Last week, the Irish police, also known as Gardaí, confirmed it renewed its appeal for information related to the mysterious and unexpected disappearance of a 41-year-old poker player dating back to 2019. The recent request reignited the efforts in resolving the missing person’s case that involved Jon Jonsson, a poker player from Iceland who disappeared on February 9, 2019. The poker player was last seen around 11 AM on that day in Whitehall.

The latest request for the Gardaí comes after anonymous correspondence was received regarding the case. The Irish police urged the authors of the correspondence to disclose more details. “The Garda investigation team are appealing to the author(s) of those correspondences to make direct contact with them,” reads a statement released by garda disclosed by the Irish Independent. The police authorities added: “Any contact will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.”

In February 2019, Jonsson, who was 41 at the time, checked into the Bonnington Hotel in Dublin. The Icelandic poker player arrived on February 9, ahead of a poker tournament he was expecting to participate in. Jonsson had planned a 10-day vacation for himself and his fiancée. Yet, on the same day he arrived at Bonnington Hotel, he walked out and was never seen again.

According to a report released by The Irish Mirror, Gardaí are now considering that the 41-year-old poker player may have been killed somewhere in Dublin Park. Citing sources, the publication suggests that Jonsson may have been murdered after losing a significant amount of money while playing poker in Dublin. Reportedly, the poker player arranged a meeting in the park that turned into a violent encounter and ultimately resulted in his death. Still, it’s important to mention that garda is yet to officially confirm if this version is correct.

Gardaí Searches Areas in Santry Park

After receiving the anonymous communication last week, this week, the Irish police initiated a search in a section of Santry Park. The aforementioned area was secured by law enforcement while K9 and underwater units investigating the surroundings were dispatched.

The location where garda is currently searching is approximately 2 miles from the Bonnington Hotel where Jonsson was last seen alive on February 9, 2019. The result of the latest search is yet to be confirmed.

The post Police in Ireland Continues Search for Missing Poker Player appeared first on Keno Wizard.

BetDEX Labs’s BetDEX Exchange has been greenlit for launch in Ireland. The remote betting intermediary license is effective as of July 1 this year, allowing the exchange to offer online sports betting in the country.

As a result, customers in Ireland will now be able to access the BetDEX Exchange and play. The company offers high speeds, attractive costs and flexibility that few other companies can match.

Another thing that sets BetDEX apart from its competition is its non-custodial model that never places BetDEX in charge of players’ money. Instead, the bets are held on transparent blockchain-based contracts. This model results in lower fees compared to other betting companies.

The launch in Ireland couldn’t have come at a better time for the company, considering the recent approval of in-play bets for tennis and cricket games. In addition to in-play markets, BetDEX promised to launch a variety of side markets for soccer and tennis matches.

In the meantime, BetDEX will continue to expand its offering by launching more markets for its global audience. At the same time, the company will pursue further growth opportunities. In 2022, for example, the exchange secured a license from the Isle of Man.

New but Familiar Territory of Operation

BetDEX’s co-founder and chief executive officer, Varun Sudhakar, expressed his thoughts on the matter. He emphasized that Ireland is a familiar yet new territory for his team, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom.

Sudhakar praised Ireland’s rich history of sports betting and said that the new license is a huge opportunity to introduce blockchain-based solutions to the local market.

Ireland has a rich history of being at the forefront of sports betting advancements, and while this license provides Irish citizens with the opportunity to bet using our platform, it also introduces the region to the power and benefits of blockchain and web3 technologies.

Varun Sudhakar, co-founder & CEO, BetDEX

The executive concluded that his team will continue to promote web3 betting platforms across the globe.

BetDEX Labs’ co-founder and chairman, Nigel Eccles, described Ireland as a “leader in innovation and the adoption of new technologies.” He added that the new license attests to the country’s desire to remain at the forefront of betting advancements.

On behalf of the BetDEX team, we are excited to provide a superior betting experience to the people of Ireland.

