Paddy Power Betfair Clinches U.S. Sports Betting Deals
Retail, online and mobile sports betting covered in agreements with US companies
Paddy Power Betfair has joined the US sports betting rush with agreements to provide retail, online and mobile sports betting with Meadowlands racetrack in New Jersey and harness racing venue Tioga Downs in New York, taking early advantage oif the liberalisation of US sports betting following the recent US Supreme Court decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
Betfair US was recently in the headlines with its agreement to acquire one of America’s biggest daily fantasy sports companies, FanDuel (see previous InfoPowa reports). It will be the main service provider in the agreements.
Betfair US chief executive Kip Levin said this week:
“Meadowlands racetrack has the potential to be among the best, if not the best, sports betting venues in the US. Combining these premier facilities with the global sports betting prowess of Paddy Power Betfair is a great match and will enable us to bring an unparalleled sports betting experience to customers in the north-east.”
New Jersey Operators Await Governor’S Signature On Sports Betting Law (Update)
Hopes for Friday betting wane as governor reviews law approved unanimously by state Legislature
New Jersey governor Phil Murphy kept sports betting operators in suspense Friday, eventually dashing hopes for an immediate commencement of sports betting by explaining that his administration was still reviewing the law, passed overwhelmingly by the state Legislature earlier in the week (see previous InfoPowa reports).
However, the governor sounded positive about the new law, enacted following the strike down of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act last month by the US Supreme Court, saying at Rutgers University event:
“We’re going to have sports betting sooner than later in New Jersey. We’re really excited about that.
“I want sports betting, believe me. I want to place the first bet in New Jersey if I can. But we want to make sure we do it right. We just got the bill and we’re going through it and we’re not going to sit on it,” he said.
New Jersey Governor Green Lights Sports Betting (Update)
Signs Assembly Bill 4111
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed Assembly Bill 4111 allowing sports betting at New Jersey casinos and racetracks.
“Today, we’re finally making the dream of legalized sports betting a reality for New Jersey,” Murphy said.
“I’m thrilled to sign Assembly Bill 4111 because it means that our casinos in Atlantic City and our racetracks throughout our state can attract new business and new fans, boosting their own long-term financial prospects.
“This is the right move for New Jersey and it will strengthen our economy.”
Under the legislation, a licensed casino or racetrack may accept wagers at a sports wagering lounge at its premises, and can petition to operate a sports pool at a temporary facility during the construction of a sports wagering lounge.
In addition, licensed casinos and racetracks can apply to operate an online sports pool beginning 30 days after the effective date of the bill.
Other key points in the bill include:
Individuals placing wagers must be at least 21 years of age.
Athletes, coaches, referees, and other persons with potential influence or access to non-public information regarding sporting events, are prohibited from placing bets on sporting events overseen by the league in which they participate.
Wagers cannot be placed on high school sporting events or collegiate athletic events taking place in New Jersey or involving New Jersey teams.
The Division of Gaming Enforcement and the New Jersey Racing Commission can issue emergency regulations for a period of up to 270 days to govern sports betting allowing for already-licensed casinos and racetracks to apply for a transactional waiver that will enable them to begin sports betting.
The New Jersey Racing Commission will meet later this week to review and adopt regulations related to the establishment of sports betting at New Jersey racetracks, after which Governor Murphy will ratify the Racing Commission’s decision enabling licensed racetracks to apply for a temporary waiver to begin sports betting.
The State of New Jersey estimates that State tax revenues will reach approximately $13 million in the first full year of operation.
Clarion’s Ice Sports Betting USA Debuts In New York
At the end of November 2018
Clarion Gaming’s ICE brand will launch in New York on 27 and 28 November, 2018.
ICE Sports Betting USA is a two-day event that will serve as a rallying point for regulators, sports associations, land based casino operators, online gaming brands and technology providers, Kate Chambers, Clarion Gaming’s managing director said.
“The Clarion Gaming portfolio has a long history of serving the US industry courtesy of GiGse, Juegos Miami and the first Sports Betting USA which we held in November 2017.”
