North America

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has estimated that in excess of $10bn will be wagered by Americans in the upcoming 2018 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Of that figure, however, only $300m, representing around 3 percent, will be wagered legally through Nevada sportsbooks, with it stated that “failed federal prohibition [is] making common criminals of millions of Americans.” In addition, it …

Regulus Partners, the strategic consultancy focused on international gambling and related industries, gives an insight into some of the key developments in the gambling industry as part of its ‘Winning Post’ column. Australia: market development – the state they’re in The Australian betting market was significantly rearranged this week, with William Hill bowing out and Stars becoming an important player. New …

An underlying narrative from William Hill’s departure of the Australian market this week, was that the operator is readying itself to expand its US footprint should the US Court overturn the PASPA act this year. Since 2012 William Hill has had betting outlets in Nevada, however since the possibility of legal sports betting grew in New Jersey, the group has …

Another state in the USA has introduced a new bill seeking the introduction of sports betting, ahead of the potentially landmark decision by the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) in the New Jersey v NCAA case. Put forward by Senator John J Bonacic, chairman of the Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, bill S7900 would amend the current racing, pari-mutuel wagering and …

Pennsylvania based racetrack operators Keystone Turf Club and Bensalem Racing Association have appointed Sportech Racing & Digital to upgrade the web and mobile betting solutions for its Parx Racing venue. The agreement sees the Sportech Plc division, extend its totalisator services at Parx Racing, through its agreement with Bensalem and its syndicated off-track betting locations. Deal stakeholders inform, that Parx …

Following this morning’s news that William Hill has sold its entire Australian business division to competitor CrownBet for AUS $300 million (€185 million), Toronto TSX-listed The Stars Group Inc has moved to strengthen its Australian position. Issuing a market update, Stars Group informs that it will move to increase its equity in CrownBet from 62% to 80%. On 27 February, …

Betting on Football 2018, the fifth edition of the largest international sports and betting trade conference, will take place at Stamford Bridge from 20-23 March. Featuring 1,500 senior executives, 200 leading industry speakers and 50 key sessions #bofcon2018 has become a must-attend event for the entire sports betting sector. Here are just ten of the key reasons why missing this …

Mark Frissora, the President & CEO of Caesars Entertainment, continues his quest to win a Japanese ‘integrated resorts’ licence, a key initiative for expanding Caesars footprint beyond US shores. Last week, Frissora and Caesars senior executive team visited Japan, to gain cultural learnings, in a market that has been branded Asian gambling’s next ‘holy grail’. During the visit, Caesars announced …

The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) has confirmed the appointment of Paul Burns as new President and Chief Executive Officer of its trade and industry representative body. Burns was a founding member of the CGA, and has acted as a key stakeholder in the organisations initiatives and policy acting as Vice President of Affairs since 2015. A 20-year Canadian gambling executive, …

A strategic acquisition has led to the Gambling.com Group making a “forceful move” into the sports betting vertical, via the purchase of Bookies.com and related assets. The firm details a purchase price of an upfront payment of £2m paid as a cash consideration in conjunction with the transfer of the assets, as well as a deferred compensation of £4.5m, which …