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Growth and Safety of Pari-Mutuel Industry to be Committee Focus at Winter Meeting of Legislators from Gaming States, January 10-12 in San Diego

With US pari-mutuel handle showing growth in each of the last five years, a legislative committee will focus on the future and safety of this gambling sector when the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States holds its Winter Meeting, January 10-12, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.

As the only gaming conference where the legislative decision-makers meet, more than three dozen legislators from 19 states are among the nearly 200 NCLGS Winter Meeting registrants.

The NCLGS Winter Meeting is open to the public. Although the Marriott room block has sold out, NCLGS is providing a list of eight first-class hotels that are within easy walking distance of, and offered at comparable rates to, the host hotel. To view the hotel information and agenda, and to register for the Winter Meeting, visit http://nclgs.org/index.php/events/nclgs-winter-meeting-san-diego-2020.

The NCLGS Winter Meeting has been approved for 10.0 credits by the Nevada Board of Continuing Legal Education, underscoring its prominence as a vital gaming forum.

“While the pari-mutuel industry endeavors to sustain its recent growth, it also seeks to ensure the safety of its equine athletes, including the use of proper racing surfaces and effective drug-testing programs. The Committee on Pari-Mutuel looks forward to welcoming four experts who will discuss the path forward in pari-mutuel racing,” said NCLGS President William P. Coley, a state senator from Ohio who will chair the committee.

Speakers on the Committee on Pari-Mutuels include:

F. Douglas Reed, Senior Pari-Mutuel Associate, Spectrum Gaming Group
Eric Hamelback, CEO, The National HBPA
Virgil Morgan Jr., Trainer, Member, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association
Gregory Simpson, Commissioner, Ohio State Racing Commission

The agenda for the three-day NCLGS Winter Meeting also includes:

Six legislative-chaired Committee sessions that will focus on tribal and commercial casinos, responsible gaming, and lotteries, as well as legal, regulatory, and operational aspects related to sports betting
Two general-session Masterclasses focusing on sports betting and tribal-state compacting conducted by the International Masters of Gaming Law
Morning Keynote Address from Robert Zahradnik of The Pew Charitable Trusts
Luncheon Keynote Address from Bill Miller of the American Gaming Association: “State of the Industry”
Two Sunday morning general session panel discussions
Thursday evening networking reception
Friday evening welcome reception
Saturday afternoon tour of Pechanga Resort Casino in nearby Temecula

For sponsorship information, contact [email protected]. Legislators and others seeking NCLGS membership information should contact Wayne Marlin at [email protected].

NCLGS is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss issues relating to gaming. Members of NCLGS serve as chairpersons or members of state legislative committees responsible for the regulation of gaming in their state legislative houses. NCLGS does not promote or oppose gaming but is primarily concerned with the regulation and economic and social impacts of the industry. The NCLGS Foundation is the educational and research arm of NCLGS. The 501(c)(3) non-profit is a source of non-partisan data on issues of gaming legislation and regulation. Learn more about NCLGS at https://www.nclgs.org/.

Canadians’ Passion for Sports Uncovers Huge Potential for Online Betting According to Global Affiliation Company

Swedish affiliation company Leadstar Media recently launched Mybettingsites.com/ca for the Canadian market. It is the company’s third North American website, but the first one targeting the Great White North. “The potential for sports betting in Canada is huge and we want to be a part of it,” says CEO Eskil Kvarnström.

Swedish iGaming lead generation company Leadstar Media has launched a bookmaker comparison website in Canada as they progress their global expansion.

Adding to the already lengthy list of markets they are active in, which includes the US, UK, Germany, and Brazil, the introduction of MyBettingsites.com/ca to Leadstars portfolio represents a significant state of intent and a desire to continue their rapid growth.

CEO Eskil Kvarnström sees huge potential in the Canadian market, and believes now is the perfect time for Leadstar to take the plunge: “Betting in Canada is only getting bigger, and it has always been a territory in which we have wanted to make some noise.

“There is a really interesting gambling culture over there, which is of course helped by how passionate Canadians are about sports.”

MyBettingsites.com rates and reviews bookies as well as providing betting guides and bonus offers for sportsbooks and online casino sites.

Visitors to the site can also find up-to-date information around the legality of gambling, deposit methods, plus new features on betting websites and apps.

“We always strive to be a dependable resource for gamblers and bookmakers. Our online betting partners bring a multitude of benefits, and more importantly the convenience of being able to bet from a mobile device from anywhere at any time. That is simply a necessity in modern-day gambling,” continued Kvarnström.

Having entered the US and Canada in quick succession, further launches are expected from Leadstar in other countries in 2020.

