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Sharplink Gaming Names Sports Tech Veteran Dave Abbott as Company’s New Chief Technology Officer

SharpLink Gaming Ltd., a pioneer of technology-driven sports fan activation and conversion solutions for the U.S. sports betting and iGaming industries, announced that Dave Abbott, former Managing Director of U.S. Sports Media at Sportradar, has been appointed as SharpLink’s new Chief Technology Officer, effectively immediately.
Building on his 20+ years of experience driving transformational innovation and platform growth for leading technology companies, Abbott brings SharpLink deep technical expertise in customer relationship management software, data integration and architecture and productization in the sports technology industry.
Rob Phythian, Co-Founder and CEO of SharpLink, stated, “Given Dave and my long and storied history of collaboration, partnership and teamwork, having worked together in the past to help put both SportsData and Sportradar U.S. on the map, I have first-hand knowledge of and appreciation for his vision, skill and ability to create and monetize bleeding-edge innovations and impactful solutions. A true technology visionary, Dave will be charged with inspiring and growing SharpLink’s engineering teams, driving forward our technology roadmap, and advancing our mission to be the provider-of-choice for game-changing technologies for fantasy sports and free-to-play gaming as well as hyper-localization of fan engagement.
Prior to joining SharpLink, Abbott spent more than eight years at Sportradar (Nasdaq:SRAD), serving first as Senior Vice President of Innovation and Technology and rising to Managing Director of U.S. Sports Media, where he focused on the growth and development of the company’s media strategy in the United States. Founded in 2001, Swiss-based Sportradar is a sports technology company serving over 1,700 sports federations, media outlets, betting operators and consumer platforms across 120 countries. Sportradar’s U.S.-based business traces its start to its 2014 acquisition of SportsData, a provider of sports-related live data and digital content co-founded by Abbott and Phythian in 2010. Following the acquisition, Abbott, Phythian and Tom Masterman, SharpLink’s recently named Vice President, Revenue and SportsData alumnus, joined Sportradar to establish and build the Company’s U.S. presence.
“The timing is ideal for ‘putting the band back together,'” said Abbott. “The notable success that Rob, Tom and I shared while working together at SportsData and Sportradar is a testament to our corresponding strengths, commitment to results, common core values and similar work ethics. I’m delighted to be reuniting with them and look forward to working closely with SharpLink’s highly talented team at this important evolutionary phase of the U.S. sports betting market. I have great confidence that SharpLink will prove to be our biggest success, yet.”
A frequent speaker at sports industry conferences and trade events, Abbott has also volunteered over the past several years as a mentor to CEOs of emerging software companies in association with the Minnesota Emerging Software Advisory. He earned his MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas – Opus College of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology.
awards
BETBY SHINES AT SiGMA AMERICAS WITH LOCALISED STRATEGY AND WINS ESPORTS AWARD

BETBY, the cutting-edge sportsbook provider, has further cemented its position as one of the most innovative suppliers in the sports betting landscape following a standout appearance at SiGMA Americas, the leading event for the iGaming industry in Latin America.
Hosted in São Paulo, Brazil, SiGMA Americas brought together the industry’s most influential stakeholders, with a spotlight on the dynamic and fast-growing Latin American market. BETBY stood out at the event by showcasing the full strength of its flexible sportsbook solution, designed to empower operators with complete control over the betting experience.
A major highlight of the exhibition was BETBY’s showcase of its hyper-localised content capabilities, which empower operators to engage regional audiences with culturally relevant offerings. This strategic focus was exemplified by the industry’s most comprehensive Vaquejada betting solution, a rodeo-style sport particularly popular in northeast Brazil. BETBY’s unique content portfolio, which includes both pre-live markets and an immersive e-sim version of the sport, resonated strongly with operators and attendees. It demonstrated not only a deep understanding of regional preferences, but also the supplier’s ability to create tailored content for any market.
Alongside this, BETBY exhibited continued innovation through its proprietary esports feed BETBY Games, and its comprehensive suite of AI tools AI Labs, which leverages artificial intelligence to deliver personalisation, real-time recommendations, and enhanced operational efficiency.
As further recognition of its ongoing innovation in the iGaming industry, BETBY was honoured with the Best Esports Product award during the SiGMA Americas Awards ceremony. This win underscores BETBY’s vision to redefine the esports betting experience through its BETBY Games solution, which is designed to deliver unmatched flexibility, customisation, and engagement for operators and players.
“This recognition at SiGMA Americas is a proud milestone for our entire team, even though our presence in Brazil this week was about much more than awards,” said Leonid Pertsovskiy, BETBY’s Chief Executive Officer. “It was about connecting with the region, understanding what local players truly value, and showing that we have the technology and vision to meet those needs. We’re building products that scale globally but connect locally, and that’s what sets BETBY apart.”
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Tilman Fertitta Increases his Stake in Wynn Resorts

