Latest News
Reddit Co-Founder Ohanian Invests in Wagr App
![Reddit Co-Founder Ohanian Invests in Wagr App](https://gamingamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/4-2.jpg)
Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit, is leading a $4 million seed-funding round for the sports-betting startup Wagr, an app looking to wed social media with a fast-growing corner of the gambling market.
Founded in April 2020, Wagr has a gambling app that allows fans to bet on sports with friends instead of casinos. The companyâs plan is to create a social platform that does not require betting knowledge and expands the market for casual wagers.
âItâs about productizing what already goes down in everyoneâs group chat, which is wagers between friends about sporting outcomes. Right now the way these get resolved is through a Cash App payment or a Venmo payment on Monday, and surely we can do better,â Ohanian said.
Ohanian is investing through his firm Seven Seven Six. The funding round is also backed by Greycroft, Pear Ventures, Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen, and Brad Martin, former chairman and chief executive officer of Saks Inc.
âOur app really strips down the betting experience to the bare essentials – weâre launching with point-spread bets only. From a userâs perspective, all you have to do is pick a team, decide who you want to bet against, and select how much you want to wager,â Mario Malave, founder and CEO of Wagr, said.
Wagr believes consumers will be willing to pay a platform fee in order to have access to a one-stop service that handles the odds, payments and smack talk. It expects to charge fees in line with what traditional casinos take and has pending license applications to operate in Tennessee and Virginia.
When the app launches, it will initially offer major sports, with gamblers able to take either side of a point spread bet with a friend, family member or member of their community whoâs willing to gamble. While the company expects to eventually launch prop bets or money-line wagers, the initial focus on point spreads is in part because they âlend themselves very well to the peer-to-peer model because theyâre 50/50,â Mario Malave said.
Compliance Updates
IGSA Welcomes Sharp Vision as Silver Member
![](https://gamingamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/7-6.jpg)
The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) has welcomed Sharp Vision as a new Silver member. Sharp Vision is a leading provider of regulatory turnkey solutions for gaming authorities.
âWe are delighted to be a part of IGSA and we look forward to contributing to the advancement of best practices among regulators in the fast-growing gaming industry,â Damien Raymond, COO of Sharp Vision, said.
âIGSA is very excited to welcome Sharp Vision to our membership. We believe that IGSA Standards can enhance Sharp Visionâs products supporting regulatory authority oversight. We look forward to their participation in IGSA committees,â Mark Pace, President of IGSA, said.
Latest News
BigCash Goes Global with Launch in Brazil
![](https://gamingamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/6-4.jpg)
BigCash, Indiaâs leading online skill-based real money gaming company, has set its sights on global expansion and aims to offer an unparalleled gaming experience to users worldwide. The global skill-based gaming market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of 13.50% and will be valued at USD 106.78 billion, by 2032. Building on its success in India, BigCash is poised to introduce its entertaining games to global audiences, uniquely blending local flavors with its hallmark innovative gameplay.
BigCash started its journey in 2017 and has quickly become playersâ preferred choice, by strategically focusing on launching new games and features regularly and due to its superfast and user-friendly interface. Being a multi-gaming app, it offers a wide range of games tailored for all age groups. With popular Indian card games, like poker, rummy, and call break with regional variations; casual games like ludo, ice blaster, fruit chop, along with fantasy cricket, the platform resonates deeply with the players of Bharat.
Continuing on the mission to take Indian technology global and to reach a wider global gaming audience, BigCash, after months of an in-depth market study, had set its views on expanding its global presence with in-house developed and tailored gaming technology and experience. BigCash presently operates in Brazil, besides India.
One of the key reasons behind BigCashâs entry into the Latin American market is the regionâs immense potential for growth in the gaming sector. Brazil, in particular, has emerged as a hotspot for gaming companies due to its large population, favorable demographics, and a growing middle class with disposable income.
BigCashâs global expansion plans include multiple launches in Latin America, Asia, and Africa over the next 12 months. BigCash plans to offer local and international flavors, customized specifically for each country, with a focus on Responsible Gaming and other trust measures, to ensure a deeper bonding with the players.
Ankur Singh, CEO of BigCash, said: âGoing global has been part of our strategic planning always; with our launch in Brazil, we have just taken the first step. We are aspiring to be present in 8 countries in the next 12 months. The competitive landscape in Latin Americaâs gaming industry presents both opportunities and challenges. BigCash is a perfect fit for the Latin American gaming landscape due to our stronghold on tech, which allows product customizations, easy-to-play online games, a supersafe and fast experience; we are already gaining a lot of organic traction.â
Latest News
Michigan Lottery Transitions to 1-800-GAMBLER for Responsible Gaming Support
![](https://gamingamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/5-7.jpg)
The Michigan Lottery announced that it will transition to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER for responsible gaming support. This aligns the agency with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and other online gaming platforms operating in Michigan in promoting 1-800-GAMBLER. The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline currently in circulation (1-800-270-7117), although the previous number will remain in operation.
âThe Lottery is committed to providing Michiganders with easy access to resources that support responsible gaming. By transitioning to 1-800-GAMBLER, we are able to ensure that Michigan residents can reach specially trained staff who can provide confidential professional support, local referrals, and resources to those who may have a gambling problem,â said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.
Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), 1-800-GAMBLER is the worldâs largest problem gambling helpline network by call volume, population served, and geographic area covered. The helpline connects people and families impacted by problem gambling with professional support, local referrals, and resources.
Calls made to 1-800-GAMBLER from Michigan will be routed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The helpline can also be reached by texting 800GAM or chatting online at 1800gamblerchat.org. Trained contact center staff are available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide support, guidance, and relevant information to anyone seeking help related to problem gambling. Additionally, players or their family members may connect to support resources such as live chat, text, and the helpline number by selecting the links in the footer of the Lotteryâs website.
The Michigan Lottery was the first lottery in the US to achieve the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program certification through NCPG in October 2015. The NCPG evaluated the Lotteryâs compliance with Internet Responsible Gaming (IRG) standards developed based on best practices from jurisdictions around the world. IRG standards are the highest standards for online responsible gaming in the nation.
-
Latest News3 days ago
Fast Track Secures Landmark Deal with Suprema Group – Setting a New Standard in the Brazilian iGaming Market
-
Gambling in the USA5 days ago
BetBlocker Recognised for Outstanding Contribution to the Prevention of Gambling Harm at NCPG Awards 2024
-
Latest News3 days ago
Light & Wonder Expands Presence in Oregon with Additional Placements of KASCADA Dual Screen Multi-Games
-
Industry News4 days ago
Penn Entertainment to Lay Off About 100 Employees
-
Latest News3 days ago
Rakinâ Bacon SaharaÂź Launches Exclusively in New Jersey at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and online at Hard Rock Bet
-
partnerships3 days ago
GGPoker & Triton Poker Offer High-Roller And Super-High-Roller Events At 2024 WSOP Paradise
-
Latest News3 days ago
bet365 Announces Official Launch in Pennsylvania
-
Daily Fantasy Sports5 days ago
DraftKings Becomes Official Partner of the WNBA