and their Turkey Bowl squad will meet NFL Hall of Famer and Packers Legend Brett Favre, the host of the game.

Turkey Bowl, the seventh contest in the #NFL100 Experiences of a Lifetime series, is live now – learn more here. In addition to a visit from Favre, the experience will also include a behind-the-scenes tour and locker room access, giving the winners an opportunity to compete like the pros do – Lambeau Leap and all.

“Lambeau Field represents the best of the NFL in so many ways – from its storied traditions to the records broken by the many NFL Legends who have played there,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We love that so many fans have made football a part of their holiday traditions, and we want to reward one fan during our 100th season with the greatest Turkey Bowl experience of all time. As an annual Turkey Bowl participant, a prize like this would be a dream come true for me.”

“Lambeau Field is so special; there’s nowhere else like it in the NFL and I feel so honored to have played so many years in this legendary stadium,” said Favre. “Giving NFL fans the chance to experience their Turkey Bowl tradition on this turf will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a fan, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

To enter, post a picture or video of your Turkey Bowl squad and tag @NFL and #NFL100Contest.

The contest is live now through October 22 (11:59:59 p.m. ET). No purchase necessary. For official rules, fans should visit NFL.com/100/contests.

Indiana To Launch Online Sports Betting

Indiana’s legal sports betting market could become one of the largest in the country, generating billions of dollars in bets annually and millions in tax revenue for the state for years to come, according to analysts from PlayIndiana.com.

On Thursday, Indiana will become the seventh state to allow the launch of legal online sports betting, but few of its predecessors have had as much potential as a sports betting market. Already with 13 retail sportsbooks, the addition of online sports betting to Indiana could mean that the state’s best-case scenario is to generate nearly $400 million in annual revenue from a handle of close to $6 billion if neighboring states such as Ohio and Kentucky do not legalize sports betting.

“Indiana’s close proximity to Chicago, as well as other relatively large markets such as Cincinnati and Louisville, should help the state punch above its weight class,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “As long as Indiana’s neighbors continue to prohibit sports betting, the state should expect huge flows of drive-in traffic.”

The two largest legal sports betting markets in the country enjoy a similar dynamic. Nevada has long relied on drive-in traffic from California to fill its sportsbooks. And New York helps fuel New Jersey’s sports betting industry, which has accepted $3.8 billion in bets since launching in June 2018.

“Indiana most closely resembles New Jersey, where the New York City market sits just across its border, helping to propel the Garden State into a neck and neck race with Nevada,” Gouker said. “If everything goes right for Indiana, it could see remarkable growth, as was the case in New Jersey.”

Such growth would be a boost to Indiana’s state budget. With a tax rate of 9.5%, $400 million in gross revenue for the sportsbooks would inject $38 million into state coffers.

Indiana’s 9.5% rate could also make it more attractive to operators.

By comparison, Pennsylvania levies a 36% rate, the highest in the nation. New Jersey levies a 9.75% tax on revenue from retail sportsbooks and 13% on online sports betting revenue.

“Indiana has set itself up as one of the most operator-friendly legal sports betting markets in the country,” said Kim Yuhl, analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “That balance should help both sportsbook operators and the state realize their revenue potential.”

For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Indiana, visit PlayIndiana.com/news.

TuneIn Launches BetR Network to Offer Listeners 24/7 Sports Betting Content on Global Audio Streaming Platform

TuneIn, the leading live global streaming and on-demand audio service, today announced the launch of The BetR Network, a 24/7 channel delivering the latest news, insights and analysis around the sports betting markets.

Beginning today, listeners can tap their TuneIn app or ask their smart speaker to experience The BetR Network, which features select content from Vegas Stats & Information Network (VSiN) and SB Nation Radio Network.

“As the leading streaming audio platform for sports fans, we are excited to partner with The BetR Network and pleased to offer our worldwide audience access to entertaining sports betting content from one of the most reliable sources,” said Kevin Straley, Chief Content Officer, TuneIn. “With the interest in this sector continuing to grow, we look forward to expanding our sports listening options and audience reach.”

With the goal of informing, entertaining and educating listeners about sports and sports betting, The BetR Network delivers the credible and actionable intelligence sports fans need to inform their wagers. Fueled by award-winning broadcasters, sports betting experts and legendary oddsmakers, The BetR Network line-up includes: Hall of Fame broadcaster Brent Musburger and his “My Guys in the Desert” show; VSiN morning show “Follow the Money” with Mitch Moss and Pauly Howard; “Pushing the Odds” with SB Nation Radio’s Matt Perrault; and “The Lombardi Line” with former NFL executive, Michael Lombardi.