The Cordish Companies and FanDuel Group Enter into Strategic Partnership

The Cordish Companies and FanDuel Group today announced a strategic partnership to bring FanDuel’s fantasy and sports betting operations to Cordish’s Live! Casino & Hotel and Entertainment Districts properties throughout the country.

The partnership brings together The Cordish Companies’ market leadership in the development and operation of highly acclaimed resort, casino and entertainment destinations with FanDuel’s top brand and industry-leading sports betting platform. Cordish Live! properties welcome over 55 million visitors a year and are among the highest profile destinations in the country. With over 8.5 million customers and presence across 45 states, FanDuel Group operates the biggest retail sportsbook in the world and America’s #1 online sportsbook.

“We are excited to partner with FanDuel to bring our customers the premier sports betting experience in the country, including unique promotions and sports engagement opportunities that will only be available at Live! properties,” stated Joseph Weinberg, Principal of The Cordish Companies.

“With ten decades of experience, The Cordish Companies have created the model for world-class integrated sports, gaming, entertainment and hospitality destinations,” stated Matt King, CEO FanDuel Group. “This partnership allows us to capitalize on the incredible success of sports betting to date and bring FanDuel’s top sports betting operations to Cordish destinations across the United States.”

The partnership will first come to life in Pennsylvania, where the companies plan to bring FanDuel Sportsbooks to Cordish’s Live Casino & Hotel Philadelphia and Live! Casino in Westmoreland County. The partnership will also come to life through Live! Entertainment Districts throughout the country. The companies will pursue sports betting licenses and online gaming opportunities in Maryland, Washington D.C., and other jurisdictions across the United States as sports betting expands across the country.

N.J. Sportsbooks Rake in $562 Million: PlayNJ.com

New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks collected a staggering $562 million in bets in November, and the industry has now taken in more than $5 billion in bets since the first was legally accepted in the state in June 2018. And at the current pace, it won’t be long before the state reaches $6 billion, according to analysts from PlayNJ.com.

“New Jersey sportsbooks will remain the chief beneficiary as long as neighboring New York refuses to legalize sports betting,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayNJ.com. “New York City’s 8 million residents continue to be a key ingredient that has propelled New Jersey into Nevada’s chief rival as the country’s largest legal sports betting market.”

New Jersey’s sportsbooks collected $562.2 million in bets in November, crushing the record $487.9 million handle in October, according to official reporting released Thursday. November’s handle represented a 70% increase from $330.7 million in October 2018.

New Jersey’s year-over-year growth has pushed its lifetime sports wagers to $5.3 billion, clearing yet another significant milestone in the state’s impressive first 18 months as a legal sports betting jurisdiction.

November revenue hit $32.9 million, up 110.9% from the $15.6 million won in November 2018. The state’s online and retail sportsbooks have now combined to generate $364.1 million in revenue since launch, yielding $47 million in state taxes.

Sports Betting at Forefront All Three Days of Winter Meeting of Legislators from Gaming States, January 10-12 in San Diego

The rapid spread of sports betting across the country will take center stage at the Winter Meeting of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, January 10-12 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, with sessions covering:

Sports betting from the perspective of the leagues and the athletes,
Regulatory best practices in sports betting, and
The unique aspects of sports betting in responsible-gambling efforts.

The NCLGS Winter Meeting is open to the public. Due to the high conference turnout, NCLGS is providing a list of eight first-class hotels that are within easy walking distance of the host Marriott. To view the hotel information and agenda, and register for the Winter Meeting, visit http://nclgs.org/index.php/events/nclgs-winter-meeting-san-diego-2020.

“With sports betting already operating in 14 states, preparing to launch in several more states in 2020, and being considered for legalization in many other states, NCLGS is committed to providing legislators, industry stakeholders and the public with timely, expert insight on this important aspect of gaming from several perspectives,” said NCLGS President William Coley, a state senator from Ohio.

On Friday, January 10, the Committee on Emerging Gaming will examine sports betting from the perspective of those upon whom the bets are made. Experts presenting include:

Joe Briggs, Staff Counsel, Public Policy Counsel, National Football League Players Association
Marquest Meeks, Senior Counsel, Sports Betting & Investigations, Major League Baseball
Naima Stevenson Starks, VP of Hearing Operations, National Collegiate Athletic Association

On Saturday, a Masterclass panel conducted by the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) will focus on the best practices for the future of sports betting. Speakers on that panel include:

Kate Lowenhar-Fisher, Member, Dickinson Wright
John Maloney, Principal Attorney, John K. Maloney Law
Dan Reaser, Director, Fennemore Craig
Sue Schneider, Vice President, Growth & Strategy/Americas, Sports Betting Community

On Sunday, sports betting is the focus of the second general session. The panel will focus on the need for comprehensive, thoughtful and creative approaches to problem gambling with the expansion of sports betting.

