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Aristocrat Gaming and the Dallas Cowboys have announced a multi-year partnership that establishes Aristocrat Gaming as an official partner of the Cowboys. This partnership will prominently feature Aristocrat Gaming’s branding across the AT&T Stadium all year round, ensuring visibility in-stadium, on the concourse, and during game time.

This collaboration is set to enhance the game-day experience with a series of in-game promotions, digital integrations, and game-day activations that promise to engage and entertain fans.

Hector Fernandez, CEO of Aristocrat Gaming, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are proud to be the newest partner of the Dallas Cowboys, one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment organizations with a history as championed as Aristocrat Gaming. With the success of our NFL Slots portfolio, we’ve brought the excitement of fan-favorite teams like the Dallas Cowboys to casino floors nationwide. We’re eager to introduce even more innovative experiences to fans through this partnership.”

Echoing this sentiment, Chad Estis, EVP of Business Operations for the Dallas Cowboys, shared: “The Cowboys are excited to partner with Aristocrat Gaming to bring even more ways to entertain our fans. We pride ourselves on aligning with world-class partners, and Aristocrat Gaming has been a pioneer in the gaming industry for decades. We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Aristocrat team on activation and branding opportunities throughout the year and to feature our Cowboys marks on their slot machines across the country.”

In a move that continues to expand their presence, Aristocrat has also recently partnered with Mohegan Pennsylvania to establish a smoke-free lounge at its Wilkes-Barre location, further demonstrating their commitment to innovation and customer experience.

Find out more about SiGMA East Europe Summit 2024 to be held in Budapest.

The future of crypto sports betting is looking bright with the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency in online wagering. The advantages of using cryptocurrency for sports wagers are being recognized by more and more bettors, leading to a surge in the popularity of crypto sports betting.

Blockchain capabilities promise a revolutionized user experience, with smart contracts automating payouts while eliminating intermediaries, thus further reducing transaction fees. This, coupled with the rise of esports betting opportunities, is expected to cater to a new audience that is projected to grow exponentially over time.

There are several success stories related to crypto sports betting that highlight the impact of cryptocurrency adoption in this industry. Crypto-enabled platforms are certainly gaining traction in sports betting. One such example is the Web3 Betting Platform, which has led the revolution in the adoption of cryptocurrencies in sports betting. It offers a seamless, decentralized betting experience, replacing the traditional systems of sportsbooks. The platform has experienced a staggering 30 percent year-over-year growth in 2024.

Another platform, CHIPS.GG, has successfully incorporated real stories from their community to explore the dynamic world where cryptocurrency meets sports betting. They offer unique betting options and bonuses, making them increasingly attractive to bettors.

In addition, major betting platforms around the world, such as BetOnline, Bovada, and MyBookie, have started accepting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This significant shift towards cryptocurrency is a testament to its growing influence in the sports betting industry.

These platforms offer a comprehensive online betting solution, with a diverse range of betting options and superior user experiences. They are also leveraging the benefits of blockchain technology, such as data permanency and transparency throughout the entire betting process.

Using cryptocurrency in sports betting comes with potential risks and challenges.

Volatility Risk: Cryptocurrency prices fluctuate frequently, sometimes wildly. The dollar value of bets and winnings could change drastically and unpredictably.

Decentralization Tradeoffs: The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies means no central authority governs transactions or the storage of assets. This can lead to issues with dispute resolution and accountability.

Fraud/Security Concerns: While blockchain technology ensures secure, transparent, and tamper-proof record-keeping, the unregulated environment has allowed various frauds. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research and choose reputable platforms.

Unclear Legality: The legal status of cryptocurrency varies by country, and regulatory changes can significantly impact market stability. It’s important to understand the legal implications of using cryptocurrency for sports betting in your jurisdiction.

Steep learning curve: Although cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology is revolutionizing the sports betting industry at a remarkable speed, understanding how to use cryptocurrency can be complex. Platforms enabled by cryptocurrency will certainly influence the future of online sports betting worldwide.

The benefits of utilizing cryptocurrency in sports betting, together with the potential of blockchain technology, make this an exciting era to participate in this rapidly changing market.

The Formula 1 world was taken by surprise with the news of Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari. The announcement, expected to be made official soon, has already had a significant impact on Ferrari’s market value. The company’s share price on the New York Stock Exchange soared over 10 percent, hitting a record high.

