Tag Archives: conference

Technology Dominates at the Barclays Center

by Noah Zaret, special to The Daily Payoff

On June 14, I had the opportunity to attend the SportiConference Converge, organized by Sportico at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Having been to the Barclays Center a handful of times for sporting events as well as concerts, I was excited to see the venue in a different light.

Throughout the day, there were many discussions led by industry professionals who have experiences in a variety of areas in the sports business industry. Topics included: “Future Fans: Enhancing the Engagement of new audiences”, “What’s Possible?: The intersection of Technology & Fan Engagement”, “State of the Industry: Marketing & Advertising amongst Giants and Economic Uncertainty”, “Risk and Rewards: A behind the scenes look at the acceleration of Sports Betting”, “Web 2.0 vs Web 3.0: The Future Sports Platforms”, “Generating Higher Fan Engagement”, and “How Brooklyn Built the Metaverse”. All of these discussions had their own twist to them. I sincerely believe that I left the conference with a greater knowledge base and understanding of the current issues affecting the sports industry than I had prior to attending.

There were many takeaways and information that I learned from attending the conference. One of the main topics was enhancing the engagement of new and future audiences in sport. TikTok has become more than just a platform for lip sync and dancing, as it is now being used to advance the fan experience in sports and highlights. In the minds of content creators, one has to put themselves in the seat of the users and ask themselves what does the user want to see? Publishers are now partnering with content creators to plan, create and deliver the best content possible. Due to the fact that TikTok contains an untapped audience, the ability to take risks and experiment with content is prevalent amongst content creators. This was extremely beneficial during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Archive content was very popular during the pandemic without live sports and has carried over post pandemic. For example, say it is an athlete’s birthday, content creators will work with publishers to post his/her career highlights and/or famous clips. TikTok will continue to provide content in a variety of ways that will enhance the engagement of current and future audiences.

The impact that technology has on fan engagement has increased significantly as of late. The New York Liberty was the first WNBA team to release their own NFT. Not only does this educate fans about digital assets, but it also has the opportunity to draw in more fans, especially women. Just like TikTok is enhancing the mobile experience, Seatgeek is a company that is using technology to enhance the fan experience for those attending live events. Paula Segal, head of consumer product for SeatGeek, mentioned that Covid accelerated the switch to digital tickets and that tickets are now more than just a barcode. They can be used for mobile food ordering, buying merchandise and persuading fans to bet on the sport event itself. These examples are part of a movement to use technology to enhance the in-game experience instead of focusing solely on technology being used outside the arena or stadium.

The growing acceleration of sports betting and the marketing and advertising amongst the giants in the industry was another topic that caught my attention. Sports betting companies are using other forms of media such as TV and radio to market and promote their product beyond basic advertising. Content creation such as gambling shows are done to help promote gambling companies and their respective sports books. CBS and ESPN are examples of sports channels that are broadcasting betting shows, an interactive approach to the promotion of sports betting. Sportsbooks are trying to differentiate themselves from competitors in the industry and gain competitive advantage by gaining loyal customers and keeping them engaged on their platform. Sports betters typically tend to choose their preferred sportsbook depending upon ease of use. Customers have the ability to switch sportsbooks at any time, so if they do not like one they can easily switch to another. In order for gambling companies to limit this from happening, they are attempting to innovate their sportsbooks to make them stand out and appear different to the average user. I believe that this is just the beginning for the sports betting industry, as there are endless opportunities for success in the future.

Lastly, the future of sport platforms and generating higher fan engagement was a popular topic of discussion. I learned that not only can fan engagement exist in the real world, but in a virtual environment as well. As said by Scott Lawin, CEO of Candy Digital, “sports is the gateway drug into NFT’s & Crypto”. As more teams and leagues are getting involved with digital assets, casual fans can begin to get an understanding of how they work. As there are more fans that are educated on this matter, the engagement will continue to improve over time. Lawin also mentioned that in three to five years, he expects purchasing consumer products, sporting event tickets and concert tickets will require an NFT attached to it. As this is my first “real world” exposure to NFT’s and Crypto, I am seeing how the emergence of NFT’s are at the center of the future of promotion. I plan on further educating myself on NFT’s, Crypto, Blockchain and the Metaverse, as I know they are and will continue to be pivotal components in the sports industry.