The agenda for the three-day NCLGS Winter Meeting also includes:

Six legislative-chaired Committee sessions that will focus on tribal and commercial casinos, responsible gaming, and lotteries, as well as legal, regulatory, and operational aspects related to sports betting
A second IMGL masterclass panel focusing on the legal and regulatory trends of tribal and state compacts
Morning Keynote Address from Robert Zahradnik of The Pew Charitable Trusts
Luncheon Keynote Address from Bill Miller of the American Gaming Association: “State of the Industry”
Two Sunday general session panel discussions
Thursday evening networking reception
Friday evening welcome reception
Saturday afternoon tour of Pechanga Resort Casino in nearby Temecula

For sponsorship information, contact [email protected]. Legislators and others seeking NCLGS membership information should contact Wayne Marlin at [email protected].

Construction For Vegas’ Circa Resort & Casino Speeds Toward December 2020 Opening

Circa Resort & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas reaches halfway mark for Dec. 2020 opening

Today, CEO and developer Derek Stevens announced that his highly anticipated integrated gaming resort Circa Resort & Casino has reached the halfway mark in its 22-month construction process. On track for a December 2020 opening, the project will be the first ground-up gaming resort in Downtown Las Vegas since 1980.

“Reaching this milestone for Circa would not be possible without our incredible partners and construction team,” said Stevens. “Today we not only celebrate this exciting moment in Circa’s journey, but those who have helped us bring the project to life. I’m proud to deliver something completely new to the Las Vegas experience and can’t wait to open our doors a year from now for everyone to enjoy it.”

Located on the iconic Fremont Street Experience, Circa will honor the timeless spirit of Las Vegas while leading the charge for a bold new era with game-changing offerings. The spectacular 1.25 million-square-foot, 777-room property will stand as the tallest structure north of the Las Vegas Strip.

Merging old-school Vegas hospitality with cutting-edge design and technology, Circa will feature first-class amenities, non-stop entertainment, advanced hotel technology and attentive customer service. Circa’s offerings will include the following:

World’s Largest Sportsbook – Operated by Stevens’ sports betting venture Circa Sports, the resort’s centerpiece will deliver the best sports-watching experience in Vegas and beyond. Sports fans can enjoy three levels of action taking place on a 78-million-pixel high-definition screen – the largest sportsbook screen in history – while receiving some of the friendliest sportsbook customer service in town. The Vegas Stats and Information Network (VSiN) will have its own on-site studio offering bettors in-depth analysis from a roster of experts.
Rooftop Pool Amphitheater – One of Circa’s key features will be an outdoor pool amphitheater. Its six rooftop pools will be operated 365 days a year and boast a massive nearly 14-million-pixel screen playing the day’s most exciting sporting events.
Garage Mahal – Stevens is constructing one of the most high-tech transportation hubs in the city with a focus on customer experience. Designed to deliver the easiest and most convenient experience for ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, Garage Mahal also will offer valet and self-parking, in addition to long-term parking for loyal Circa customers.
Casino & Lobby – Circa’s two-story casino will house 1,360 slot machines and 49 table games. A lobby highlight will be a statement piece unlike any other – the return of Las Vegas’ neon kicking cowgirl, Vegas Vickie, who will be a signature feature of Circa.
New Food & Beverage Concepts – Circa is poised to become a Las Vegas culinary destination as it welcomes a collection of original restaurants and bar venues. The concepts will be announced throughout 2020.

Stevens has partnered with Steelman Partners to oversee Circa’s architecture and design, McCarthy Building Companies Inc. as its general contractor and Tré Builders as construction manager.

DAZN, BetMGM Announce Official Partnership For Saturday’s Ruiz Vs. Joshua 2 Heavyweight Rematch

DAZN, the world’s largest streaming service, and BetMGM, operated by ROAR Digital – a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings – today announced an official partnership ahead of the highly-anticipated rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua this Saturday night. The clash will see Anthony Joshua seeking to avenge his June defeat by Ruiz Jr., who pulled off the biggest boxing upset in decades by stunning the then-undefeated heavyweight champion with a seventh-round TKO.

As part of this partnership, DAZN and BetMGM will be co-producing a sports betting segment ahead of the main event that will air during the broadcast. In addition, BetMGM will also provide DAZN with live sportsbook stats throughout the night to incorporate and enhance the broadcast.

