Category Archives: In The Biz

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.

CNIGA Elects New Chairman, Executive Board

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) has elected a new chairman and executive board members. The largest association of gaming tribes in the Golden State elected James Siva as chairman, Mike Lopez as vice chairman and Isaiah Vivanco as treasurer. Siva said, “I am deeply honored to be elected chairman of CNIGA and am… Read more »

The post CNIGA Elects New Chairman, Executive Board appeared first on GGB Magazine.

BetMGM Launches Sports Betting App in Indiana

Roar Digital, LLC – the joint venture between MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings – announced today that BetMGM, a leading mobile sports betting app, is now accepting wagers throughout Indiana. BetMGM is entering Indiana through a market-access agreement with Boyd Gaming.

“Introducing BetMGM in Indiana is a significant development for Roar Digital and MGM Resorts,” said Scott Butera, President of Interactive Gaming for MGM Resorts. “Indiana has a rich history in professional and amateur sports and a strong fan base. We believe that the sports betting opportunities offered by BetMGM, and access to MGM’s world-class entertainment offerings and resorts, will be well-received.”

BetMGM offers unique product features, such as in-app, livestreamed sports events from around the world. In conjunction with today’s launch, Indiana bettors will enjoy promotions only available within Indiana, affording ample opportunity to bet on professional as well as collegiate sports through a variety of pre-match, in-play and player proposition wagers.

“We’re excited to launch BetMGM in a state as passionate about sports as Indiana is and look forward to seeing fans in the state take advantage of our unique in-app offers,” said Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer, Roar Digital. “Indiana marks an incredibly important expansion for us as we look to solidify our presence in the Midwest and continue to bring BetMGM to new states in the US.”

Indiana is BetMGM’s third U.S. market entry, following New Jersey and West Virginia.  Available for download on both iOS and Android and accessible via desktop, BetMGM leverages an exclusive betting engine that allows fans to place bets quickly and with ease. Sports bettors have access to a wide assortment of betting markets on BetMGM, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, soccer, tennis and combat sports.