Overall, the SportiConference Converge was a great opportunity as I became more educated on the relevant topics in the industry today. I was also able to meet and converse with a variety of interesting and experienced professionals. Sportico should be commended for organizing such a successful event.

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

Image via www.vpnsrus.com

The exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be the subject of the Gaming Standards Association’s (GSA) latest Technology Summit (GSATS), “Focus on Artificial Intelligence.” This crucial technology event for the gaming industry takes place November 6 and 7 at the Hyatt Regency in San Diego, Calif.

The in-depth summit is a follow up to last year’s overwhelmingly successful summit, “Focus on Blockchain.” Registration is available now at https://www.gamingstandards.com/en/gsa-technology-summit-focus-artificial-intelligence.

AI is defined as “the ability for computer-based programs to parse large volumes of data, identify patterns, learn those patterns, discern probable outcomes and make recommended actions based on that learning.”

As defined, AI has great applicability in the global gaming industry with use cases ranging from responsible gaming, such as, the early identification of potential problem gamers based on analysis of actions and the evaluation of pertinent big data, to tracking patrons feelings and analyzing their needs and interests allowing for the creation of better gaming experiences, anti-money laundering, identifying most valuable players, identifying efficiencies for revenue maximization, and a host of others. 

GSA logo

Leading AI experts from around the world are scheduled to present at the event, including:

  • Dr. Stasi Baran ~ COO, nQube Data Science Inc.
  • Mr. Kiran Brahmandam ~ CEO, Gaming Analytics
  • Mr. Andrew Cardno ~ CEO, Innovation Gaming Group
  • Dr. Gavin Clarkson ~ Managing Director, Native American Capital
  • Mr. Simo Dragicevic ~ Founder and CEO BetBuddy, a Playtech Company
  • Mr. John English ~ Partner, MD Sports and Technology, Global Market Advisors
  • Mr. Earle Hall ~ CEO AXES.ai
  • Mr. Tim Huckaby ~ Founder and Executive Chairman, VSBLTY
  • Mr. Amit Likhyani ~ Account Executive, Dynatrace
  • Mr. Mark Pace ~ Managing Director, GSA Europe
  • Mr. Clayton Peister ~ Managing Director, Differential Labs
  • Mr. Joseph Pisano ~ Founder and CEO, Jade Group Companies
  • Mr. Nimish Purohit ~ Sr. Director, Tech. Compliance, Aristocrat Technologies
  • Mr. Travis Siegfried ~ Global Cognitive AI & Vision Solution Eng., IBM
  • Dr. Ralph Thomas ~ Founder and President, Education Revolution LLC
  • Mr. Markus Van Kempen ~ Corporate Strategy Executive, IBM
  • Dr. Johannes Wilms ~ Sr. Data Scientist, NOVOMATIC AG
  • Mr. George Yang ~ Founder and CEO, AI PROS

GSA is gratified to recognize our event sponsors: Diamond sponsor AXES.ai, a Cloud Information Management Platform that licenses actionable intelligence and applications to the Global Gaming & Amusement Industry and Platinum NOVOMATIC AG, a producer of high-tech gaming equipment and operator of electronic casinos, regular casinos and sports betting outlets, as well as a technology and service partner in the lottery segment.

Student Betting A Topic At NCLGS July 12-14

Jack Hamilton-Unsplash

The extent and magnitude of gambling on college campuses will be the focus of the Committee on Responsible Gaming when the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) holds its Summer Meeting, July 12-14 at the Radisson Blu Downtown. This examination comes as studies show that 18 percent of college students gamble weekly or more frequently.

