Fanatics Holdings, the global digital sports platform, announced that its subsidiary, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, the leading betting and gaming platform, rolled out Fanatics Sportsbook and Casino in Michigan. The launch, completed on Thursday, enabled residents and visitors of the state to download Fanatics Sportsbook for Android and iOS devices and engage in exciting online gaming and betting activities.

The latest launch represents the thirteenth state where Fanatics Sportsbook is available. On the other hand, the launch in Michigan further grows Fanatics’ presence within the online gambling sector and marks the third state where Fanatics Casino is available.

The latest launch follows a process initiated by Fanatics Betting and Gaming last year. At the time, the company agreed to acquire the US assets of PointsBet, paving the way for its expansion across the country. As a result of the acquisition, PointsBet’s customers in Michigan had their username, password, as well as account balance and rewards points transferred automatically to Fanatics Sportsbook. The migrated customers also retained their responsible gaming preferences, ensuring responsible entertainment.

The transfer of responsible gaming preferences underlines Fanatics’ dedication to responsible gambling. As a leading and fast-growing operator, the company encourages customers to use responsible gaming tools that enable them to manage their gambling. Moreover, Fanatics offers a best-in-class Help Center that provides chat support with agents ensuring 24/7 coverage.

Players in Michigan Can Access Engaging Features

Thanks to the latest launch, Michigan sports fans and casino aficionados can now tap into Fanatics’ leading betting and iGaming application. The high-quality mobile application features a convenient design, easy navigation and stands out with engaging and rewarding features.

Players in Michigan can benefit from FanCash, Fanatics Sportsbook’s reward system that allows them to earn up to 5% on their wagers in the form of FanCash. Such FanCash can then be exchanged for bonus bets or different merchandise via the operator’s official website.

Further quality features available via Fanatics’ app include Discover and Search. Thanks to the Discover feed, bettors gain access to valuable insights, including trending bets, statistics and marquee games. Additionally, the application’s innovative Search functionality brings autocomplete options, as well as search via deep linking and aliases.

On the other hand, Fanatics Casino players can access quality features and enjoy classic casino slots, video poker and table games. Teaming up with Evolution, Fanatics Casino brings popular live casino games such as Roulette, Baccarat, Poker and Blackjack, among others. iGaming fans can also tap into quality releases from Light & Wonder, Gaming Realms and Hacksaw Gaming, among other leading content suppliers. Similarly, to wagering on sports, online gamblers can earn FanCash and convert it to different rewards.

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Apple has announced the release of Apple Sports, a standalone free app for iPhone users with a passion for sports.  

The app, which has been designed for enhanced speed and simplicity, will enable quick access to a selection of real-time scores, statistics, and more through customized experiences and a premium user-friendly interface.  

The app can be currently downloaded in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom with support for English, French, and Spanish users where available. It is available for all iPhone models running iOS 17.2 or later.

Giving Sports Fans “What They Want”

According to Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, the new app was developed with the purpose of offering sports fans “what they want—an app that delivers incredibly fast access to scores and stats.” 

Users will get the chance to stay updated with their preferred leagues and teams and consult scores from the NHL, NBA, MLS, and several important soccer leagues like Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Ligue 1, Serie A, or Liga MX. 

Men’s and women’s college basketball scores and stats are also covered. The company stated it would add data from the MLB, WNBA, NCAA football, NFL, and NWSL in their upcoming seasons.

At the moment, the sports app does not cover golf, tennis, or the Olympics, but the content is expected to be updated with more leagues in the future. 

Customizable Scoreboards

The Apple Sports app will offer odds with the help of a partnership inked between Apple and DraftKings.

Last week, DraftKings announced it expanded its reach with a $750 million acquisition of Jackpocket.

Sports aficionados will be given a quick and easy way to remain up-to-date with the content they are interested in while being allowed to customize their scoreboards on the app with tournaments, leagues, and teams. 

Navigating between different scores and upcoming events and games, and exploring lineup details, play-by-play information, live betting odds, and team statistics will all be possible with the help of the new app.

Users will also be able to tap to go to the Apple TV app and watch live games via Apple and connected streaming apps.

The Apple Sports app can also seamlessly synchronize with users’ favorites chosen via the My Sports experience. The list includes Apple News and the Apple TV app.

Whether the giant is this way getting ready to tap the lucrative sports betting market, remains to be seen. For the time being, the app does not allow users to bet on the app or be redirected to a sportsbook. 