Nigel Eccles, co-founder & chair, BetDEX Labs

In March, BetDEX added Indian Premier League markets to its platform, hailing the move as a major milestone.

The post Ireland Clears BetDEX Echange for Launch appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Mixed martial arts organization, UFC, and online sports betting and gaming operator, bet365, announced their sports betting partnership in the UK and Ireland has been extended and will continue for a third consecutive year.

Shared Vision of Innovation and Creativity

The newly-extended partnership under which bet365 will continue as the Official Sportsbook Partner of UFC  in the UK and Ireland will also expand to other EU territories, including Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.

“bet365 have been such a great partner over the years,” commented UFC vice president of Global Partnerships, Nicholas Smith, highlighting the operator’s commitment to “growing the sport of MMA by creating bespoke and educational content” and the shared “vision of innovation and creativity to deliver fans and customers the best experience possible.”

As part of the renewed partnership, bet365 will provide exciting new features to enhance the betting experience, including Bet Builder which allows the combination of multiple betting markets into a single bet.

As an official partner of UFC, IMG ARENA will also introduce enhancements to the bet365 app and website, launching the UFC’s official data feed and in-screen live streaming of UFC bouts to elevate the betting experience during all UFC events.

Elevating the UFC Betting Experience

A spokesperson for bet365 expressed contentment at the renewed partnership with UFC for a third consecutive year, hyping 2023 as the “biggest and most exciting year” for customers that will see the launch of two new enhancements.

From UFC 290: VOLKANOVSKI vs RODRIGUEZ this weekend, our customers will be able to bet on UFC via our market-leading Bet Builder product, and existing customers will also be offered live streaming for UFC events as an in-app feature.

bet365 spokesperson

The Stoke-on-Trent-based operator will also continue to present exclusive previews, analysis and demonstrations of MMA techniques and holds via its UFC-dedicated channel on YouTube, One on One, featuring UFC commentator, Laura Sanko, as well as present additional UFC content within the MMA section of the bet365 Sports & Betting News website.

The news of the extended partnership with bet365 comes ahead of the heavyweight battle between Brit Tom Aspinall and Marcin Tybura scheduled to take place on July 22 at The O2 Arena in London, marking the return of UFC to the capital.

Denise Coates’ bet365 will also continue to be the presenting partner for the Cage Warriors playlist on UFC FIGHT PASS and the series on Dana White’s social channels, If You Don’t Know, Now You Know.

The post bet365 and UFC Extend UK & Ireland Partnership For Another Year appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Sports Information Services (SIS) a top multi-channel provider of constant live betting services, has formed a new partnership with Media System Technologies (MST). As per the deal, SIS will distribute the 140th edition of the Italian Gallop Derby to gambling companies in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Thanks to the deal, retail and digital operators in the two regions will be able, for the first time, to accept fixed-odds bets on the best thoroughbred racing event in Italy. As a result, horseracing enthusiasts in the two regions will get to enjoy all the action.

The Italian Gallop Derby is set to begin on May 21 and will take place on the Capannelle racecourse in Rome. Italy’s top meeting will feature a total of nine races, which will include three Group contests, namely the Italian Gallop Derby, the President of the Republic Grand Prix, and the Carlo D’Alessio Grand Prix. In addition, the Sunday program has three Listed races in store: the Tudini Prize, the Alessandro Perrone Prize and the Mauro Sbarigia Prize.

Thanks to the deal between SIS and MST, more players than ever will get to experience the spectacular races. It follows an agreement between SIS and ISIBET Pro that saw the supplier launch content in Italy.

An Important Step for the Development of Racing

Representatives of the two companies commented on the agreement with Michele Rosi, MST’s head of operations and business development, saying that the distribution of the Derby di Galoppo in the UK and Ireland will help the content reach many major betting brands.

This, according to Rosi, is a major milestone for his company and the horse racing industry as a whole, since the distribution of the Derby Italiano di Gallop is very important for the development of the sector.

