Sports betting and iGaming giant BetMGM has unveiled a historic partnership with X. The tie-up will see the former company serve as the social media platform’s exclusive live odds sports betting partner.

This unprecedented partnership between a major social media platform and a gambling operator will see BetMGM’s odds and branding integrated into X. Games appearing on the latter platform will link to BetMGM’s website and app, allowing users to quickly find their way around.

The deal comes just in time for the Super Bowl and will allow X to tap into the growing demand for wagering. Its users will now get to explore BetMGM’s latest betting odds on pro football, with more sports to be added along the line.

According to BetMGM’s official announcement, this integration will continue to evolve and grow in its functionalities over the next few months.

Sports Fans Never Sleep on X

For the gambling company, this represents an important opportunity to grow and tap into the unexplored potential of social platforms.

Adam Greenblatt, BetMGM’s chief executive officer, addressed the new deal, praising X as the “center of the sports world’s conversation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” According to him, the ability to access the X community will be a true game-changer.

Being directly accessible within that forum is an unprecedented opportunity to expand our reach to a passionate and engaged audience. We look forward to adding intel and content that enhances the platform’s interaction around sports.

Adam Greenblatt, CEO, BetMGM

X chief executive officer Linda Yaccarino echoed Greenblatt’s statement, noting that “sports fans never sleep on X.” The partnership with BetMGM, Yaccarino said, will allow the social platform to put fans “practically in the front row.”

We’re bringing sports fans on X even closer to the action so they can cheer, and now bet, on their favorite teams.

Linda Yaccarino, CEO, X

In other news, BetMGM just reported its FY 2023 performance, highlighting growth across many metrics. The company continues to maintain its impressive momentum into 2024 and is optimistic about the future.

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BGaming, the renowned iGaming content provider, has left an indelible mark on 2023, surpassing all expectations with a year characterized by exponential growth and groundbreaking innovations.

As the curtains draw on this remarkable chapter, let’s delve into the key highlights that defined the compay’s stellar journey.

Global Gaming Revenue Soars

BGaming’s financial prowess has taken center stage, witnessing a staggering 95% surge in Global Gaming Revenue (GGR). This meteoric rise underscores the provider’s vision to launch top-tier gaming experiences that resonate with players across the globe.

The numbers speak volumes – a remarkable 102% increase in wagers placed and partnerships with over 400 new casinos. BGaming’s influence has rippled through the iGaming landscape, solidifying its position as a provider of choice for both operators and players alike.

Behind every success story is a dedicated team, and BGaming is no exception. With its team growing from 120 to 200 employees, the company has harnessed the power of collective expertise to drive innovation and achieve unprecedented milestones.

Customization Mastery

BGaming’s prowess in customization has been a game-changer. Over 100 games, including exclusive releases like Doddy and Hadzy for Stake.com, and Betsson Plinko for Betsson, showcase the studio’s ability to tailor experiences that captivate audiences and elevate partner operators.

The year witnessed the launch of 36 new adventures, each contributing to BGaming’s diverse portfolio. Games like Bone Bonanza, Beast Band, Merge Up, Gemhalla, Dice Bonanza, Mice, and Magic Wonder Spin, and Sweet Rush Megaways showcased innovation and creativity at its finest.

The company’s foray into artificial intelligence was marked by the development of hits like Alien Fruits and Wild Chicago. With AI contributing to 90% of these creations, the studio demonstrated its prowess in leveraging cutting-edge technology for unparalleled gaming experiences.

Its global footprint expanded into new markets, including Greece, Romania, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Spain . Strategic partnerships with industry giants like Casimba Games, Playtech, Salsa Technology, and Betvictor have been announced, and we believe that many more similar ones will land in 2024.

Looking back on this year, Maria Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, said: “BGaming has continued to outdo itself and grown massively throughout 2023. We faced new challenges and celebrated many unforgettable milestones. BGaming’s achievement in the realm of streaming is something that stands out for us. We reached more than 16 million players each month and were awarded seventh place in Casinolytics’ stats. More than 75% of all streamers worldwide have streamed our content, making us third in LatAm in terms of reach.“

Kate Puteiko, CMO at BGaming, added: “This year, BGaming has been focusing on standing out in the saturated market, with so many talent studios producing engaging content. As a result, we have delivered numerous outstanding projects that have taken our studio to a new level, including our artistic collaborations at ICE London, SBC Barcelona, and SiGMA Malta, something we will continue into next year.”

Source:

”BGaming celebrates impressive 2023 fuelled by streaming and customisation success”. European Gaming. December 21, 2023.

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Maryland’s sports wagering market reached unprecedented heights in November 2023, recording a combined handle of $550,716,329 from 13 retail and 12 mobile sportsbooks. This figure marks a substantial increase from December 2022’s $497,121,656 and contributes significantly to the state’s education funding with a total of $3,199,529.

