SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Oneida Indian Nation has followed up its alliance with Caesars Entertainment, by partnering with Scientific Games for the provision of its OpenBet technology at its three upstate New York properties.
Deployment of the platform, embedded with player centric technology, in-house pre-game and data feed from the recently acquired Don Best Sports, is to commence as soon as sports betting is authorised within the state.
Scientific Games states that its “deep roots” within casino gaming and strong record “supporting sports betting at leading casinos,” will benefit the Oneida’s sportsbook launches at its Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino and Point Place Casino.
Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and Nation Enterprises CEO, believes Oneida is in a strong position following its two deals: “Being among the first Indian nations nationally to operate a sportsbook, and among the first to offer sports betting in New York, represents our commitment to entering this burgeoning market ready for rapid acceleration.
“After rigorous assessment of the supplier market, we determined that partnering with Scientific Games and SG Digital will give our players the best sports betting experience starting on day one.
“With OpenBet, our players will benefit from a fast-to-market, flexible, and scalable technology platform. During our search for a top-notch partner, SG Digital, backed by OpenBet and Don Best, was the only partner who demonstrated years of US sports experience with regard to odds, trading, and in-play data feeds.
“Further, this combined solution and expertise cemented our decision that SG Digital will offer the most intuitive and seamless US sportsbook experience for our guests.
“We are already hard at work, planning to capitalise on the opportunity by partnering with the industry’s top technology supplier.
“Simply put, the combination of our partnership with SG Digital and our previously announced alliance with Caesars Entertainment, positions us to win big in New York.”
Predicted to be one of the largest grossing states by analysts, the Oneida and Scientific Games believe authorisation could ensue this year, with the early agreement affording Turning Stone early momentum to prepare for an anticipated launch when the market opens.
Scientific Games and Oneida will submit the agreement to the National Indian Gaming Commission for review to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
Jordan Levin, SG Digital’s Group Chief Executive, explained: “Sports betting is taking the US by storm, with quick-to-market operators in early regulated states seeing huge success.
“By partnering with the Oneida Indian Nation, who has secured the Caesars Entertainment brand, we’re planning to mirror that success in New York as soon as sports betting is authorised there.
“As the race to capture market share ensues, we have taken great care in our approach to put our customers and their players at the core of our development and overall experience design.
“Winning players’ hearts and minds is first and foremost in our thinking. Very often in consumer entertainment experiences, you get one chance to demonstrate your player-centricity, and a focus on getting this right straight out of the gate will decide the winners and losers in every state. We’re thrilled to partner with Oneida, in affiliation with the Caesars brand, to bring sports betting to consumers in New York once authorised.”