We are sure that the high value of the day of racing, enriched by the quality of the HD images, will represent the best advertisement for a relevant market such as the UK and Ireland. This is precisely the image that MST has been exporting internationally since August 2022, together with the offer of Italian racing.

Michele Rosi, head of operations and business development, MST

Meanwhile, Conall McSorley, SIS’ head of international horseracing, lauded the Italian Derby as one of the best horseracing events Europe has to offer. He said that his team is delighted to bring the 140th renewal to punters in the UK and Ireland.

With a rich history, the race resonates with racing fans in Italy and globally. We are sure that the increased global audience will enjoy the high-quality action from Italy’s most valuable race meeting, as we continue to expand our racing offering across the world.

Conall McSorley, head of international horseracing, SIS

SIS provides 24/7 Live Betting Channels that are delivered as an end-to-end solution. They include live-streamed pictures, data and engaging graphics with betting data. Furthermore, SIS provides a plethora of wagering markets, providing a wealth of opportunities to bettors.

In April, SIS supported the top Chilean horseracing event.

The post SIS Teams with MST to Distribute Italian Gallop Derby in UK and Ireland appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Late last week Ministers Harris and Browne published Justice Plan 2023. A framework building on Plans in 2021 and 2022 and outlining over 140 specific actions to continue building stronger, safer communities in Ireland.

One of those elements is the previously unreachable Gambling Regulation Bill (GRB) [2022]

which was published Friday, 2 December 2022, and has had a better-than-average chance to become law since that time.

The legislation marks a watershed achievement in Irish history as it sets out to repeal existing gambling law in Ireland which is seen by many as antiquated and incompetent in nearly every respect.

In order to become law, the legislation must move through the parliamentary process including approval by Oireachtas – two houses of the national parliament and a signature by the president,

Establishes Licensing and Regulatory Body

The new framework establishes a regulatory and licensing body that is currently being referred to by the working name of the “Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland” (GRAI) [Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann].

Minister of State with responsibility for Law Reform and Youth Justice; Browne said: “Justice Plan 2022 delivered significant progress across the justice system and, in particular, it delivered one of my key priorities, to publish the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022.

“As committed to in the program for government, this bill is a true milestone and long-awaited legislation. It is an important and necessary bill and reform, designed to meet the challenges of gambling responsibly in 21st century Ireland.”

The Department of Justice (An Roinn Dlí agus Cirt) is headed up by Minister for Justice: Simon Harris, TD; Minister of State for Youth Justice and Law Reform: James Browne, and Secretary General of the Department: Oonagh McPhillips. The DOJ will participate in managing the creation of the GRAI.

Process to be Facilitated by Department of Justice

According to a report in Gaming Compliance News, the DOJ said: “We will also support the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority, and the CEO designate of the authority, as we progress the Gambling Regulation Bill towards enactment and commencement later this year – introducing a robust regulatory and licensing system for gambling in Ireland.”

The priority to “support the establishment of the Gambling Regulation Authority” is found in the second section of Justice Plan 2023 under the goal, “Improve access to justice and modernize the courts system”.

The announcement of priorities, support, and goals noted in its conclusion: “It is important to note that the milestones and achievements reflected upon from 2022, as well as the actions and objectives for the year ahead, provide just a snapshot of the substantial program of work being delivered on by the Department of Justice and across the sector comprising 29 bodies and agencies”.

Source: Ministers Harris and Browne publish Justice Plan 2023, Ireland Department of Justice, April 6, 2023

The post The DoJ in Ireland has announced it intends to get Irish gambling law passed this year appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Horse racing industry data, analytics and content supplier, BetMakers Technology Group, announced in a filing to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) this morning it has signed a non-binding term sheet with 1/ST Content to distribute race meetings from BetMakers’ Global Racing Network (GRN) to international wagering markets, including Ireland and the UK.

