Category Archives: Sidebar Featured

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/

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.”

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

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’

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.

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

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.

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.

theScore Granted Initial Approval for Sports Wagering Activities in New Jersey

-theScore, Inc. (TSX Venture: SCR) (“theScore” or “the Company”) today announced that the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has granted an initial approval authorizing the Company’s subsidiary, Score Digital Sports Ventures Inc. to engage in Internet and mobile sports wagering activities in the state. In accordance with the DGE’s procedures, theScore will undertake a soft-launch phase of its sportsbook app with a select group of sports bettors in the state in the coming days, ahead of its anticipated state-wide launch in advance of football season.

“This is a huge milestone and a result of the tireless hard work that has gone into getting our sportsbook ready for launch,” said John Levy, Founder and CEO of theScore. “We can’t wait to debut a best-in-class sports betting offering in New Jersey, delivering a truly unique and holistic sports media and wagering experience for fans.”

theScore became the first media company in North America to announce plans to operate a sports betting platform in December 2018 after finalizing an official licensing partnership for New Jersey market access with Darby Development LLC, the operator of Monmouth Park Racetrack, and the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

Last month, theScore announced a major expansion to its U.S. mobile sports betting platform through a strategic multi-state market access framework agreement with Penn National Gaming Inc., North America’s largest regional gaming operator. The framework agreement provides theScore with the right to offer online and mobile sports betting and i-gaming applications in 11 states where Penn National operates casinos and racetracks, subject to applicable state gaming laws and regulations.

theScore’s sports media app for iOS and Android is one of the most popular sports apps in North America, with an audience of approximately four million monthly active users that span every U.S. state. theScore’s mobile sports betting applications will leverage proprietary sports betting platform technology by U.S. based i-gaming and sportsbook provider Bet.Works.

SlatersPicks.com Launches Online and On the Air

SlatersPicks.com, a sports consulting website launches featuring long-time radio host Andy Slater. Slaters Picks has announced its plans to launch in September to the public officially after a successful private run this summer releasing late breaking MLB news and seeing how their clients could act on the news. Lining up with the start of the college and NFL regular season, Slater’s service is attempting to bring unique insight to the industry with late-breaking value picks.

To this point, SlatersPicks.com was only accessible through invite-only. Slater’s team has worked hard to ensure that the website is ready for launch to the public, opening up his vast knowledge of the world of sports handicapping to everyone.

Over the last couple of decades, Slater has built up his reputation in the sports industry as a radio talk shows host based in South Florida. He covers all the major sports on his weekday show, The Andy Slater Show which is known globally beyond Miami.

While sports betting has become legalized in more states this year, the sports radio show and website Slaters Picks is designed for those who want all the tips and information Slater has on upcoming games. This is a great opportunity for not only beginners to get a feel for betting responsibly, but seasoned sports gamblers to hone their craft as much as possible.

Anyone who signs up when SlatersPicks.com launches will have the opportunity to link their phone number with their account. This benefit allows for text alerts, as well as access to Slater’s picks by calling right before a game. It’s crucial to have the best edge in sports. Information can change a pick right before an event starts. That’s why it is so essential to Slater that his service provides the latest news at all times.

In the next few weeks, SlatersPicks.com will release the subscription prices for all first-time members. Discounts will be available for those who sign up for longer subscriptions, and initial pricing will depend on how many sports a person wants picks for. To learn more, all updates will be available online or via the company’s phone number (888-364-4003) and on SlatersPicks.com. This will be a year we look back and prove that pundits, radio hosts, and journalists can make a difference even in the sports gaming world.

Iowa Sportsbooks to Generate Billions in Bets and Millions in Tax Revenue for the State

Iowa’s online and retail sportsbooks could generate more than $4 billion a year in bets once the fledgling industry in the Hawkeye State hits full maturity, according to analysts for PlayIA.com, which delivers news on the Iowa sports betting and gambling industries.

