Month: September 2022

The formalisation of the deal comes after the signing of an initial head of terms agreement in June, where GiG offered the use of its platform and sportsbook to the Maryland-facing Crab Sports

The agreement is the first US deal of its kind for GiG since the business’ April acquisition of Sportnco, along with its in-house turnkey sportsbook.

GiG CEO Richard Brown said: “I am excited to be partnering with a localised brand like Crab Sports in Maryland, US. We view the Maryland and the wider US market as a strong opportunity given our expertise in personalisation and building a unique customer experience.”

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The Hannahville tribe initially entered into a platform agreement with Churchill Downs Incorporated’s (CDI) TwinSpires B2B sports betting business, but were forced to find a new supplier following CDI’s announcement that it would be re-orientating to provide a more focused horse racing product.

The community operates the Island Resort and Casino in Harris, Michigan – with the tribe’s online site continuing to trade under the Sports Illustrated brand name.

MGCB executive director Henry Williams said: “The Hannahville tribe is the first operator in Michigan to change platform providers since internet gaming and sports betting began here in January 2021. The tribe has found another experienced partner, and I wish them continued success.”

[Read full story on iGB North America]

The multi-year deal involves multiple areas of FanDuel’s business – including its sports wagering, advance deposits wagering (ADW) and television verticals. Under the terms of the deal, CDI will provide B2B technology and services for FanDuel’s sportsbook’s pari-mutuel wagers on horse racing features.

It will also be possible for US-based FanDuel users to place bets on horse racing content at a CDI property, as well as allow FanDuel access to broadcast CDI content on the operator’s newly announced television network. The deal also has provisions providing FanDuel with non-exclusive Kentucky Derby sponsorship rights.

CDI subsidiary, United Tote, will be paid by FanDuel to facilitate the pari-mutuel wagering sections of the agreement. CDI has previously entered into an agreement to sell 49% of United Tote to the New York Race Association, in a deal expected to complete before the start of the new year.

FanDuel CEO Amy Howe hailed the agreement, pointing to the potential to further integrate the business’ product offering:

“With the launch of FanDuel TV last week and the upcoming integration of premier racing content into our market-leading sports book, we believe this is an inflection point in our ability to offer our customers a seamless wagering experience with a single wallet.”

[Read full article on iGB North America]

Christopher Bohlmann recently joined the business as director of growth and finance, following a 10-year spell working in the investment industry, primarily within the Technology Investment Banking team at JP Morgan.

André Schneider was also brought in as Bayes’ new senior director of people operations. He brings more than 17 years of professional experience people and culture, having previously worked for global businesses such as Ikea and Red Bull, supporting cross-functional teams at the Olympic Games in Sochi 2014 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Both Bohlmann and Schneider will join the management team at Bayes, alongside its two longer-standing members in head of strategic communications Susanne Ardisson, and senior director of sales Axel Fromberg – both of which signed new, long-term contracts with Bayes.

Ardisson has worked as a senior PR consultant for 15 years, supporting companies such as Readly and Delivery Hero, while Fromberg spent 15 years overseeing sales businesses for major brands including BMW, Audi & Enel among others. 

The new-look management team will work around chief executive Martin Dachselt and chief operating officer Amir Mirzaee.

“With the recently announced expansion of Bayes Esports into the US, as well as the upcoming launch of a new odds distribution platform,” Dachselt said.

“It’s excellent to see that the company has assembled the strongest possible management team to support and complement its ambitions. 

“Our shared knowledge and expertise have been bolstered with the additions of Susanne and Axel, and we are also able to get a fresh and unique perspective from Andre and Christopher.”

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-serving monarch in British history, having reigned from 6 February 1952 until the day of her death.

She passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland and is succeeded by her eldest son, who becomes King Charles III.

Upon news of her passing, a number of organisations in the UK gambling market published tributes to The Queen. The monarch took a keen interest in racing, in particular the breeding of thoroughbreds for the sport.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) released a statement in memory of The Queen’s relationship with racing and her roles as a patron of The Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Breeders Association, as well as the figurehead of Royal Ascot racecourse.

