Category Archives: Featured

CBS Sports and William Hill Announce Official Partnership

CBS Sports and William Hill, America’s leading sports book operator, today announced a strategic partnership that makes William Hill the Official Sports Book and Wagering Data Provider across all CBS Sports platforms. The deal will reimagine fan engagement through a unique integration of sports betting, media, product and technology. The partnership will tip off with initial integrations in March on CBS Sports digital platforms, with a full rollout planned for the fantasy football season.

The partnership extends CBS Sports’ digital leadership in the sports betting space and allows for the creation of even more relevant content across its wide array of platforms. CBS Sports will utilize William Hill’s odds, experts and more than 140 sports books to bolster its current digital offerings, delivering deeper information and programming produced from William Hill sports books across the country, and further engaging sports bettors and fans. In addition, the partnership includes opportunities to feature William Hill data, odds and markets across CBS television programming.

William Hill will receive exclusive rights to promote its brand across CBS Sports’ broad range of digital properties, including through CBS Sports Fantasy, one of the largest fantasy platforms in the world, resulting in highly efficient customer acquisition for the sports betting company.

“We’re thrilled to launch this momentous partnership, which will allow us to deepen our investment and further extend our leadership in delivering multi-platform sports wagering content, while providing William Hill with unprecedented reach for their market-leading betting platform as they continue to grow their industry-leading U.S. business,” said Jeffrey Gerttula, Executive Vice President and General Manager, CBS Sports Digital. “The power of our distribution, combined with the strength of our brands and the expertise of William Hill, has us well positioned to tap into the explosive growth of the legal sports betting industry in the U.S. Together, we will deliver even more value to this rapidly growing segment of sports fans.”

“CBS Sports, similar to William Hill, has a longstanding history of connecting fans directly to the biggest events and most iconic moments in sports,” said Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill US. “We are excited about this partnership, with assets including mass-reach digital content products, one of the largest fantasy sports databases and platforms in the world, and leading sports television programming, which will allow us to expand the William Hill brand across America quickly and efficiently.”

CBS Sports Digital is the second-largest sports property in the U.S. with more than 80 million users per month across its sites and apps as well as tens of millions of followers on social platforms. CBS Sports Digital offerings include SportsLine, the dedicated subscription platform for game picks and predictions that has seen strong subscriber growth in recent years; CBSSports.com; 24/7 streaming network CBS Sports HQ, which features the nightly SportsLine show focused on sports betting and delivered triple-digit viewership growth in 2019; CBS Sports Fantasy; CBS Sports apps; and 247Sports.

Powered by a heritage that dates back to 1934, William Hill established its U.S. presence in Las Vegas in 2012 and has grown to become America’s leading sports book operator by differentiating itself from the industry as an innovative pioneer in sports betting. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that overturned PASPA in 2018, William Hill has led the United States expansion of sports betting and now has operations in 10 states. The company currently accepts one out of every four sports bets placed in the U.S.

Financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

FOX Bet Becomes Authorized Gaming Operator of the XFL

The XFL and FOX Bet today announced a new deal that makes the mobile sports betting brand an authorized gaming operator of the league.

FOX Bet will promote and offer XFL-centric betting markets to its customers and create a special FOX Sports Super 6 game for each week of the XFL’s 10-week regular season (Feburary 8 – April 12), and one for its postseason semi-finals (April 18-19) and Championship game (April 26). This special XFL free-to-play game will offer guaranteed cash prizes and be promoted to the FOX Sports Super 6 database of over 1 million customers each week.

“We are thrilled to be an authorized gaming operator of the XFL and part of all the excitement surrounding the league’s kickoff this February,” said Robin Chhabra, CEO of FOX Bet. “Just as they are reimagining the game of football in America, we at FOX Bet are reimagining the sports experience for fans across the country.”

As part of the agreement, FOX Bet has the right to use the XFL’s official data feed, league marks, team logos, player and coach likeness and certain league content across its FOX Bet sports betting app and FOX Sports Super 6 free-to-play game.

