Category Archives: Press Releases

Latino Players Have Their Say In New La Vida Baseball Show, Mas Que Un Juego

Edgar Martinez (credit: Kuyabribri)

La Vida Baseball, the nation’s leading multi-language Latino baseball lifestyle media company, is gearing up to launch its newest show Mas Que Un Juego, on Thursday, January 7, 2021 via La Vida Baseball’s (@lavidabaseball) social media platforms. The new show celebrates the Latino experience through unfiltered conversations with some of the biggest names in baseball including current and former Latino MLB players. This announcement is the first of several new content initiatives and distribution partnerships planned for 2021.

“As Latinos, it is important that we continue to shape our own narrative. Opportunities like Mas Que Un Juego help us do that,” says Luis Tiant, former Boston Red Sox pitcher.

The first captivating episode features a candid and compelling conversation on culture and identity with Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero and former MLB great, pitcher Luis Tiant.

Mas Que Un Juego is an opportunity for fans to hear the most revered figures in sports openly talk about their experiences and stories. The half-hour long episode features authentic and passionate discussions about the game of baseball and the issues that are important to Latinos and their communities. Listeners are granted unprecedented access as these players share intimate stories about their lives outside of baseball and what it means to be Latino in professional sports in the United States.

“La Vida Baseball is launching Mas Que Un Juego to reflect a time when we’re celebrating all things Latinx and taking a hard look at the lack of inclusion in the United States,” says Jesse Menendez, La Vida Baseball Managing Director. “It’s important to continuously engage the growing Latino audience in authentic ways by sharing our stories and journey – from how we arrived in the U.S., to how our upbringing in our país has shaped who we are, uplifting stories about our beloved communities and hearing how the struggles of being Latinx and immigrants applies to all of us, including pro athletes.”

La Vida Baseball host and producer Jennifer Mercedes (@LaChicaDeportes) is at the helm of this roundtable discussion. Mas Que Un Juego will air on La Vida Baseball’s (@lavidabaseball) social media platforms and LaVidaBaseball.com. The series will run throughout 2021.

For more information about La Vida Baseball and Mas Que Un Juego, please visit lavidabaseball.com.

National Lacrosse League Launches Redesigned Website With Agency Partner AOR

 The National Lacrosse League (NLL), North America’s premier professional lacrosse league, today announced the relaunch of its website, NLL.com, with a complete technological and U/X U/I redesign by AOR. Designed mobile-first for digitally native fans who want to get in on the action any time, any place, the new site captures the vision of the league and mirrors the evolution of the brand and sport.

Complete with all team’s information, player stats, and schedules, the new NLL site is an immersive experience for fans and media alike with dynamic multimedia content. Its user-friendly functionality and one-click access to ticketing, e-commerce (NLLShop.com powered by Official League Partner, Fanatics), betting (in available markets) and free-to-play gamification (powered by FanHub), centralizes the entire NLL experience. There are real-time game updates as well as archived information from historical statistics. NLL Awards and the prestigious Hall of Fame can also be explored. The site integrates with all NLL social accounts and features real-time API connections to Instagram, Twitter and prominent lead gen to all NLL email communications.

As the NLL continues to build on its recent momentum – with new brand partnerships and content distribution platforms – this site allows for upgrades to keep it at the cutting edge of technology.

“We have focused on a mobile-first, video rich strategy and aspire to be the leading sports league in an immersive site experience. It’s more than just a strategy; it’s a commitment to our fans to invest in technology and innovation to elevate their NLL experience. And this website is another key step in fulfilling that promise,” said Nick Sakiewicz, Commissioner of the National Lacrosse League. “The redesigned user-experience gives fans mobile-first access to non-stop box lacrosse action, with new features and functionality to offer a truly engaging and comprehensive experience.”

“AOR began the site creation process with comprehensive primary research to learn how current and prospective fans want to interact with the league, in order to provide the best fan experience possible.  Our research gave us insight into pain points and inspired us to build the new site to be mobile first, user-friendly and, most importantly, establish the NLL as the foremost destination for all things box lacrosse for all fans. Our goal has always been to grow the sport and we think with this new site, we’ve successfully accomplished this first step,” said Derek Effinger, Account Director, AOR.