Content Distribution Deal

Scheduled to launch from May 1, 2023, subject to long-form agreement completion, the agreement with The Stronach Group’s business will add horse racing content from popular US racecourses, including Kentucky Downs, Charles Town, Mahoning Valley, Penn National, Sam Houston, Zia Park and Monmouth Park to 1/ST Content’s broadcast schedule.

Commenting on the non-binding term sheet, Jake Henson, chief executive officer of BetMakers Technology Group, outlined the important role the partnership with 1/ST Content is expected to play for the group’s global horse racing footprint.

The partnership with 1/ST Content is designed to be an important addition to BetMakers’ Global Racing Network, further broadening our global racing distribution base with a strong and credible partner in expansive markets, which can deliver enhanced returns to our racetrack partners.

Jake Henson, CEO, BetMakers

The agreement will see North American horse racing content feature through 1/ST Content’s broadcast partner in the UK and Ireland, Sky Sports Racing, as well as through 1/ST Content’s other international media partners’ websites.

Growing Global Presence

The distribution agreement, if executed, will be the latest distribution deal the Australian-based technology group has signed with horse racing operators around the world through its subsidiary, Global Racing Network, including the operator of Malaysia thoroughbred racing venue, Selangor Turf Club.

At the end of last year, the group signed a deal to extend its broadcasting rights from the Malaysian horse racing venue to include content for fixed odds, booked bets, and various exchanges in the UK and Ireland and further boost its product portfolio and attractiveness to betting operators, as well as the visibility of the events taking place at Selangor Turf Club.

Just days later, BetMakers was involved in another horse racing industry development after its partnership with Supreme Ventures’ subsidiaries Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) and Prime Sports Jamaica (PSJ) saw the launch of fixed odds betting at Caymanas Park racetrack.

In a surprising development in February, BetMakers canceled 32 million unquoted options and 32 million unquoted class B performance rights issued to Tripp Investments Pty Ltd as trustee for Matt Tripp’s Tripp Investment Trust, citing “vesting conditions associated with the delivery of a ‘transformational deal’ before February 1, 2023, not being satisfied.”

The post BetMakers Expands GRN’s UK, Ireland Footprint via 1/ST Content Deal appeared first on Keno Wizard.

On Friday, January 27^th, 2023 the mixed martial arts Irish superstar, Conor McGregor, was hit by a car while riding his bicycle on the streets of Ireland. Luckily for McGregor he seemed to be unharmed by this accident, and although he could have been killed in this incident, he escaped the situation with only seeming to have ripped his pants.

The now 34 – year – old McGregor, posted several videos of the aftermath of the incident to his Instagram and other social media sites on Friday, January 27^th, 2023. This accident left Conor breathless and feeling extremely lucky as McGregor can be heard saying in the videos that, “I could have been dead there.” The driver of the car that hit McGregor while Conor was on his bicycle could be heard intensely apologizing for the accident.

“Got a bang of a car just now from behind,” the UFC and MMA star, Conor McGregor, posted to his Instagram account. “A sun trap, the driver couldn’t see me. Full speed straight thru me. Thank you, God, it wasn’t my time. Thank you wrestling and judo also. Having an awareness on the landing saved my life.“

The Fame of Conor McGregor

With a mixed martial arts overall record of 22 and 6 McGregor is the most famous, well – known, and largest superstar in the history of professional mixed martial arts as well as the history of the UFC. Conor has not had a professional fight ever since he suffered a serious leg injury while in a cage – fight that he ultimately lost against Dustin Poirier back in July of 2021.

Will Conor McGregor coach on “The Ultimate Fighter” show?

Earlier during this current week, Conor explained to the major sports media outlets that the UFC has once again asked him if he would to appear on the “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series as a coach which will be filmed later on this year. McGregor has not yet made a decision on whether or not he will accept that offer from the UFC. Conor has already coached a previous season of “The Ultimate Fighter” way back in 2015.