As official partners, both parties will also provide their respective users exclusive offers around the big fight. New users that sign up to BetMGM through DAZN in New Jersey will immediately have the exclusive opportunity to win $100 on a $1 bet on a knockdown (of either fighter). The offer will remain open until the fight begins (the main event is currently set to start at around 12:45 p.m. PT / 3:45 p.m. ET on DAZN). If a knockdown does happen, the $100 will be paid in free bets on BetMGM. Meanwhile, BetMGM users can redeem $20 in FreeBets if they sign up to DAZN to watch the fight. BetMGM will also be advertising across DAZN’s suite of digital platforms.

“We are thrilled to enter into an official partnership with BetMGM around one of DAZN’s biggest events of the year,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America. “BetMGM will enhance Saturday’s broadcast and bring fight fans the latest odds from Las Vegas all night.”

“We’re always looking for partnerships like DAZN’s industry-leading sports content,” said Matt Prevost, Chief Marketing Officer, ROAR Digital. “The fight was already a can’t-miss for DAZN viewers, and this is also a can’t-miss betting opportunity on BetMGM.”

Andy Ruiz, Jr. vs. Anthony Joshua 2 is a unified title fight for the IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles. The event is one of the highlights this fight season on DAZN – an entire fall featuring the biggest matchups in one of the best schedules in boxing history.

Pa. Man Wins $208K Mega Jackpot At PlaySugarHouse.com

The holidays are going to be a whole lot happier for a Springfield Township, Pennsylvania man who hit the jackpot on PlaySugarHouse.com this week. The 55 year-old accountant, who asked to remain anonymous, hit the jackpot with an $80 bet, winning $208,514.

“These life changing jackpots, being hit in rapid succession on Divine Fortune, are truly incredible,” said Mattias Stetz, C.O.O. of Rush Street Interactive, the site’s operator. “We’ve had multiple jackpots struck in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey these past several months with one lucky woman in PA hitting three times!”

This is the ninth online progressive Divine Fortune jackpot struck on PlaySugarHouse.com in Pennsylvania since its launch in July, with the first five happening within just two weeks. In October, a New Jersey cancer survivor hit the Divine Fortune jackpot for the third time in less than six months on NJ’s PlaySugarHouse.com, winning almost $300,000 in total.

Collectibles Pioneer Brandon Steiner Launches Marketplace Website

Mark Messier, Brandon Steiner, Mariano Rivera

Brandon Steiner, whose former company Steiner Sports transformed the sports memorabilia landscape and dominated the industry for over 30 years, has announced an innovative new marketplace CollectibleXchange.com which will once again aim to once again revolutionize the buying and selling of collectibles.The website will create a community of buyers and sellers and allow them to set their own prices on unique memorabilia. Steiner and his team of experts will verify and/or authenticate as well as determine the value of your collectibles.

“CollectibleXchange is creating a platform for the players where they will be making most of the money,” says Steiner. “Former and current players, as well as the future pros now playing in college can come to us and we will guide them.”CollectibleXchange will be the “safe place to go to sell and buy collectibles,” added Steiner. “Athletes will also be able to sell directly to the collector at a price they determine without a huge mark-up.”

The seller can set a reserve price on each collectible, and there will be options for a straight sale at that price, or a buyer will be able to “make an offer” for the collectible piece.The mission of CollectibleXchange is to provide a marketplace community that maintains the highest level of ethics and authenticity, striving to provide a unique buying and selling experience [at will continuously exceed our clients’ expectations.CollectibleXchange will offer a trusted online collectible platform with a diverse product selection that caters to a global audience.

This one-of-a-kind platform enables customers, top-tier collectors, store owners, professional athletes, celebrities and teams to sell their collectibles directly to the consumer.The CollectibleXchange platform will assist the seller in building direct fan base relationships, a personal brand and maximizing revenue from licensing, autographs and inventory, while expanding the overall reach and influence. They’re team of experts are with you every step of the way.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to Welcome Global Sports Industry Leaders to the Sports Capital Symposium

Monumental Sports & Entertainment and SportTechie today announced Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser will be featured as a keynote speaker at their two-day global sports conference, Sports Capital Symposium, to be held Sept. 17-18, 2020 at the MGM National Harbor.

“Mayor Bowser is a fantastic addition to a powerful lineup of speakers for Sports Capital Symposium,” Zach Leonsis, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, said. “Over the past few years, we have been proud to watch D.C. truly become a Sports Capital, from the Capitals’ championship in 2018, to the Mystics and Nationals this year. Mayor Bowser’s participation at Sports Capital Symposium shows how important our DC sports teams are to the city and we look forward to showcasing the city and its teams to the world when the sports industry convenes at SCS in September.”