“FOX Bet is a leader in mobile sports wagering, and we’re proud to partner with such an important player in the sports betting community,” said Jeffrey Pollack, President and COO of the XFL. “We want what our fans want and legal sports betting is an important part of the fan experience that will allow them to connect more strongly with the XFL.”

FOX Bet, the U.S. sports betting brand of The Stars Group, is currently available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The FOX Sports Super 6 free-to-play game is available nationwide* and gives players a chance to win hundreds of thousands of dollars each week. FOX Bet plans to expand its sports betting products into additional states as they legalize and regulate online sports betting.

*Excluding Washington State

Betfred Selects Scientific Games to Launch their End-to-End Sports Betting Solutions in Pennsylvania

Scientific Games Corporation and Betfred are partnering to provide full retail and digital sports betting solutions in Pennsylvania. Betfred have chosen Scientific Games as their technology provider to launch retail solutions at Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the first half of 2020 as part of Betfred’s recently announced partnership with the property. In advance of the 2020-2021 NFL season, Betfred and Scientific Games plan to launch digital sports betting for Pennsylvania bettors.

Mark Stebbings, Group COO at Betfred, said, “Scientific Games was the clear choice to provide our sports betting platform in Pennsylvania. OpenSports™ provides best-in-class, reliable technology and services that will help us reach more players and grow our sportsbook presence at speed.”

Betfred’s Pennsylvania players will benefit from Scientific Games’ full OpenSports product suite, which includes the industry-leading online and mobile betting technology and services. Betfred through its partnership with Wind Creek Casino will provide Scientific Games’ over the counter betting solutions and retail betting kiosks in addition to Don Best Sports data feeds, part of the OpenTrade™ branch of the OpenSports product suite.

Keith O’Loughlin, SVP Sportsbook, Digital for Scientific Games, said, “Betfred is one of the UK’s top-performing bookmakers, and their move into the U.S. will spark growth. Once again, a sophisticated and experienced sports betting operator has chosen OpenSports to responsibly grow its U.S. presence with our maximum reliability, scalability, and performance. Together, Scientific Games and Betfred can make a massive impact in the sports betting arena by driving player engagement and putting their digital and retail sportsbooks at the forefront of this expanding landscape. Betfred is synonymous with giving UK customers a great value proposition, and we are confident that they will get great traction in the U.S. with this customer-oriented approach.”

Scientific Games has provided sports betting solutions since the late 1990s and currently serves a total of 35 sports betting customers in 16 countries. The Company is among the first to be certified by the World Lottery Association as a responsible gaming supplier and is the first sports betting supplier to join the Global Lottery Monitoring System, which ensures the integrity of sports betting worldwide.

Super Bowl to Attract $400 Million in Wagers, PlayUSA.Com Analysts Predict

Legal online and retail sportsbooks across the country will take in $400 million in total bets for Super Bowl LIV, analysts for PlayUSA.com project. Even if less money comes in, the matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, set for Sunday, Feb. 2, will almost certainly bring in more money via legal sportsbooks than ever before.

“With the proliferation of legal sports betting across the U.S., there is no doubt that this will be a record year for legal bets on the Super Bowl,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayUSA.com. “An interesting matchup that is nearly a pick ’em will help spur action, too. As a result, records in states such as Nevada and New Jersey, where both online and retail sports betting were legal for last year’s game, are also in jeopardy.”

The Super Bowl is easily the most bet-on sporting event in the U.S., drawing an estimated $6 billion in legal and illegal bets in 2019, according to the American Gaming Association. That number will reach almost $7 billion in 2020, the AGA estimates.

For this year’s game, consider:

Thirteen states — Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Oregon, Arkansas, Delaware, Mississippi, New Mexico, and New York — representing a combined population of 70 million, will offer a means to place a legal bet on this year’s Super Bowl.
Eight states — Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Oregon — offer both online and retail sports betting.
Seven states, representing a combined population of 30 million, accepted legal bets for last year’s game between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams. In addition, some states had yet to launch online sportsbooks, leaving retail sportsbooks as the only vehicle to place a bet in states such as Pennsylvania.
The country’s two largest sports betting markets, Nevada and New Jersey, combined to generate more than $180 million in bets for the 2019 game.
New Jersey sportsbooks, which offered legal wagering on the Super Bowl for the first time in 2019, attracted $34.9 million in bets but lost $4.6 million.
Nevada’s $145.9 million handle was the state’s second-best all-time, but down from the record $158.6 million in 2018.