Hamilton’s decision to join the Maranello squad alongside Charles Leclerc has sent shockwaves through the F1 community. The news broke out following a meeting at the Mercedes factory in Brackley, hosted by team boss Toto Wolff and technical director James Allison.

The switch leaves Mercedes with a challenge to find a suitable replacement for Hamilton. Potential candidates like Lando Norris and Leclerc are already contracted elsewhere.

The wider impact of Hamilton’s decision is evident in Ferrari’s skyrocketing company value. Following a positive statement about its revenue and core earnings, Ferrari’s share price experienced a notable increase. The company’s estimated market capitalisation now stands at $69.12 billion, a significant rise from the $62.4 billion at the close of trading on today.

This nearly $7 billion increase in company value is a massive vote of confidence in Ferrari’s decision to sign Hamilton. The current stock price of Ferrari is significantly higher than its 12-month low of $252.17.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025, replacing Carlos Sainz, whose contract ends this year, is set to shake up the sports betting landscape. As one of the most successful drivers in F1 history, Hamilton’s switch will undoubtedly influence betting odds and strategies. Punters will need to consider the potential impact of this change on the performance of both Ferrari and Mercedes. This development adds an exciting new dimension to Formula 1 betting, making the 2025 season one to watch for both F1 and betting enthusiasts.

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Earlier today,distinguished bookmaker William Hill, announced that it would elevate its association with the horse racing industry. The company introduced four new ambassadors from the Irish horse racing sector, signifying a substantial expansion of its operations in Ireland. This strategic move is anticipated to enhance their influence and visibility in the Irish horse racing industry.

The new ambassadors are none other than the Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Gavin Cromwell, top National Hunt jockeys J J Slevin and Sean Flanagan, and the respected presenter and broadcaster Jane Mangan. This quartet of horse racing experts is set to provide fascinating and unique insights to followers of William Hill.

The partnership aims to enhance William Hill’s content offering in Ireland. The ambassadors will contribute blogs covering all the major racing news and meetings, as well as regular video content for the bookmaker’s social media platforms. The activity is set to kick off ahead of the Dublin Racing Festival from Leopardstown this weekend, where Slevin will partner with the Irish Gold Cup contender, Fastorslow.

In conjunction with these new partnerships, William Hill has also extended its sponsorship of the William Hill Champion Chase on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival for the next three years. Several other races, including the William Hill Boyne Hurdle at Navan on February 11th, are also set to be sponsored.

Furthermore, William Hill has partnered with the Irish sports media company, Off The Ball, known for producing podcast, radio, website, and live digital content. This partnership will see joint-branded William Hill and Off The Ball live horse racing events around Ireland in the coming months. The first event is scheduled for February 1st, ahead of the Dublin Racing Festival, and will feature all four of William Hill’s new Irish horse racing ambassadors.

Andrew McCleave, Head of Marketing at William Ireland, expressed his delight at these developments. He stated, “William Hill has a long proud history in horse racing, specifically in the UK, and for 2024 we want to position ourselves at the heart of racing in Ireland as well. We are delighted to announce Gavin Cromwell, J J Slevin, Sean Flanagan, and Jane Mangan as our new horse racing ambassadors in Ireland. All four are very talented in their fields and will be able to offer fascinating and unique insight to our followers. We really want to get into the DNA of Irish racing by supporting big races and festivals, so it’s fantastic that we have extended our sponsorship of the William Hill Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival for another three years, while our deal with Off The Ball should really help increase our exposure too.”

This story marks a new chapter in William Hill’s commitment to horse racing, particularly in Ireland, promising an exciting future for followers of the sport.

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Macau's Secretary for Administration and Justice declared on Monday that horse racing in Macau has officially come to an end, emphasizing that the vacated space of the Macau Jockey Club (MJC) would not be repurposed for a casino or any other gaming activities. This was disclosed during a press conference providing details about the closure of the Macau Jockey Club, scheduled for 1 April, 2024, with its official race season concluding on 31 March, 2024.

Last racing season in Macau

Contrary to previous government statements, it was revealed that the Macau Jockey Club itself had submitted a request to terminate its racing concession around mid-2023. This surprising move contradicted the government's 2018 decision to renew the racing license for the Macau Jockey Club for an extended period of 24 years and six months. The renewal was based on the club's role in diversifying Macau's economy and required an investment of MOP1.5 billion.

The Secretary for Administration and Justice clarified that the renewal contract did not include indemnity clauses for abrupt termination by either party, despite potential impacts on the public good. Although the government assured the completion of promised renovation works, insiders argue that these efforts have been superficial, leaving owners to compensate for unfulfilled management commitments.