The annual conference will focus on new revenue models and investment opportunities, including esports, sports betting and sports content gamification. With the nation’s capital as a backdrop, the conference will include discussions about the impact of politics and government policies on sports innovation and technology, as well as investment trends and forecasting.

“There is no better place to highlight the past, present, and future of sports than here in the Sports Capital,” said Mayor Bowser. “Washington, DC is a city that has something for everyone, and with three world championships in two years, that is particularly true for people who love sports. We are grateful for all of our partners, including Monumental Sports & Entertainment and SportTechie, that are committed to building an inclusive and innovative sports community that creates jobs and opportunities for DC residents. We look forward to working together to bring the Sports Capital Symposium to the Sports Capital of the world.”

Cover Image: credit Lorie Shaull

Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack Inks Marketing Deal With Philadelphia Eagles

Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack today announced that they have signed a marketing deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The deal, which includes in-stadium signage and branding, Eagles Legends appearances, email and direct mail marketing, will further enhance Caesars Entertainment’s already existing exclusive marketing deal with the National Football League. Specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Harrah’s Philadelphia prides itself on partnering with organizations that share our same core values and the Philadelphia Eagles are the gold standard in terms of customer service, community engagement, and on-the-field product,” said Chris Albrecht, SVP & General Manager of Harrah’s Philadelphia. “We each have passionate and loyal fan bases and we look forward to connecting with them in new and innovative ways and providing them with exciting experiences through this partnership.”

Harrah’s Philadelphia will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Eagles “Drive Summary” videoboard feature as well as the team’s “Scratch and Win” game in its mobile application. The casino will also have a branding presence in select email campaigns to the Eagles fanbase, as well as in the Eagles Pro Shop located at Lincoln Financial Field. In addition to branding opportunities, Harrah’s Philadelphia will host Eagles Legends at its entertainment complex. Casino guests will also enjoy commemorative Eagles Caesars Rewards cards, co-branded apparel and gifts and Philadelphia Eagles branded table games.

“World-class entertainment and a strong commitment to the customer experience are synonymous when you think of Harrah’s Philadelphia,” said Catherine Carlson, Philadelphia Eagles Senior Vice President, Revenue and Strategy. “This new partnership will enable us to work creatively with Harrah’s through innovative ways to further engage with Eagles fans. We look forward to offering special Eagles experiences and co-branded touchpoints with Harrah’s Philadelphia year-round.”

Earlier in 2019, Caesars Entertainment, Harrah’s parent company, inked a multi-year sponsorship deal with the NFL that allowed Caesars to provide unique experiences for fans by using its casino properties, celebrity chefs, premier music artists and a wide range of entertainment options. Caesars had the exclusive right to use NFL trademarks in the United States and the United Kingdom to promote Caesars casino properties and activate at key NFL events including the Super Bowl and NFL Draft.

PokerStars VR Unveils Virtual Reality Super Lair for Spy Fans

PokerStars VR, the virtual reality arm of the world’s biggest poker site, has announced that its brand-new and immersive experience ‘Spies’ goes live on November 28.

In PokerStars VR’s most intense challenge yet, the series of spy-themed virtual reality content will see players face-off in a super villain’s lair located inside an active volcano at the summit of a snow-capped mountain, with plenty of apparel, props and gadgets to match.

Players can interact with good and evil-themed items including exploding bubble gum, shoulder-mounted weaponry and laser lipstick, all while trying to unravel the secrets of the lair itself.

The Spies mountain-top fortress will also be the setting for the next stop in the inaugural PokerStars Virtual Reality Poker Tour (VRPT) from November 29 to December 1.

Key highlights include:

November 29 Millionaire Maker, a 100 thousand chip buy-in event
November 30 Main Event with a 5 million chip buy-in event
December 1 Ultra High Roller a 25 million buy-in event

Winners will be awarded the world’s first PokerStars VRPT bracelet for their virtual reality avatar and points for the player of the year leader board.

William Hill to Purchase CG Technology Sports Book Assets

William Hill, America’s leading sports betting company, is purchasing the sports book assets of CG Technology, including its Nevada and Bahamas operations. This includes the leases at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, The Venetian and The Palazzo, The Palms, the Tropicana and Silverton, as well as providing a betting platform and risk management consulting to the Atlantis on Paradise Island.

“We are pleased to have reached this agreement. This will allow us to expand our Las Vegas footprint to several marquee resorts,” said Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill US. “We look forward to working with our new casino partners and transitioning CG Technology’s retail and mobile customers to our award-winning offering.”

Following today’s announcement, Parikshat Khanna, CEO of CG Technology, also commented: “We are happy to reach an agreement for the sale of the race and sports book assets of CG Technology to William Hill and look forward to a seamless transition for our loyal casino partners and customers.”

