Category Archives: Bottom Featured

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

Flickr/ KA Sports Photos

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

Tom Brady (Keith Allison)

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 46th 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

Maria Marino

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 – Colin Cowherd
FOX Bet – Colin Cowherd

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.

BetMaps, Inc.

“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.”

Youth Soccer Business Brings In Tech Partner To Engage Kids

Super Soccer Stars, the nation’s premier youth soccer organization, will launch a partnership with Famer , an Israel and New York based teaching app,  that will enable young players and parents to create and curate personalized training programs, messaging, and interactive feedback between coaches and athletes for the first time. The idea is to create a more user friendly and interactive environment for kids in the growing youth soccer space and then take that opportunity  to other similar spaces.

Soccer, and the over 100,000 engaged kids Super Soccer Stars has, is priority one.

“This will be the first of many digital offerings in our pipeline to drive home our vision of empowering youth through sport, something which is missing in the coaching pipeline today. We need to connect with our young people on any device and at any time possible, and by partnering with Famer, we will provide a mobile curriculum which supplements our classes to further engage our young Soccer Stars and their parents through our digital content. ” said Adam Geisler, CEO, Super Soccer Stars. ”Famer’s digital platform will become a core part of the Super Soccer Stars training curriculum going forward to enable our young athletes to tap into their full potential on and off the field.

“Consumers are used to be receiving on-demand access to communities from fitness classes to continuing education programs, but youth sports training has been missing that opportunity until now.  Famer provides that content for the first time, and there is no better partner to launch this than Super Soccer Stars with its proven curriculum, incredible teaching, and tremendous coaches,” added Rich Abend, CEO of Famer. “Our Famer Play product allows for better communication and provides a mobile and digital extension between Super Soccer Stars’ teachings and its parents, which leads to more fun and better participation for all.”

According to the release, Famer’s mobile app allows Super Soccer Stars’ coaches to share videos and instructions on how to perform Super Soccer Stars’ skills & drills at home, as well as assign weekly workouts and provide progress reports to athletes and parents. Super Soccer Stars customers from ages 2-X will be able to use the Famer app to digitally extend its age-specific skills and drills training program to the parent and the athlete as a supplemental interactive program at home.

With Famer, parents will have a clear understanding of their child’s training and development milestones and will receive the following:

●             Access to videos and descriptions week by week explaining their child’s Super Soccer Stars’ class activities.

●             Skills & Drills support their child by helping him/her work on what he/she just learned in class.

●             The ability to follow their participation progress.

●             Additional physical, mental, and social development activities for their child.

●             Quality time spent with their child by actively supporting him/her when practicing programs assigned by Super Soccer Stars’ coach.

Super Soccer Stars curriculum will be live via Famer’s app starting September 7.

Next steps on expansion to other sports and more interactivity will be rolled out later in 2019.

DraftKings Sportsbook Arrives in West Virginia

(PRNewsfoto/DraftKings)

DraftKings Inc. today debuted its Sportsbook app for sports fans in West Virginia. The platform previously made history in New Jersey as the first mobile, online and legal betting offering outside of Nevada. The official launch of the DraftKings Sportsbook in West Virginia, the second U.S. state where the product is accessible, follows DraftKings’ licensing agreement with Penn National Gaming, Inc. (NASDAQ: PENN) in December 2018, and marks a pivotal next step for national expansion of the product.

“We are thrilled to continue our DraftKings Sportsbook expansion by getting our product into the hands of West Virginians,” said Matt Kalish, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer at DraftKings. “We look forward to serving our fans with the top-rated DraftKings Sportsbook app, that features numerous consumer protection features and strives to provide the broadest selection of betting options with the best odds and rewards in West Virginia. DraftKings knows the American sports fan better than anyone, and we look forward to proving that in the Mountain State.”

Having paid out more than $720 million to customers in New Jersey, expansion of the DraftKings Sportsbook app to West Virginia is the latest move in the company’s commitment to providing the best and most enjoyable mobile sports betting product for consumers nationally. Fans in West Virginia will have the opportunity to seamlessly transition between the DraftKings Sportsbook app and the DraftKings Fantasy app to engage with their favorite major and niche sports worldwide.