“Given the explosive growth of regulated sports betting, we’re thrilled that select VSiN content will be accessible to international sports fans through TuneIn on whichever device fans want to listen,” said Brian Musburger, Founder and CEO of VSiN. “This is a new genre of sports talk, one that is not only entertaining but also informative and actionable.”

Lacrosse Joining The Sports Gambling Push?

All of the major leagues as well as NASCAR and the WNBA have looked to ways to engage in sports gambling, now it looks like lacrosse is setting the stage as well. Today the indoor National Lacrosse League (NLL) announced an integrity deal with Genius Sports.

The NLL, the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, today announced a multi-year partnership to ensure the integrity of the league’s games with Genius Sports, a global leader in sports data and technology. Genius Sports will conduct a global assessment of current betting activity on NLL games, and also project the likely growth given the emergence of a legal sports betting market in the U.S.

“As the sports gambling market in the United States continues to take shape, we as a league have a responsibility to make sure all aspects of our product is beyond reproach, and there is no one better to ensure we maintain the integrity of our game than Genius Sports,” Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz said. “The growth of our league, especially amongst digital natives, along with the expansion of the sport of lacrosse in general, makes the area of data analytics, sports betting and fan engagement one of our key focuses going forward.”

“We welcome the National Lacrosse League to our growing list of global league partners,” said Steven Burton, Managing Director Genius Sports. “There is no doubt that lacrosse is growing very quickly and we think the future for the game, especially tied to the product that Nick and his team have built, is very bright, and we are looking forward to helping them in this next expansive phase of business growth.”

According to the deal, Genius Sports will conduct a global assessment of current betting activity on NLL games, and also project the likely growth given the emergence of a legal sports betting market in the U.S. Drawing on its global leadership in advising governing bodies on how to manage betting-related issues, Genius Sports will craft a recommended operational and internal communications framework for the NLL, drawing on best practices around the world. The NLL and Genius Sports will work together to establish an educational program for players, officials and other stakeholders to understand the betting environment and be alert to potential integrity problems, and Genius Sports will monitor the lacrosse betting markets and provide the league with alerts regarding any suspicious activity.

The partnership will officially begin in the coming month.

The NLL is North America’s largest and most premier professional lacrosse league, ranking third in average attendance for pro indoor sports, with 13 teams in key markets across North America. The NLL experienced substantial growth last season with nearly a million total ticket sales, a 28-percent increase from 2017-18, and 60 percent of ticket sales were from people who never played lacrosse. Digital viewership also rose significantly through Turner and B/R Live, showing substantial increases in total unit sales (up 151 percent from last year), average unique viewers (+27 percent) and average minute audiences (+14 percent). Sponsorship revenues are projected at a 29-percent increase from 2018 to 2019.

All New State-of-the-art Sportsbook Opens at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh

Rivers Casino is betting that its new $5 million permanent state-of-the-art sportsbook will be even more popular than its predecessor.

Rivers’ new sportsbook is called, “BetRivers Sportsbook.” The all-new 5,500-square-foot space, which opened Monday, features massive high-def TV monitors, comfortable seating and plenty of room to enjoy watching and wagering on fans’ favorite teams and sports.

BetRivers Sportsbook is at the heart of the casino’s gaming floor action, in the space previously occupied by Levels Lounge. Designed by Chicago-based DMAC Architecture, the ultra-luxurious sports lounge includes club chairs and table seating for approximately 195 guests, who will have fantastic views of the two state-of-the-art 50.5-foot x 7-foot LED central monitors and 24 flat-screen, high-definition 86-inch monitors. The Sportsbook also includes 33 self-service betting kiosks and six betting windows. Food and beverage service is available.

“We expect to see a lot of black and gold in our new sportsbook, today and every day,” said Rivers Casino General Manager Bill Keena. “Pittsburgh’s incredibly loyal fans, who include not only guests but our own Team Members, are what make our BetRivers Sportsbook truly special.”

In addition to the new BetRivers Sportsbook, Rivers has also upgraded and moved its Interblock gaming section, known as Rush Table Zone. The Rush Table Zone is a designated area with new digital interactive touchscreen games that include the interaction of a live dealer. The new area now offers a total of 55 seats featuring blackjack, roulette and baccarat. Rush Table Zone can be found in the middle of the gaming floor, in front of the BetRivers Sportsbook bar, which is integrated with the Sportsbook but also serves the casino floor.

A DJ and confetti countdown marked the official grand opening along with Iceburgh, the local hometown hockey team mascot, who made a special appearance at the celebration.