On Thursday, when a number of physical and online sportsbooks launch, Iowa will become the 11th state to actively accept legal sports bets. And that will officially open the door to an industry that will eventually inject millions of dollars into state coffers.

“Once the Iowa market reaches maturity, its potential is on par with what Nevada is today,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayIA.com and a veteran observer of the legal sports betting markets across the U.S. “That means a handle that will exceed $4 billion a year, and perhaps approach $5 billion. And as we have seen with the success of the early adopters of legal sports betting, such as New Jersey, the state should reap millions in tax revenue.”

According to PlayIA.com:

It will take Iowa five years or more to reach full maturity. But once it does, the state’s handle should eclipse $4 billion and even approach $5 billion. Those estimates are based in part on the handle that Nevada generates with a population that is similar in size to Iowa.
If Iowa reaches its full potential as a market, operators could generate more than $300 million a year in revenue, or “win” in gaming parlance.
With a tax rate of 6.75%, Iowa would generate more than $20 million a year in tax revenue if the win reaches $300 million a year.

“We have seen in almost every legal jurisdiction that sports betting can be safely regulated and serve as an economic engine for the state, and Iowa should be no different,” Gouker said.

If there is a downside for Iowa it is that the opportunity to generate significant revenue and handle will be muted to start. That is almost entirely due to the requirement that online bettors sign up in-person at a physical sportsbook until early 2021, which will initially slow the industry’s growth.

In New Jersey, where there is no such requirement, more than 80% of all sports bets are made online. That will be a level unreachable in Iowa until the in-person requirement is lifted.

“The requirement of in-person sign-ups until early 2021 will mean Iowa will not capture all of the market at the start,” Gouker said. “But once that requirement sunsets, Iowa sports betting should really take off.”

For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Iowa, visit PlayIA.com.

Report: Fantasy Sports Market To Reach More Than $1.5 Billion By 2024

The fantasy sports market size is expected to reach more than $1.5 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of more than11% during 2018–2024.

Read the full report: h ttps://www.reportlinker.com/p05806366/?utm_source=PRN

Increasing strategic collaborations and partnerships with diverse stakeholders, growing advertising and marketing spend, and rising interest of millennial are the major factors responsible for the increased growth of the fantasy sports market.
A major factor driving the growth of the fantasy sports business is the rise in the number of sporting events organized worldwide. The urge to participate in a sport event rather than view it has raised the bar of the market significantly. Technological advancements, coupled with the availability of streaming partners, are further driving the fantasy sports market.

The growing popularity of OTT platforms is expected to augur well for the fantasy sport segment. The OTT sports experience is set to observe innovation, which is mainly driven by fantasy sport business. Fantasy sport and OTT platforms have become an apt match for the overall entertainment business. With the growth in streaming service providers and digitalization, fantasy sport is expected to receive a major boost.

This research report on the fantasy sports market covers market sizing and forecast, market share, industry trends, growth drivers, and vendor analysis. The market study includes insights on segmentation by sports (football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, cricket, and other fantasy sports), gender (male and female), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, Latin America, and MEA).

The study considers the present scenario of the fantasy sports market and its market dynamics for the period 2018?2024. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The study covers both the demand and supply sides of the market. It also profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent companies operating in the market.

Fantasy Sports Market: Segmentation

This market research report includes a detailed segmentation of the market by sports, gender, and geography. The worldwide popularity of football is a major reason for the highest share of the fantasy football segment. The segment captured around half of the fantasy sports market in 2018. The extensive fan engagement is another a major factor that is driving the fantasy football market segment. Strategic partnerships and the launch of supporting products across fantasy platforms have raised the standards of fantasy basketball in major playing countries.

As men have historically been receptive to sports and outdoor games, the male segment accounts for the highest share in the fantasy sports market by gender. However, over the last few years, the female population in fantasy sport has witnessed a reasonable surge. The growing number of women-centric sports events and the increasing awareness about games among womenfolk are the factors boosting market growth of female sports segment.

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