Apple has also announced users will be able to turn off live betting odds whenever necessary. 

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A Nevada software startup, powering the world’s biggest casino, left one of its databases exposed to the internet without a password, a newly released report reveals. Currently, WinStar World Casino and Resort, a premium casino and entertainment destination in Thackerville, Oklahoma, owned by the Chickasaw Nation, takes pride as the world’s largest casino in terms of square feet.

The casino resort offers My WinStar, an application that provides features for self-service to hotel guests, while at the same time, catering as a loyalty program. Using My WinStar, visitors can access different benefits, including loyalty rewards points, promising seamless and engaging experiences.

Last week, the tech news portal, TechCrunch, uncovered details regarding an exposed database that was “spilling customers’ private information” on the internet belonging to Dexiga, the software startup powering My WinStar. The new report revealed that the exposed database was discovered by security research Anurag Sen. The “good-faith security researcher” uncovered the exposed database, finding out that it contained personal information, including emails, names, home addresses and phone numbers.

Access to the Database Was Discontinued

Sen contacted TechCrunch in an effort to help identify the exposed database. The tech news portal investigated the matter and uncovered that besides names, phone numbers and emails, there was sensitive data as well, including dates of birth. Partially this data was made confident with the use of stars, yet the information was available online without a password.

Once TechCrunch was able to identify that the data belonged to Dexiga, they contacted the software company. Shortly after, access to the database was discontinued. After it was notified about the exposed database, Dexiga explained that the information there was “publicly available,” rejecting claims about the exposure of sensitive personal information.

The company did not confirm whether it had active tools that recorded information about the users who were able to access the database. Still, while the database was available, anyone who knew Dexiga’s public IP address was able to access it via a web browser online.

On the same topic, earlier this month, a cybersecurity expert warned about the dangers of cyberattacks for casinos. Dan Lohrmann, a cybersecurity expert with extensive experience, revealed that gambling operators who fall victim to cyberattacks may be subject to further attacks unless they take proper action. Lohrmann said that even if gambling operators settle a matter by paying ransom, they are still vulnerable unless changes are implemented to their cybersecurity policies.

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The only US-based sports betting operator integrated vertically, DraftKings Inc., has revealed its plans to launch an online sports wagering app in Maine through a new deal with the Passamaquoddy Tribe, a federally recognized Indian Tribe based in Washington County, Maine. 

Maine, Ready to Officially Open the Market

The two parties have reached an agreement in principle which is still subject to the standard licensing and regulatory approvals. The launch will mark the digital sports entertainment and gaming company’s 25th US state launch.

The Passamaquoddy Tribe is one of the four Indigenous tribes that will control the state’s online sports betting market which will officially launch on November 3, at 9 am, according to the Department of Public Safety. 

The Penobscot, Maliseet, and Micmac nations are the other three tribes that will hold exclusive rights to operate online sports wagering apps while securing at least half of the mobile revenue. Maine will receive 10% in taxes. Part of the amount will cover federal taxes.

At the end of August, DraftKings opened a permanent sportsbook at Queen Baton Rouge, the gaming establishment built at the site of the previous Hollywood Casino.

The Deal, a “Huge Step Forward” for Local Communities

According to Pleasant Point Tribal government’s chief, Pos Basset, the Sipayik tribe, which is one of the tribe’s two reservations alongside Motahkomikuk, has already expressed its excitement for the deal signed with DraftKings “the industry leaders.”

According to Basset, Sipayik was eager to contribute to introducing sports fans and bettors in Maine to a “first-class mobile sports wagering experience,” calling it a huge step forward for both the local community and the Pine Tree State. 

Passamaquoddy Tribe’s chief, William Nicholas, expressed similar views regarding the new partnership, adding they “couldn’t have landed a better organization in the mobile sports wagering arena.” Nicholas also took the opportunity to express their eagerness to see ongoing progress and more investments that will promote the future development of the state. 

DraftKing, the Passamaquoddy Tribe’s Official Mobile Sports Betting Provider 

According to DraftKing’s co-founder and chief executive officer, Jason Robins, the new relationship with the Tribe which currently counts 3,000 members represents “a fantastic opportunity” for the sportsbook in the context of their plans to introduce Maine customers to safe and legalized forms of sports wagering. 

Robins also took the opportunity to express their desire to keep close ties with the Maine Gambling Control Unit. The bureau, which is part of the Department of Public Safety, is responsible for regulating, supervising, and controlling “the ownership and operations of slot machine and table games in casinos and the operation of advance deposit wagering.”

