Gambling in the USA

PGA TOUR revises gambling sponsorship regulations

Published

5 years ago

February 28, 2019

Photo Source: si.com

The PGA TOUR has revised its regulations toward sponsorships with gambling entities, a move that reflects the changing landscape of public acceptance between sports leagues and legalized gambling.

Gambling companies can now be considered for Official Marketing Partners (OMPs) for all six tours overseen by the PGA TOUR, and tournaments and players also can seek sponsored deals with such entities. Players were informed of the policy change during a meeting Tuesday afternoon prior to this week’s The Honda Classic. The change is effective immediately.

While the revision applies to larger casino companies, it does not apply in the U.S. to companies whose primary purpose is sports betting, i.e. pure sportsbooks or bookmakers such as William Hill or Bet365. Those sportsbooks, however can still be considered for potential sponsorships outside the U.S. market.

In May, the Supreme Court struck down the federal prohibition on sports betting, ruling that it violated the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Individual states now have the authority to legalize sports gambling within their borders.

The PGA TOUR conducted a comprehensive review of its policies, specifically as they applied to the organization, players, tournaments and other partners. Prior to Tuesday’s revision, the PGA TOUR had prohibited any association with gambling companies.

“As the situation with legalized sports betting in the U.S. has evolved since the Supreme Court’s ruling last May, we’ve seen broader acceptance in sports betting and gaming involvement with pro sports,” PGA TOUR Senior Vice President Andy Levinson said. “We felt it was time to look at our policies, given the public perception around gaming, and to update those policies to be consistent with public sentiment.”

“Sponsorship relationships with casinos and daily fantasy sports companies will generally be permitted,” added David Miller, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for the PGA TOUR. “Any relationship must promote responsible gaming and be consistent with the TOUR’s integrity efforts.”

The TOUR will continue its Integrity Program that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018, in order to protect its competitions from outside influences related to gambling. The Integrity Program’s stated mission is to “maintain integrity and prevent and mitigate betting-related corruption in PGA TOUR competitions – ensuring competitions always reflect, and appear to reflect, the best efforts of the players, while protecting the welfare of the players and others involved with the PGA TOUR – through clear policies and regulations, ongoing education and training, and effective and consistent monitoring and enforcement functions.”

The TOUR has engaged Genius Sports, the global leader in sports integrity services, to develop a tailored educational program that will help players, caddies and officials to identify, resist and report incidents of potential betting corruption. Players and support staff, tournament staffers and volunteers, PGA TOUR staff and the PGA TOUR Policy Board all must adhere to the Integrity Program.

“This is something we are focused on first and foremost — that the integrity of our competition is upheld,” Levinson said.

Tuesday’s revision is another aspect of the TOUR’s goal to further engage its fans.

“We want to develop partnerships in the gaming and fantasy industry that drive fan engagement – that provide our fans a deeper way to enjoy golf,” Miller said. “We expect these partnerships will help create new golf gaming products that will enhance the in-venue and at-home fan experience.”

In addition to the revision with gambling companies, the PGA TOUR also is revising its regulations towards spirits brands. Players can now wear the names or logos of distilled spirits companies, and broadcasters can show distilled spirits advertising and in-program exposure during PGA TOUR network telecasts.

Gambling in the USA

Games Global Launches Custom Slot Game Caesars Palace Frenzy with Caesars Digital

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

Alan Campbell

Launch marks the first bespoke game launch in the partnership between gaming operator and premier gaming provider

Games Global today announced the exclusive launch of Caesars Palace Frenzy, a Caesars-branded slot title that marks the first bespoke game launch on behalf of Games Global’s partnership with premier gaming operator Caesars Digital. Caesars Palace Frenzy is now exclusively live on Caesars Palace Online Casino in New Jersey with plans to expand to Michigan and Pennsylvania, offering players another highly engaging, operator-specific gaming experience with iconic Caesars Palace branding.

Caesars Palace Frenzy combines the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip’s iconic casino with innovative gaming dynamics crafted by Games Global. Designed exclusively for Caesars Digital online casino players, this game delivers an online slot experience with engaging gameplay, sophisticated graphics and dynamic features like scatter pays, multiplied free spins selected by a concentric wheel and a seven-tier jackpot line-up.

This launch demonstrates Games Global’s continued emphasis on partnering with top iGaming operators to deliver exclusive and custom gaming products to players.

“Working closely with Caesars Digital to create Caesars Palace Frenzy has been an exciting journey,” the Chief Executive Officer for Games Global, Walter Bugno, said. “This game is more than just an online slot experience, it is an adventure that mirrors the thrill and grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic destinations. We’re thrilled to see it come to life and deliver a unique blend of entertainment and gaming.”

“We’re committed to collaborating with top gaming providers to launch custom online casino experiences for our players that can’t be found anywhere else,” the Senior Vice-President and Chief iGaming Officer for Caesars Digital, Matt Sunderland, said. “Caesars Palace Frenzy delivers on that commitment by providing an elevated gaming experience that we’re certain our players will enjoy.”

Gambling in the USA

Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Announces Plans to Build New Casino Resort

Published

4 days ago

April 22, 2024

Niji Narayan

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has announced the plans to build a brand-new casino resort on its Tribal lands in Polk County.

“We are incredibly excited to embark on this new chapter. This new casino resort will not only provide significant economic benefits for those living and working in the region, but it will also become a vibrant destination for visitors,” Ricky Sylestine, Chairman of the Tribal Council, said.

While specific details are still being finalized, the new resort may offer a variety of amenities including a state-of-the-art casino floor, hotel accommodations, and diverse dining and entertainment options.

The Tribe has engaged the architectural firm FFKR to design the new resort. FFKR is known for its innovative and creative designs. The Tribe is confident the firm will create a truly exceptional destination.

In addition to the new casino resort, the Tribe is planning an extensive remodel to its existing Ischoopa/One Stop Convenience Store and Truck Stop. The remodel will include adding electronic bingo machines.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas will be releasing news related to the new resort and any additional developments in the coming months.

Gambling in the USA

BetConstruct to Display Its Products and Services at Sigma Americas

Published

1 week ago

April 18, 2024

Peter Tolan

BetConstruct, a leading company in iGaming technology and services, is heading to Sigma Americas in Sao Paulo, Brazil from April 23-25, 2024.

Sigma Americas is a major event focusing on iGaming with 10,000 delegations and more than 200 professional speakers. This event serves as an exceptional platform for participants to present their innovative offerings, engage with fellow industry leaders, and establish new business relationships.

BetConstruct is poised to introduce its cutting-edge products and solutions to the growing Brazilian market at the upcoming event. As a premier provider of online iGaming solutions, the company will showcase its comprehensive range of services to all attendees, offering diverse solutions tailored to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Moreover, BetConstruct will demonstrate its newest Spettacolare offer by Mr. First, which is a fleeting opportunity to maximise user profits and explore the potential of FTN.

Attendees of the event can find BetConstruct in the Transamerica Expo Center at Stand O60, where they will have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of BetConstruct’s products and solutions.