“Not only has the number of legal sports jurisdictions doubled from last year’s game, states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania have boomed,” Gouker said. “That all adds up to a historic weekend ahead for sports betting.”

Kansas City is currently a consensus 1.5-point favorite over the 49ers. And with the Chiefs’ top-ranked passing attack matched up against the 49ers’ second-ranked pass defense, the over/under is now set at 54 points.

Prop bets should once again bring added attention from bettors to the game. Books will offer odds on aspects of the game that range from what player will score the first touchdown to the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach.

“Online and mobile sportsbooks are a key tool in driving in-game and prop betting, giving states with a robust digital presence a significant advantage,” Gouker said. “In New Jersey, nearly 88% of all bets were made online in December. And that allows operators to attract bettors with prop bets and keep them engaged with in-game betting.”

National Lacrosse League To Host First-Ever Team Business Summit In Las Vegas This Week

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the premier professional lacrosse league in the world, will be holding its first-ever team business summit this week atMGM’s Mandalay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The three days of meetings and seminars will culminate with Saturday’s historic matchup between the San Diego Seals and the Colorado Mammoth at Orleans Arena, the first-ever professional lacrosse game in Las Vegas.

“We are excited to be with all our Clubs and new marketing partner, MGM to bring our team and league leadership together for a unique opportunity to review best practices and discuss the strategic growth of our league and the sport of lacrosse,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “The NLL is in the midst of historic business growth with so many new partners that convening all of our stakeholders in one place to capitalize on the momentum will add value for our teams and ultimately our fans.”

In addition to hearing from the teams on their best successes and strategies, executives will hear and learn from executives from the UFC, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, as well as league partners Turner Sports, Two Circles, Greenfly and others, on best practices, evolving business strategies and new partnership and revenue generating activities. Over seventy league and team executives and partners are expected to participate.

The NLL is the premier professional lacrosse league, ranking third in average attendance for pro indoor sports, with 13 teams in key markets across North America. The NLL experienced substantial growth last season with nearly a million total ticket sales, a 28-percent increase from 2017-18, and 74 percent of ticket sales were from people who never played lacrosse. Digital viewership also rose significantly through 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 year over year as well.

For the most up to date information and breaking news, sign up for the NLL newsletter at NLL.com. Also follow Deputy Commissioner Jessica Berman and Commissioner Sakiewicz on Twitter @JessicaBerman1 and @NLLcommish, respectively.

Betfred USA Sports and Saratoga Casino Black Hawk Sign Agreement for Colorado Sports Betting Operations

Betfred, the world’s largest privately-owned retail bookmaker, and Saratoga Casino Black Hawk have signed an agreement to offer Sports Wagering throughout the state of Colorado.

Subject to regulatory approval, Betfred and Saratoga Casino will be opening a full sports book at the casinos Black Hawk, Colorado property, as well as offering mobile and internet betting for customers within the state of Colorado.

“We are delighted to partner with Saratoga Casino Black Hawk,” stated Mark Stebbings, Betfred Group Chief Operating Officer. “This is an exciting opportunity for both companies and we look forward to sharing our joint expertise to provide excellent service and value for sports bettors both on premise in Black Hawk and online to the people within the state of Colorado.”

Betfred has been established since 1967 and is one of the biggest sports betting brands in the United Kingdom with over 1500 retail outlets and a leading online platform. Betfred will also provide compliance, support, marketing and trading as part of the business partnership.

“We are excited to have Betfred as our sports wagering partner,” said Daniel Gerrity, President of Saratoga Casino Black Hawk. “With over 50 years of international experience in the industry, it’s a great opportunity to leverage their expertise along with the Saratoga brand to become the market leader in sports wagering in Colorado.”