The CEO also explained that the new agreement, which would allow sports aficionados who are at least 21 years old to use their “innovative, immersive and entertaining sportsbook app,” will also turn the company into the official online sports betting provider of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. 

Maine customers will be given access to a plethora of betting alternatives ranging from in-game betting, pre-match, same-game-parlay options created in-house, and signature options. 

In the same press release used to showcase the new agreement, DraftKings also announced it would make a $100,000 donation to the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund to show support for those who have been affected by the tragic events that occurred in Lewiston last week.

In September, DraftKings announced it would offer Hacksaw Gaming’s gaming content to customers in West Virginia, turning into the second operator to do so. 

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Disney is making a significant leap into sports betting by launching the ESPN Bet app next month. While the move has stirred internal debates and concerns, the allure of attracting a younger, predominantly male audience and tapping into the growing sports betting industry has proven too compelling to ignore.

The Partnership Leverages Disney and Penn’s Strengths

In August, Disney signed a 10-year deal with Penn Entertainment, a prominent sports betting company. The partnership will introduce sports betting to Disney’s ESPN sports network, allowing sports enthusiasts to place wagers on games via Penn’s sportsbook. According to the agreement, Penn Entertainment will operate the app, while Disney will handle marketing efforts.

Penn Entertainment will pay Disney $1.5 billion in cash as part of the deal, and ESPN will receive warrants worth approximately $500 million to acquire shares in the gambling company. Despite steep costs, the operator should benefit significantly, capitalizing on ESPN’s vast audience and the burgeoning sports betting market.

Internally, Disney’s various businesses are interconnected within its overarching corporate brand. ESPN+ is a vital part of Disney’s streaming bundle, and Disney-owned networks promote each other’s shows. This interconnectedness should significantly enhance Penn’s reach and influence, subtly increasing exposure and helping onboard new players. However, Disney’s pivot towards sports betting could have negative consequences despite such synergies.

The Potential Gains Are Worth Any Short-Term Challenges

The prospect of integrating sports wagering under Disney’s umbrella has sparked heated debates among company executives and employees. There have been concerns that gambling could affect Disney’s reputation, associating it with addiction and other negative connotations. This move has raised eyebrows beyond its internal circles. Socially-conscious investment entities like BlackRock may need to reduce their stakes in Disney if the company aligns itself with sports betting.

Despite the backlash, the launch of ESPN Bet seems inevitable. Penn executives recently shared information on the extensive preparations during the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. They noted the company was exploring alternative ESPN game broadcasts focused on betting and plans to appeal to its growing fantasy sports audience. The program will also feature more on-air stars in promotions and shows.

The alliance between Disney and Penn provides an opportunity to engage a younger, more active audience while adding a new dimension to the entertainment giant’s extensive portfolio. Industry stakeholders will closely monitor ESPN Bet’s November launch as it promises an intriguing blend of sports content and sports wagering under the Disney umbrella.

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BetBlocker, a renowned Responsible Gaming Charity, expands to help a range of players from Spanish-speaking countries. The company partnered up with Coolbet to deliver a Spanish version of the blocking app.

Great help to gambling addicts

The users of the BetBlocker app are allowed to set limits to their devices and forbid themselves access to more than 85.000 online gambling websites.

The founder and trustee of BetBlocker, Duncan Garvie, commented on the launch of the Spanish version: “Blocking software offers a great tool to both restrict the access of those in crisis and support those looking to maintain control. And because so much of the funding for responsible gambling charities is derived in English-speaking markets, it is very easy to take an Anglocentric world view. It is easy to be complacent and view it as ‘job done’ if you provide the service in English.”

He added that many users from all over the world are struggling with the tool due to language obstacles. He described the situation as: “Ears ringing, heart thundering, head unable to think clearly. In that condition, being presented with a support service that is in a language you don’t speak is absolutely useless.”

Gambling addiction and problem gambling exist in the UK, Canada, and the U.S. However, the problem exists in other countries as well, such as Spain, Argentina, and Peru, and that’s why the app is much needed in this speaking area.

Coolbet recognized that need and partnered with BetBlocker to bring the app to the new markets and allow about half a billion people to get the much-needed help they are craving and ease their access to the sources they were looking for.

Increasing quality of life

Both companies are positive that the app will greatly affect the lives of Spanish-speaking gamblers, as it has already done in English-speaking countries. BetBlocker thanked Coolbet for allowing them to increase the quality of lives of many more players in the world.