“We are pleased to help welcome DraftKings to West Virginia,” said John Finamore, Sr. Vice President of Regional Operations at Penn National Gaming. “They provide a quality online sports betting experience that will benefit their customers and the state.”

Sports fans in New Jersey and West Virginia can place their bets on the DraftKings Sportsbook app via iOS and Android or online at Sportsbook.DraftKings.com.

Synergy Blue, Skill-Influenced Gaming Provider, Relocates to Las Vegas

Synergy Blue, the premier creator of arcade-style casino games and platforms for an emerging class of players, today announced its move to the heart of North America’s casino industry, Las Vegas — a couple of months after the Nevada Gaming Commission approved the company’s manufacturing and distribution license. With a new Nevada license and a freshly renovated office, the company plans to hire locally and brings a positive economic footprint to the community, while the team looks forward to immersing themselves in the industry and harnessing the momentum around skill-influenced games.

“This is a big step for Synergy Blue,” said Georg Washington, CEO of Synergy Blue. “As the industry evolves, and skill-influenced games continue to gain traction, we found it necessary to be closer to our clients and the industry. We are very excited to be in Vegas with our Nevada license. We look forward to building strong relationships with our neighbors and becoming a beneficial part of the community.”

After outgrowing their headquarters in Palm Desert, California, Synergy Blue renovated a new home office in Las Vegas. The company plans to expand their team locally to support the growing momentum surrounding skill-influenced games, as well as the progression of the company’s products through certification with the Nevada Gaming Commission.

“As barriers to adoption of skill-influenced games continue to decrease, and more casinos add arcade-style gambling to their offering, Synergy Blue is focusing heavily on partner relationships,” continued Washington. “No one knows their own players, property, and target demographic opportunities better than a casino’s own operations and marketing team. While our team has extensive expertise in skill-influenced gambling, we recognize that it’s the casino teams who are the experts of their own house. Our move to Vegas is another way of showing our dedication to establishing best practices and securing mutually beneficial relationships with both the casinos and their future patrons.”

In the past year, Synergy Blue has strengthened their technology development, grown their game library, secured strategic partnerships, increased game placements, and secured their Nevada Gaming Certification. The company also conducted and published research on the emerging skill-influenced gambling industry, which shows how critical innovation and new solutions are for casinos. Synergy Blue will be displaying new technologies and products at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas this October 2019.

WagerTalk Announces New Pro Football Podcast, ‘Bet On It’

Bet On It Crew

WagerTalk, one of the largest sports betting content providers in the world, has announced a new podcast for the 2019-20 pro football season, ‘Bet On It.’

The new show will feature WagerTalk co-founder Marco D’Angelo, professional sports bettor Gianni “The Greek” Karalis, and WagerTalk Director of Media Relations Kelly Stewart.

D’Angelo has been a professional sports handicapper and bettor since 1980. He is a two-time winner of Preferred Picks’ Wise Guy Football Contest. During football season, D’Angelo makes a number of regional and national media appearances to provide insight on that week’s games.

“With the ‘Bet on It’ show, Ace and myself will break down each week’s pro football games in great detail,” D’Angelo said. “We will be dropping bombs, sprinkling, betting sandwich games, and enjoying ‘Fat n Sassy’ plays all season long, right from the Las Vegas Strip.”

Karalis broke into the sports betting industry as a bookmaker in Philadelphia in the late 1980’s. He moved to Las Vegas in the mid-1990’s and served as a runner for respected betting syndicates at the Stardust Race & Sports Book, where he frequently participated on the famous Stardust Line radio show.

Since then, Karalis has become one of the most recognizable faces in the Las Vegas sports betting scene. He has made several appearances on ESPN, FOX, CBS, Yahoo! Radio and many more local and national outlets. Karalis has been featured on a CNBC sports betting special, a NY Times Magazine longform on sports betting, and was a featured participant in “The Best of It” sports betting documentary.