“The BHA extends our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and all those affected by this sad news,” BHA chair Joe Saumarez Smith said. “Racing owes an incalculable debt of gratitude, not only for Her Majesty’s dedication and commitment to the sport, but for her public advocacy of it, something that doubtless has driven the sport’s popularity and attracted a great number of fans.

“There will be many who work in racing who have enjoyed relationships with Her Majesty through the training and breeding of her horses and will be grieving.

“Our thoughts are with them, and of course the sympathies of all associated with racing are with Her Majesty The Queen’s family, on this sad day.”

The BHA also confirmed that all racing across Great Britain would be suspended today (9 September) as a mark of respect for The Queen.

The Arena Racing Company (ARC) also paid tribute to The Queen’s long affiliation with horses and racing.

“Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen was a figurehead not just for British Horseracing, but for the nation,” ARC chairman David Thorpe said. “It is with deep sadness that we consider today’s news of her passing, but I can express the deep gratitude of myself and all at Arena Racing Company for her unwavering support for, and appreciation of, British racing over many decades. May she rest in peace.”

London-headquartered bookmaker William Hill also issued a statement, saying: “We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Queen Elizabeth II, our longest reigning monarch, has been an important and steadfast figurehead during times of massive change.”

Everyone at Clarion Gaming’s thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family and the rest of the country at this sad time.

In a statement, the Department of Justice said that legislation that would officially establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority was currently being prepared, and is set to be published in the autumn.

It also said that a Programme Board has been set up to oversee the legislative process.

The Department of Justice clarified that Caulfield’s “early appointment”, combined with the establishment of the Programme Board, was “aimed at minimising the time between the enactment of the legislation and the date on which the regulator commences operations”.

Browne said that Caulfield’s appointment was an important part of the legislative process for gambling reform.

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Anne Marie Caulfield, who will bring a wealth of professional experience and expertise to the role,” said Browne.

“The appointment of the CEO designate is an important milestone in the future establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority, advancing a key Programme for government commitment.”

“Greater regulation of the gambling industry in Ireland has long been called for and is a key priority for me as Minister.”

Plans to establish a gaming regulator for the Republic of Ireland were first set out in 2019. A bill that outlined said plans was released in October 2021.

Titled the General Scheme of the Gambling Regulation, the bill stated that the gambling regulator would have complete power over licensing and gambling advertising in the Republic.

GambleAware’s commissioning intentions outline a plan which includes a refreshed helpline, more integrated regional services, increased support for residential treatment and increased cooperation between service provider and local partners.   

The NGTS offers free support and treatment for those at risk of gambling harm, those experiencing gambling harm, and those who are affected by someone else’s gambling behaviours. It is structured as a network of third-sector organisations, which provide telephone, online and face-to-face support.

GambleAware said that the new intention document was drafted to meet the “growing and changing needs of those at risk of gambling harms in Great Britain.”    

GambleAware chief commissioning officer Anna Hargrave said: “We are excited to announce our new commissioning plans which will build on the success of our current prevention, support and treatment programmes.”

The development of the plan

The publication of the plan followed an intensive strategic review process, which involved engagement with a number of stakeholders and experts, including treatment providers, lived experience representatives, local authorities and NHS partners.

Through this, GambleAware developed a new outcome framework and delivery model – which the organisation states will enable its partners to deliver “more targeted support to greater numbers of people in need.”

“In the context of rising costs-of-living and increasing numbers of people at risk of gambling harm, we want to ensure our commissioning strategy can respond to the changing environment and the needs of the most vulnerable communities and groups,” continued Hargrave.

“We have built-up a wide pool of expertise and knowledge around gambling harms from years of working with our partners and we will continue to use this insight to improve and inform our work and ensure we are able to make a lasting impact to people’s lives.”

The NGTS has been reported to take as many as 60% of patients out of the problem gambling bracket, in a 2020 study commissioned by GambleAware, with the results confirmed by a further 2021 report into Scottish and Welsh users.

The NGTS has been buoyed in recent years by a number of awareness campaigns carried out by GambleAware.

Based on a survey of 2,210 Americans, the AGA forecasted that 18% of the entire US adult population will place at least one bet on the upcoming season, which kicks off on September 10.