Government contradictions

Reports circulating last year regarding the possible closure of the MJC, previously dismissed by the government and the company, caught involved parties off-guard when the closure was officially announced. Speculation suggested the property might continue as a racing venue under new ownership, but the Secretary for Administration and Justice dispelled these rumours, affirming the cessation of racing activities.

Post-closure dilemma: land usage and horse transfers

Upon the transfer of horses by 31 March, 2024, the land occupied by the Macau Jockey Club will revert to the government, prompting a study on potential uses. The official assurance that there won't be another public tender for a horse racing concession raises questions about the future of the space. The government suggested that around 289 horses could be sent to China, leaving room for owners to transfer them elsewhere, possibly to countries like Australia. The government attributes the closure to a significant decline in attendance and betting revenue, signalling a major shift in the economic landscape that once supported horse racing in Macau.

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Sports Illustrated and Churchill Downs Racetrack have joined forces to introduce 'Club SI,' an exclusive luxury dining experience focussed to elevate the excitement surrounding the Kentucky Derby.

Enhancing the Kentucky Derby experience

In a ground-breaking collaboration, the iconic sports brand, Sports Illustrated, and the historic Churchill Downs Racetrack have announced a multi-year partnership to christen a new chapter in the Kentucky Derby spectacle.

The collaboration brings forth 'Club SI,' a bespoke luxury experience that promises to redefine how attendees savour the magic of the annual Run for the Roses (photo above).

Unprecedented blend of history and glamour

Situated on the west side of the Paddock at Churchill Downs, 'Club SI' is set to make its grand debut on the opening night of Derby week, leading up to the main event on 4 May. This lavish space will immerse guests in an atmosphere adorned with iconic Sports Illustrated magazine covers, showcasing editorial features from Kentucky Derby history.

Guests at 'Club SI' will be treated to a unique behind-the-scenes view, overlooking the Paddock Runway. The interior, adorned with Sports Illustrated's rich history, offers an ambiance that seamlessly merges the glamour of the publication with the thrill of the Derby.

President comments

Michael Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "As we approach the 150th Kentucky Derby, we are thrilled to partner with a brand as iconic as Sports Illustrated to offer guests an enhanced way to enjoy this incredible anniversary event."

A highlight of 'Club SI' will be the presence of celebrity ambassadors during the Kentucky Derby each year. Open on premium racing days, the club invites guests to indulge in gourmet dishes from the Chef's Table Buffet. Michael Sherman, SVP Media Brands at Authentic Brands Group, commented on the significance of bringing 'Club SI' to Churchill Downs, saying, "Club SI will celebrate iconic elements of the brand, while hosting celebrity talent and offering guests gourmet cuisine and cocktails, a unique vantage point of the new Paddock, and a once-in-a-lifetime horse racing experience for Derby 150."

In essence, 'Club SI' is set to be a nexus of history, glamour, and culinary delights, delivering an unparalleled Derby experience that combines the thrill of horse racing with the refined entertainment synonymous with Sports Illustrated.

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Brazil's much-anticipated sports betting bill has emerged from the scrutiny of the Economic Affairs Commission (CAE) and is set to face a pivotal vote on the Senate floor.

Authored as Bill 3,626/23, the legislation has undergone substantial changes, with close to 140 amendments altering its fiscal landscape. The outcome is a groundbreaking shift in taxation that is poised to reshape the country's iGaming industry.

Game-changer for Operators

One of the primary points of contention in the bill was the initially proposed high taxation rates, which drew criticism from various quarters. However, operators can now breathe a sigh of relief as the amended bill positions them for a more favorable tax structure. The Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax, once pegged at 18 percent has been slashed to a more palatable 12 percent.

This significant reduction is expected to invigorate the industry by providing operators with a more conducive fiscal environment.

In addition to the GGR tax adjustment, there's more good news for operators in the form of a lowered winnings tax. Previously set at an imposing 30 percent, the proposed winnings tax has been revised down to a more manageable 15 percent. These amendments reflect a concerted effort to strike a balance between revenue generation and industry sustainability.

Licensing and brand diversity

Beyond tax adjustments, the bill introduces strategic amendments aimed at fostering a dynamic and competitive iGaming landscape. One notable change is the extension of the licensing term from three to five years. This elongated timeframe provides operators with a more stable foundation for planning and investment, fostering a conducive environment for long-term industry growth.