National Lacrosse League And BetMGM Announce First-Ever U.S. Gaming Partnership In Lacrosse

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) today announced a landmark partnership with Roar Digital – a joint venture between global gaming industry leaders MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings – making Roar’s sports betting brand, BetMGM, the official and exclusive gaming partner of the NLL. It is the first-ever gaming partnership for the sport of lacrosse in the United States.

“We are so proud to welcome BetMGM as yet another world-class brand to our family of national partners,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “The growth of our league as a sports and entertainment property and the amount of engagement we will be able to generate through this innovative partnership with MGM Resorts and Roar Digital will be very exciting and add tremendous value to avid, casual and new fans. The like-minded vision both our organizations share will continue to increase the relevance of the NLL and draw a wider audience of fans as we continue the momentum we enjoyed over the last four seasons.”

“Lacrosse is a fast-paced, high-scoring, growing sport that presents exciting sports betting opportunities. We are greatly impressed by the management and operations of the NLL as evidenced by its strong roster of team owners,” said Scott Butera, President of Interactive Gaming for MGM Resorts. “The NLL is an ideal partner for BetMGM in accessing a fast-growing Lacrosse fan base.”

BetMGM will have commercial visibility and other promotional opportunities throughout the NLL regular season and playoffs. In addition, will create weekly betting lines distributed across all NLL platforms and channels.

Accessible via desktop and mobile, BetMGM features GVC’s state-of-the-art betting engine and technology platform. Not only can users play the traditional casino and poker games they’ve come to love, but sports fans can place an expanded range of pre-match and in-play bets with more than 100 leagues, as well as individual sports, tours and events.

The NLL is the premier professional lacrosse league, ranking third in average attendance for pro indoor sports, with 13 teams in key markets across North America. The NLL experienced substantial growth last season with nearly a million total ticket sales, a 28 percent increase from 2017-18. Digital viewership also rose significantly through B/R Live the NLL’s streaming rights partner, showing substantial increases in total unit sales (+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 into 2019.

PlayNJ.com: New Jersey Sportsbooks’ Handle Tops $4.5 Billion in 2019

New Jersey’s sportsbooks and online casinos performed in December in much the same way they spent the rest of 2019: With new records and more growth. Retail and online sportsbooks combined with online casinos and poker to generate nearly $800 million in revenue in 2019, sending New Jersey into 2020 with plenty of momentum, according to PlayNJ.com analysts.

“Online sports betting and casino gambling should continue on or near its current growth trajectory in 2020,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayNJ.com. “Online growth will continue to be a net win for New Jersey’s gaming industry.”

New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks collected $557.8 million in bets in December, short of the record $562.2 million handle set in November, according to official reporting. December 2019’s handle was up 74.7% from $319.2 million in December 2018.

Revenue from sportsbooks reached $29.4 million, down from $32.9 million in November and up 41.4% from $20.8 million won in December 2018. December’s revenue yielded $3.7 million in tax revenue for the state.

For 2019, New Jersey’s sportsbooks combined to generate:

$4.6 billion in bets. Of that $3.8 billion, or 83.7%, was generated online.
Revenue of $299.4 million, including $244.5 million online.
State tax revenue of $36.5 million.

New Jersey will fall short of Nevada, which has generated $4.7 billion in bets through November, in the race to be the country’s largest legal sports betting jurisdiction.

“2019 could very well go down as the last year that New Jersey was eclipsed by Nevada,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for PlayNJ.com said. “From its proximity to the New York market to its pioneering online sports betting infrastructure, New Jersey’s positives as a sports betting market will continue to fuel its growth.”

In December, online betting generated $488.9 million, or 87.6% of the state’s handle, up from 86.5% in November. FanDuel Sportsbook/PointsBet continues to pace the online market, tallying $12.1 million in gross revenue, down from $12.2 million in November.

FanDuel Sportsbook at The Meadowlands lead the retail market with $2.4 million in November gross revenue.

