Category Archives: In The Biz

Its Pickleball Mania World Championship To LIVE Stream Thursday In Only Live On-Air US/Global Professional Sporting Event

As professional and amateur sports organizations continue to do their part in maintaining best practices to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, postponing competitions and events worldwide, there is a void of original live sports programming on TV. Enter the Its Pickleball Mania World Pickleball Championship, set for Thursday at noon ET, streaming exclusively on ESPN3 as the only live TV sporting event currently available to viewers.

Four of the world’s top professional pickleball players will vie for the first Pickleball Mania crown. They will battle it out in semifinals and finals action at a private residence under strict quarantine guidelines. The four competitors will be joined by a small production and event crew of no more than six people as the event complies fully with present restrictions and social distancing practices.

Fans can tune in for all three matches live on ESPN3 via their streaming players, computers and mobile devices. The final match will also be presented on tape delay on a variety of national and international networks at a later date.

The Its Pickleball Mania World Pickleball Championship was co-founded by former tennis professional Ryan Sherry, NFL veteran Brandon Siler and former professional football player Peter “P.J.” Jensen. They will also serve as Tournament Directors. Harry Cicma serves as the event’s executive TV producer through Harry Cicma Productions LLC, in partnership with ESPN.

“This is a very special event, as one of the only professional sports being televised live worldwide during this difficult pandemic,” said Cicma. “The most important thing is that the event and broadcast are intimate, in a private secluded residence, and promoting staying at home in quarantine and social distancing. It’s been a difficult few weeks for the community and we are grateful to finally bring live professional world championship excitement to the sports world in a safe way as we all try to beat COVID-19.”

“Pickleball is sweeping the world by storm and is currently the fastest growing sport in the world,” said Jensen. “I promise you this, if you ever pick up a pickleball paddle and play a game of singles or doubles you will be hooked! Pickleball is a combination of tennis, ping pong and requires speed, power, finesse and strategy. If you think for a second this is an old people’s game, you will be sadly mistaken and proven wrong! Tune in and watch live for yourself!”

“With everything that is going on in the world right now, we’re glad to be able to bring entertainment with safe health practices and the showcase of a little known sport to the world,” said Sherry. “Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America for a reason. It’s easy to learn, easy to improve, any age can play, it’s social, and incredibly fun and addictive. Pickleball combines sport and racquet backgrounds in a way no other sport does. Anyone with a sports background can find parallels between their background and pickleball.”

“Pickleball appeals to the old, the young, celebrities, former professionals in others sports. It has something for everyone,” said Siler. “And we’re just happy to be able to showcase this to the world at a time when people are yearning for something to root for.”

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The fast-growing, fast-paced game is played with a paddle and plastic ball with holes, as doubles or singles, on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.

Sidelines Shares Insight on the Innovative Act of Legalizing Sports Betting

Despite how anyone feels about sports betting at this juncture, the process of legalization has begun – and there’s likely no chance of stopping it. In May 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), only Oregon, Nevada, Montana, and Delaware allowed legalized betting on sports. Now, in 2020, the number of states has grown from four to 21, with a promise of more to come.

Once upon a time, this was a topic people remained hushed about, but now, even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has recognized that legalized sports betting is making its way “out of the underground and into the sunlight.”

This has paved the way for partnerships between the usual suspects: sports leagues, broadcasters, teams, casinos, and sportsbooks, which are being contracted almost as quickly as the legislation is being passed. Just to name a few, the MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL, and UFC have deals with MGM Resorts, FanDuel, DraftKings, FoxBet, William Hill, and Caesars. These lucrative deals entail profits, real-time data sharing, and branding in the form of logos and social media platform exposure. 

But what does this mean for bettors? 

First, sportsbooks will have immediate access to official league data in real-time. Amongst other benefits, this means better set lines/odds both before and during games, including in-play betting. Sportsbooks can also be more creative with the types of wagers they offer, providing bettors with a multitude of betting choices. 

