North America

Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is underway in the USA, with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), in collaboration with its affiliates, members and corporate partners across the country, now hosting its 14th such initiative. Titled “Have the Conversation,” this year places a focus on the importance of an open dialogue and candid discussion around the issue of problem …

Esports is as big as American football for young Americans, according to a poll conducted by the Washington Post. 40% of 14 to 21-year-olds taking part in the poll claimed to be football fans; with 38% counting themselves as fans of esports. “The popularity of esports and online gaming among American teens and young adults as both a recreational activity …

International Game Technology (IGT), holder of the largest slot game feature patent portfolio in North America, has signed a patent cross-license agreement with the NOVOMATIC Group; a full-service provider in all segments of the gaming industry. Under the terms of the agreement, the NOVOMATIC Group can offer games including patented game features from the IGT portfolio and will pay ongoing …

It’s Betting on Football by name, but so many of the topics to be discussed at next week’s international conference are far from exclusive to the beautiful game. Held at Stamford Bridge from 20-23 March, the #bofcon2018 agenda will combine expert analysis of this year’s football frenzy with a tour of the sports betting world and a breakdown of the …

Nasdaq-listed industry technology provider Scientific Games Corporation (SGC) has confirmed the appointment of Robert O’Connor as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. Reporting directly to Group CEO Kevin Sheehan, O’Connor will lead and develop SGC’s global government and public affairs strategy, supporting long-term corporate growth initiatives. O’Connor joins SGC’s executive team from Goldman Sachs, where he served as VP of …

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 …