In addition to the league overhaul, the following NLL teams have also partnered with AOR to have a new site experience.  This includes the: Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, New England Black Wolves, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club, Philadelphia Wings, San Diego Seals, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors.  AOR built a seamless experience between the teams and league site, and vice versa, so deep that even the content, such as player pages, stats, and more, is shared through back-end API integrations.

The new NLL.com comes as the NLL is planning for Face-off Weekend in April 2021.   For the latest news, scores and highlights from across the National Lacrosse League, please visit www.NLL.com.

EU countries amass €171 million in GDPR fines in 2020, UK and Italy account for 59%

Data acquired from the GDPR Fines 2020 Report by Finbold.com indicates that a total of €171.3 million fines have been issued against European countries in 2020 alone. The fines were issued between January 1st, 2020, and January 1st, 2021.

Data breach fines significant high in 2020

The GDPR Fines 2020 Report reveals that Italy accounts for the highest fines at €58.16 million of the total fines from 34 violations. The United Kingdom ranks second with €43.9 million in fines from only three violations. The two countries cumulatively account for 59.5% of all the EU GDPR fines. Germany is third at €37.39 million from three major violations.

Sweden’s 15 violations attracted €14.27 million in fines, while Spain closes the top five categories with €8 million in fines arising from 128 incidents. In 2020, a total of 299 fines were registered in the EU.

Pair Of 1980’s ‘Mike’ Trading Cards Set Records In Goldin Auctions

Goldin Auctions

In a year when trading cards became considered an asset class, two particular sports legends name Mike who started their careers in the 1980’s – Michael Jordan and “Iron” Mike Tyson – had their rookie trading cards set new records this past weekend in Goldin Auctions End of Year Auction.

The first of the two records was set by Heavyweight boxing Champion Mike Tyson’s rookie card, a 1986 Panini Supersport #153 sold for $47,970, shattering the previous high sale of $6,999 for a 683% yield.

The same year of the Tyson rookie card, Michael Jordan’s popular 1986 Fleer rookie card also kept climbing as Goldin Auctions has set the record high sale for this card four times in the past 6 months, setting a new mark of $222,630, besting the $211,560 record set less than 30 days in December.

“Here we go again” said Ken Goldin, Founder of Goldin Auctions in reaction to the new records, “We have begun a new way of doing business here at Goldin Auctions without sellers and buyers having to wait months in between auctions and the supply is being met by the demand.”

Goldin auctions is actively accepting consignments for its upcoming Winter Auction which we anticipate taking place in early February. To get into the next auction you can consign by emailing an image and description of your items to info@goldinauctions.com.

Diamond Anniversary For Strat-O-Matic As Sports Simulation Leader Celebrates 60th

Now sixty years after Hal Richman launched the first set of Strat-O-Matic (www.strat-o-matic.com) baseball cards, the market leader in sports simulation is set to celebrate its Diamond Anniversary (how appropriate!) with a full lineup of new items, including upgraded seasons, updated popular series including Hall of Fame and Negro League sets, and branded 60th Anniversary merchandise that longtime fans and newcomers alike will enjoy.

Strat-O-Matic, which has become legendary in the gaming industry and in sports, particularly in baseball, since Richman launched that initial set in 1961, will be upgrading the 1972 and 1956 seasons, two hugely popular years based on fan feedback, to Super Advanced status, for board and digital game play, as a highlight of new products for 2021.

The company is coming off a landmark year, which saw baseball board and Windows platform sales, game product sales, Baseball 365 sales and membership all saw steep increases. The 2020 Strat-O-Matic daily baseball season simulation also brought the company unprecedented attention from popular sports and entertainment personalities and media outlets. Basketball, football and hockey board, Windows, and 365 products also saw increases in sales and interest.

“It is hard to believe that it has been 60 years since we launched our first set of baseball cards,” said Richman, Strat-O-Matic founder. “This year’s offerings will be exciting for our fans, and I’m particularly pleased to be upgrading our first-ever ‘classic’ season of 1956, as it holds a special place for me.”