However, because of how quickly the legalization process is occurring, one can easily be overwhelmed by the ideas of partnerships and changes. What’s more, the heightened involvement of data can be daunting for those who want to bet, despite whether they are old pros or newbies. 

There is a light in this confusing, data-driven world of sports betting, though. 

One of the first companies to arrive on the scene is Sidelines, who knew right away that users needed an easy way to learn the market. Therefore, with the idea of providing users with a distinct advantage and an excellent value, Sidelines launched an odds comparison platform, bringing together market research and analysis for real-time odds comparisons across all legal U.S. sportsbooks. 

This is only a small example of what legalized sports betting will bring. 

The countless advantages to legalization and the process will only continue to gain traction within the community as this is further realized. As a result, both bettors and sports fans should keep themselves well informed on any changes and be prepared for the exciting prospects that will accompany it. 

Sidelines Shares Insight on the Innovative Act of Legalizing Sports Betting

credit: Keith Allison

Despite how anyone feels about sports betting at this juncture, the process of legalization has begun – and there’s likely no chance of stopping it. In May 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), only Oregon, Nevada, Montana, and Delaware allowed legalized betting on sports. Now, in 2020, the number of states has grown from four to 21, with a promise of more to come.

Once upon a time, this was a topic people remained hushed about, but now, even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has recognized that legalized sports betting is making its way “out of the underground and into the sunlight.”

This has paved the way for partnerships between the usual suspects: sports leagues, broadcasters, teams, casinos, and sportsbooks, which are being contracted almost as quickly as the legislation is being passed. Just to name a few, the MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL, and UFC have deals with MGM Resorts, FanDuel, DraftKings, FoxBet, William Hill, and Caesars. These lucrative deals entail profits, real-time data sharing, and branding in the form of logos and social media platform exposure. 

But what does this mean for bettors? 

First, sportsbooks will have immediate access to official league data in real-time. Amongst other benefits, this means better set lines/odds both before and during games, including in-play betting. Sportsbooks can also be more creative with the types of wagers they offer, providing bettors with a multitude of betting choices. 

However, because of how quickly the legalization process is occurring, one can easily be overwhelmed by the ideas of partnerships and changes. What’s more, the heightened involvement of data can be daunting for those who want to bet, despite whether they are old pros or newbies. 

There is a light in this confusing, data-driven world of sports betting, though. 

One of the first companies to arrive on the scene is Sidelines, who knew right away that users needed an easy way to learn the market. Therefore, with the idea of providing users with a distinct advantage and an excellent value, Sidelines launched an odds comparison platform, bringing together market research and analysis for real-time odds comparisons across all legal U.S. sportsbooks. 

This is only a small example of what legalized sports betting will bring. 

The countless advantages to legalization and the process will only continue to gain traction within the community as this is further realized. As a result, both bettors and sports fans should keep themselves well informed on any changes and be prepared for the exciting prospects that will accompany it. 

PlayNJ: State Sportsbooks Nearly Hit $500 Million in Feb., But Uncertainty Lies Ahead

Super Bowl betting pushed New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks to a strong February, though the monthly handle fell short of $500 million for the first time since October. But the concern for New Jersey’s sportsbooks is what lies ahead, according to PlayNJ analysts, after the NBA suspended its season, the NCAA Tournament limited spectators, and other leagues mull suspensions.

“New Jersey’s year-over-year gains remained impressive in February, but we are in uncharted territory now,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayNJ.com. “Obviously there are bigger concerns with coronavirus, but the NBA is a major revenue driver for New Jersey’s sportsbooks. So the suspension of the season, in addition to suspensions of other sports, will undoubtedly have a significant effect.”

New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks made a giant year-over-year leap in handle to $494.8 million, up 54.4% from $320.4 million in February 2019, according to official reporting released Thursday.