Macquarie Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor and Pepper Hamilton LLP represented William Hill in the transaction.

The agreement is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approval in Nevada and The Bahamas.

Grassroots Soccer Firm ‘For Soccer Ventures’ Forms To Grow Sport In U.S.

Today, Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union investor Richie Graham has announced the formation and launch of For Soccer Ventures – an investment firm focused on the growth and long-term development of American soccer. Graham has been one of the most active supporters of the American soccer community over the past decade, committing over $50 million dollars to the sport, with an emphasis on domestic player development through his investment in Philadelphia Union’s youth academy, his tournament and league property holdings, and his philanthropic support of the industry-first soccer high school, the non-profit YSC Academy.

The new group will source, acquire and manage a portfolio of investments and businesses and will be comprised of two key platforms: The Soccer Collective is a new media house leading a collaborative movement to celebrate American soccer culture and fan experiences through storytelling, activations and brand content development. The Soccer Alliance will expand Graham’s existing network of soccer properties with a focus on youth clubs, leagues and tournaments with the objective of improving the on-field experience for players and the American soccer family.

“With the FIFA World Cup and Olympics coming to the U.S. in 2026 and 2028, there has never been a better time to double down on our commitment to advance American soccer forward.” Graham stated, “Now is the time to invest with the future of American soccer in mind, and I am very excited to bring together a passionate executive team with deep roots and experiences within the American soccer ecosystem to lead this charge. The Soccer Alliance and The Soccer Collective represent our relentless commitment to both fuel and showcase the exciting growth of soccer in America.”

To lead the new company, Graham has hired an experienced team of soccer executives, including:

Ryan Mooney (Managing Director, For Soccer Ventures): former Chief Soccer Officer at U.S. Soccer

John Parker (Managing Director, For Soccer Ventures): former Director of Strategy for Striker Partners’ soccer investments

Dr. Nooha Ahmed-Lee (Director of Education, For Soccer Ventures): Head of School, YSC Academy

Aaron Maines (GM, The Soccer Alliance): former Head of Sports Marketing at adidas soccer and Wasserman executive

Marc Horine (Chief Business Officer, The Soccer Collective): former ESPN executive and COPA90 US General Manager

Heath Pearce (Chief Brand Officer, The Soccer Collective): former U.S. Men’s National Team player and Lead Creative and Host at COPA90 US

Burke Cherrie (Chief Content/Strategy Officer, The Soccer Collective): award-winning filmmaker and former Editorial Director at COPA90 US

“With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics as our guiding stars, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to win the hearts and minds of players, parents and fans across the country,” said Ryan Mooney, Managing Director of For Soccer Ventures “Our goal is simple, to invest in the game and unify the fragmented American soccer experience both on and off the field of play.”

John Parker added, “We’ve partnered with the sectors’ best operators, who not only have professional expertise in the space, but bring authenticity and a personal passion for the sport to this new venture. We’re from soccer, for soccer, and we’re investing in American soccer to ensure the growth of the game we love.”

Bryan Bennett Named COO for Betfred USA Sports

Betfred, the world’s largest privately-owned retail book maker, appoints Bryan Bennett as Chief Operating Officer for their US operations.

Subject to regulatory approval, Bennett will oversee Betfred’s US operations of on premise, online and mobile wagering and its full suite of managed products: BI/Analytics, Anti-Fraud, Trading, Compliance/GDPR, Customer Support, Payments, Marketing, and managed trading operations support.

Betfred Group Chief Operating Officer Mark Stebbings said, “After a thorough process we have appointed Bryan Bennett as the Betfred Sports US Chief Operating Officer. Bryan has a wealth of experience and an exemplary track record. He shares our vision for our US operation and this appointment will help us achieve our goals in this exciting new market.”

World Poker Tour Announces Renewed Partnership with Luxury Swiss Watchmaker Hublot

The World Poker Tour® and luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot, the Official Timekeeper of the FIFA World Poker Cup and Formula One, are partnering for a seventh season of exclusive sponsorship. The Swiss watchmaker is the first luxury brand to be both Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of an international poker brand.

Season XVIII of the World Poker Tour will award a Hublot Big Bang Steel Ceramic timepiece to each winner of a televised final table at HyperX Esports Arena Las Vegas. Hublot will also award a special-edition, custom watch, valued at $30,000, to the winner of the season-long Hublot WPT® Player of the Year points race.

Last season, Erkut Yilmaz won two WPT titles en route to claiming the prestigious prize. Season XVIII marks the sixth season of the Hublot WPT Player of the Year race.

WPT and Hublot first partnered in Season XII to award a custom-made Hublot watch to the WPT World Championship winner Keven Stammen. Since then, WPT and Hublot have combined to award 74 watches to WPT Champions around the globe.