In addition to the classic baseball seasons, Strat-O-Matic will introduce numerous new products to commemorate the occasion. The popular Heroes series returns for a third edition, along with the 2021 Career Historical Update, Hall of Fame 2021 for Windows and three new Negro League seasons for Windows (1918, 1928 and 1943). 

And Strat-O-Matic enthusiasts can show their fandom even more and help celebrate the anniversary with hats, t-shirts bearing the new 60th logo and the classic red game box, available in limited quantities.

Pre-orders for these products, as well as the 60-game and imagined full 2020 season sets, will begin on January 26. The Strat-O-Matic Headquarters will be closed to the public, and while pick up will be available “curbside” beginning on March 5, the company strongly encourages ordering via the strat-o-matic.com website for delivery this year.

“While it’s disappointing to not have our annual Opening Day activities that thousands have enjoyed as tradition for years,” added Richman, “we hope that making available the new seasons and products that so many have been requesting will renew everyone’s excitement for the new year as they help us celebrate.”

Better Collective becomes majority owner in Mindway AI

Better Collective increases its ownership to 90% of the shares in Mindway AI that specialises in software solutions based on artificial intelligence and neuroscience for identifying, preventing and intervening in at-risk and problem gambling. The investment supports Better Collective’s ambition to make betting more safe. 

As of January 1st 2021, Better Collective has exercised its option to acquire a further 70% of the shares in Mindway AI for a total price of 17 million DKK. The acquisition follows a preliminary investment made in 2019 where Better Collective acquired 19.99% of the company for 4 million DKK. With the new investment, Better Collective now holds 90% of the shares in Mindway AI, whereas the reimaing 10% is held by Kim Mouridsen, Founder of Mindway AI and Professor at Aarhus University. 

CEO of Mindway AI, Rasmus Kjærgaard, who has played an instrumental part in commercialising the business during its growth phase over the last 12 months, continues in his current position. Kjærgaard joined Mindway AI in December 2019 from Danish IT company, Signaturgruppen A/S, where he spent over four years as VP of Sales. Also, Professor Kim Mouridsen stays on board in the role as Chief Scientific Officer and member of the board of the company. Mindway AI will continue to operate as a stand-alone company within the Better Collective Group. 

Jesper Søgaard, CEO of Better Collective, says:

Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. introduces “Aristocrat Future Leaders” program

Robust Rotational Program provides unique opportunities for recent graduates.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. January 4, 2020) – Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. has launched its Aristocrat Future Leaders (AFL) program. AFL features a comprehensive educational track that creates a unique opportunity for recent graduate students in the United States to learn the land-based gaming industry from the leading slot manufacturer.

The AFL rotational program offers full-time job opportunities for recent college graduates. In this role, participants will rotate through a variety of major commercial departments including finance, operations, marketing, and others. Each graduate will spend approximately eight months in each department for an immersive educational experience. The rotational program offers competitive benefits and compensation sure to attract nationwide applicants.

“We’re excited to invest in the future of gaming with the introduction of Aristocrat Future Leaders,” said Hector Fernandez, president of Aristocrat Gaming. “By prioritizing education and placing the gaming supplier industry at the forefront of career opportunities, we look forward to welcoming top talent that will grow their career with Aristocrat for the long term.”

Squaresbook Offers Sports Fans a Lucrative Promotion to Start Betting on the Biggest Games

Squaresbook.com is the newest player in the world of online sports betting. Despite stiff competition from other online betting companies, Squaresbook’s innovative format promises a reprieve from traditional sports betting. Using a betting method familiar to anyone who’s attended a Super Bowl party, Squaresbook is perfect for beginner and veteran betters alike.

That’s right – Squaresbook uses the Score Square Pool format you’d find at a football viewing party for a recognizable betting experience that feels entirely fresh. And right now, they’re offering sports fans the perfect opportunity to start betting. For a limited time, Squaresbook is giving users a 50% bonus on their first deposit up to $200 using promo code BONUS50!