“With abundant opportunities to gamble both legally and illegally, we need to examine both the extent of this activity on college campuses and whether this is just good fun or a real problem. Importantly, we need to know how the addition of legal sports betting can impact gambling behavior on campus,” said Committee Chair Keith Pickard, a Senator from Nevada and Vice President of NCLGS. “Legislators owe it to the young adults in their states to understand the implications of this activity.”

The Committee will hear from the following experts:

  • Christine Reilly, Senior Research Director, National Center for Responsible Gaming
  • Susan Sheridan Tucker, Executive Director, Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance
  • Ryan Martin, Associate Professor, Department of Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University 

The NCLGS Summer Meeting agenda includes:

  • Six legislative committee sessions: Casinos, Emerging Forms of Gaming, Indian Gaming, Lotteries, Responsible Gaming, and State-Federal Relations
  • Keynote Luncheon Address: “The Next Five Years of Gaming,” by Timothy Wilmott, CEO, Penn National Gaming, and Chairman, American Gaming Association
  • Two IMGL Masterclass panels conducted by the International Masters of Gaming Law focusing on state lottery technology and the multiple crossover regulatory and legal issues
  • Special general session panel examining gaming’s evolution toward entertainment
  • Thursday evening cocktail reception
  • Friday evening welcome reception
  • Saturday afternoon tour of Sportradar offices

To view the agenda, register, and book rooms at the host hotel at special attendee rates, visit http://www.nclgs.org/meetings.html.

For sponsorship information, contact Richard Doss at [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.

Spectrum Gaming Group, which has performed advisory and consulting work for gaming operators, regulators and legislatures in 39 US states and territories and in 47 countries on six continents, serves as the Executive Director of NCLGS.

N.J.Gov. Murphy to Deliver Keynote at Betting on Sports America Conference

Gov. Phil Murphy

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will share his vision for the future of sports betting in the state at next month’s Betting on Sports America conference, the biggest sports wagering trade event in the U.S.

Murphy, who will make a keynote address to the conference, being held across April 23-25, joins a stellar cast of thought leaders and innovators drawn from the global sports betting industry and U.S. political arena. The core of the event is being held at Meadowlands Exposition Center in New Jersey, with networking parties in both NJ and NYC.

SBC organizes the world’s biggest sports betting trade events in Europe and the United States via its event brand SBCEvents.com. SBC also manages a network of betting and gaming industry news portals including SBCAmericas.com, an online news and analysis resource dedicated to the developing sports betting industries in North and South Americas.

The Governor’s inclusion at Betting on Sports America is entirely fitting given the vital role New Jersey played in getting legal sports betting on to the statute books. As a long standing supporter of sports betting, he not only championed its legalization, but was instrumental in ensuring that the regulation was workable in a real world sense and, above all else, fair.

Commenting on his forthcoming attendance at Betting on Sports America, Murphy said: “It is my pleasure to address delegates from the international sports betting industry who will join us here in New Jersey for the inaugural Betting on Sports America conference. We are immensely proud of the integral part that New Jersey played in taking down PASPA and in doing so laying the solid foundations for legal sports wagering to be enjoyed by Americans across the nation. New Jersey has been a sports betting success story and we hope that other states seeking to go legal will replicate that positive experience.”

SBC CEO and Founder Rasmus Sojmark heralded the Governor’s involvement in the discussions, saying: “We are delighted to have someone with the huge political standing and stature of Phil Murphy join us for what will be an unmissable event. The Governor will play a fundamental part in shaping and delivering legal sports wagering for New Jersey and we’re looking forward with high anticipation to his keynote address at Betting on Sports America.”

When Murphy signed New Jersey’s sports betting bill into law, he set in motion a new era for the Garden State’s casinos and racetracks, enabling them to attract new business and new fans, and giving a boost to their long-term financial prospects. Avid soccer fan Murphy also placed the historic first legal sports wager at Oceanport’s Monmouth Park racetrack with a $20 bet on Germany to win the 2018 FIFAWorld Cup and $20 on the New Jersey Devils to win Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Aaron Judge (photo credit: Keith Allison)