Of those planning to wager, 23 million will bet online, up 18% on the 2021 season, while 10.6 million will place a wager in-person at a retail sportsbook, an increase of 2% on the previous season.

The AGA also noted that as legalisation continues to spread, just 13% of bettors said they will use a bookie, down 2% year-on-year, though bookie usage in states without legalised sports betting will be 50% higher.

“The sustained interest in NFL wagering reflects the growth and continued maturation of legal sports betting across the country,” AGA president and chief executive Bill Miller said. “Consumers clearly want legal sports betting options and understand the regulated industry’s foundational commitments to responsibility.”

Other key findings from the research included that 92% of those surveyed are aware of responsible gambling tools, with 90% recall seeing or hearing about responsible gaming in the past year and 51% saying they had seen more information about the issue in the past 12 months than in previous years.

Some 82% of respondents said responsible gambling programs are very or somewhat effective, while 81% believed the gaming industry is committed to encouraging responsible gaming and combatting problem gambling.

The NFL kick-off coincides with the beginning of the AGA’s inaugural Responsible Gaming Education Month, which runs throughout September.

“Responsibility is an underpinning of regulated U.S. sports betting and a clear competitive advantage as we continue to build a sustainable marketplace,” Miller added.

In addition, the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the most popular pick among fans to win Super Bowl LVII, each drawing 9% of pre-season picks. The Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs were each the pick of 8% of respondents, and the Dallas Cowboys 7%.

Incidentally, the Super Bowl will be played in a legal sports betting jurisdiction for the first time this season, with State Farm Stadium in Arizona scheduled to host the end-of-season event.

Produced by DraftKings’ creative and media agency VaynerMedia, the Practice Safe Bets initiative will go live during the American Gaming Association’s inaugural Responsible Gaming Education Month this September.

The campaign will include two adverts, each of which will feature one of the celebrities, with the aim of emphasising the importance of responsible gaming, including setting limits on play by using the responsible gaming tools available on the DraftKings app.

The spots will air in radio and TV markets across the US, as well as on DraftKings’ social media channels.

In addition, throughout Responsible Gaming Education Month, DraftKings will offer a free-to-play pool, which will allow eligible customers to test their knowledge of responsible gambling and check their answers on the DraftKings online Safer Play Portal.

“Responsible gaming advertising is a tremendous opportunity to reach DraftKings players in a fun and educational way,” DraftKings’ chief marketing officer Stephanie Sherman said. “We chose The Miz and Tony Hawk for the Practice Safe Bets campaign because of their extensive fan bases and because their personalities will break through the noise to reinforce why using responsible gaming tools is so important.”

The acquisition agreement also includes a performance-related earnout of up to €39.6m, potentially bringing the total consideration to €78.1m, all of which will be paid in cash.

Headquartered in Denmark, Shape Games’ front-end technology supports customers with driving customer engagement and retention, with the provider counting Danske Spil, Norsk Tipping, BetWarrior and JACK Entertainment among its clients.

The acquisition builds on an established partnership between the two businesses, with Kambi and Shape Games having worked together on tender processes to secure turnkey contracts.

Kambi said Shape Games’ fully native front-end technology will complement its sportsbook and existing front-end capabilities, strengthening its capabilities in the mobile sports betting space.

Shape Games will continue to provide its services on a standalone basis to all operators.

“I’ve always been clear on our intention to acquire technology and talent that will complement and enhance our sportsbook proposition, and I have no doubt Shape Games will do just that,” Kambi co-founder and chief executive Kristian Nylen said.

“While Shape Games will continue to grow and offer services on a standalone basis in line with our plans to offer a suite of modularised products, it is the ability to offer a combination of Kambi’s and Shape Games’ technology to our partners which really excites us and solidifies our position as the clear leader within the sports betting ecosystem.”

Shape Games co-founder and chief executive Christian Risom added: “Shape Games and Kambi have been working closely side by side for years now and it is exciting to take this partnership to new levels. 

“Kambi’s modular approach to the market allows us to form a profound and tight-knit integration with their sportsbook all the while pursuing opportunities with other sportsbook partners. From our perspective, this represents the best of both worlds for any customer out there.”