“I am honored to be a part of the all new ‘Bet On It’ podcast,” Karalis said. “Our supporters have been a huge part of this ride, and I can’t wait to share even more winning information, along with some great times and laughs ahead. I even bought a new ski mask for occasion, so let’s do damage.”

Stewart emerged as a prominent voice in the Las Vegas sports betting scene in the early 2010’s while working for Don Best Sports. She has turned that Internet following into one of the industry’s largest proxy services for out-of-town gamblers.

Known by most as Kelly in Vegas, Stewart won the Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest’s “Mini Contest” in 2014. She is a writer and video personality for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, in addition to working as a featured correspondent for Bleacher Report.

Founded in July 2015, WagerTalk’s team of writers, handicappers, and personalities create sports betting content from across the globe. The brand’s YouTube channel has over 23,000 subscribers and has generated over 6.2 million views on their unique sports betting videos. WagerTalk also produces a daily radio show from ESPN Las Vegas.

Bet On It Podcast

GSA Announces 2019 Technology Summit: ‘Focus on Artificial Intelligence’

Image via www.vpnsrus.com

The exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be the subject of the Gaming Standards Association’s (GSA) latest Technology Summit (GSATS), “Focus on Artificial Intelligence.” This crucial technology event for the gaming industry takes place November 6 and 7 at the Hyatt Regency in San Diego, Calif.

The in-depth summit is a follow up to last year’s overwhelmingly successful summit, “Focus on Blockchain.” Registration is available now at https://www.gamingstandards.com/en/gsa-technology-summit-focus-artificial-intelligence.

AI is defined as “the ability for computer-based programs to parse large volumes of data, identify patterns, learn those patterns, discern probable outcomes and make recommended actions based on that learning.”

As defined, AI has great applicability in the global gaming industry with use cases ranging from responsible gaming, such as, the early identification of potential problem gamers based on analysis of actions and the evaluation of pertinent big data, to tracking patrons feelings and analyzing their needs and interests allowing for the creation of better gaming experiences, anti-money laundering, identifying most valuable players, identifying efficiencies for revenue maximization, and a host of others. 

GSA logo

Leading AI experts from around the world are scheduled to present at the event, including:

  • Dr. Stasi Baran ~ COO, nQube Data Science Inc.
  • Mr. Kiran Brahmandam ~ CEO, Gaming Analytics
  • Mr. Andrew Cardno ~ CEO, Innovation Gaming Group
  • Dr. Gavin Clarkson ~ Managing Director, Native American Capital
  • Mr. Simo Dragicevic ~ Founder and CEO BetBuddy, a Playtech Company
  • Mr. John English ~ Partner, MD Sports and Technology, Global Market Advisors
  • Mr. Earle Hall ~ CEO AXES.ai
  • Mr. Tim Huckaby ~ Founder and Executive Chairman, VSBLTY
  • Mr. Amit Likhyani ~ Account Executive, Dynatrace
  • Mr. Mark Pace ~ Managing Director, GSA Europe
  • Mr. Clayton Peister ~ Managing Director, Differential Labs
  • Mr. Joseph Pisano ~ Founder and CEO, Jade Group Companies
  • Mr. Nimish Purohit ~ Sr. Director, Tech. Compliance, Aristocrat Technologies
  • Mr. Travis Siegfried ~ Global Cognitive AI & Vision Solution Eng., IBM
  • Dr. Ralph Thomas ~ Founder and President, Education Revolution LLC
  • Mr. Markus Van Kempen ~ Corporate Strategy Executive, IBM
  • Dr. Johannes Wilms ~ Sr. Data Scientist, NOVOMATIC AG
  • Mr. George Yang ~ Founder and CEO, AI PROS

GSA is gratified to recognize our event sponsors: Diamond sponsor AXES.ai, a Cloud Information Management Platform that licenses actionable intelligence and applications to the Global Gaming & Amusement Industry and Platinum NOVOMATIC AG, a producer of high-tech gaming equipment and operator of electronic casinos, regular casinos and sports betting outlets, as well as a technology and service partner in the lottery segment.