Not a football fan? Not an issue! Squaresbook has developed squares for all major sports. You can start betting on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and more today. They even offer online square pools for all major cricket tournaments!

Interested in getting started with Squaresbook’s fresh take on online sports betting? Visit them at www.Squaresbook.com today to sign up. Don’t forget to use code BONUS50 for a 50% bonus on your deposit!

How India has become a target market for European casino operators

This is a guest contribution by Dinesh Rhana of luckydice.in.

The online world has taken casino gaming for a trip around the world. In days gone by, casino type games and in some places casino halls, have served us well, but now many head online for their fix.

When you play online, you could be playing alongside people from the other side of the world, you could even be playing with a casino operator on the other side of the world, this is a global industry.

Inside of this, companies target specific areas with their service, and tailor it towards them. The biggest online area for this has always been Europe, we have many European operators and huge numbers of players in the region, so naturally the operators kept things close to home and promoted to locals.

How India has become a target market for European casino operators

This is a guest contribution by Dinesh Rhana of luckydice.in.

The online world has taken casino gaming for a trip around the world. In days gone by, casino type games and in some places casino halls, have served us well, but now many head online for their fix.

When you play online, you could be playing alongside people from the other side of the world, you could even be playing with a casino operator on the other side of the world, this is a global industry.

Inside of this, companies target specific areas with their service, and tailor it towards them. The biggest online area for this has always been Europe, we have many European operators and huge numbers of players in the region, so naturally the operators kept things close to home and promoted to locals.

Bitcoin Association launches online education platform Bitcoin SV Academy

ZUG, Switzerland – December 29, 2020 – Bitcoin Association, the Switzerland-based global industry organisation that works to advance business with the Bitcoin SV blockchain, today announces the official launch of Bitcoin SV Academy – a dedicated online education platform for Bitcoin, offering academia-quality, university-style courses and learning materials.

Developed by Bitcoin Association, Bitcoin SV Academy has been created to make learning about Bitcoin – the way creator Satoshi Nakamoto designed it – accessible, accurate and understandable. Courses are available in their entirety online and offered in three distinct streams:

Bitcoin Theory – covers the design of Bitcoin as a system as prescribed by Satoshi Nakamoto.

Bitcoin Development – provides vanguard information for application developers building with Bitcoin, including tools and techniques for leveraging the unique features of the network.

Bitcoin Association launches online education platform Bitcoin SV Academy

ZUG, Switzerland – December 29, 2020 – Bitcoin Association, the Switzerland-based global industry organisation that works to advance business with the Bitcoin SV blockchain, today announces the official launch of Bitcoin SV Academy – a dedicated online education platform for Bitcoin, offering academia-quality, university-style courses and learning materials.

Developed by Bitcoin Association, Bitcoin SV Academy has been created to make learning about Bitcoin – the way creator Satoshi Nakamoto designed it – accessible, accurate and understandable. Courses are available in their entirety online and offered in three distinct streams:

Bitcoin Theory – covers the design of Bitcoin as a system as prescribed by Satoshi Nakamoto.

Bitcoin Development – provides vanguard information for application developers building with Bitcoin, including tools and techniques for leveraging the unique features of the network.

Aspire Global’s BtoBet signs platform and sportsbook deal with William Hill in Colombia

Aspire Global’s BtoBet has further expanded its position in Latin America through a partnership with William Hill in Colombia. BtoBet will provide the platform (PAM) and sportsbook to William Hill, one of the world’s leading sports betting and gaming operators.

The agreement is a long-term deal and further strengthens Aspire Global’s leading position in Latin America and specifically in Colombia. Aspire Global’s BtoBet will provide its platform and cutting-edge sportsbook solution.

BtoBet was acquired by Aspire Global in September and has established itself as the leading sportsbook provider in the country after the regulation of the Colombian market in 2016. By bolstering its presence in Colombia, Aspire Global and BtoBet have demonstrated its commitment to extending their footprint across global regulated markets.

Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO of William Hill, said: “We are thrilled by this partnership and the opportunity to provide players in Colombia with a superior gaming experience. We always look for the best localised solutions and BtoBet are well placed in the Colombian betting market.”