“In addition to constant growth, one of the constants in New Jersey’s sports betting market has been FanDuel’s dominance,” Gouker said. “The brands under Resorts Digital have made it a relatively close second in the online market, but it has proven difficult to overcome FanDuel’s advantages, despite the brand recognition that comes from DraftKings and Fox Bet.”

Indiana Sportsbooks Hit $160 Million December

Indiana retail and online sportsbooks capped their inaugural year in the state by surpassing $160 million in bets in a month for the first time. Indiana’s record handle in December pushed the state to more than $430 million in bets since the first wager was accepted in September, a staggering pace that has set the stage for a momentous 2020, according to analysts from PlayIndiana.

“Indiana’s ascent to one of the largest sports betting markets in the country has been impressive by most any measure,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayIndiana. “The question for 2020 is whether Indiana can sustain its rate of expansion, especially as neighboring states become more likely to legalize sports betting. That has already happened in Michigan, which could take a bite out of the handle at some of northern Indiana’s retail sportsbooks.”

In December, the state’s retail and online sportsbooks generated $161.8 million in bets, up 10% from $147.3 million in November, according to official reporting. December produced $12 million in adjusted gross revenue, up 29% from $9.3 million in November. The “win” yielded $1.1 million in taxes for the state.

Indiana sportsbooks have now generated $433.4 million in bets and $42.7 million in revenue since launch, and is easily the fourth-largest sports betting marketing in the country. January should bring more growth. Football betting has accounted for $178.6 million since launch and $59.1 million in bets in December, and that will likely surge with the NFL Playoffs. Basketball, which has tallied $82.2 million since launch and $42.3 million in December, should grow as college basketball enters conference season and the NBA season heats up.

“With the NFL Playoffs at hand and college basketball in full swing, it is possible that Indiana will surpass $1 billion in bets by March, making Indiana one of the quickest legal U.S. jurisdictions to reach that mark,” Gouker said.

The relatively rapid growth of Indiana can be attributed to the adoption of online sports betting earlier than states such as Pennsylvania. In Indiana, $110.6 million of December’s bets were made online representing 69.5% of the state’s total handle, up from 65% of the November handle.

BetAmerica, operating under the Rising Star Casino license, became Indiana’s fourth online sportsbook when it launched in late December. Still, DraftKings, which operates under the Ameristar Casino license, led the online market once again in December. DraftKings attracted $66.7 million in bets, up from $64.1 million in November, and generated $5 million in gross receipts, up from $4.3 million. DraftKings was followed by FanDuel/Blue Chip Casino, which generated a $36 million handle in December, up from $23.7 million, and a $2.2 million win.

Once again, the top retail sportsbooks were those closest to large out-of-state markets. The top retail sportsbook in Indiana continues to be Horseshoe Hammond, near Chicago. The market leader generated $13.4 million in December, up from $13 million in November. Those bets generated $1.1 million in gross receipts, up from $800,208.

“Indiana’s strong start is unquestionably tied to the state’s relatively early launch of online sports betting,” Gouker said. “Online sports betting should make up an increasing share of the state’s handle, too. That will help steady Indiana’s sports betting industry, even as increasing competition from neighboring states affect retail sportsbooks, which is inevitable.”

For more revenue information, visit PlayIndiana.com/revenue.

FanHub Creates New Multisport Mobile Picks and Props Game For Buffalo Wild Wings

FanHub, the largest provider of casual, free to play sports-focused digital gaming platforms in the world, today announced a new multisport collaboration with Buffalo Wild Wings. The collaboration will expand upon Picks & Props, the existing game co-branded with their partner BetMGM, operated by ROAR Digital – a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and GVC Holding. The platform launches as both the NFL Playoffs and the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship between Clemson and LSU come into focus. It is the second time that FanHub and BWW have collaborated on a first-class, user-friendly mobile gaming experience. The multisport Picks & Props game comes after a successful NFL-only version of the game had approximately 300,000 users this fall.

“We are pleased to be able to work with Buffalo Wild Wings and launch what we think will be the standard fan engagement platform for consumers going forward – a simple, multisport user friendly experience that will really grow interest in each day,” said Phil de Winter, Head of Business Development, Americas, FanHub. “People want to be able to have fun and build rewards that have value, and this game does all that for whatever team, league or sport you enjoy.”