New Jersey generated $54.2 million in Super Bowl bets, but that was No. 2 to Nevada’s $156.8 million. Still, the Garden State could surpass Nevada, which posted a $458.6 million in handle in February 2019.

Despite losing $4.3 million on the big game, New Jersey sportsbooks managed to produce $17 million in gross revenue, resulting in $2.2 million in tax revenue for the state. Basketball, which produced a $6.6 million win on $219.3 million in wagers, helped sportsbooks overcome the Super Bowl loss.

“New Jersey bettors continue to show heavy interest in basketball,” Gouker said. “March Madness appears as of now as if it will be played, and it is one of the largest betting holidays in the U.S. But it is impossible to gauge just how much interest there will be if it is played at all.”

Online betting generated $436.5 million in wagers, 88.2% of the state’s handle in February. FanDuel Sportsbook/PointsBet led the way with $9.6 million in gross revenue from online betting, down from $22.2 million in January.

FanDuel Sportsbook at The Meadowlands again capitalized on the New York market. The retail market leader posted $1.4 million in gross revenue, up from $4.3 million in January.

ONLINE CASINOS

New Jersey’s online and poker industry set a revenue-per-day record in February, generating $52 million in revenue during the short month. February’s total was up 64% from $31.7 million in February 2019 and just shy of the record $55.1 million set last month.

Online casinos and poker generated $1.79 million per day during the 29 days in February, up from $1.78 million per day in January. March, which has historically been a big month for online casinos, could bring even more revenue in, as Atlantic City casinos brace for any impact from the coronavirus outbreak.

“Online casinos and sportsbooks should help buoy their land-based casino counterparts in Atlantic City should the coronavirus impact casino operations,” said Eric Ramsey, an analyst for PlayNJ.com. “The Golden Nugget’s online casino already generates more revenue than its retail casino, and others have been closing the gap. That online revenue stream could prove vitally important in the coming months.”

For more, visit PlayNJ.com/news.

Nagasaki university to offer IR management course

Despite a few bumps along the way, Japan’s government still has big plans to offer expanded gambling options in the country, and the countdown to an official launch slowly progresses. Nagasaki is on the short list of regions that could, eventually, host an integrated resort (IR). In anticipation of the introduction of the industry, Nagasaki International University is mulling over the idea of offering an IR Management Course to help prepare those interested in a career in gaming management to get a head start.

According to local media outlet Nagasaki Shimbun, the course would be integrated into the school’s Faculty of Human Sociology of its International Tourism Department. It could also lead to the creation of a brand-new department at the school, and comes as a result of the Nagasaki prefecture’s interest to have the university, as well as others in the area, introduce an education curriculum specifically for the gaming industry.

Currently, Japan doesn’t have any higher education facilities that offer courseware specifically for gaming-related jobs. Hospitality courses exist, which can lead to management positions in casinos, but having an IR course will help ensure that Japan’s casino-resort market finds the best local talent to lead the activity.

The classes are expected to begin as soon as this April. If the IR department itself is created, it would come most likely in 2022, which is still ahead of the launch of the first three IRs in the country. That launch is expected to occur sometime in 2025 or 2026, depending on how quickly Japan can complete the final parameters of the operational framework.

SBG Sports Software Inc Launches With New Office In Chicago

SBG Sports Software is excited to announce the opening of its new North American operation based out of Chicago, IL. headed up by recently appointed VP of Sales and Business Development, Joe Schrimpl.

SBG Sports Software Incorporated will strengthen SBG’s growth in Major League Soccer and US motorsports series whilst offering enhanced local support for existing customers. This investment comes as a direct result of increasing demand for SBG’s next generation sports analytics applications RaceWatch, MatchTracker and Focus.