Super Spade Games announces first-ever live dealer studio in African Continent

Super Spade Games, leading provider of Live Casino solutions, has announced that it is going to create their third Live Casino studio, this time in the African Continent.

Super Spade Games currently operates 2 studios in total, with a further studio — in Asia— set to open in mid 2021. The studio in Africa, first of its kind, will extend the SSG studio count still further when it goes live in Q1 2021.

The African site is designed to scale into a fully independent studio operation, mainly aimed to cater to the upcoming African market as well as it’s global diaspora. Operating as a strategic studio serving multiple SSG licensees, the new studio will add significantly to the capacity of SSG’s existing central studios located in East Europe.

SSG’s co-founder Albert Climent commented, “The new studio is scheduled to launch in early 2021 and will help SSG to achieve its ambitious growth plans. We have always been a glocal content provider, so as part of our commitment to ever improving our service to both our local and global licensees as well as to increase our USP over competition, we are delighted to announce our next studio in Africa. Besides providing very solid career opportunities locally, we are planning in the mid-term to offer customized games for the African customer, with special focus on West and East Africa. We are very excited, and we hope that with this new studio, we can expand and offer our services to additional partners.”

CMD368 appoints Robert Pires as brand ambassador

December 23rd, 2020 – CMD368, Asia’s leading online betting operator has announced a partnership with former FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship winner Robert Pires as its brand ambassador.

The legendary French forward will collaborate with CMD368 to promote the brand across Asia ahead of the upcoming UEFA Euro 2020 competition and conduct various digital marketing activations to further boost the brand’s awareness across the region.

Voted as one of the greatest players to suit up for Arsenal FC, Robert Pires gained prominence attributable to his exquisite touch and silky finish. He was part of the ‘Invincibles’ squad that went unbeaten for the entire 2003-04 season and played crucial roles in winning the Premier League title that season.

Robert Pires said: “I am proud to represent CMD368 as the brand ambassador and I look forward to working with the brand closely to produce entertaining content and rewarding experience for the users.”

Leadstar Media secures affiliate license in Pennsylvania

Lead generation company Leadstar Media expands its US presence with a third license in the country. The PA license covers both online betting and casino in the state.

The new license will allow Leadstar Media to display and market licensed online sportsbooks and casinos in PA.

Leadstar Media has already acquired licenses in both New Jersey and Indiana, in addition to Illinois and Iowa where they are permitted to offer their services. Pennsylvania becomes the fifth state in their US expansion. Pennsylvania is the second largest state for regulated online gambling in the US and, strategically, an important market for Leadstar Media.

– Pennsylvania has an attractive igaming market which allows us to market both online sportsbooks and casinos. In addition, players can register accounts online as opposed to a physical location, an imperative part of our business model. PA sits second only to New Jersey when it comes to gambling revenue and has showcased great growth since it launched last year. It goes without saying that we’re pleased to have been granted access to the Keystone State, says Eskil Kvarnström, CEO of Leadstar Media.

Legends Media & Entertainment Adds Peter Vecsey And Hoop Du Jour To Its Content Offering

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) announced today that veteran NBA columnist and renowned basketball insider Peter Vecsey (pvecsey@legendsofbasketball.com) has joined its content team, sharing his thoughts via his popular Hoop du Jour platform each week. Hoop du Jour will be featured content for Legends Media & Entertainment (LME), the multifaceted story-telling platform producing, distributing and quantifying the wide-reaching stories of many of the NBA and WNBA’s biggest stars that was launched in September and has seen record growth since launch. Athletes First Partners represents the NBRPA in its marketing endeavors and is working on engaging with brands on the platform as well.

Vecsey, the long-time columnist for the New York Post and analyst for TNT/TBS, NBC and NBATV, is one of the most connected and engaged media members in the sport. His opinions, insights and quips about the game–both past and present–have long been required reading for anyone involved or interested in basketball.

The native New Yorker has been enshrined in four Halls of Fame, including Naismith Basketball (Class of 2009), NYC Basketball, Rucker League and Archbishop Molloy.