“With this next phase of Picks and Props, we continue our great partnership with FanHub and press forward in building out a top tier, free-to-play experience for our guests,” said Brandon Gill, Director of Experience and Gaming, Buffalo Wild Wings. “In addition to new features and sports, we continue to build a unique and seamless experience connecting our guests to our betting gaming partner, BetMGM.”

Going all the way through the Super Bowl, Picks & Props will run daily contests on a variety of sports, offering a private jet to six games of the winner’s choice through a partnership with Wheels Up. Throughout the game, contests can be based on NFL, NBA, NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball or NHL games. The multisport version of the game will also continue to have integrated odds and betting functionality for New Jersey-based users through the BWW and BetMGM partnership.

The co-branded game displays live BetMGM odds to all users so that they can make picks based on real lines and props. Users in New Jersey can place bets and get a pre-filled parlay bet slip based on their predictions.

The top weekly winners win free wings for a year that can be redeemed at any Buffalo Wild Wings location. Certain days will see the addition of a Blazin’ Bonus Question that offers users a massive amount of points if they correctly pick the underdog compared to the favorite. Scoring a perfect contest will unlock a streak points multiplier, giving users the best possible chance to get a high scoring week. The final contest will be published for the Super Bowl on February 2.

The latest partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings follows the success of similar global sporting platforms and brands, which have embraced digital games and fan experiences as an entry point for the engagement of millions of new fans. FanHub’s partners, from the NFL and Major League Baseball to the AFL and the ATP, have enjoyed a world class delivery of innovative digital sport experiences that have been seamless and beyond reproach. Even more growth for these products and more are coming in 2020.

Patriots Heart Stopping Title Leads Thuuz ‘Most Exciting Games of the Decade’

Sports is all about excitement—sportsbooks count on it. As legal sportsbooks across the U.S. grew over the decade, automated video highlights production platform Thuuz culled data from more than a quarter million events to determine the most exciting games of the last 10 years.

“We all have our memorable moments, but what we have been able to do, and do every day, is measure the overall excitement in a wide range of sports events to produce this very special list,” said Warren Packard, Thuuz CEO. “This amazing cross section from around the world shows the global nature of sports fandom and provides us with a unique snapshot on what really made hearts pound the last ten years.”

Using their custom designed algorithms to measure real-time event excitement, Thuuz provides a unique look into what games have gotten fans the most excited and engaged through the close of 2019.

The game excitement ratings are measured on a 0 to 100 scale and take into consideration game pace, team parity, play novelty, momentum shifts, social buzz, and historical context. The algorithms behind the excitement ratings are statistically calibrated to insure the appropriate distribution of ratings across the duration of a season or course of a tournament.

Using the Thuuz excitement measurement platform, the top ten most exciting games of the decade were:

New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28 (NFL): 2/5/2017. The Patriots rally to claim their Super Bowl title in one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=016LXFHpFCk

Clemson 35, Alabama 31 (NCAAF): 1/9/2017. Dabo Sweeny’s Tigers win the National Championship with one second remaining. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5c_a03t-Ls

St. Louis Cardinals 10 Texas Rangers 9 (MLB): 10/27/2011 David Freese late game heroics created an instant heart stopping classic and helped lead the Cardinals to the World Series title. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4cd3XzzqMw

FC Barcelona 6 PSG 1 (UCL): 3/8/2017 Barca was down 4-0 after 1st leg and had to rally with a massive comeback, the greatest comeback in Champions League 2 leg history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CgHT6_leeI

Chicago Cubs 8, Cleveland Indians 7 (MLB): 11/2/2016: The “Curse of the Billygoat” finally ends in Wrigleyville. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdtu2pAn-HM

Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5 (ATP): 1/29/2012: Probably the greatest tennis match ever in 5+ hour epic took place Down Under in the Australian Open final Aussie Open Final. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kaaXz4IgrA