Tilman Fertitta, the largest individual shareholder of Wynn Resorts, increased his stake in the casino group with trades on April 4 and April 7.
Prior to the recent trades, disclosure records listed him as holding a 10% stake in Wynn Resorts. His latest share purchases, totaling 400,000 shares, were made at prices ranging from $67.62 to nearly $70.31 per share.
These transactions bring Fertitta’s total stake to 13 million shares, solidifying his position as the largest individual shareholder in the company.
Fertitta is the CEO of Houston-based Fertitta Entertainment with its Golden Nugget casino brand, restaurants and the NBA’s Houston Rockets. He announced plans to resign from his post at Feritta Entertainment if he is confirmed as ambassador to Italy and San Marino.
The billionaire took advantage of a steep drop in the stock market by acquiring more shares of Wynn Resorts at close to its 52-week low. Wynn saw its shares close at $67.93 on April 7, marking their lowest trading level since late 2022.
The share purchases were executed through various Fertitta-controlled entities, including Fertitta Entertainment Inc., Hospitality Headquarters, and Fertitta Entertainment LLC. As the sole proprietor of these organizations, Fertitta maintains shared beneficial ownership of the acquired securities.
Feritta has yet to file a SEC 13D form, which would allow him to have a greater influence on the company instead of remaining a silent shareholder.
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Comprehensive Guide to Online Casino Payment Methods for NZ Players

Playcasino.co.nz has published a new comprehensive guide to payment methods for New Zealand online casino players. The guide highlights the growing popularity of mobile casino payment solutions among New Zealand players and provides detailed information about the various options available in the market.
According to industry observations, mobile payment solutions are becoming increasingly popular choices for online casinos transactions in New Zealand. This trend appears to align with the wider adoption of smartphone technology across the country and growing consumer demand for convenient, secure payment options.
“We’ve created this guide to help New Zealand players navigate the complex landscape of online casino payment options,” said Terri Radford, Content Director at www.playcasino.co.nz. “Payment methods like PayforIt and Zimpler are gaining traction because they align with how Kiwis prefer to manage their online entertainment spending—directly from their mobile devices, with enhanced security and spending controls.”
The guide emphasises that choosing the right payment method significantly impacts player experience, affecting everything from transaction speed to financial security. With online gambling continuing to grow in popularity in New Zealand, understanding available payment options has become essential for players seeking both security and convenience.
Payment Options Explained
The guide provides information on several payment methods currently available to New Zealand players:
- Mobile Solutions: PayforIt and Zimpler offer convenient mobile-based payment options. These services are particularly popular among younger players who prefer managing their gaming expenses directly through their mobile devices.
- E-Wallets: PayPal and Skrill are noted for their quick processing times, with PayPal being one of the few e-wallets supporting both deposits and withdrawals in New Zealand. E-wallets typically process deposits within minutes, which is considerably faster than traditional bank transfers.
- Traditional Methods: VISA/MasterCard remain widely used options, available at virtually all online casinos. Card payments continue to be a preferred method for many New Zealand players, particularly those who value familiarity and ease of use.
- Local Favourites: POLi has maintained strong usage among New Zealanders due to its immediate transaction times and absence of currency conversion fees. As a locally-developed solution, it has gained the trust of many New Zealand players.
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies offer benefits for players who value transaction speed and withdrawal flexibility. While still considered alternative payment methods, cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Litecoin are gaining acceptance at many online casinos serving the New Zealand market.
- Prepaid Options: Paysafecard and Neosurf provide prepaid voucher systems that are popular among players who prioritise privacy and spending control. These methods are particularly useful for players who wish to maintain strict budget limits on their gaming activities.
According to industry feedback, transaction speed and security measures are important considerations for New Zealand players when selecting a payment method. Many players also indicate a preference for payment methods that support both deposits and withdrawals, eliminating the need to register multiple services.
Understanding Player Preferences
The guide acknowledges that personal preferences significantly influence payment method choices, with factors such as spending habits, withdrawal frequency, and security concerns playing key roles in decision-making.
“Every player has unique requirements when it comes to managing their funds,” Radford noted. “Some prioritise absolute privacy with methods like Paysafecard, while others value the convenience of integrated solutions like POLi. Our goal is to help players make informed decisions that enhance their overall experience while practising responsible gaming.”
The guide also highlights several notable trends in the online casino payment landscape:
- Enhanced Security Features: Many payment providers now implement additional security measures like two-factor authentication and biometric verification, offering players greater peace of mind.
- Regional Solutions: Payment options specifically designed for the New Zealand market continue to be popular choices among local players who appreciate services tailored to their needs.
- Faster Withdrawals: Many online casinos now emphasise the speed of withdrawals as a key selling point, with some offering same-day or instant withdrawals for certain payment methods.
- Responsible Gaming Tools: Some payment methods now offer built-in spending limits and tracking features, which can be valuable tools for players committed to responsible gambling practices.
“The payment landscape for online casinos continues to evolve,” said Daniel Williams, Managing Director of Playcasino.co.nz. “Our observation is that successful online casinos in New Zealand tend to be those that offer a diverse range of payment options while prioritising both security and user experience. We’re also noticing increased interest in payment methods that support responsible gaming practices.”
Regional Considerations
The guide notes that preferences may vary across different regions of New Zealand. Urban players might have access to and comfort with a wider range of digital payment options, while players in rural areas might rely more heavily on traditional banking methods.
“These regional differences highlight the importance of offering a diverse range of payment options,” noted Radford. “The online casino market in New Zealand is not monolithic, and player preferences vary significantly based on location, age demographics, and technological comfort levels.”
About Playcasino.co.nz
Playcasino.co.nz is a leading online casino affiliate website that offers comprehensive guides, reviews, and the latest news tailored for New Zealand’s real money casino players. The site adheres to responsible gambling principles and provides resources to help players make informed choices.
In addition to payment method information, Play Casino offers detailed reviews of online casinos available to New Zealand players, up-to-date information on no deposit bonuses and promotions, and comprehensive guides on casino games and strategies. The site’s team regularly publishes informational content on various aspects of the online gambling industry, with a particular focus on the New Zealand market.
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