The appointment of Joe Schrimpl represents a strategic move to expand the SBG product suite to support additional elite sports across North America. Schrimpl is joining with over 20 years of award-winning success in sales and operations throughout the sports technology space. Schrimpl served in various capacities for over 7 years at XOS Digital Inc, serving as Account Manager to numerous professional and collegiate football, basketball and hockey teams for video and data analysis and instant replay. Schrimpl was also a part of National Championship Football staffs, directing the Video and Operations Department at the University of Southern California for nearly 7 years. Schrimpl began his career in sports technology assisting Football, Basketball and Soccer staffs at the University of Miami, Fl and Drake University respectively.

SBG’s global leadership position in professional sports is reflected by customers in 40 countries across 4 continents, with local partners in Spain, Germany, Japan and Australia. A new base in Chicago gives SBG access to elite sports throughout the US and Canada, perfectly located to further enable customer support and new market development across 3 time zones.

Gareth Griffith, CEO of SBG Sports Software comments on the expansion into the US: “Over the last few years we have been applying SBG technology with great success in elite level sports including Formula 1, Premier League football and Six Nations rugby. It has been a long-held ambition to expand into North American sports, which I have personally followed enthusiastically for many years. We are delighted that Joe Schrimpl is joining us to lead our US organisation. His appointment reflects our continued commitment to industry expertise, and we look forward to making significant impact in the US market.”

Joe Schrimpl: “I’ve been in the sports technology industry for many years and SBG’s reputation and position within the market is second to none. Coaching and analysis staff are in constant pursuit of that competitive edge and they deserve a technology partner that is equally competitive, dependable and innovative. SBG brings a unique and unparalleled approach to elite sports data and visualization applications to the US sports industry. I’m thrilled to be joining the SBG Team.”

XPRESS Gaming delivers Salsa Technology games onto its platform

Wednesday March 4th, 2020 – Salsa Technology has signed an agreement with XPRESS Gaming to integrate its award-winning Video Bingos onto the platform.

XPRESS Gaming offers a variety of content from the world’s leading game providers. Salsa Technology’s games will join a platform stacked with top class providers, including Ganapati, Espresso Gaming and Endophina.

Salsa Technology’s hugely popular Halloween Groove Bingo and the recently released LatAm classic Jogo dos Bichos Praia are included in the deal.

Salsa Technology’s Global Business Development Manager Victor Arias followed: “Working with XPRESS has been a delight and we’re really pleased to add our games to the platform. We’re particularly excited to add Jogo dos Bichos Praia to the XPRESS offering as the initial reaction from the market has been exceptional.”

Kansas Senate passes bill to legalize sports gambling

On February 26, the Kansas moved one step closer to legalizing sports gambling when the state Senate passed a bill that would legalize the practice. This came after two years of haggling over the bill.

Lawmakers had been hoping to have passed a bill prior to Super Bowl LIV, knowing that that would have been a huge boon for the state. The push then was to try to get a bill passed before the NCAA’s March Madness got underway.

The bill, should it become a law, adults over the age of 21 can place wagers on both professional and college sporting events using online platforms, or by going to one of the four-state casinos. Kansas has four casinos: The Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City and Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel in Pittsburg.

Kansas would receive 7.5% of the profits from all bets placed inside a casino and 10% of the from bets placed online. The casinos would be allowed to negotiate their own deals with online sportsbook providers.

Kansas Senate passes bill to legalize sports gambling

On February 26, the Kansas moved one step closer to legalizing sports gambling when the state Senate passed a bill that would legalize the practice. This came after two years of haggling over the bill.

Lawmakers had been hoping to have passed a bill prior to Super Bowl LIV, knowing that that would have been a huge boon for the state. The push then was to try to get a bill passed before the NCAA’s March Madness got underway.

The bill, should it become a law, adults over the age of 21 can place wagers on both professional and college sporting events using online platforms, or by going to one of the four-state casinos. Kansas has four casinos: The Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City and Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel in Pittsburg.

Kansas would receive 7.5% of the profits from all bets placed inside a casino and 10% of the from bets placed online. The casinos would be allowed to negotiate their own deals with online sportsbook providers.