More Potential Trouble for Conor McGregor

Earlier this week, some Spanish officials told to the network of ESPN that Conor McGregor is presently being investigated for the accusations that he physically assaulted a young woman on his yacht back last summer. McGregor has emphatically denied these allegations publicly.

Conor McGregor’s Fighting Career Achievements, Honor, & Awards

Mixed Martial Arts

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Interim UFC Featherweight Championship (One time)
• UFC Featherweight Championship (One time)
• UFC Lightweight Championship (One time)
• Fight of the Night (Two times) vs. Nate Diaz (2)
• Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Marcus Brimage
• Performance of the Night (Seven times) vs. Diego Brandão, Dustin Poirier, Dennis Siver, Chad Mendes, José Aldo, Eddie Alvarez, and Donald Cerrone
• First Irish – born UFC champion
• Third Multi – Divisional Champion in UFC History (Featherweight, Lightweight)
• First simultaneous multi – divisional champion in UFC history (Featherweight, Lightweight)
• Most consecutive Performance of the Night awards in UFC history (5)
• Most consecutive post – fight bonuses in UFC history (8)
• Tied for second – most Performance of the Night awards in UFC history (7)
• Fastest title fight victory in UFC history (13 seconds) vs. José Aldo

Cage Warriors Fighting Championship

• CWFC Featherweight Championship (One time)
• CWFC Lightweight Championship (One time)

Bleacher Report

• 2015 Fighter of the Year
• 2016 Fight of the Year vs. Nate Diaz at UFC 202

ESPN

ESPYs

• 2016 Best Fighter
• 2016 Nominee for Best Breakthrough Athlete

Fight Matrix

• Lineal Featherweight Championship (one time, current)

Fox Sports

• 2015 Fighter of the Year
• 2016 Fight of the Year vs. Nate Diaz at UFC 202

MMA Fighting

• 2015 Event of the Year headlined at UFC 189
• 2015 Fighter of the Year

MMA Junkie

• 2015 December Knockout of the Month vs. José Aldo
• 2015 Fighter of the Year
• 2016 March Fight of the Month vs. Nate Diaz
• 2016 August Fight of the Month vs. Nate Diaz

MMA Insider

MMA Mania

• 2015 Event of the Year headlined at UFC 189
• 2015 Fighter of the Year

RTÉ Sport

• 2016 RTÉ Sports Person of the Year

Rolling Stone

• 25 Hottest Sex Symbols of 2015 inclusion

Severe MMA

• 2014 Irish Pro Fighter of the Year
• 2015 Irish Pro Fighter of the Year
• 2015 Fighter of the Year

Sherdog

• 2014 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year
• 2015 Event of the Year headlined at UFC 194
• 2015 Knockout of the Year vs. José Aldo
• 2015 Fighter of the Year
• 2016 Fighter of the Year

The MMA Community

• 2015 Male Fighter of the Year

Time

• 2017 Top 100 Most Influential People inclusion

VIP Style Awards

• 2015 Ireland’s Most Stylish Man

World MMA Awards

• 2014 International Fighter of the Year
• 2015 International Fighter of the Year
• 2015 Fighter of the Year
• 2016 Fighter of the Year

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

• 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021 Best Box Office Draw
• 2015, 2016 and 2017 Best on Interviews
• 2015 Feud of the Year vs. José Aldo
• 2016 Feud of the Year vs. Nate Diaz
• 2016 and 2018 Mixed Martial Arts Most Valuable
• 2016 Most Charismatic
• 2015 and 2016 Most Outstanding Fighter of the Year

Sources:

Okamoto, Brett. “Conor McGregor ‘could’ve been dead’ after car hits his bike”. ESPN. Friday, January 27, 2023.

ESPN News Services. “Conor McGregor”. ESPN. Friday, January 27, 2023.

The post Conor McGregor Hit by Car while riding a Bike in Ireland appeared first on Keno Wizard.