“The ICE brand is recognised as the hallmark of quality in gaming and the launch of ICE Sports Betting USA is confirmation of our commitment to meeting the needs of the industry for a progressive and professional business event post PASPA.”
William Hill Poised To Take First Legal Bets In New Jersey
At Monmouth Park Racecourse on Thursday, 14 June 2018
William Hill is poised to take its first regulated and legal wagers in New Jersey at Monmouth Park race course with a launch team deployed for Thursday, June 14.
Chief executive officer Philip Bowcock said “We look forward to welcoming customers in New Jersey and taking bets on the full range of sports.”
William Hill’s sportsbook at Monmouth Park was established following an agreement in 2013 to make the bookmaker the official sports betting partner at the racetrack in anticipation of the regulation of sports betting.
The company already operates 107 sportsbooks in Nevada and is the exclusive risk manager for the Delaware State Lottery who now offer a full range of betting options following the Supreme Court decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Act (PASPA).
William Hill also recently partnered the soon-to-be opened Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City where, pending regulatory approvals, it will operate a 7,500 square foot sportsbook on the central gaming floor (see previous InfoPowa report).
Continent 8 Expands Atlantic City Capability
To support the advent of legal sports betting in New Jersey
Online gambling data centre and network solutions provider Continent 8 is expanding its capacity in Atlantic City in anticipation of the advent of legal sports betting later this week.
In addition to supporting online gambling, sports betting, and eSports vendors in New Jersey, Continent 8 will soon go live in Pennsylvania and Nevada.
“The repealing of PASPA accelerated the demand for IT infrastructure solutions that fit the unique needs of online gaming and also meet online gaming licensing requirements,” Michael Tobin, chief executive officer of Continent 8,” said.
“We are responding to those needs immediately with further infrastructure expansion in Atlantic City. We will strengthen this expansion again this coming July by adding another location with full redundancy and complete disaster recovery capability.”
“As the only independent IT provider licensed by New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement to supply both data center and network services to online gambling licensees, Continent 8 is well positioned to be the leader in connecting, managing, and securing critical data associated with the online gaming industry,” added Nick Nally, chief development officer for Continent 8.
“By adding significant capacity in Atlantic City, we can definitely support clients seeking to capture the market opportunity presented as a result of the PASPA repealing.”
Mississippi Band Of Choctaw Indians Set To Launch Sports Betting
Amendments made to Choctaw Gaming Commission Regulations
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is readying the launch of sports betting at its casinos Pearl River Resort and Bok Homa Casino following amendments to the Choctaw Gaming Commission Regulations.
A Special Call Tribal Council Meeting unanimously approved amendments to the Choctaw Gaming Commission Regulations, specifically on regulations governing sports pools, race books and pari-mutuel wagering following the striking down of PASPA by the Supreme Court.
“The Resort is very excited about the opportunity to offer these new products for our guests in a vibrant and advanced gambling environment,” said CRDE Board Chairman and Tribal Chief Phyliss J. Anderson.
“These newly approved regulations will allow the Resort to remain on the forefront of the gambling market as well as provide additional revenue streams to the Tribe.
William Hill An Early Mover In U.S. Sports
US division of UK bookie signs sponsorship agreement with Las Vegas Lights soccer club
The US division of UK bookmaking giant Willam Hill plc is not letting the grass grow beneath its feet in the widening US sports sector, announcing this week that it has inked a sponsorship and official betting partner agreement with the Las Vegas Lights soccer club.
The club is active in the United Soccer League, a division under MLS franchises, and is arguably the most popular professional soccer team in Las Vegas, often playing before crowds of up to 10,000.
Under the agreement William Hill is permitted to promote its Nevada mobile betting app to Lights FC fans, offering match-day odds on pre-event and in-play markets.
Fans will be able to activate mobile sports accounts at William Hill syndicated sports betting properties across Nevada, said the company’s US chief exec Joe Asher, adding:
“We are excited to partner with Lights FC. Las Vegas is truly a sports destination, and the Lights FC have been a great addition to the city. We look forward to seeing their continued success both on and off the field.”