Among the champions to win a Hublot watch include Season XVII Baccarat Crystal WPT Tournament of Champions winner Ole Schemion, Season XVI Hublot WPT Player of the Year Art Papazyan, four-time WPT Champion Darren Elias, and former WPT Commentator Mike Sexton.

Adam Pliska, CEO of the World Poker Tour, said, “The World Poker Tour is proud to extend our exclusive partnership with Hublot for another season. To win a WPT title is among the highest honors in poker, and WPT Champions can look forward to receiving one of the top prizes in sports in the form of a Hublot watch. The WPT continues to celebrate its champions and we can think of no better partner to join in that celebration than our friends at Hublot.”

Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, said, “Hublot is back with the World Poker Tour again to present seven watches of the highest craftsmanship to the WPT and its champions. The World Poker Tour honors champions with the highest gratitude and Hublot looks forward to celebrating more incredible achievements to join our existing group of champions, including Ferrari and Chelsea FC.”

Two Pittsburgh Guys, One Mission: Help Kids Stay Healthy

We all know how tough Pittsburgh can be; we have heard the talk about the Steel City; grit 101. However what’s even more impressive is when the talk gets backed up with the walk, and this week, two Pittsburghers who have a national footprint have come together in a business deal to change the lives of millions of kids.

The duo are former Pitt hoops captain turned entrepreneur Pat Cavanaugh and former Panther and now NFL star for the Los Angeles Rams Aaron Donald, who have teamed up to help Cavanaugh’s fast growing company, Ready® Nutrition, impact the lives of young people across the country.

Donald, fresh off his game against the Steelers Sunday, announced that he has joined on as Cavanaugh’s first ever investor in the health and wellness business, especially tied to the promotion and development of their Protein Water line. While Donald has some big name endorsement deals, it is the first time he has ante’ed up as an investor in a company, one which he is taking so seriously he spent time during his bye week back in Pittsburgh with Cavanaugh and his team learning and developing the next level of brand strategy for the products.

“I’ve looked at hundreds of brand partnerships over the past couple years and have found very few that match my standards and interests in making a difference in a global community,” Donald said. “The fact that Pat, also a Pitt guy, shares the same mindset about hard work and helping others, and runs the business with that mindset every day, made Ready the perfect fit for me.”

The two will focus on high school and youth athlete platforms such as Ready’s Mobile Training Table Program and Ready Talks with Aaron that give advice to athletes, and extensive donations of Ready product to select high school and youth programs nationwide. The goal is to impact one million athletes by 2025 with a healthier lifestyle on and off the field.

Ready Water is an all-natural, premium sports hydration drink featuring 15 grams of protein, NO Sugar and five natural electrolytes.

“Aaron is a caring person who likes to help others. We’re excited to partner with someone who is so engaged in helping young people and at the same time is known to be a relentless worker, on and off the field,” Cavanaugh added. “ We LOVE people who believe in our products and our philosophy that it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. Aaron epitomizes this.”

Tough folks, tough city, smart business. One partnership that goes beyond talk, with an impact beyond the legendary Three Rivers.

Prairie Band Casino & Resort Chooses VizExplorer Solutions

VizExplorer, a leading provider of operational intelligence solutions for casinos, today announced that it will deploy solutions at Prairie Band Casino & Resort in Mayetta, KS. As part of the agreement, Prairie Band Casino & Resort will install campaignViz for marketing campaign management, floorViz for slot floor optimization and hostVizOps for player intelligence and host automation. Prairie Band Casino & Resort, which recently finished a large property expansion, just completed a CMS conversion and chose to compliment the new CMS with VizExplorer’s enterprise solutions.

“These solutions will help us improve our operations and support future success.”

“VizExplorer prides itself on customer satisfaction and success, therefore, when a former VizExplorer user goes to a new property and brings us in again, it is the ultimate validation that our solutions provide value to the market,” said David Patent, CEO at VizExplorer. “We look forward to continuing to build our relationship with Prairie Band Casino & Resort and believe they will see the benefits of the solution quickly.”

Online Betting Helps Indiana Sportsbooks Draw $91.7 Million in Bets in October

Buoyed by Chicago-area bettors and boosted by the launch of DraftKings and FanDuel online sportsbooks, Indiana’s online and retail handle in October nearly tripled from the previous month, according to PlayIndiana.com analysts.

“Indiana is quickly becoming a star among legal sports betting markets in the U.S.,” Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “Indiana is so far ahead of its neighbors in Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan, that the Hoosier State is well on its way to establishing itself as the gambling capital of the Midwest.”

