North America

Tuesday’s dismal defeat at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago, meant that the United States Men’s National Team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Whilst the poor performances of Bruce Arena’s side will have caused widespread disappointment amongst US Soccer fans, the devastation will be elevated for executives at 21st Century Fox, who …

Having completed the final chapter of its two-year Caesars Entertainment Operating Company (CEOC) bankruptcy restructure, Caesars Entertainment Corporation (CEC) has appointed a new Board of Directors to lead its business. The high profile CEC board will be led by former Walt Disney and Ernest & Young leadership executive James S Hunt, who has extensive experience in corporate governance for leisure …

The Washington Post has revealed that the US Supreme Court is set to hear ‘oral arguments’ put forward by New Jersey officials protesting the federal block which prohibits the state from allowing sports betting in licensed premises (casinos & racetracks). Updating its calendar, the Supreme Court has scheduled the date of 4 December to hear New Jersey’s appeal against the …

Issuing a market update, Nasdaq-listed gambling technology supplier Scientific Games Corporation (SGC) continues its M&A expansion acquiring Las Vegas Blackjack ‘hole reader’ and games specialist Tech Art Inc for an undisclosed sum. Updating stakeholders, SGC governance detailed that the acquisition would boost the firm’s casino-based security provisions. Tech Art is a fully licensed casino equipment manufacturer for all US jurisdictions. …

Ten years ago the National Football League (NFL) crossed the Atlantic to stage its first competitive game outside the Americas, with the New York Giants running out 13-10 winners over the Miami Dolphins.   What started out as a one game per year ‘International Series’ though quickly began to grow, seeing more games and venues being added.  This year London …

US media investment firm The Chernin Group has announced the launch of its new sports data vertical The Action Network, seeking to create new insight services for the US fantasy sports and betting markets. The Action Network which seeks to service the ‘$170 billion+ underserved sports wagering and fantasy markets’, consists of recently acquired assets’ FantasyLabs a DFS-centric data firm, …

Scientific Games has appointed Shawn Dennis, a 25-year veteran of entertainment, consumer products and sports marketing industries, as Chief Marketing Officer. In her new role Dennis will be responsible for growing Scientific Games on a global scale, and increasing engagement with customers and players across its interactive, lottery and gaming segments. Kevin Sheehan, Scientific Games Chief Executive Officer and President, …

Updating the market, New York-listed gambling technology supplier IGT Group has confirmed that it has secured a seven-year contract extension as lead systems provider for the Californian Lottery (Calottery). The agreement will see IGT continue to service player management and shop terminal provisions for the Calottery (flagship product), with its extension in place until October 2026. The Californian Lottery has …

SBTech has confirmed that it will expand its United States operations and commercial footprint by opening a ‘new US office in early 2018’. The omni-channel sports betting platform provider did not disclose which destination it would choose for its Stateside office. However, the company’s leadership group views the opening as an integral part of SBTech’s future growth strategy. A popular …