Miami Heat 103 San Antonio Spurs 100 (NBA): 6/17/2013: Ray Allen’s game winner is one for the history books. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZoJI05kBBw

New Zealand 241/8 & 15/1, England 241 & 15/0 (Cricket): 7/14/2019: A Super Over ends an epic series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtCS0WGZH4k

Los Angeles Kings 5, Chicago Blackhawks 4 (NHL): 6/1/2014 A Game 7 OT in what was the best hockey series of the decade. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN8LyDkMLmE

Villanova Wildcats 77, North Carolina Tar Heels 74 (NCAAMB): 4/4/2016: Villanova goes end to end with Kris Jenkins buzzer beater giving the Wildcats the national title. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFKZ84aV-qw

‘YourZone’ Looks To Be The ‘RedZone’ For All Sports

Looking to follow the huge success of the NFL RedZone channel, which has revolutionized how many fans watch football, OmniView Sports introduced its “YourZone” app, which it claims will “provide real-time, personalized notifications and alerts as well as automated channel tuning to match your preferences (favorite teams, players).”

Fantasy and gaming are two natural uses for such a service, with league scoreboard and Vegas odds from major sportsbooks presented on screen.

OmniView notes on its Website that YourZone will launch soon.

From the OmniView announcement:

The YourZone app uses patented technology to process real-time data to determine excitement levels surrounding a game, you’ll now watch every exciting moment in the sports world LIVE! The YourZone app and GameChangr technology guarantees this personalized sports viewing experience – automatically or with the touch of a button on the app, GameChangr tunes your television to what you can’t and don’t want to miss!

Michigan Prepares For Potential Sports Betting Boom

Michigan could rival the largest legal sports betting markets in the country once it matures, attracting billions of dollars in bets each year and generating millions in tax revenue, according to PlayMichigan.com analysts.

When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4916 on Friday, Michigan became the 13th state to legalize online sports betting statewide and just the fifth state to legalize online casino gambling. And Michigan’s potential as a market is enormous, capable of generating as much as $7 billion to $8 billion in sports bets annually and $500 million in gross operator revenue, according to PlayMichigan.com projections.

“Michigan is the second-largest state in terms of population to have legalized online sports betting and online casinos and poker, behind only Pennsylvania,” said Dustin Gouker, chief analyst for PlayMichigan.com. “Michigan’s business-friendly tax rate and competitive licensing fees will attract operators, too. And with a solid tribal and commercial casino infrastructure already in place, Michigan should be poised for quick success.”

Michigan will tax sports betting gross revenue at 8.4%, and Detroit casinos will pay an additional 1.25% tax to the city. That makes Michigan among the most competitive compared to other legal jurisdictions. By comparison, Pennsylvania levies a 36% rate, by far the highest in the nation. New Jersey charges a 9.75% tax on revenue from retail sportsbooks and 13% on online sports betting revenue, and neighboring Indiana levies a 9.5% rate on its sportsbooks.

Even with the lower tax rate, sports betting could generate as much as $40 million annually for the state, according to PlayMichigan.com.

“Some in Michigan obviously wanted a higher tax rate, but the current rate should draw significant interest from sportsbook operators,” Gouker said. “That will help the market mature more quickly than markets such as Pennsylvania, where the ramp-up has been much slower despite having the largest population among all states with legal sports betting.”

Much of the future of Michigan sports betting depends on how much the state’s 23 tribes embrace online betting, which is a significant variable in how successful the industry might be in the state.

The same can be said for online gambling and poker, which could generate millions each year in gross revenue if it’s adopted by operators statewide.

Regardless, online gambling should eventually boost the online sports betting industry once it launches. In New Jersey, a symbiotic relationship has formed, spurring growth in both online casinos and online sportsbooks. And that relationship will likely develop in Michigan, too.

“The Michigan bill has clearly set up the industry to succeed and eventually become one of the largest markets in the country, as long as everyone buys in,” Gouker said. “By securing an operator-friendly infrastructure, the state should eventually realize its revenue goals to the benefit of Michigan as a whole.”

For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Indiana, visit PlayMichigan.com/news.

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.

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