BetRivers Sportsbook will be open daily: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight; Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sundays from 9 a.m. to midnight. Guests must be at least 21 years old to wager. No one under 21 is permitted on Rivers Casino’s gaming floor.

BetRivers Sportsbook continues to offer wagering on a wide array of sporting events including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, college sports and more. Rivers Casino Pittsburgh’s digital and in-casino sports wagering operator is Rush Street Interactive PA, LLC, (RSI) and its affiliates. RSI operates BetRivers.com along with Pennsylvania’s first online and mobile sportsbook, PlaySugarHouse.com.

888casino Extends Sponsorship With the New York Jets

888casino extends New York Jets partnership

888, one of the world’s most popular online gaming companies and solutions providers, has announced it has extended its sponsorship deal with the New York Jets of the National Football League, for the 2019-2020 season, following its successful inaugural partnership last year.

The deal continues to be the first and only partnership of its kind between a pure digital gaming company and an NFL team. As part of the deal, 888casino branding will be on display across the 82,000-plus capacity MetLife Stadium, including the ‘red-zone’ feature, for all eight regular season Jets home games. 888casino promotions will also be spread online across the team’s website and social channels, and broadcast over 98.7 ESPN during radio coverage of the Jets games. The deal will enable the company to utilize New York Jets branding in its different sites and apps in New Jersey. The sponsorship which will be executed throughout the 2019 New York Jets’ football season, offers additional cooperation efforts throughout the season.

“The extension of the deal between the New York Jets and 888casino for a second year in a row only reaffirms our expansion efforts and reiterates the interest in online gaming within the US sports community,” said Yaniv Sherman, Head of Group Commercial Development. “The continuation of the partnership marks another milestone for 888casino in the US, as we continue to pioneer betting operations through this sponsorship agreement, our second consecutive with an NFL team!”

“We are proud to continue this partnership with 888casino in the gaming space allowing us to further engage and provide experiences for our fans in the mobile and digital world,” said Ian Lasher, New York Jets’ Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships.

The deal is one of many exciting developments for the company in the US market, following the launch of its new online casino platform in New Jersey in July. The platform represents 888casino’s most exciting product development of recent years in which it offers players a fast, intuitive and more personalized customer experience. This marks a new era for online gaming in the United States. 888casino’s customers in New Jersey are now able to enjoy a unique portfolio of casino games, poker tournaments and sports betting markets from a single login and bankroll.

Since launching its proprietary technology in Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey in 2013, 888casino has developed a growing reputation amongst customers for delivering a cutting-edge online gaming experience, and the continuation of its partnership with the New York Jets confirms 888’s guarantee of an excellent online gaming experience.

The company already has a unique position across the three regulated states for online gaming. The extension of the deal will continue to strengthen and expand the brand across the US market. This will aid their growth strategy to become a leading operator in the developing and potentially significant US online gaming market.”

Pro Football Doc Launches Free Injury Analysis Subscription Service

Dr. David Chao, aka the Pro Football Doc, today announced the launch of a free subscription service that provides reliable, real-time and in-depth injury insight and analysis designed to help fans make more informed fantasy, daily fantasy and wagering decisions throughout the football season.

A former 17-year head team doctor for the San Diego Chargers and board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Chao has become a sought-after and dependable resource for fans and media by quickly using game video to provide an opinion on the type and severity of a player’s injury – as well as the short- and long-term impact for that athlete and his team. With a proven accuracy over 95%, these actionable insights aren’t available from teams, media or elsewhere.

“Our goal is to provide insider knowledge that fans cannot get anywhere else, give it to them in real-time, place it within the larger context and allow them to make the most informed decisions in an easy to use online platform,” Chao said. “I’m never going to tell anyone who to pick, but I will give the relevant injury information to give them an edge.”

While Dr. Chao’s Twitter feed (@ProFootballDoc) will continue to provide followers with injury insight, this new service will provide enhanced information that takes subscribers deeper. Features include:

· Weekly Injury Index™. A proprietary, in-depth match-up-based assessment of each team’s overall health, arriving at least 24 hours prior to each game. It includes breakdowns by offense and defense, as well as rushing and passing.
· Real-time analysis. Fast, thorough analysis of breaking news, including real-time alerts during games throughout the regular season and playoffs.
· Videos. On game days, a pregame video, halftime video and postgame video cover analysis of the latest injury information, helping subscribers be first to act.
· Field View. Subscribers can see a team’s health, position-by-position, on a simulated depth chart – providing quick, clear information at a glance about players and the relative health of an offense or defense.
· Player/Team Search. Easily find specific player and team analysis with an advanced search feature.
· Watch List. Functionality allows fans to set up information about specific players or teams, such as those on a fantasy roster.
· Notification. Alerts about specific players, teams, fantasy lineups or wagering interests.