Mobile Wagering Dominates November’s Betting in Maryland

The lion’s share of November’s handle was attributed to mobile wagering, making up an overwhelming 96.8% ($533,276,787). This mobile dominance not only fueled the industry’s growth but also contributed $3,052,509 to the state, overshadowing the $147,020 from retail sportsbooks. The funds generated are directed towards the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational initiatives.

November’s statistics underscore a clear preference for mobile betting among Maryland residents, aligning with the broader trend of a digital shift across various industries. The handle breakdown, inclusive of free promotional wagers, stood at $17,439,542 for retail and an impressive $533,276,787 for mobile platforms.

The prizes paid out to players, known as the ‘hold,’ were substantial. Retail sportsbooks disbursed $16,307,928, while mobile platforms paid a staggering $492,779,418. 

The combined hold, calculated as the handle without prizes paid, amounted to $41,628,982, with retail contributing 6.5% and mobile 7.6%.

Maryland’s Booming Sports Betting Industry Drives Tax Revenues and Market Expansion

The sports wagering tax, calculated as 15% of the taxable win, further accentuates the industry’s growth. Retail sportsbooks generated $147,020 in taxes, while mobile platforms contributed a substantial $3,052,509, cumulating to a total of $3,199,529 for the state.

Since the inception of Maryland’s sports wagering program in December 2021, the cumulative contribution to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund has reached an impressive $46,253,210. 

Additionally, expired prizes totaling $2,708,307 have been allocated to the Problem Gambling Fund, addressing concerns about gambling addiction.

Maryland’s sports wagering market initially launched with five retail locations in December 2021 and expanded to include seven mobile sportsbooks by November 2022. 

As of November 2023, the state boasts 13 retail locations and 12 mobile operators, with further expansions anticipated in the near future. This growth trajectory signifies a robust and expanding market, poised to make substantial contributions to the state’s economy and public welfare programs.

A notable addition to the Maryland online betting market was ESPN Bet. Penn Entertainment‘s newly rebranded sports gambling app, launched on November 14 across 17 US states, including Maryland. The operator had a significant impact on the state’s record numbers in November with an impressive handle of $33,309,326 and a whopping $13,023,420 promotional spend.

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Nevada has hit the jackpot, breaking records with its best-ever October gaming win, marking the sixth-best month in the state’s history. The Nevada Gaming Control Board released figures showing a staggering $1.3 billion collected, reflecting a robust 2.7% increase over the previous year.

Anticipation Mounts for November Figures Following Downtown Las Vegas Triumph

Downtown Las Vegas emerged as a star performer, raking in a record-breaking $97.5 million for the month. Industry experts are now eagerly awaiting November figures, anticipating the impact of the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix that roared down the iconic Las Vegas Strip. With the addition of two new properties, Durango and Fontainebleau, December is also poised to be a strong month for gaming.

Michael Lawton, senior economic analyst at the Nevada Gaming Control Board, hinted at the anticipation surrounding the November gaming win totals. Lawton remarked that there would be significant anticipation to observe the results and the impact of F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, advising everyone to stay tuned.

Despite October having one less weekend day compared to the previous year, nearly every Southern Nevada market experienced an increase in gaming wins. The Boulder Strip saw a significant uptick of 10.3% to $88.6 million, while Laughlin climbed 5.3% to $47.6 million. However, North Las Vegas reported a marginal decline of 0.8% to $23.4 million.

October marked a reversal in trends, with various markets, including downtown Las Vegas, Laughlin, the Boulder Strip, outlying Clark County, and Washoe County, contributing to increased slot-machine win totals, primarily driven by higher hold percentages.

Challenges Emerge as Slot-Machine Wins and Table-Game Wagers Decline in October

The state’s gaming numbers continue to outpace pre-pandemic levels, with October 2023 boasting a 28.7% increase, amounting to $293.3 million more than the same month in 2019. This milestone also marks the 32nd consecutive month that the state has recorded at least $1 billion in monthly gaming wins.

Las Vegas Strip properties continue to thrive, benefitting from residencies, concerts, and sports events. Notable performances by Adele, U2, Pink, Ed Sheeran, and sporting events like the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the Las Vegas Raiders’ home games contributed to the city’s vibrant gaming scene.

However, the report revealed a gradual slowdown in gambling on the Strip, with slot machine wins decreasing by 1.1% and the total amount wagered down by 1.3% to $4.9 billion. 

October marked the third consecutive month of slot-machine revenue declines, breaking a streak of 30 consecutive monthly increases dating back to March 2021. Table-game play also saw a decline, with a drop in money wagered, despite a 4.4% increase in table-game wins.

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A surge in the popularity of so-called “skill games” has prompted state legislators to reexamine the regulation and taxation of these video gaming machines, now widely found in convenience stores and bars across Nebraska.