On the other hand, Endre Nesset, the President of Coolbet, is also very proud of this partnership. He said: “Coolbet is a brand built on fairness and transparency. We believe that the entertainment and thrill that comes with gambling must go hand in hand with responsibility. BetBlocker is a great ally in our purpose to provide consistent, responsible gaming tools to all, making sure gambling continues to be fun and safe.”

Source: Pal, Hunor, “BetBlocker Opens Support to Spanish Language Speakers”. European Gaming. September 18, 2023.

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The Millennial and Gen Z-oriented company will further tap into its target audience thanks to the mobile launch of Casino.exe, now accessible through Rivalry’s iOS mobile app in Ontario.

Casino.exe is Rivalry’s proprietary casino platform that is designed to appeal to younger players by evoking a sense of nostalgia and offering products young people care about. Now incorporated into Rivalry’s recently launched app, the platform will provide a variety of gaming products in addition to Rivalry’s usual online sports and esports betting offerings.

Since its launch in Ontario in May 2023, the Rivalry mobile app has bolstered its parent company’s total betting handle by 15% month-on-month. In addition to that, the app helped the company channel many new players toward its platform.

The addition of Casino.exe will allow Rivalry to also appeal to fans of iGaming, engaging them with a variety of products. To celebrate the launch, the company has added eight new games to the Casino.exe lineup, including new game show-styled games, table games and instant products.

Rivalry will continue to add more games and features to the Casino.exe platform as it seeks to “add depth and exclusivity” to its product portfolio.

Salz Hopes the Enhanced App Will Drive More Interest from Players

Rivalry’s co-founder and chief executive officer, Steven Salz, commented on the matter. He said that the launch of Casino.exe has been a major development for his team, allowing Rivalry to diversify its revenue mix while increasing its overall handle.

Salz attributed the growth of Rivalry’s products to the company’s emphasis on technology and design innovation. Thanks to this, Rivalry is able to “drive organic interest and activity in casino with limited marketing spend.”

Speaking of the current development, the CEO said that it will improve the accessibility of the Casino.exe platform, allowing the company to reach more people. According to him, Casino.exe is an example of how online gaming and betting can be improved to appeal to certain demographics.

Casino.exe has put a stake in the ground for the future of online casinos and how the industry can push the traditional online betting experience toward something much more fun and engaging for a demographic that demands it.

Steven Salz, co-founder & CEO, Rivalry

Salz concluded that his team is excited by the opportunity to reach more customers in Ontario. He promised that his team would continue to expand its casino product suite.

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William Hill’s US arm has launched an enhanced version of its sportsbook app in Nevada following a short shutdown. The release of the new app comes a few weeks ahead of the new NFL season, ensuring that bettors will have the best possible experiences.

The new app launched earlier today, following a short maintenance period during which the William Hill app was unavailable to bettors in the Silver State. Players can now play as usual and try out some of the brand-new features.

The renewed app boasts a host of new tools that its previous version didn’t. This includes enhanced offerings, new betting products, such as same game parlays, as well as new payment and withdrawal methods.

William Hill customers can rest reassured that their accounts and funds are safe and transferred to the new platform.

What’s New on the Platform?

William Hill confirmed the launch of its new Nevada sportsbook on its US-facing X account, William Hill US. In its post, the operator listed the new changes players can expect to see. This includes the following:

• 24/7 app experience
• Expanded events on wagering menus
• Expanded in-play wagering menu
• Expanded prop wagering menu
• Same game parlays
• Next Batter Up
• Additional ways to fund/withdraw

The operator teased that more upgrades are on the way. In the comment section, it also noted that Football Teasers on the app will be a little different. A spokesperson told a customer that closer to the kickoff of the season, the app will have 10 and 14 point alternate lines allowing players to parlay or bet straight.

William Hill Wants to Provide a Better Experience to the Fans

In addition to enhancing the player experience, William Hill US’ new sportsbook may be a precaution, considering its sudden shutdown during last February’s Super Bowl. Back then, the operator’s platform went down amid the hottest event in American sports, causing disgruntlement among its customers. William Hill had to eventually apologize for the inconvenience.

Two weeks ago, William Hill joined forces with Eric Cantona, featuring the French soccer legend in its latest promotional campaign. The operator said that the brand ambassador’s unique charisma made him perfect for the campaign.

In early July, William Hill published its FY 2022 report, highlighting the resilience of its business in spite of the recent regulatory trouble in the UK.