Injuries remain one of the biggest unknowns in professional sports, and access to up-to-date injury insights may be the most important piece of information for fantasy and daily fantasy players. Dr. Chao uses his orthopedic knowledge and experience with NFL teams to analyze information. His video analysis technique was developed from over 17 years of studying game film after seeing a player on the field, on the sideline, in the locker room and after MRI.

The Injury Index is a proprietary grading system that incorporates the health of each team against the norm in a given week. It’s broken down into run/pass offense/defense to provide better analysis for fantasy, DFS and gambling plays.

According to research published by the NFL, there were more than six reported injuries per game from 2015-2017 that resulted in removal from participation and inability to return to play or inability to take full part in football activities following the injury. Not only are these reported injuries analyzed but also the numerous unreported injuries that can affect a team or player’s performance.

This information will become even more valuable as wagering expands beyond the 11 U.S. states currently approved, as in-game wagering takes flight and as prop wagering expands in the U.S.

IGT Propels Sports Betting Leadership with PlaySports Technology Deployments in Nine U.S. States

International Game Technology PLC continues to lead as a B2B sports betting technology provider with IGT PlaySports solution deployments in nine U.S. states. The IGT PlaySports footprint includes 30-plus sports betting venues. There are currently 13 U.S. states with legalized sports betting. The IGT PlaySports platform is powering sports betting in the following states:

Indiana
Iowa
New York
Pennsylvania
West Virginia
Mississippi
Rhode Island
New Jersey
Nevada

IGT has also executed sports betting agreements with customers in Oregon, Arkansas and Illinois in anticipation of PlaySports solution rollouts in those states.

In addition to enabling over-the-counter retail sports betting in nine states, IGT has more than 150 self-service IGT PlaySports kiosks deployed in sportsbooks around the U.S. and is powering mobile sports wagering in Nevada, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

“We put in the work to ensure that our IGT PlaySports solution was market-ready the day that PASPA was repealed – we hit the ground running last summer and never looked back. IGT is a serious player in the U.S. sports betting market because we offer a superior product, and we’re uniquely qualified to meet our customers’ needs, timelines and business objectives,” said Enrico Drago, IGT PlayDigital Senior Vice President. “There is no better representation of the flexibility and scalability of the IGT PlaySports platform than the diversity of customers and venues that are currently leveraging it to power their sportsbooks.”

“IGT is quickly penetrating the legal U.S. sports betting market with our PlaySports platform and enabling many of our customers to create new opportunities for growth and player engagement,” said Nick Khin, IGT Chief Commercial Officer, Gaming. “IGT’s sports betting footprint that extends across nine states is a testament to the quality and versatility of the PlaySports solution, and our team’s ability to quickly deliver and support the developing U.S. sports betting market.”

ThePlayer.com Goes Live – Targets Regulated US Sportsbetting Market

Cyprus-based online performance marketing firm Multibrands Digital has successfully launched its global sportsbetting odds comparison and tipster service ThePlayer.com – and promises to create value for all “Players” in the business, both bettors and gaming operators.

Following a 3-year successful run with its Swedish product 1X2.se, Multibrands Digital has finally gone global with ThePlayer.com – much to the delight of it’s international fan base that had been patiently waiting for this move.

Opening its doors 3 weeks ago, ThePlayer.com has already seen 30 000 visitors find their way to the site. ThePlayer.com offers users a comprehensive odds comparison service, expert betting tips, objective sportsbook reviews, in-depth sports data and statistics, a place to keep your own spreadsheet and track your game in detail, and much more. Most major sports are covered, but new ones are added on a regular basis, with eSports next in line. Sports data, odds and statistics are provided by data provider Sportradar – a global leader in its field – and integrated into the services on the site.

“Informed customers are good customers”, says Christoffer Erngren, COO of Multibrands Digital. The times of over-the-top and complex bonus offers as the main way of attracting new customers are more or less over – even more so in regulated markets. We believe the future belongs to services comparing actual product offering like markets, game types and odds, rather than campaigns and bonus offers. As well as giving the user powerful tools to keep track of and improve his or her own game.”

User interest so far indicates a promising future. At the moment the platform boasts 3000 spreadsheets, 1000 new bets per day posted by its users and close to 10 000 registered members. The site prides itself on maintaining a high level of transparency, as this is key for the tracking of bets, spreadsheets, compiling data and measuring ROI. As an example, the site’s tipsters can’t go back and change bets they have “locked in” in their spreadsheet – adding credibility to the data and the service.

