Industry News of the Day for September 5, 2023

iDEA Growth Member News

  • Gambling News: Better Collective Confirms Torcedores.com Acquisition
    • The leading digital sports media group, Better Collective, announced a new strategic acquisition, allowing it to strengthen its position within the South American region. The company confirmed details regarding the acquisition of Torcedores.com, a leading national Brazilian sports media platform. Expanding into the South American region marks a strategic move for Better Collective, considering the significant potential of the markets in the region. Thanks to the acquisition, the company will significantly expand its presence in Brazil.

Industry News

  • Legal Sports Report: PointsBet CEO Talks Next Steps After US Sale To Fanatics
    • With the $225 million purchase of PointsBet US by Fanatics moving further into the rearview mirror, the Australian-based gaming operator is shifting its focus towards software development and turning a profit in other markets. Phase one of the purchase is “tracking according to plan,” CEO Sam Swanell said during the PointsBet year-end earnings call Thursday in Australia. Fanatics announced the initial closing later in the US Thursday afternoon, announcing 11 states will have the Fanatics presence by the start of NFL betting next week.
  • SBC Americas: BetMGM Outlines RG Commitment With NFL-Hosted GameSense Campaign
    • MGM Resorts and BetMGM have kicked off Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM 2023) with an RG campaign ready to be launched at nine NFL stadiums. The companies will utilize GameSense, a program focusing on positive, transparent, and proactive conversations with players about how to gamble responsibly. In doing so, MGM Resorts and BetMGM are among the first gaming operators to promote RG through marketing within league venues.
  • Associated Press: UAE Creates Federal Authority For ‘Commercial Gaming’ As Casino Giants Flock To Gulf Arab Nation
    • The United Arab Emirates has created a federal authority to potentially run a national lottery and what it describes as “commercial gaming,” likely a sign that it is on the verge of allowing gambling as major casino operators flock to the Gulf Arab nation. The state-run WAM news agency carried an announcement late Sunday on the creation of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, without offering many details about its structure or operations.
  • Sports Handle: NFL Enhances Gambling Educational Measures Ahead Of 2023 Season
    • A rash of gambling-related suspensions hit the NFL this offseason, with the league levying penalties on 10 players. As a result of the sports betting infractions, the organization increased its educational efforts ahead of the 2023 season. Education about gambling policies isn’t new, but the league has tried to improve the measures, especially for rookies. From videos to in-person training to facility signage, the NFL has tried to spread its gambling policy message before the 2023 season begins Thursday.
  • Optimove: 2023 -2024 Report on NFL Wagering
    • The Optimove 2023-2024 Report on NFL wagering provides a comprehensive analysis of NFL wagering intentions, brand loyalty, and communication preferences among bettors. The report offers valuable insights that can guide sports betting sites in optimizing their offers, enhancing player experiences, and fostering player loyalty while promoting responsible gambling measures.

Colorado

  • PlayColorado: New Colorado Gaming Director Shares Passion For Responsible Gambling, Industry future
    • The Colorado Division of Gaming has named Chris Schroder its new director, giving him sizeable shoes to fill after its former director, Dan Hartman, retired in May. Hartman made a lasting impact on the state of Colorado over his 31 years in state government, during which he played an integral role in advancing horse racing legislation and legalizing sports betting and marijuana.

New York

  • PlayNY: Latest Downstate NY Casino Answers Shed Light On Taxes, iGaming And Timetable
    • The first round of questions and answers related to downstate New York casinos provides a glimpse into the thinking of both state gambling regulators and the companies behind the various proposals. While much of what can be found in the 103-page report released Wednesday by the Gaming Facility Location Board is mundane and procedural, some of the regulator’s responses contained useful nuggets of information.

Ohio

  • PlayOhio: For First Time, DraftKings Tops FanDuel In OH Sports Betting Volume
    • For the first time in the short history of Ohio sports betting, FanDuel lost the top spot for monthly volume. DraftKings overtook the Flutter-owned sportsbook in July. According to numbers released by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, DraftKings handled just shy of $116.2 million in sports bets. The Boston-based sports betting giant edged out FanDuel by less than $10 million, with FanDuel accepting $106.7 million worth of wagers.

Oklahoma

  • Legal Sports Report: Opinion: What Oklahoma Political Fighting Could Mean For Sports Betting
    • While many might not pay much attention to Oklahoma politics, there is a long-lingering battle being fought between the State’s Republican legislature and Governor Kevin Stitt that holds the key to sports betting legalization prospects. At the center of the battle is a now multi-year feud over various tribal compacts. While the most recent battle centers on tobacco and vehicle registration compacts, there is still a federal court battle being waged over gaming compacts entered into several years ago between the governor and a pair of Oklahoma-based tribes.

Pennsylvania

  • PlayUSA: Senators, Casinos And Gaming Board Discuss Pennsylvania Skill Games
    • Senator Katie Muth, chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and Senator Amanda Cappelletti co-hosted a public hearing on Aug. 23 to discuss skill games in Pennsylvania. The hearing, held in Radnor, involved three panels of testimony from gaming, regulation, and law enforcement experts. That included representatives from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) and Pennsylvania casinos.

Virginia

  • PlayVirginia: Virginia Sports Betting Handle Falls To $293 Million In July
    • In July, Virginia sports betting handle fell below $300 million for the first time in 2023. Just over $293 million was bet on sports in July. July’s handle was 9.8% lower than the month prior, as $325 million was bet on sports in June. July’s sports betting handle is a far cry from the $513 million in handle back in January. While the stark drop in sports betting handle seems like a cause for alarm, it’s actually similar to July decreases seen across the country.