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The first Alphabet Lottery system in the world, AZBillions, continues improving and upgrading its operations. The most recent news from the company is the launch of its new, innovative app, which will bring an upgraded, unforgettable experience to all the company’s customers.

Massive impact on the industry

What began as the revolution in the traditional lottery industry, less prone to changes, starts to look like a huge change in the future of both eSports and social gaming. The MIRACL-backed system the company uses for its digital lottery operations is unique and advanced.

The partnership with MIRACL was one of the huge successes the famous lottery provider achieved. The authentication system MIRACL created is fast, doesn’t require a password, and has only one step to take to enter the lottery, which eases AZBillions’ customers the whole process and takes the player experience to a completely new level. The one-step system makes the login rate very high, even 99.9%, and the gameplay is completely seamless. Also, the whole concept of using letters instead of numbers makes the playing unique and different than anything the players experienced before.

Craig Austin, CEO at Xite Holdings Ltd, commented on the innovations the company introduced: “Traditional lotteries use numbers, but our app uses an alphabet-based system – a totally new concept in digital lottery gaming. And we also offer players their choice of payment currencies – fiat and crypto – giving them unparalleled freedom of choice as they play for the largest jackpots across the globe.”

Unique and revolutionary approach

Austin further compared this product to others present on the market, saying that synthetic models which focus on every single draw, used in most lottery products, are clunky, and even the lotteries can’t benefit from them. On the other hand, AZBillions’ lottery product ensures that ticket fees go back to lotteries, which further support various charities and projects funded by the state or the government which aim to help the people.

AZBillions already established partnerships with great names in the industry, such as SCCG, Miracl, UNITH AI, as well as the famous Gammastack. The next step is integrating the innovative AI and Esports platform M8splay, which will allow the players to compete in huge cash-awarded championships all around the world and earn up to $1 billion in jackpots.

The company doesn’t forget about charities, though – it continuously works with many of them, checking the best approach and revolutionizing its products so everyone can benefit from it.

Austin added: “In an era where convenience is king, we’re redefining ease and accessibility. Join us to experience the thrill of huge lottery jackpots with gaming rewards like never before. All are powered by the freedom to choose your preferred mode of payment and the security of MIRACL encryption. Winning big has never been easier, more authentic, or more exciting.”

Source: Narayen, Niji. “AZBillions Launches World’s First Alphabet Lottery App, Offering Unprecedented Gaming Experience – Just in Time to Play for Over $1 Billion in Recent Lottery Jackpots”, European Gaming, August 14, /2023

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The Marina Bay Sands integrated casino resort has embraced the 21st century, rolling out new features on its mobile app. Guests will now have a variety of quality-of-life improvements at the tip of their fingers.

The Singaporean venue has added a myriad of new features, such as remote check-ins, allowing customers to avoid waiting at the reception. Guests who check in through the Marina Bay Sands app will be able to directly access their rooms using their phones as digital keycards.

The Smart Hotel feature is an effort to improve the overall hospitality experience for its guests. They can use the app to find all the important information they might want to know, see what’s new, check the rewards program and manage parking spots.

In addition to all that, customers can use the app when in the hotel to order food for their room or request in-room amenities. Finally, guests can use the app to check out before leaving, once again skipping the tedious waiting at the reception.

The innovations will allow guests to maximize their time by saving precious minutes that they can use to explore the hotel, go for a walk or wager at the casino.

The IR Is Bullish on Innovating

Paul Town, the chief operating officer of Marina Bay Sands, noted that the property has always sought to leverage technology to improve its standards and provide guests with better experiences. The enhanced mobile app, he said, attests to the property’s vision and desire.

Town said that the mobile offerings are a breakthrough for the hotel and will provide its guests with more value.

Regarded as a breakthrough for a standalone hotel of our scale in Singapore, our new mobile offerings will enable an effortless end-to-end guest experience to create new value for our customers.

Paul Town, COO, Marina Bay Sands

Town added that the innovations will allow his team to commit itself to higher-value service tasks. He said that Marina Bay Sands’ aim is to revolutionize check-ins and allow guests to optimize their time at the property.

The COO concluded that the hotel has big plans for its digital offerings and will invest more in enhancing the customer journey across more touchpoints.

Around the same time a year ago, Marina Bay Sands struggled with the impact of COVID-19 and the manpower shortage it caused. Because of that, the company launched a two-day recruitment fair, followed by a scholarship initiative.

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