“Our tipsters are carefully selected based on verifiable track record, our data carefully curated, and our platform continuously developed and improved to provide our users with the best possible service. Our ambition is very clear, and that is to become a leader in this field, in multiple markets all over the world. Collaborating with our tipsters via their own social media channels, we are making use of the influencer marketing model, giving us great reach and traffic from a large number of countries already. We plan to focus our efforts on English speaking markets in general, and on the regulated US market in particular”, concludes Erngren.

Multibrands Digital has recently been approved as an authorized vendor/affiliate in the state of New Jersey and is currently working with a handful of operators there. The company is also looking at other American states that have either regulated or are close to regulate online sportsbetting, for further expansion.

With a successful launch and an ambitious roadmap – including an app for AppStore and Google Play currently in the works, where users will be able to subscribe to their favourite tipsters and get notifications whenever they post new content – ThePlayer.com is firmly on its path to levelling the playing field for all “Players”.

Super Soccer Stars Extends Its Uniform And Apparel Partnership With Capelli Sport

SUPER SOCCER STARS, the nation’s premier youth soccer organization, and Capelli Sport the international, innovative sportswear and team-wear brand announce they are extending their uniform and apparel partnership.

Capelli Sport will continue as the official jersey supplier for Super Soccer Stars and the official uniform and apparel provider for Soccer Stars United travel and developmental teams. The brand’s innovative, world-class training gear, equipment and uniforms have yielded many global recreational, youth, club, collegiate, semi-professional and professional sports partnerships.

“Capelli Sport apparel provides great quality, functionality and design for high-level performance on the field. Super Soccer Stars is excited to continue our partnership and offer our kids and families the best gear to play in, especially for Soccer Stars United our competitive travel and advanced development program from Super Soccer Stars. said Toby Tenenbaum, Vice President of Soccer Stars United.

Super Soccer Stars United Program is an advanced development & travel program for players aged 4.5 – 18. The development & competitive travel teams include 52 teams across three territories, NY, LA & Miami with over 5k+ players. Soccer Stars United members need innovative sportswear that performs on the field and Capelli Sport delivers that promise.

“Super Soccer Stars and its mission to provide a platform for youth athletes to succeed on the field is where the organization aligns with Capelli Sport. Through this partnership, youth athletes throughout the United States will have the opportunity to further their soccer development with our modern uniforms and training gear, world-class equipment, and enhanced support for player development.” said George Altirs, President of Capelli Sport

The renewed partnership will feature exclusive, custom-designed kits for the Fall 2019 season.

Spectrum Gaming Sports To Host Sports Betting USA, November 5-6 in New York

Saquon Barkley (Flickr/KA Sports Photos)

Three experts from the Spectrum Gaming Sports Group (SG²) will share their expertise in legal sports betting at the Sports Betting USA regulatory and investment conference, to be held here November 5-6.

The third Sports Betting USA will build on the unprecedented success of its previous events by offering a wide range of speakers in critical specialties who will help chart the future of sports betting in the United States.

The conference, to be held at Metropolitan West on 46^th Street in Midtown Manhattan, is produced by Spectrum’s longstanding partner, Clarion Gaming, the world’s largest producer of conferences focused on the future of the global gaming industry.

SG², a specialty unit of Spectrum Gaming Group, will be featured in several speaking and educational roles at the conference:

Michael Pollock, Managing Director of Spectrum Gaming Group and a principal in SG², will speak on “Capitalizing on sports betting – what’s the true value to land-based casinos?”
Rob Heller, CEO of Spectrum Gaming Capital and a principal in SG², will lead a discussion on “Where’s the money? Exploring investment opportunities in the sports betting value chain.”
Spectrum Gaming Capital Vice President David Isaacson, a principal in SG², will discuss “Market sizing – understanding state values as sports betting sweeps across America.”

“The entire Spectrum team has worked with Clarion in helping develop a highly focused agenda that will put attendees in contact with recognized experts, and that will arm attendees with the insights they need to develop their own business plans,” Pollock said. “Spectrum has worked closely with Clarion for more than a decade on five continents, and we share the same core value: Providing insight to promote best practices.”

Spectrum for four years has served as Global Gaming Advisor to Clarion.

“Spectrum is at the cutting edge of identifying trends, problems and solutions for the gaming industry long before others see them,” said Rory Credland, Events Director of Clarion Gaming. “That expertise is one reason why Clarion values its relationship with Spectrum.”