Indiana’s retail and online sportsbooks combined to collect $91.7 million in bets in October, up 161% from $35.2 million in retail bets in September, according to official report released Friday. The handle, 45% of which came from football bets, yielded $11.5 million in adjusted gross revenue for the sportsbooks, up 34% from $8.6 million September. October’s win generated $1.1 million in tax revenue for the state.

One doesn’t have to look far to understand what fueled Indiana’s growth. BetRivers Sportsbook, under the French Lick Resort license, was joined by heavyweight DraftKings, under the Ameristar Casino license, in early October as the first to launch their virtual windows. FanDuel, the largest online sports betting brand in the U.S., which is operating under the Blue Chip Casino license, launched later in the month.

The three online sportsbooks combined to take in $48.01 million in bets — 52% of the state’s total handle — which netted $4.2 million in gross receipts. DraftKings led the way by posting a $39.4 million handle, followed by BetRivers ($6.3 million), and FanDuel ($2.4 million).

Much of that is new money, too. DraftKings reported last month that 58% of its Hoosier State registrants have been new customers. And there is plenty more growth to be had. In Pennsylvania, for instance, about 75% of all bets are made online. In New Jersey, online bets account for about 85% of the state’s handle.

“Online sports betting is a key accelerator in the growth of any legal sports betting jurisdiction that offers it,” Gouker said. “But Indiana’s potential online market is particularly substantial. Indiana does not require out-of-state bettors to register in person at a retail sportsbook, so out-of-state residents simply need to cross the state line to place a bet.”

And Chicago-area residents are already crossing the state line in droves, as evidenced by the retail sportsbooks leading the market. Horseshoe Hammond, near Chicago, generated an Indiana-best handle of $10.7 million, which was up from $8.98 million in September. That yielded $1.7 million in gross receipts, which was up from $2.1 million. Horseshoe Hammond was followed by Hollywood Lawrenceburg near Cincinnati ($6.9 million in bets, up from $5.2 million; $843,970 win) and Ameristar Casino in East Chicago ($6.8 million handle, up from $5.4 million in September; $1 million win).

“Indiana is a unique market because it has so many large markets without legal sports betting so close to its borders,” Gouker said. “Two of the top retail sportsbooks in the state are near Chicago, and the second largest is just over the border from Cincinnati. That shows just how much out-of-state money is flowing into Indiana sportsbooks.”

San Diego Seals To Host Historic National Lacrosse League Game In Las Vegas

The San Diego Seals announced today that the team will play host to the Colorado Mammoth at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 1, 2020 marking the first game in National Lacrosse League history to be played in Las Vegas, on what is traditionally the biggest sports weekend of the year in the city.

The majority of Seals’ season ticket members will receive free hotel rooms in the desert oasis for the weekend of the team’s big game – and for that Sunday’s big game, a unique first time promotion for season subscribers in any sport.

“For 33 years, the National Lacrosse League has brought energy and excitement to millions of fans across North America. We are thrilled to collaborate with the San Diego Seals to create this incredible opportunity for their fans as well as the Colorado Mammoth fans to experience a unique and spectacular event,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “As we continue to expand our amazing product to fans across North America and around the world, we are always looking to our future, and are excited to be working with Seals owner Joe Tsai, Steve Govett, the Orleans Arena and all our partners to create this unique event in Las Vegas on the City’s biggest weekend of the year.”

“We’re honored to represent the National Lacrosse League for the first-ever game in Las Vegas, and to bring the Seals faithful on the road with us by providing complimentary hotels to many of our fans,” said Seals President Steve Govett. “The additional benefit of showcasing professional box lacrosse to a new audience is exciting. The atmosphere at Orleans Arena is going to be electric, and we look forward to exposing the sport to a brand-new fan base in an iconic city.”

A destination game in Las Vegas marks a monumental moment in National Lacrosse League history and provides fans with a unique and exciting opportunity to witness the best lacrosse players in the world.

The NLL, the largest and most premier professional lacrosse league, continues its growth as the 2019-20 season starts, ranking third in average attendance for pro indoor sports, with 13 teams in key markets across North America. The NLL overall experienced substantial growth last season with nearly one million total ticket sales, a 28-percent increase from 2017-18, and 60 percent of ticket sales were from people who never played lacrosse, which fits seamlessly into the marketing of this first-ever game in the world’s destination city.

Digital viewership also rose significantly through Turner and B/R Live, showing substantial increases in total unit sales (up 151 percent from last year), average unique viewers (+27 percent) and average minute audiences (+14 percent). Sponsorship revenues are projected at a 29-percent increase from 2018 to 2019.

Seals season ticket members get tickets to the game. Details can be found at SealsLax.com.

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