Furthermore, operators are now granted the flexibility to offer up to three different gaming brands. This move acknowledges the diverse preferences of the Brazilian market and empowers operators to tailor their offerings to specific segments, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.

Online casino inclusions

The journey of the sports betting bill through the legislative process has been marked by unexpected twists, particularly concerning the inclusion of online casino components. Originally absent from the bill, these elements were added during its passage through the Chamber of Deputies and have successfully navigated the amendment process in the Senate.

Despite attempts by some senators to postpone the vote, citing concerns about safer gambling, the bill has garnered support from key figures, including Senator Angelo Coronel, in photo above.

According to Senator Coronel, the bill addresses a critical gap in Brazilian legislation and positions the country at the forefront of regulating this burgeoning economic activity.

Landmark moment for Brazil's iGaming industry

As the Senate prepares for the crucial vote scheduled for November 28, the sports betting bill's journey represents the culmination of years of effort and negotiation. If approved, it will signify a landmark moment for Brazil's iGaming industry, marking a decisive step towards comprehensive regulation.

With the backing of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration, the bill is poised to become law, unleashing new possibilities for operators and reshaping the landscape of sports betting in Brazil.

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Australia has emerged triumphant in the men's Cricket World Cup, shattering the hopes of cricket-loving India, while playing sole host to the tournament for the first time.

Led by Captain Pat Cummins, the visitors secured a commanding six-wicket win, delivering a heart breaking blow to the home nation that was aspiring to reclaim the coveted trophy after a 12-year wait.

Travis Head's steals the spotlight

The highlight of the final was Australian batsman Travis Head's exceptional performance, scoring a remarkable 137 runs at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

This world-renowned cricket arena, named after India's prime minister, witnessed Head's stellar contribution, overshadowing India's aspirations for victory. Head expressed his thrill at being part of the historic moment, acknowledging the significance of his role in Australia's triumph.

Australia's sixth crown

Australia's win marks their sixth triumph in the International Cricket Council's World Cup, a significant achievement in the tournament's history. The defeat dealt a bitter blow to India, ending their impressive unbeaten streak. Despite India's captain Rohit Sharma's confident start, the turning point came when he was caught on 47. With India limited to 240 off their 50 overs, Australia secured victory with seven overs to spare, with Head and Labuschagne's partnership of 192 leaving the home crowd in silence.

Crushing dreams for India on home turf

As Australia celebrates their success, India grapples with the disappointment of falling short on their home turf. The loss holds particular significance for the cricket-crazed nation, known for its unrivalled passion for the sport. Cummins acknowledged India's fervour for cricket, recognizing the country's immense contribution to the game, especially through the high-energy Indian Premier League (IPL).

The six-week-long tournament, spanning from Tamil Nadu to the Himalayan mountains, showcased the cricketing prowess of teams across the subcontinent. Despite India's formidable performance and the overwhelming enthusiasm of the nation's cricket fans, the final result marked a bitter end to their World Cup journey. Modi, India's prime minister, expressed pride in the team's spirited play, acknowledging the immense support they garnered from the nation.

With over 58 million viewers on Disney's Indian streaming service, the World Cup reached unprecedented heights in terms of viewership. Disney+ Hotstar, which made the matches freely accessible, became the go-to platform for cricket enthusiasts, amplifying the tournament's impact on the Indian audience.

As the cricketing world reflects on this dramatic conclusion, Australia's triumph and India's resilient spirit in the face of defeat will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the future of cricketing.

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There are two hot favourites this year, Sweden and Finland. There is a lot of hype about the Swedish entry as Loreene has won the Eurovision before in 2012 with what must be the most iconic of Eurovision songs. The Finnish contestant is the second favourite and is the dark horse. I believe he could win. Finnish rapper and songwriter Jere Pöyhönen, known by his stage name as Käärijä will be singing "Cha Cha Cha". The song is very different". I must say I am rooting for him." Luke Borg - Independent Entertainment Researcher

• Sweden – 4/6
• Finland – 3/1
• Ukraine – 8/1
• France – 12/1
• Norway – 14/1
• Spain – 14/1
• Austria – 35/1
• United Kingdom – 50/1
• Italy – 50/1
• Czech Republic - 55/1

We recognise further gambling advertising reform is necessary and having already commenced working with relevant media and sport organisations to ensure we can provide recommendations to the government for evid0based and sustainable reform." Kai Cantwell, Chief Executive - Responsible Wagering Australia