Spectrum has brought its sports-betting expertise to numerous clients, including government agencies in the District of Columbia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Rhode Island, as well as to tribal governments, sports organizations and gaming operators and suppliers.To register for the Sports Betting USA conference, visit https://www.sportsbettingusaconference.com/

FOX Sports Super 6, Free-to-Play Sports Prediction Game, Launches

FOX Sports Super 6, a free-to-play sports prediction game that offers players the chance to win hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash each week, launches nationwide today.

Fans can enter multiple contests each week, with jackpot prizes up to $250,000 in cash. To play, users simply choose who they think the winning team will be and the corresponding margin of victory within predefined ranges or answer six multiple-choice questions, giving them a chance to split thousands in guaranteed cash prizes.

FOX Sports Super 6 offers a variety of ways for football fans to play throughout the season, and will be offering two NFL games and a college football game at launch:

Super 6 NFL Sunday

To play, fans will select the outcome and margin of victory of six upcoming NFL Sunday matchups. Players who correctly select all six picks could win up to $250,000. If no player correctly selects all six picks to win the $250,000 jackpot prize, there will be smaller guaranteed cash prizes.

TNF Super 6

FOX Sports Super 6 is also offering up to $25,000 in guaranteed prizes for each TNF Super 6 game. To play, fans will answer six multiple choice prediction questions about the upcoming Thursday Night Football game, across the 13-game TNF schedule across FOX and NFL Network. The $25,000 in guaranteed cash prizes will be divided among the players who select the most correct answers.

College Football Saturday Super 6

For each Saturday of college football, fans can play by picking the winning team and by how many points (e.g. Texas by 10 to 14 points). There is a jackpot prize available each week with thousands guaranteed to be paid.

Mark Silverman, President, National Networks, FOX Sports said: “FOX Sports Super 6 brings our unique and entertaining Fox attitude and our unrivaled talent to this fun free-to-play game. The FOX Sports Super 6 app will heighten the excitement of watching live sports while simultaneously deepening our viewers’ engagement with our brand.”

FOX Sports Super 6 anticipates adding more sports, with basketball slated to start in October.

“These awesome free-to-play games will get fans closer to the sports they love, competing against FOX Sports stars to win huge prizes,” said Robin Chhabra, Chief Corporate Development Officer, The Stars Group. “The FOX Sports Super 6 app offers a quick, simple and fun experience that we think sports fans here will love, just like they do in other countries where we run them.”

The FOX Sports Super 6 app is now available for download in the App Store and the Play Store.

DraftKings, SNY Team On New Gaming Shows

SNY, the official television home of all things New York sports announced a partnership today with sports technology and entertainment company DraftKings, bringing a new one-hour programming block of sport betting shows to SNY viewers every Sunday. The Sweat, produced by DraftKings will premiere this Sunday, September 8 at 10:30 AM ET followed by SNY’s original program Place Your Bets Presented by DraftKings Sportsbook at 11:00 AM ET.

“With the legalization of sport betting increasing in states across the country, the compelling integration opportunities have become more prevalent and visible throughout the sports industry,” said Steve Raab, President of SNY. “Sports news impacts sports betting and this partnership with DraftKings marries the two – giving us an opportunity to deliver insightful new programs not just for sports bettors but for casual sports fans, avid sports fans and fantasy players.”

Each week The Sweat, will deliver analysis by DraftKings experts – bringing fans inside the game. Place Your Bets Presented by DraftKings Sportsbook, will not only cover the local New York teams, but also the key matchups from around the league. Place Your Bets will be hosted by SNY’s Maria Marino.

“The legalization of sports betting transformed our business model not only as a sportsbook operator, but also as a digital media hub,” said Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings. “We are entering the most prime period of the sports calendar for our company, and the move to syndicate our original programming via a widely-viewed and premier partner in SNY was a clear strategic decision.”

The two shows will air every Sunday throughout the regular season and the playoffs.

Programming Schedule:

Sunday, September 8, 2019

• The Sweat: 10:30 – 11:00 AM

• Place Your Bets: 11-11:30 AM

All other weeks:

• The Sweat: 11-11:30 AM

• Place Your Bets: 11:30-12 PM

Rebranded BetMGM App Launched In N.J.

Roar Digital, LLC – the 50/50 venture created by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and GVC Holdings (LSE: GVC) – has announced its update in online and mobile betting entertainment with the launch of BetMGM in the state of New Jersey. BetMGM is a new customer experience as well as a rebranding of the online gaming app, PlayMGM, introduced by MGM in 2017.

The product incorporates the new GVC Sportsbook platform, giving customers a seamless betting and gaming experience, and will be the core mobile platform utilized for future state rollouts. Not only can customers play the traditional Casino and Poker Games they’ve come to love through MGM, but now sports fans can place an expanded range of pre-match and in-play bets on professional and collegiate football, MLB, MLS, NBA and NHL games, among other sporting events.

