The collaboration will seek to help and intervene in cases of gambling harm or illicit betting among young players who may be exposed to various dangers associated with gambling but are not getting enough support to overcome those problems.

Minor League Baseball Getting the RG Resources It Needs

EPIC Global Solutions, which recently rebranded, will step forward and provide educational materials and responsible gambling and mental health seminars to help minor league players and other personnel that have been picked by the MLB to have the means to protect themselves against gambling harm and participating in unauthorized gambling contests.

Entain Foundation US will step up and provide financial support so that EPIC may carry out its sessions focusing entirely on the curriculum and ensuring that participants are receiving the best care and training possible.

MLB VP of Sports Betting & Compliance Quest Meeks said that EPIC’s program facilitates will drive a strong message home to players and help them educate and protect themselves against the growing threat of gambling. This is particularly important in the case of young players, Meeks said:

Our younger minor league players in particular are coming into the league at a time when mobile sports betting is an increasingly prominent part of the sports ecosystem. We want to help those players avoid gambling-related pitfalls that can derail not only their careers but also their day-to-day lives.

MLB VP of Sports Betting & Compliance Quest Meeks

EPIC and Entain Foundation US have been working hard to ensure that they protect players, athletes and staff across various organizations and sports leagues, helping them understand the problems of problem gambling on both a professional, collegiate, and minor level.

Protecting Players on All Levels Is the Priority

Commenting on this new opportunity, Entain Foundation US trustee and Entain SVP for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling, Martin Lycka, had this to add:

“We must take a preventative approach to gambling harm, particularly those involved in sports, so educating the baseball community on responsible gambling practices is a critical measure”

In June, EPIC and Entain Foundation US partnered with the Major League Soccer Players Association. Efforts to safeguard players and student-athletes have been ongoing, with the NCAA turning to a new partner to ensure that it’s not just a matter of educating players on why they shouldn’t gamble or be aware of gambling harm.

The association, for example, doubled down on protecting its student-athletes from online abuse, which is another unintended consequence of the mass legalization of sports gambling in the United States.

The post EPIC, MLB, and Entain Foundation US Target Gambling Issues in Minor Baseball appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Global casino-entertainment company Bally’s Corporation announced a new partnership with Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Friday. Under the terms of the new multi-year collaboration, Bally’s gained rights to live broadcast, as well as exclusive free-to-play gaming content rights for its digital platforms.

The new partnership marks an important achievement for the duo. This is because the deal designated Bally’s as the first-ever National Media Rightsholder and Exclusive Fantasy and Gaming Partner of the MiLB.

Ultimately, the new collaboration is expected to deliver engaging experiences for MiLB fans, regardless if in-stadium or at home. As with similar deals, Bally’s gained rights to use official marks for marketing, broadcast, in-park signage and digital exposure of MiLB. Additionally, the deal extends to Bally’s new over-the-top, proprietary platform that delivers unique fan engagement tools, Bally Live. The application can be downloaded for iOS, as well as Android devices.

Via Bally Live, fans of the MiLB that attend in-person games will have the option to engage with fans outside of the stadium via a chat and watch party features. This immersive and unique form of entertainment is expected to deliver unique experiences and boost interest in MiLB games. The broadcasting via Bally Live kicks off Friday, March 31, 2023, and will run through the entire MiLB season, covering every game.

Besides the broadcasts, MiLB fans will have the option to enter free-to-play activities via Bally Live. Such activities are expected to include predictor games and other trivia, allowing eligible players to earn rewards via Bally’s rewards points program, Bally Bucks.

The Deal Brings Excitement for MiLB, Bally’s

Kenny Gersh, MLB’s executive vice president, media and business development, explained that the League is delighted to see MiLB designate Bally’s Corporation as an Official Partner. “Since assuming operations of Minor League Baseball in 2021, we’ve focused on growing the reach and awareness of our impressive young prospects and iconic MiLB teams,” he explained. Finally, Gersh predicted that the collaboration with Bally’s will help by enhancing the experience for MiLB fans by delivering free-to-play, fantasy and real-money games.

“This exciting partnership presents a remarkable opportunity for Bally’s, MiLB, and the league’s teams to come together and collaborate on delivering an exceptional experience for MiLB’s more than 30 million fans across 120 teams and ballparks.“

Soo Kim, chairman of the board of directors at Bally’s Corporation

Soo Kim, Bally’s chairman of the board of directors, was similarly excited about the deal, acknowledging that it represents a unique opportunity for MiLB and the company. Additionally, he spoke about the fan base of baseball, which consists of more than 30 million fans. Finally, Kim said that Bally’s remains committed to leveraging innovation to deliver immersive and engaging experiences for MiLB fans.

The post Bally’s Becomes Official Partner of Minor League Baseball appeared first on Keno Wizard.