“If there is any media member who knows our players and our audience, it is Peter Vecsey,” NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle said. “Hoop du Jour was a business and lockerroom must read for decades. Peter’s ability to tell stories in his own style will certainly resonate not just with our current audience, but with a growing number of new fans who love basketball and its personalities. We are confident it’s going to be a must-read and must-follow as our other content has become this fall.”

“The men and women who make up the NBRPA were, and are, the most engaging and interesting athletes anywhere,” Vecsey said.  “I’m looking forward to having some fun with them, telling and retelling their stories, and showing a new (and not-so-new) audience just how much noise we can make in this space.”

The first Hoop du Jour can be seen here: https://www.legendsofbasketball.com/hoop-du-jour-2-0/

The NBRPA represents over 1,000 former NBA and WNBA players, making it the largest agency of its kind in basketball. In three months LME in both audio and video has drawn almost 600,000 views and listens, more than three times the combined numbers of audio and video around the players in the previous nine months. Viewers and listeners have come from over 20 countries, and have enjoyed content from some of the most unique storytellers in the history of professional basketball. The key unified elements of LME include: Legends Magazine, Legends Studios, the All-Access Legends Podcast and the NBRPA’s social media strategy and content.

Incentive Games & Virgine Bet’s bespoke Customer Acquisition & Retention title raises the bar for free to play games in the UK!

December 21, 2020 (Press Release) – Virgin Bet is continuing to raise the bar in customer engagement and value – as its bespoke customer acquisition game, Virgin Bet FIVES, has proved an instant hit.

The title, which was created in collaboration with Incentive Games, sees users build a five-man football team over the course of a week, and win real cash when their players score goals.

And the game has proved immediately popular with customers – scoring considerable uptake on launch in November, and impressive week-on-week retention rates.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it won’t be the only title that Virgin Bet and Incentive Games combine on – the two have signed a multi-game deal.

Europe’s gambling revenues to drop 23% in 2020 but online maintains growth – new data

Online gambling will take a higher share of Europe’s gambling market revenue this year but will not compensate for major land-based declines, as total market revenue plummets due to COVID-19.

Brussels, Today – Europe’s total gambling revenue will drop 23% this year – from €98.6bn gross gaming revenue (GGR[1]) in 2019 to €75.9bn in 2020 – as the gambling sector feels the impact of COVID-19, according to new data published by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital.

The data, covering EU-27 and UK markets, forecasts Europe’s online gambling revenue to increase by 7% this year – from €24.5bn GGR in 2019 to €26.3bn in 2020 – despite a significant drop in online revenue during Q2 as a result of the cancellation of major European sports. However, this will not compensate for Europe’s major land-based declines, with land-based gambling revenue expected to drop by 33% this year – from €74.1bn GGR in 2019 to €49.6bn in 2020 – due to the shuttering of land-based establishments.

Growth in online continues, with mobile betting increasingly popular 

Affiliate Capital joins Safe Affiliate Programs to share expertise and experience

December 21, 2020 (Press Release) – Affiliate Capital has joined the Safe Affiliate Programs alliance enabling its members to benefit from the experience of some of the most successful affiliate programs in the business and to share their own expertise to the benefit of their affiliates.

Affiliate Capital was launched last month when Jackpot Capital Casino, Grande Vegas Casino and Slotasticmerged their affiliate programs into one. The group has developed new, enhanced software that provides affiliates with detailed reporting and dynamic tracking. Affiliates have just one logon and one commission payment for the three well-established brands.

Safe Affiliate Programs is an association of like-minded affiliate programs all committed to sharing expertise and providing support to each other and their affiliates. It includes Intertops Affiliates, Legend Affiliates, Golden Euro Affiliates, Drake Affiliates, Juicy Stakes Affiliates, Slots Vendor and Springbok Affiliates. 

These affiliate programs share a belief in honest and supportive business relationships. The benefits for all include easy recommendations between partners, trouble shooting for affiliates across programs and a collective flow of information in one combined newsletter.