“Today’s an exciting day as we launch the rebranded and upgraded BetMGM app in New Jersey,” said Adam Greenblatt, CEO of Roar Digital, LLC. “We’re thrilled to be able to give our customers bigger and bolder opportunities to enjoy our games and the unique experiences, like Early Cash Out, that BetMGM will provide as the professional and collegiate football seasons get underway. We believe our product takes the in-game entertainment value to the next level.”

Customers accustomed to unique in-game betting experiences will undoubtedly be drawn to BetMGM’s bold offerings and enhancements that include:

Early Cash Out – Players can settle a bet before the game ends to lock in winnings or cut losses.
One Wallet System – BetMGM allows for seamless and unlimited movement of funds within customer accounts from Sports to Casino to Poker.
Track Your Bet – Live scoreboards across many of our customer’s favorite sports to track their bets in real-time.
Boosted Offers – Daily boosted bets and promotions across all major sports, including professional and collegiate football.
Smoother Transactions – Ability to deposit and withdraw with ease using any of our payment methods including PayPal, Play+ and Skrill.

“The mobile gaming industry’s future is on a steep incline – we are harnessing best in class mobile technology from Roar Digital, powered by GVC,” said Scott Butera, MGM’s President of Interactive Gaming. “We expect this significant upgrade to our mobile experience to complement MGM’s proven retail presence and allow us to immediately compete in New Jersey, and future states when mobile gaming is approved.”

GVC Holdings CEO, Kenneth Alexander added, “The combination of the power of MGM’s brand alongside GVC’s state-of-the-art technology and online sports-betting expertise will ensure that the BetMGM offering is at the forefront of the US sport-betting opportunity”.

The BetMGM app is available for download in the App Store.

FOX Bet Launches In Pennsylvania

FOX Bet, a real money wagering experience from The Stars Group, in partnership with FOX Sports, is live in Pennsylvania.

The simple and intuitive FOX Bet app is now available for download on iOS and Android, and is also available via the internet. Customers in Pennsylvania will be able to place bets on a wide range of national and international sporting events, including football, baseball, hockey, motor sports, golf, tennis and soccer. With FOX Bet, fans will find everything they need to make their opinion count in a safe and fun environment.

FOX Bet customers will also enjoy integrated access to FOX Sports content, instant scores, stats, alerts and odds updates as well as up-to-the-minute news, expert insight and hall-of-famer commentary from FOX Sports’ all-star team of broadcasters and analysts.

Several FOX Sports on-air personalities are featured, including FIRST THINGS FIRST analysts Cris Carter and Nick Wright; LOCK IT IN experts Cousin Sal, Todd Fuhrman, Clay Travis and host Rachel Bonnetta; host of THE HERD Colin Cowherd, and FOX NFL KICKOFF host Charissa Thompson.

“Starting today, Pennsylvania has access to one of the world’s premier regulated sports wagering experiences,” said Robin Chhabra, Chief Executive Officer of FOX Bet. “Together with FOX Sports, an icon in sports programing, we’ve built a platform that is like nothing the United States has ever seen. We’re bringing fans closer to the games they love by making our platform more fun and engaging than any other out there.”

FOX Bet customers in Pennsylvania can access exclusive promotions with hundreds of ways to win, including sign-up and deposit bonuses with no red tape, enhanced prices, top offers, Daily Bet Boosts and brand new Custom Bets.

Report: Nearly 40 Million Americans to Wager on the NFL

Thirty-eight million American adults—15 percent of the U.S. adult population—are planning to bet on National Football League (NFL) games this season, according to a new survey by the American Gaming Association (AGA).

The rapid expansion of legal sports betting has provided increased opportunity for millions of Americans to bet safely with a licensed, regulated sportsbook. This year, 7 million Americans say they will bet legally at a casino sportsbook, 1.2 million more than last year, and tens of millions of others will place bets with friends, participate in pools or squares contests or place their bets online.

“During this centennial NFL season, more Americans than ever before can wager on football in safe, well-regulated environments,” said Bill Miller, AGA’s president and chief executive officer. “It is clear that as jurisdictions enact policies to provide a legal alternative to the dangerous illegal market, consumers follow suit and seek the protections they deserve.”

The survey, conducted by Morning Consult, also found that nearly one-in-four (24%) American adults say they would place a bet on the NFL if it was legal in their state. As legal sports betting continues to expand, fan engagement with NFL games will see an impact:

39 percent of avid NFL fans plan to place a bet on the NFL this season.
75 percent of NFL bettors say they are more likely to watch a game they bet on.
28 percent are more likely to attend a game they have bet on.
51 percent are more likely to watch pregame shows and commentary.
63 percent are more likely to gather with friends or family to watch a game.