Lawmakers and Casino CEOs Sound Alarm Bells Over Unchecked Growth of “Skill Games”

The machines, which resemble traditional slot machines, have multiplied at an astonishing rate, with 4,752 units currently spread across nearly 1,600 retail locations in the state, reported The Nebraska Examiner. Since the beginning of the year, an additional 1,113 skill games have been installed, reflecting a growth rate of 27%. Approximately 900 more machines have received state permits but are yet to be deployed, raising concerns among lawmakers, problem gambling counselors, and casino operators.

Lance Morgan, President and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., which operates the WarHorse Casino in Lincoln, expressed his astonishment at the rapid proliferation of skill games. Unlike casinos, where slot machines require costly licenses, skill game machines can be installed after obtaining a $250 state sticker, leading to what Morgan perceives as an unlevel playing field.

State Senator John Lowe of Kearney, chair of the General Affairs Committee, has called for a public hearing at the State Capitol to address the concerns surrounding these machines. Lowe expressed his curiosity about the reasons behind the proliferation of these games, questioning whether they had inadvertently spawned a new industry.

Lawmakers Struggle with Regulation Amidst Rising Addiction Worries

While proponents of skill games argue that they involve an element of skill, critics argue that they are as addictive as traditional slot machines. David Geier, director of the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program, highlighted the rising concern of young gamblers engaging with these machines, which are often located in public spaces where age verification is not strictly enforced.

In response to these concerns, Albion Senator Tom Briese introduced a bill earlier this year aimed at increasing regulation and taxation on skill machines. However, the bill failed to advance, leaving the issue unresolved.

Some advocates, like Morgan, are urging for increased regulation and enforcement through the State Racing and Gaming Commission, hoping to level the playing field and address the growing issue of problem gambling associated with these skill games.

Other US states are also battling video gaming machines. A contentious debate recently took place in the Pennsylvania Senate Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee over the regulation of “skill games,” which have proliferated in bars, clubs, gas stations, and convenience stores across the state. A proposed bill, Senate Bill 706, aiming to regulate and tax these games, faced opposition from the state’s regulated casino industry, claiming these unregulated machines bypass gaming laws and draw patrons away from casinos. At the same time, the Supreme Court of Virginia unexpectedly reinstated the state’s ban on slots-like skill machines, reversing a lower court decision that prevented enforcement of the ban.

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IGT, a global leader in the provision of gambling products and services, has unveiled a new Poland-facing agreement. According to the announcement, IGT has upgraded the iGaming platform of Polish national lottery operator, Totalizator Sportowy, and has deployed all of its components to the cloud.

The agreement notably marks the first time the gaming leader has launched a customer’s compressive online lottery platform to the cloud. In addition, Thus, Totalizator Sportowy is now the first European lottery operator to have its end-to-end iLottery system on the cloud.

Under the deal, IGT upgraded its Polish partner’s online lottery system to IGT Command, its latest PAM (player account management) system. IGT’s proprietary PAM system is a robust engine for online lotteries, sporting player-centric functions and game enablement solutions.

Thanks to the upgrades provided by IGT, Totalizator Sportowy will now be able to monitor its players’ experiences while following and predicting customer and tech trends. The Polish operator is now more adaptable to new opportunities and capable provide a myriad of cashless options and safer gambling tools.

Thanks to a previous development, IGT launched its RGS to the cloud, allowing Totalizator Sportowy to deliver a constant stream of content to players.

IGT is the go-to provider for lottery gaming and is currently serving 25 lotteries in the United States and 8 of the 10 biggest lotteries in the world.

The Deal Highlights Totalizator Sportowy’s Desire to Innovate

Olgierd Cieślik, Totalizator Sportowy’s chief executive officer, said that his team joined forces with IGT to bolster its lottery tech and systems and provide players with many safe and exciting lottery solutions.

Cieślik noted that the launch of Totalizator Sportowy’s iLottery platform on the cloud will provide his team with the scalability and reliability it needs. As a lottery operator that is always happy to innovate, Totalizator Sportowy is glad to pioneer an end-to-end cloud-based iLottery tech in Europe.

Totalizator Sportowy is always eager to introduce innovation, and in this case, we are the first lottery in Europe to have an end-to-end cloud-based iLottery technology.

Olgierd Cieślik, CEO, Totalizator Sportowy

Srini Nedunuri, IGT’s senior vice president of iLottery, noted that the deal represents “an exciting first-time, end-to-end cloud deployment for his team.”

We recognize the many benefits of cloud technology and know that it facilitates easier integration of data and insights, faster upgradeability and scalability, and improves overall efficiency. These benefits will ultimately deliver a more dynamic experience for Poland’s iLottery players.

Srini Nedunuri, SVP of iLottery, IGT

In other news, IGT just published its sustainability report, highlighting its progress as an industry leader.

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