“Sports betting clearly impacts fans’ enthusiasm for engaging with the NFL. As the legal market grows, it is imperative for gaming and adjacent industries to focus on implementing and promoting legal sports betting responsibly to protect consumers and ensure the viability of legal markets to the continued detriment of illegal operators,” Miller added.

Among NFL fans, the New England Patriots are the favorite to win the Super Bowl (23 percent), followed by the Kansas City Chiefs (8 percent), Dallas Cowboys (7 percent) and New Orleans Saints (6 percent).

Background

Since the U.S. Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act—the failed federal ban on sports betting—in May 2018, more than $10 billion has been legally wagered on sports.
Thirteen states now offer legal, regulated sports betting, with five more states and the District of Columbia poised to open legal markets in the coming months.
Last September, an AGA study showed that the NFL stands to gain $2.3 billion annually from legalized sports betting, largely due to increased fan engagement.
AGA’s Sports Betting Consumer Study found sports bettors are more interested in the NFL than any other professional sports league (93 percent interested).

BETMAPS Launches the First Sports Betting Social Directory

BetMaps, Inc. proudly announces the launch of the BETMAPS website and mobile app. BETMAPS is a place where sports fans, interested in legal sports betting, can find and compare nearby sportsbooks. With BETMAPS, users can read reviews, compare features, find events and specials, and connect with sportsbooks directly.

Sports betting is now legal in 18 states plus Washington, DC. Mobile betting has led the sports betting scene, with up to 85% of bets placed online. That’s great news for the industry. But for some, online betting lacks that loud, exciting, and social element which only a raucous sportsbook can provide.

To attract a new generation of sports fans, sportsbooks have built up their offerings. With their “man-cave” style furniture, pool tables, bar games, and huge walls of ultra-high-definition TVs, today’s sportsbooks have a lot to offer patrons. Other venues like sports bars, taverns, and stadiums are chomping at the bit to run their own sports betting operation. Each venue has something different to offer. However, one thing is clear: for a consumer, sorting through the different options is a tough task.

“Through our platform, users can easily search for that perfect place. They can find a spot to make a bet, watch a game, soak up the atmosphere, and hopefully bring home a W,” said BetMaps, Inc. CEO and Founder Isaac Khan. “We do the work, so they can focus on enjoying the game.”

Khan, a pharmacist by trade, gained valuable experience when he started a successful consulting business. An amateur sports bettor at best, Khan saw a growing industry in need of a platform. The opportunity to shake things up was too hard to pass up. So Khan banded together with a few fellow sports fans to change the way consumers choose where to bet on sports. The BETMAPS team are professionals from diverse fields including law, finance, politics, and IT. After many long nights and early morning meetings across tables at sparsely-populated coffee shops and sports bars, BETMAPS has launched a game-changing platform.

Khan concluded, “We are in the early stages of legal sports betting, what better time than now to jump in. We’ll grow and adapt with this space and provide long-term value to our users.”

PlayerMaker Becomes First Performance Partner to BetVictor Northern Premier Football League

PlayerMaker, the leading international sports data analytics start-up, has teamed up with the BetVictor Northern Premier Football League (NPL), becoming the league’s first-ever player performance partner.

The deal is for an initial 12 months and will see PlayerMaker’s unique AI-driven boot-mounted device offered to players across the NPL’s 62 semi-professional clubs.

Already in use internationally, PlayerMaker tracks and analyses tactical, technical and physical player performance on and off the pitch. The breadth of data generated can inform coaches’ decision-making processes, particularly in relation to player performance optimisation, talent identification and injury prevention.

Players at participating NPL clubs will have the opportunity to train wearing the PlayerMaker device, providing the coaches and players with access to a comprehensive set of tailored metrics held securely. The NPL will also be discussing with the FA whether players can wear the PlayerMaker device in competitive matches.

Guy Aharon, CEO and Co-Founder of PlayerMaker, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be acting as the NPL’s official player performance partner over the next year, providing consultation services for performance optimisation and access to a stream of accurate and objective datapoints at a granular level. It is fantastic to see the NPL embracing technology in this way and we look forward to collaborating with their clubs over the coming year.”

Mark Harris, Northern Premier Football League Chairman, said: “The BetVictor Northern Premier League has always led the way in adopting digital technology. We are also committed to helping drive forward standards in coaching and player development. This exciting new partnership with PlayerMaker is the next stage in this journey.”

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